Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Indian Gen Z Shifts From Study Abroad To Global Courses
Many young Indians are reconsidering whether they want to study in another country.
Studying abroad can be expensive, and students worry about visas and finding work afterward.
The United States saw the biggest drop in interest in the report.
More students now like the idea of studying an international course while staying in India.
Most students surveyed said they would consider programmes from highly ranked foreign universities based in India.
Some also like hybrid courses that include overseas visits or exchanges.
Students are using artificial intelligence tools to learn new skills every week.
However, many feel tired because they think they must keep learning to stay competitive.
Emeritus found that 48% of Indian respondents interested in studying abroad had lost interest over the past year.
Rising costs, visa requirements and uncertainty over post-study work options were major concerns.
Interest in international university programmes offered in India reached 87% among pre-college respondents and 92% among those entering higher education.
Among students transitioning to higher education, 69% preferred India-based international programmes over studying abroad.
AI tools are used weekly by 82% of respondents, while 60% reported burnout from pressure to keep upskilling.
- Who
- Indian respondents aged 15 to 28 surveyed by Emeritus.
- What
- The report found declining interest in studying abroad and growing interest in international and hybrid programmes delivered in India.
- When
- The findings concern changes over the past year and were published in Emeritus' India’s GenZ Outlook 2026 report.
- Where
- The survey covered respondents across major Indian metropolitan areas, while the programmes discussed are offered in India.
- Why
- Concerns about costs, visa rules and post-study work opportunities are influencing education choices.
- Survey sample
- 1,010 respondents aged 15 to 28
- Declining study-abroad interest
- 48% of respondents who would consider studying abroad said their interest had declined over the past year
- International programmes in India
- 87% of pre-college respondents and 92% of higher-education transitioners were likely or extremely likely to consider them
- Preference for India-based options
- 69% of students transitioning to higher education preferred an India-based international programme over studying abroad
- Hybrid programme interest
- Interest rose from 27% among pre-college respondents to 39% among higher-education transitioners
- AI learning use
- 82% said they use AI or generative AI tools at least weekly to learn or build skills
- Upskilling pressure
- 60% reported burnout, while 75% said learning the right skills is important for staying competitive