Indian students increasingly prefer job-ready overseas education: Report

A new international study has found that Indian students are placing far greater emphasis on career-focused education when choosing to study abroad.

Commissioned by City St George’s, University of London, and carried out by Arlington Research, the report indicates that 97% of Indian students now expect overseas education to directly translate into employment opportunities.

The study, titled “Value of Studying Abroad,” shows that Indian learners are increasingly prioritizing practical training, work experience, and real-world skill development over traditional lecture-based learning.

Researchers noted that students want programs that prepare them for the workforce from the outset.

The findings highlight that Indian respondents were the most likely among all surveyed countries to emphasize applied learning, technical abilities, and professional conduct as essential components of their education.

While 56% of global respondents placed employability among their top three considerations, the figure rose to 87% when evaluating total priorities.

Indian students scored even higher, signaling a strong shift toward job-readiness.

Commenting on the results, Gemma Kenyon, Director of Employability at City St George’s, said expectations from Indian students are evolving rapidly. She said students want more than academic knowledge. "They want skills, confidence, and networks that help them succeed in their careers."

She added that universities must incorporate hands-on learning, internships, and links to industry into their programs to meet these expectations.

The survey, which gathered responses from 3,000 students and parents worldwide, found that Indian participants stood out in multiple areas. Many preferred courses clearly aligned with employment outcomes.

About 60% said the use of technology in learning is essential, while 56% emphasized the importance of technical skills. Another 56% said developing professional behavior is a key part of their education.

Overall, the study suggests Indian students are increasingly choosing international universities that offer practical training, industry-supported curricula, and meaningful exposure to real work environments.

The report concludes that higher education institutions may need to redesign programs, expand internship opportunities, and strengthen career services to meet the growing demand for employability-driven education among one of the largest student groups globally.