Mumbai, December 21, 2023: The aspirations of students seeking education abroad have surged, as per Oxford International’s recent study. The study reveals that better career opportunities, exposure to global cultures, and language skills development are the primary motivating factors for Indian students pursuing higher education overseas. According to the findings, 50% of Indian students identified improved career prospects as the foremost motivation, while 42% cited cultural experiences, and 41% highlighted language skill development.
Additionally, the study indicates that 50% of Indian students view the ‘Cost of Living,’ and 35% consider ‘High Tuition Fees’ as significant barriers to pursuing higher education abroad. These insights are part of the inaugural edition of the Oxford International’s Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI), aiming to offer comprehensive insights into the preferences and challenges faced by undergraduate students seeking international higher education opportunities.
Conducted collaboratively by Oxford International and THE Knowledge Partnership, experts in global student research, the SGMI study features a diverse sample size of over 500 current and prospective students from key markets, including India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Nigeria. This extensive representation provides valuable insights into the motivations and obstacles shaping the global student mobility landscape.
Mohit Gambir, Managing Director of Oxford International Education Services, commented on the study, stating, “The findings from our study this year are interesting and provide a fresh perspective about the evolving needs, preferences, and challenges of the Indian students that will play a significant role in reshaping the education landscape. We are certain that SGMI will play an instrumental role in offering valuable insights that will shape the future of international higher education.”
Key findings from the study include:
- 42% of Indian students believe that studying a specific subject would enhance their job prospects upon graduation.
- About 35% of Indian students feel they will have better-paid career opportunities as a result of studying abroad.
- 38% of students from India and Pakistan aspire to pursue higher education abroad for a global perspective.
- Postgraduate students in India (52%) exhibit a greater inclination towards cultivating a diverse set of skills and knowledge.
- Only 30% of Indian students consider immigration and the visa process a concern for pursuing higher education abroad.
- 16% of students from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Vietnam share concerns about the acknowledgment of their academic qualifications by foreign universities.
For more information about Oxford International Education Services, visit: https://www.oxfordinternationaleducationgroup.com/education-services/
