New Delhi, 1 September 2026: Nearly 48 per cent of Indian Gen Z respondents who had considered studying overseas said their interest in going abroad has declined over the past year, according to a fresh report by education provider Emeritus.
Survey scope and headline findings
The report, titled India’s Gen Z Outlook 2026: Recalculating Education, Ambition, and Success — The No Cap Generation, is based on research involving 1,010 respondents aged 15 to 28 across three stages — pre‑college, transitioning to higher education, and early career — from major metropolitan cities in India. The study, published on 1 September 2026, highlights shifting preferences in how young Indians view international education.
Key findings include:
- 48% of those who would consider studying abroad said their interest has decreased over the past year.
- Preference for the United States declined most sharply among destinations.
- 87% of pre‑college respondents and 92% of students transitioning to higher education said they would be likely or extremely likely to enrol in a programme offered by an internationally ranked university based in India.
- 69% of students transitioning to higher education said they would actively prefer India‑based international programmes over studying overseas, citing visa uncertainty among the primary reasons.
- Demand for hybrid models that combine study in India with overseas exposure rose from 27% among pre‑college respondents to 39% among transitioning students.
Why interest in studying abroad is falling
The Emeritus report attributes the decline to a combination of rising costs, visa uncertainty and evolving post‑study work rules in traditional destination countries. These factors are prompting many young Indians to seek alternatives that preserve international academic standards while reducing financial, logistical and immigration risks.
Respondents indicated they value global credentials but increasingly favour options that allow them to remain in India or split study time across India and an overseas campus. This includes collaborative degrees, twinning arrangements and semester‑exchange models with internationally ranked institutions operating in India.
Implications for colleges, employers and policy
The shift in aspirations could reshape demand for overseas education agents, foreign campuses and scholarship programmes. For Indian universities and private providers, the trend presents an imperative to expand internationally accredited offerings and hybrid delivery models.
Employers and recruiters may also need to recalibrate hiring signals. As the report shows strong interest in India‑based international programmes, industry recognition of such credentials will matter for graduates who choose to stay domestically.
| Respondent group | Likely to enrol in internationally ranked Indian programme |
|---|---|
| Pre‑college | 87% |
| Transitioning to higher education | 92% |
What students are prioritising
Beyond the location of study, the report notes changes in broader career and life priorities among Gen Z. Many young people are ranking work‑life balance and practical employability skills above traditional markers such as formal leadership positions. This reorientation helps explain why hybrid and India‑based international programmes are gaining traction.
For students and parents weighing options, the report suggests considering the total cost of study, visa and post‑study work prospects, and the comparative value of international exposure delivered onshore versus full overseas programmes.
Those who wish to consult the full report should refer to the Emeritus publication released on 1 September 2026 for detailed methodology, respondent demographics and full question‑wise results.
Practical takeaway: Prospective students should double‑check scholarship deadlines, fees and visa pathways for any overseas or joint programme and compare these against India‑based international collaborations that may offer similar academic outcomes with lower immigration risk.
