Indian Students Reassess Foreign Degree Value Amid Rising Costs and Visa Uncertainty

The value of a foreign degree is being reevaluated by Indian students due to increasing costs and tighter visa regulations, according to recent research from IDP Education and Navitas. The Emerging Futures 9, Voice of the International Student survey found that students are applying the 'worth it' test earlier in their decision-making process, considering factors such as return on investment, visa certainty, and quality assurance.

Among the 962 Indian respondents, securing strong career outcomes after graduation was a key factor, cited by 32% of global respondents. High-quality teaching and academic support followed at 28%, while 22% cited gaining relevant industry-aligned skills and knowledge. Post-study work rights ranked fifth among factors associated with value for money for Indian respondents, at 24%.

Cost remains a major barrier, with 50% of global 'decliner students' citing tuition costs as beyond their financial reach, and another 35% saying the cost of living had become too expensive. The Navitas survey found that 82% of agents identified cost of study as an important factor influencing destination choice.

Visa requirements are also changing, with IDP stating that visa settings have shifted from being a late-stage consideration to a primary filter in destination choice. Students are screening destinations earlier and can rule them out due to visa costs or policy uncertainty. Among prospective students surveyed by IDP, 48% identified post-study work as a strong visa-related influence on destination choice.