Learning Experience Overtakes Destination Appeal for Indian Students Planning Overseas Education: Oxford International’s Study
As overseas education becomes more competitive, Indian students are looking beyond destination rankings and prioritising institutions that offer a stronger academic and learning experience. Teaching methodology has emerged as the primary reason students choose to pursue education abroad, according to the latest findings from Oxford International’s third edition of Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI), highlighting a clear shift towards prioritising the quality of the academic experience over destination appeal.
The study also reveals that while students are becoming more discerning about the academic value offered by institutions, practical concerns such as weather, homesickness, cultural adaptation and accommodation continue to play a significant role in shaping their study-abroad decisions.
The Oxford International’s SGMI study is based on insights from 20,341 respondents, combining two datasets of 17,925 and 2,416 respondents across India. The second dataset includes responses to additional questions introduced later in the study to provide deeper insights into students’ motivations, preferences, and decision-making processes. SGMI is one of the most comprehensive studies of Indian students’ overseas education aspirations, preferences, and mobility decisions.
The findings reveal that students’ concerns vary significantly across demographics. Female students are more likely than their male counterparts to express apprehensions about studying abroad, while younger students tend to be more concerned than older students. Regional differences are also evident, with students from Western India reporting higher levels of concern about weather, cultural adaptation and food compared with those from Northern and Southern India.
Commenting on the findings, Mr. Mohit Gambir, Managing Director, Oxford International India, said, “The latest SGMI findings show that the international education journey is evolving, with students placing greater importance on the quality of their academic experience and teaching methodologies. At the same time, their concerns around adapting to a new environment highlight the need for institutions to look beyond admissions and provide the right support throughout the student journey. Understanding both what students value academically and the challenges they face will be important in creating an international education experience that is both academically rewarding and supportive.”
Key Highlights of the Study
● A brighter future and practical learning drive study-abroad aspirations: Among students with an offer to study abroad, 30% say they are motivated by the prospect of a brighter future, while 28% seek access to advanced practical learning opportunities.
● Half of students have no concerns about studying abroad: While 51% of students report having no concerns about going overseas, those who do have apprehensions are most concerned about weather, homesickness, experiencing a foreign culture and accommodation.
● Students report positive experiences across key aspects of the study-abroad journey: Almost half are most satisfied with the speed and ease of the process, while satisfaction with scholarship opportunities has improved compared with last year, reflecting growing positivity around access to financial support.
● Agents and Google are key discovery channels: Students primarily hear about institutions through agents (35%) and Google (39%). Out of various online channels available, 56% trust Google for education-related information.
● The academic experience is a key differentiator: 42% of the students select teaching methodology as the primary reason to pursue education abroad, highlighting the importance they place on how they learn and the quality of their academic experience.
● Postgraduate study remains the preferred pathway: 70% of students applying to study overseas are seeking postgraduate education, with business and management continuing to attract the highest level of interest.
● International education is opening new pathways for first-generation students: 88% of applicants are the first in their family to pursue overseas education, highlighting the growing number of first-generation international students from India.
● Students are increasingly driving their own study-abroad decisions: The share of self-motivated students has risen from 29% in 2023/24 to 49% in 2025/26, while those citing family influence declined from 59% to 36% over the same period. Family continues to play a role, but its influence on students’ study abroad decisions has reduced since 2023/24.
Gender Insights
● Gender shapes concern about studying abroad: 59% female students are more likely than male students to have concerns about studying abroad, while younger students tend to have more apprehensions than older students.
● Concerns differ by gender: 30% Male students are more likely to be concerned about weather and 24% by culture, while 30% female students are more likely to be concerned about homesickness.
Regional Insights
● Concerns vary across regions: Students from Western India report greater concerns around weather, culture and food compared with students from the North and South.
● Regional differences emerge in study-abroad motivation: Students from Northern and Southern India are more likely to be self-motivated in their decision to pursue education abroad. 45% of students from North identify themselves as self-motivated while 42% of them cite family as a key influence.
● Family influence varies by age: Younger students aged 18 to 20 are more likely to be influenced by family when deciding to study abroad, while older students are more likely to make the decision independently.
