Rising costs, visa curbs cool study abroad plans for nearly half of Indian Gen Z: Survey

Emeritus's latest study reveals that a significant portion of Indian Gen Z students are reconsidering their plans to study abroad, with 48% of those surveyed expressing reduced interest in overseas education over the past year. Rising tuition fees emerged as the primary deterrent, cited by 37% of respondents, followed by visa and immigration complexities (26%) and safety concerns (24%).

Among students considering the USA, 42% reported a decline in interest, with tuition costs (41%) and visa policies (34%) cited as key reasons. Despite this shift, 68% of respondents indicated their willingness to pursue programs offered by international universities in India, with 69% preferring India-based international programs to avoid visa uncertainties.

The trend is particularly pronounced among those considering the USA, with 39% favoring hybrid or pathway models that combine study in India with an overseas component. Affordability and career prospects are increasingly influencing students' decisions, as they weigh these factors alongside the reputation of institutions.