Indian students plan longer stays abroad amid shifting global mobility rules

Indian students planning to study abroad are more likely to expect longer stays in their destination countries than their Chinese counterparts, even as changing visa and immigration rules make international mobility less predictable, according to the IELTS Voices 2026 report.

Among study-focused respondents from India, 41% said they intended to stay in their destination country for three to five years. The corresponding figure for respondents from China was 26%.

The report is based on a survey of 8,395 recent and prospective IELTS test takers across 165 countries. It was conducted between March 19 and April 17, 2026, by the IELTS partners — the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.


The findings reflect respondents’ intentions and perceptions and do not measure their eventual decisions.

Indian students weigh longer-term options

Among Indian respondents taking IELTS for study purposes, 23% planned to stay abroad for one to two years, 10% expected to stay for five years or more and 13% intended to remain permanently.

In comparison, 36% of Chinese respondents expected to stay for one to two years, 7% for five years or more and 12% permanently.

The report said differences in intended length of stay offer insight into varying expectations about post-study opportunities and longer-term mobility pathways. It did not establish the reasons behind the difference between Indian and Chinese respondents.

India was the largest nationality group in the survey, with 973 respondents. China followed with 713 respondents.

Canada was the most common intended destination among Indian respondents, accounting for 30%. The UK and Australia each accounted for 9% of intended destinations among Indian participants.

Across all respondents, Australia was the most selected destination at 18%, followed by Canada at 17%, the UK at 16% and the US at 9%.

Policy changes shape destination choices

The report said policy changes across major destinations are adding complexity to decisions on overseas study, work and migration.

It referred to higher visa costs in Australia, stricter compliance requirements and higher English-language standards in the UK, as well as measures affecting international student mobility in Canada and the US. At the same time, countries such as New Zealand are seeking to attract international students and skilled migrants, while Germany is emerging as a new destination.

Against this backdrop, 42% of respondents taking or planning to take IELTS for study said they would consider multiple study destinations.

Recognition of an English-language test was the most important factor when choosing between tests. Eighty-two per cent said they would prioritise a test accepted by the widest range of universities and authorities.

Cost was not the only consideration. Forty-eight per cent said cost and achieving their desired goals were equally important, while 41% said they would choose the test they believed offered the best chance of success, even if it cost more.

The survey also found that IELTS preparation helped respondents build skills beyond meeting an admission requirement. Sixty-seven per cent reported improved speaking confidence, academic or workplace writing, or both.

“Other than helping me get into university, IELTS gave me confidence to communicate,” an Indian test taker studying in Australia said.