News

October 9 2026

Rising Cost-s and Visa Concerns Make Indian Gen Z Rethink Study Abroad Plans

In brief: 

• 48% of Indian Gen Z respondents who had considered studying abroad said their interest declined over the past year.
• Rising costs were the biggest concern, cited by 37% of respondents.
• Visa and immigration issues were cited by 26%, while 24% raised safety concerns.
• Among those considering the US, 42% reported lower interest.
• 41% of those reconsidering the US cited tuition costs, while 34% pointed to stricter visa policies.
• 68% of respondents were likely or extremely likely to consider an international university programme in India.
• 69% of students moving towards further education preferred an India-based international programme to avoid visa uncertainty.
• Interest in hybrid study options increased from 27% among pre-college students to 39% among students transitioning to higher education.
• 72% felt international programmes offered in India could provide greater affordability while maintaining global academic standards.

Rising Costs and Visa Concerns Make Indian Gen Z Rethink Study Abroad Plans

Nearly half of Indian Gen Z respondents who had previously considered studying abroad are becoming less interested in the option, with rising study abroad costs, visa concerns and safety issues influencing their decisions. The Indian Express recently reported that 48% of these respondents said their interest in studying abroad had declined over the past year, based on findings from Emeritus’ India’s Gen Z Outlook 2026.

The survey covered 1,010 Indians aged 15 to 28 across major cities, offering insight into how Indian Gen Z is reassessing international education and study abroad plans. Rising costs emerged as the biggest concern, while visa and immigration issues also influenced decisions.

At the same time, interest in international education has not disappeared. Instead, Indian students are increasingly exploring alternatives such as international university programmes in India and hybrid study models that combine local education with overseas exposure.

Rising education costs are a major deterrent

Financial considerations emerged as the biggest factor behind the decline in overseas study interest.

According to Emeritus’ India’s Gen Z Outlook 2026 survey, 37% of respondents whose interest in studying abroad had declined identified rising costs as their main concern. This reflects the growing financial pressure associated with tuition, living expenses and other costs involved in studying abroad.

Visa and immigration issues were cited by 26%, while 24% pointed to safety concerns.

For Indian students considering study abroad, these concerns suggest that the decision is increasingly being evaluated based on the total financial and practical commitment, rather than academic reputation or international exposure alone.

The findings show that students are increasingly assessing the overall cost and risk of an overseas degree before committing to their study abroad plans.

Interest in the US is also falling

The United States appears to be particularly affected by this shift.

Among respondents who had considered the US, 42% said their interest had declined during the past year, according to the Emeritus survey.

Of those who were less interested in studying in the US, 41% cited tuition costs as a concern. Another 34% pointed to stricter visa policies.

This highlights how study abroad costs and visa policies are increasingly shaping destination choices.

This comes as international students face greater uncertainty around visa requirements and immigration policies in several major study destinations.

Students are exploring international education within India

The survey does not suggest that Indian Gen Z is giving up on global education. Instead, many students are looking for alternatives that offer international academic exposure without requiring them to relocate overseas.

Around 68% of respondents said they were likely or extremely likely to consider an international university programme offered in India.

For students moving towards further education, this option was particularly relevant. 69% said they preferred an India-based international programme to avoid visa uncertainty.

This points to growing interest in models where students can access international curricula, universities or qualifications while remaining in India.

Hybrid education models are gaining interest

Students are also showing interest in programmes that combine local education with an overseas component.

According to Emeritus, preference for hybrid or pathway models increased from 27% among pre-college students to 39% among students transitioning to higher education.

Such models can give students international exposure while reducing the financial and logistical commitments of spending the entire programme abroad.

The trend suggests that students are not necessarily choosing between India and international education. Instead, some are looking for ways to combine the two.

India-based international programmes offer another option

The survey also found strong interest in international university programmes delivered within India.

Among students preparing for postgraduate education, 50% said they would consider a fully on-campus international programme in India, while 38% said it would be their first choice.

Affordability also matters, with 72% believing these programmes could offer greater affordability while maintaining global academic standards.

Study abroad decisions are becoming more practical

The findings point to a change in how young Indians are approaching international education.

A foreign degree continues to hold appeal, but students are increasingly considering the complete cost of the journey, visa certainty, safety, career opportunities and potential returns from their education.

For Indian students, the focus is shifting towards finding international education pathways that balance cost, flexibility and global exposure.

Some students may choose to study in India first and pursue an international qualification later. Others may consider hybrid programmes or international university programmes available within India.

The trend suggests a shift in how Indian Gen Z approaches global education, rather than a loss of interest in studying internationally.

Author : Rani Thomas

I’m Rani Thomas, founder and CEO of Berakah Elite Education. With over 30 years in the United States and decades of experience in finance and operations at Lawson Travels, I launched Berakah to guide students in India through the process of studying abroad, combining structured support with a personal commitment to service.

rani@berakahelite.com