London : Despite rising inflation and the weakening value of the Indian Rupee, the demand for studying abroad continues to grow every year. Visa queues are getting longer, education loan enquiries are rising, and students are planning overseas education earlier than ever before.
What stands out, though, is this: students are still choosing some of the world’s most expensive destinations.
In 2026, the United States remains the top choice for study abroad, followed closely by the United Kingdom. Even though countries like Germany, Canada, and Australia are rising, the US and UK still continue to dominate student demand globally.
For many Indian students, studying in the US is more than just education; it’s a dream tied to better opportunities, global exposure, and long-term career growth. And, for many who plan carefully, choose the right university, and align their studies with long-term career goals, it can absolutely lead to incredible opportunities and successful careers.
But there’s another side to the story that people don’t talk about enough. A growing number of students are choosing universities simply for the sake of getting an “international degree”, without properly researching the university, job outcomes, or long-term value. Some start planning immediately after school because of pressure, trends, or social perception, not because they fully understand the roadmap ahead.
Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, says this is where students often make costly mistakes.“Today, we’re seeing students as early as Class 11 enquiring about education loans and overseas education pathways. Ambition is good, but without proper planning, studying abroad can quickly become financially and emotionally stressful.”
Sonal adds that one of the biggest issues is the “late realisation problem”. “We’ve seen students join universities without fully understanding career opportunities or post-study outcomes, only to realise midway through the course that the university or programme isn’t helping them move forward. In many cases, students later try to switch universities or reapply elsewhere once they understand the gap. That transition often comes with a major financial and emotional cost.”
She further added, “This is especially common among Indian students who prioritise destination over long-term fit. Sonal says, “One wrong decision in studying abroad can impact much more than finances. We’ve interacted with students who struggled mentally and emotionally because they rushed the process or followed trends instead of asking the right questions early.”
At the same time, there is a positive shift happening. Master’s programs and more senior students, along with their parents, are becoming far more aware of the return on investment. They are asking questions not only about employability, visa pathways, post-study work opportunities, and salary outcomes.
Sonal added, “That is why we at Prodigy Finance always encourage students to ask questions, connect with alumni, and use open forums to understand the reality of studying abroad before making a decision. Platforms like NovaGrad can also help students explore scholarships, guidance, and university options early in the process. The more informed a student is before applying, the better their overall experience tends to be. Unplanned decisions usually only create more pressure later.”