For 22% Indian students, employment opportunities key factor in choosing study abroad destination: IDP survey

Around 22% Indian students find that employment opportunities or career outcomes after graduation are the leading factor affecting confidence in study destinations, according to an IDP report.

The IDP Education, an international education services, has released the latest edition of its emerging futures - voice of the international student research report, highlighting how students globally continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to overseas education, with career outcomes increasingly influencing their choice of study destinations.

The October 2026 edition of Emerging Futures took responses from more than 4,800 students across 106 countries and regions.

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IDP Education Report: 41% Indian students aware of country policies

The survey was conducted between August 18 and September 16, 2026 and included prospective students, applicants, current and completed international students , as well as those who had decided not to pursue international education.

The report revealed that there is a growing emphasis on post-study employment opportunities. In India, employment opportunities after graduation have emerged as the biggest factor affecting students’ confidence in study destinations, even as Indian students remain committed to overseas education, the report read.

“India accounted for 21% of respondents, representing 994 students and making it the largest source market in the study. This marks an increase from 17% in the previous edition, released in March 2026. The findings suggest that while policy changes and uncertainty are influencing students’ decisions, international education remains a priority for many Indian students,” according to the IDP report.

The survey also stated that about 32% to 41% Indian students reported high awareness of changes in destination-country policies, but many said these developments had not altered their plans.

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'India remains one of the largest markets for International education'

Notably, around 22% Indian students cited employment opportunities after graduation as the leading factor affecting confidence in a study destination .

Moreover, they also see AI and technology skills as important for future careers. Around 47% of Indian students identified AI and technology skills, including the ability to use, develop and work with AI tools, as among the most important skills for future job success.

Meanwhile, around 25% of them also stated that AI-related job opportunities had increased their interest in particular subjects, underscoring the growing influence of emerging technologies on academic and career choices.

The report also revealed that India remains one of the largest markets for international education, and demand continues to be strong. However, at the same time, some students are reassessing their plans.

44% Indian students use AI tools to research study abroad

“Indian students accounted for 22% of all respondents who had decided not to pursue international education, representing 7% of the total survey sample,” the report read.

An IDP Education spokesperson said: “Indian students continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to international education, even as changing visa policies and immigration requirements introduce greater uncertainty into their decision-making.”

In addition, 50% Indian students take help from counsellors or professionals when researching international study options, significantly higher than the global average of 37%. Meanwhile, 44% of Indian students reported using generative AI as part of their research and decision-making.