Education agents in India are most confident of a surge in students opting to study abroad in 2023, according to a global survey by INTO University Partnerships.
They lead the global sentiment of recruitment agents who have forecast more students will move overseas to study on campuses in the UK, the US and Australia in 2023.
A total of 1,068 education agents from over 70 countries, including 75 from India, took part in one of the world’s biggest surveys of recruitment agents and counselors. Represented countries include India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Brazil and Colombia.
The survey reveals that confidence among Indian agents is highest for the US with 91% expecting to send more students to the country followed by the UK 83% and Australia 70%. Globally, the sentiment is highest for the UK with 75% agents expecting to send more students to the country followed by the US 54% and Australia 51%.
Millions of students leave their home countries to study abroad each year. The global economic impact of international students is estimated to be more than US$350 billion.
India is one of the biggest source markets for international higher education. In 2022 alone, over 7.5 lakh Indian students crossed borders for higher education with top destination countries such as the US and the UK issuing a record number of visas to Indian students. The number of Indian students opting to study overseas is expected to double, reaching 1.5 million, by 2030.
“More than ever, Indian students are opting to study abroad as they pursue their dreams of academic and career success. Outside the metros, students from Tier 2 and 3 cities have been increasingly choosing to study abroad for the past few years. This trend is supported by access to student loans, specialized courses and better career prospects. Smaller towns such as Mysuru, Guntur, Trivandrum, Vadodara, Surat and Nagpur are creating a new wave of students going abroad to study, said Diwakar Chandiok, INTO’s Vice President of Recruitment for South Asia.
INTO’s survey reveals that 70% of Indian education agents are looking to send more students to university preparation or pathway programs in 2023, along with those in the Middle East & Africa and the rest of South Asia.
“Student mobility is becoming more diverse and more accessible to students from a wider range of backgrounds than ever before. While some students can apply directly to their university of choice, others need extra support around academic development and student welfare through a university preparation program. At INTO our programs and services are designed to support international students achieve academic and career success,” said Mr Chandiok.
In the poll, most Indian education agents highlighted information on program content, availability of scholarships and program cost as the three top considerations when advising students on study choices.
The survey has also revealed that employment options and economic climate are the most consistent barriers to Indian students getting registered in degree programs overseas, followed by access to visa appointments.
“Our data shows that over the years employability has emerged as one of the most significant drivers of studying abroad. Career outcomes has become a key priority for Indian students as they look beyond rankings for their success,” said Mr Chandiok.
“INTO’s CareerFirst program not only supports international students to achieve their academic ambitions but also helps them go further and faster with their career goals. We give students access to expert support, training and work experience, so they get every advantage in today’s competitive job market.”