Appeal of studying abroad is declining for Indian Gen Zs; US takes the biggest hit, shows study
While on-campus education remains preferred, programmes combining India-based study with partial exposure to foreign universities or semester exchanges are gaining popularity.
- Sep 2, 2026,
- Updated Sep 2, 2026 7:00 AM IST
Young Indians are rethinking the traditional study-abroad route due to rising overseas costs, visa uncertainties, and concerns about post-study work opportunities. Many are now considering international education programmes based in India, according to a new research by Emeritus.
The findings come from the ‘India Gen Z Outlook 2026’ report by Emeritus, which surveyed respondents aged 15-28 across major Indian metros. The study covers pre-college, transitioning, and early-career stages.
The appeal of studying abroad is declining, with 48% of respondents interested in overseas education reporting reduced interest over the past year. The United States has seen the sharpest drop in appeal.
Among those still interested but concerned about studying abroad, 40% cited cost as the main barrier, 32% mentioned visa and immigration policies, and 31% were worried about being away from family. For those whose interest has already declined, 37% blamed rising costs, 26% pointed to visa and immigration issues, and 24% cited safety and political uncertainty abroad.
India-based international education is emerging as an alternative. About 87% of pre-college respondents and 92% of transitioning respondents said they would be likely or extremely likely to study programmes offered by internationally ranked universities in India. Among transitioning students, 69% preferred such programmes over going abroad to avoid visa uncertainties.
While on-campus education remains preferred, programmes combining India-based study with partial exposure to foreign universities or semester exchanges are gaining popularity. Preference for this pathway increased from 27% among pre-college respondents to 39% among transitioning students.
"It took 30 years to build a predictable outward migration path. The reversal is happening much faster," said Ashwin Damera, co-founder and CEO of Emeritus.
The report also highlights changes in young Indians' approach to skills and careers. Some 82% use AI or GenAI tools weekly to learn or develop new skills, and 65% of early-career respondents believe a degree alone is no longer enough for job market success.
MUST READ | Think Gen Z Is shunning formal jobs? 59% of new EPFO subscribers in FY25 were 18–25
Work-life balance is gaining importance over traditional career markers, with 74% prioritising it over formal leadership titles. Additionally, 65% feel a successful career does not require becoming an executive leader. However, 60% feel burned out by the pressure to continually upskill, even though 75% believe acquiring the right skills is essential to remain competitive.
Young Indians are rethinking the traditional study-abroad route due to rising overseas costs, visa uncertainties, and concerns about post-study work opportunities. Many are now considering international education programmes based in India, according to a new research by Emeritus.
The findings come from the ‘India Gen Z Outlook 2026’ report by Emeritus, which surveyed respondents aged 15-28 across major Indian metros. The study covers pre-college, transitioning, and early-career stages.
The appeal of studying abroad is declining, with 48% of respondents interested in overseas education reporting reduced interest over the past year. The United States has seen the sharpest drop in appeal.
Among those still interested but concerned about studying abroad, 40% cited cost as the main barrier, 32% mentioned visa and immigration policies, and 31% were worried about being away from family. For those whose interest has already declined, 37% blamed rising costs, 26% pointed to visa and immigration issues, and 24% cited safety and political uncertainty abroad.
India-based international education is emerging as an alternative. About 87% of pre-college respondents and 92% of transitioning respondents said they would be likely or extremely likely to study programmes offered by internationally ranked universities in India. Among transitioning students, 69% preferred such programmes over going abroad to avoid visa uncertainties.
While on-campus education remains preferred, programmes combining India-based study with partial exposure to foreign universities or semester exchanges are gaining popularity. Preference for this pathway increased from 27% among pre-college respondents to 39% among transitioning students.
"It took 30 years to build a predictable outward migration path. The reversal is happening much faster," said Ashwin Damera, co-founder and CEO of Emeritus.
The report also highlights changes in young Indians' approach to skills and careers. Some 82% use AI or GenAI tools weekly to learn or develop new skills, and 65% of early-career respondents believe a degree alone is no longer enough for job market success.
MUST READ | Think Gen Z Is shunning formal jobs? 59% of new EPFO subscribers in FY25 were 18–25
Work-life balance is gaining importance over traditional career markers, with 74% prioritising it over formal leadership titles. Additionally, 65% feel a successful career does not require becoming an executive leader. However, 60% feel burned out by the pressure to continually upskill, even though 75% believe acquiring the right skills is essential to remain competitive.