The global higher education sector is undergoing a dramatic shift in 2025, with Indian students at the centre of this transformation. A new report by Rostrum Education, a leading admissions consultancy, reveals a 37% surge in overseas study enquiries from India this year. This continues a multi-year rise — 34% in 2022, 27% in 2023, and 21% in 2024 — reflecting Gen Z’s growing focus on employability, sustainability, and future-ready careers.
Shifting destinations beyond US and UK
While the United States and the United Kingdom remain the top study destinations, Indian students are now exploring alternatives such as France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and South Korea. These countries are attracting interest due to their affordable tuition, English-taught programs, and flexible visa pathways. Experts say this marks a shift from prestige-driven choices toward destinations that balance cost-effectiveness with strong post-study work opportunities.
According to Sanjog Anand, Co-Founder of Rostrum Education, “We are at an inflection point in global education. Over the next five years, universities will seek interdisciplinary problem-solvers across AI, biotech, and climate sciences. Countries like Germany, France, and South Korea are already aligning their policies and programs to this demand, making them increasingly attractive destinations.”
Rising demand for tech and sustainability programs
The report highlights a decisive pivot toward technology and sustainability-driven disciplines. Programs in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Bioengineering, and Climate Sciences are witnessing exponential demand.
Enrolments in AI, ML, and Data Science programs grew by 28% in 2022, 34% in 2023, and 41% in 2024. Similarly, enrolments in Bioengineering and Climate Sciences rose by 19%, 25%, and 32% over the same period. Students are also embracing interdisciplinary courses that merge technology with business, design, and sustainability, reflecting their appetite for flexibility and relevance in fast-changing industries.
Strategic applications and test-prep boom
Another clear trend is that students are becoming more strategic in their applications. While Canada is seeing a decline due to visa caps and housing shortages, France, Germany, Italy, and Australia are gaining traction.
Standardised testing is making a comeback. The demand for SAT, ACT, and AP exams has more than doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 2024 seeing a sharp 22% year-on-year increase in test-prep demand. Rostrum attributes this surge to students aiming to build stronger profiles amid increasingly competitive admissions cycles.
Demographic and regional patterns
The report reveals that undergraduate enquiries are largely parent-driven, with families aged 38–48 exploring opportunities for children aged 15–18. At the postgraduate level, students aged 21–26 are driving the process independently. Notably, female students show consistently higher engagement, particularly in humanities, life sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
Regionally, students in metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru target top 10 global universities and invest early in profile building. Meanwhile, those from Tier 2 cities like Indore, Kochi, and Ludhiana focus more on scholarships, return on investment (ROI), and post-study work opportunities.
Role of digital platforms
Digital platforms continue to shape outreach strategies. The report notes that:
- Instagram resonates most with Gen Z students.
- YouTube is preferred by parents for detailed research.
- LinkedIn is effective for educators, alumni, and professionals.
Across all platforms, success stories, short-form tips, and results-driven content generate the highest impact.
Conclusion
With Indian students expanding their global footprint, Rostrum’s 2025 report makes it clear that the next phase of international higher education will be defined by employability, affordability, and future-ready skills. As global admissions become more competitive, personalised mentorship and strategic planning will be the keys to success.