Study destination trends are rapidly evolving, and Australia has now claimed the top spot as the most preferred country among Indian students seeking international education. According to the Emerging Futures Seven report by IDP Education, released in March 2025, 28% of Indian students selected Australia as their first-choice study destination, overtaking the United States (22%) and the United Kingdom (21%). Canada, once a strong contender, has seen a sharp decline—dropping to just 13% in preference, down by 6% from March 2024.
Why Australia?
Despite higher tuition fees and increasing visa costs, Australia continues to attract Indian students due to its academic reputation, personal safety, and the extended post-study work rights made possible through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). These practical benefits, coupled with a sense of long-term security, are convincing many families that studying in Australia is an investment rather than just an academic stint.
“Australia is now seen as a more complete package for students and parents alike,” said Piyush Kumar, Regional Director at IDP Education, to Business Standard.
Canada’s Falling Appeal
Canada’s drop to 13% in Indian students’ first-choice preferences marks a significant shift. Experts believe that delays in visa processing, stricter immigration rules, and uncertainty around post-study work options have shaken student confidence. While the country remains popular for its multicultural environment, the recent policy changes may be discouraging future applicants.
Career Comes First
The report also highlights a clear trend: Indian students are prioritizing career growth. A strong 77% of respondents said career advancement was their primary goal for studying abroad. In addition, 70% valued access to internships and work placements as the top academic factor when choosing a destination.
Although the US continues to be respected for academic excellence, 66% of Indian students cited cost and finances as their biggest concern, followed by visa issues (47%), housing (43%), and the pressure of balancing part-time work with academics (39%).
Redefining Quality
Traditional measures like university rankings and faculty reputation are no longer the sole focus. Graduate employment rates have become the new metric of an institution’s success, with students choosing universities that demonstrate strong job placement records over those with only prestige.
67% still consider education quality important, but they now define that quality through the lens of real-world outcomes—like job readiness, employability, and earning potential after graduation.
Looking Ahead
The study destination shift seen in this survey reveals a larger movement toward outcome-driven international education. Students are more pragmatic, prioritizing return on investment, safety, and work opportunities over brand names and glossy brochures.
With Australia rising and Canada falling in favour, the message is clear: countries that support international students holistically—academically, professionally, and personally—will continue to dominate the study abroad landscape.
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