Oxford International’s latest Student Global Mobility Index reveals a growing focus on the academic experience among Indian students considering overseas education, alongside increasing independence in how they make their study-abroad decisions.
As competition for international students continues to evolve, new research from Oxford International suggests Indian students are looking closely at the quality of the education and experience they can expect when studying overseas.
The third edition of our Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI) draws on insights from more than 20,000 respondents across India, exploring students’ aspirations, preferences and decision-making around international education.
Among respondents, 42% selected teaching methodology as the primary reason for pursuing education abroad, highlighting the importance students place on how they will learn and the quality of their academic experience.
More broadly, among students with an offer to study overseas, 30% say they are motivated by the prospect of a brighter future, while 28% are seeking access to advanced practical learning opportunities.
Students are increasingly driving their own decisions
The findings also point to a significant change in who is driving the decision to study overseas.
The proportion of students describing themselves as self-motivated has risen from 29% in 2023/24 to 49% in 2025/26. Over the same period, the proportion citing family influence has fallen from 59% to 36%.
Family nevertheless continues to play an important role, particularly for younger students. Those aged 18 to 20 are more likely to be encouraged by family, while older students are more likely to be self-motivated. Regional differences are also apparent, with students in Northern and Southern India more likely to report being self-motivated.
International education is opening new pathways
One of the most striking findings from this year’s SGMI is that 88% of applicants are the first in their family to pursue overseas education.
The finding highlights the role international education continues to play in creating new opportunities for Indian students and their families.
Postgraduate education is the preferred route for the majority of those surveyed, with 70% of students applying overseas seeking postgraduate study. Business and management continue to attract the highest level of interest.
Understanding the whole student experience
While 51% of students report having no concerns about studying overseas, the research also highlights some of the practical considerations influencing those who do.
Weather, homesickness, experiencing a foreign culture and accommodation are the four leading concerns identified by students. The findings also show differences across demographics: female students are more likely than male students to have concerns about studying abroad, while younger students tend to have more apprehensions than older students.
These findings reinforce the importance of understanding students beyond their academic choices – and of providing appropriate information and support throughout their international education journey.
Commenting on the findings, Mohit Gambir, Managing Director – Education Services, said:
“The latest SGMI findings show that the international education journey is evolving, with students placing greater importance on the quality of their academic experience and teaching methodologies. At the same time, their concerns around adapting to a new environment highlight the need for institutions to look beyond admissions and provide the right support throughout the student journey. Understanding both what students value academically and the challenges they face will be important in creating an international education experience that is both academically rewarding and supportive.”
Insights for universities and education providers
The latest SGMI provides a valuable picture of a changing international student population in India: one that is increasingly self-directed, often the first generation in its family to pursue education overseas and placing significant importance on the quality of the academic experience.
For universities and education providers seeking to engage these students, the findings underline the importance of communicating not only the opportunities associated with international education, but also the learning experience and support students can expect throughout their journey.
About the research: The 2026 SGMI combines insights from two datasets – 17,925 respondents and 2,416 respondents – giving a total sample of 20,341 respondents. The smaller dataset relates to additional questions introduced from August 2025.