A recent survey by a source reveals that Australia has become the preferred study destination for Indian students, surpassing the United States. According to the survey conducted in March 2025, Australia accounted for 28% of first-choice preferences among Indian students, followed by the US (22%) and the UK (21%).
Despite rising tuition fees and visa costs, Australia continues to draw Indian students due to its:
- Academic Quality: Australian universities are renowned for academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
- Post-Study Work Rights: Extended post-study work rights under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) make Australia an attractive option.
- Safety: Australia is considered a safe country with a high quality of life.
Key Findings from the Survey
- Job Prospects: 77% of Indian respondents pursue international education for career advancement, and 70% ranked access to work placements as the most important academic factor.
- Cost Concerns: Two-thirds (66%) of students identified cost and finances as their top concern, followed by visa issues (47%), housing (43%), and balancing work with studies (39%).
- Academic Reputation: 67% of students cited quality of education as a key reason to study abroad.
Shifting Trends in Global Study Destinations
- Canada’s Decline: Canada’s popularity dropped sharply to 13%, a 6% decline from March 2024, likely due to tighter visa norms and higher living costs.
- New Zealand’s Rise: New Zealand saw a modest rise in student preference (5%, up 3%), suggesting evolving trends in global study destinations.
