75% Indian students use AI to make study-abroad choices; university rankings lose priority: Report

Around 75% of Indian students are now using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, to choose study abroad programmes, marking a major shift in how overseas education decisions are being made, according to a Leap Scholar report.

Leap Scholar published its year-end report, 'Beyond Borders: A New Chapter in Global Student Movement,’ analysing application and survey data from over 3 million students between 2020 and 2025. The data includes course preferences, study abroad choices, demographic details, and decision-making factors.

The report revealed that the interest in AI-related programmes has surged 186% year-on-year, which has contributed to reshaping destination preferences.

Nearly half of the respondents – 49.9% – said they were pursuing AI courses to upskill within their current field, while 22.5% aim to switch careers entirely into AI. Another 17.5% showed interest in research roles, and 10% have plans to start AI-based business.

Also read Language ‘unspoken factor’ in studying abroad: IDP Education’s regional director

Study abroad destination shifts

"Students are asking a fundamentally different question now," said Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap Scholar. "It’s no longer ‘Can I afford to go?' It's 'What will this degree actually give me?' The data shows they're making calculated decisions based on ROI, not just prestige."

Students planning to study AI now prioritise return on investment (ROI) over university rankings, the report found.

The Leap Scholar report found that Indian students are increasingly using AI tools not just to shortlist universities, but to assess affordability, post-study work visas, and long-term career growth.

The majority of them – 75% – rank programme cost and affordability as their top factor. The second most considered factor while selecting a country or college is scholarship (70%), career advancement (58%), and graduate salary range (49%).

Notably, faculty expertise and research opportunities were ranked fifth, and university rankings were not in the top five priorities of Indian students.

Also read University of Leeds announces BSc Computer Science in AI for Indian students; costs over Rs 33 lakh

Germany, UAE see surge

The report points to a strong shift in destination preferences as well. Indian students’ interest in Germany increased by 377% for 2024-25, jumping up from 219% from the year before, while New Zealand saw an exponential increase of 2,900%. The UAE saw the steepest surge with interest growing 5,400% as compared to 7% in previous years.

Germany – The popularity of Germany among Indian students is linked to its 18-month post-study work visa, which offers clear employment opportunities.

New Zealand – The growth is attributed to its post-study work visa, which allows students to work for up to three years and a ‘Green List’ for critical skills such as engineering and health, that streamline residency. Notably, a high quality education costs between USD 20,000 and USD 30,000 in New Zealand.

The UAE - The country gained traction mainly due to lower education costs compared to Western universities. The UAE recorded over 50 times growth in interest due to less travel time, geographical proximity, a 3.5 million Indian diaspora, and international branches offering recognised degrees.

Also read Nobel laureates Esther Duflo, Abhijit Banerjee to leave MIT for University of Zurich amid US funding cuts

Gender gap, course preference

Students are increasingly choosing broader academic programmes rather than specialised degrees and traditional programmes. While 40.4% are enrolled in specialised master’s programmes in AI, machine learning and data science, nearly 60% prefer a broader master’s degree that includes AI modules.

Indian students also showed 60% more interest in PhD programmes, now accounting for over 6% of total interest. It also reported growth in subjects such as AI and biotechnology.

The gender gap in overseas STEM education is narrowing as well, the report said. Of the total applications received, 58% are male and 42% are female. Participation of female students has been steadily increasing in AI and data science programmes in recent years.