LeapScholar Survey: Career Goals Drive Indians Abroad

As more and more Indian students are flocking to international universities to pursue their studies, Leapscholar conducted a community survey to get deeper insights into their needs, goals, and priorities. The survey conducted among nearly 200 study abroad aspirants revealed fascinating new details about the factors that influence Indian students' university choices and course selection. 

Most of the respondents want to study abroad due to career and academically driven aspirations. Both female and male respondents cited ‘better career opportunities’ as the most important reason to study abroad. 
 

Nearly half of the female population prioritizes graduate outcomes such as employability and job readiness, highlighting a strong focus on return on investment and career planning. 

In contrast, a significant share of men value academic reputation in addition to career outcomes for achieving their overall goals. This reflects broader interest among male respondents in institutional prestige alongside employability. Notably, cultural exposure and personal growth rank lowest among priorities for both groups, signalling the strong results-driven mentality of students. 
 

When it comes to selecting a university abroad, the data reveals a clear priority among the study abroad aspirants: strong industry connections. Nearly 70% of respondents cited this as the most important institutional feature. Cost of living and location are among the least considered factors. For instance, when asked whether they prioritize a university's location in a metropolitan area or its specific academic programs, nearly 78% of students indicated a preference for the latter. This aligns with the broader trend of students viewing international education as a strategic investment in their professional future.

When asked about career goals after completion of the course, we found that 40% of the Indian students want to work in the host country. This is followed by entrepreneurship and those who have selected entrepreneurship have demonstrated flexibility in their plans—many expressed interest in starting a business either in the host country or back in India.

This survey paints a clear picture: Indian students going abroad are highly intentional in their choices. They are investing in a degree that will act as a catalyst for their global career, where purpose and practicality are valued over lifestyle factors and experience.