Why Indian students flock to international postgraduate programs

International postgraduate studies are becoming increasingly attractive to Indian students.

Beyond the conventional allure of higher education, the opportunity to learn in a foreign environment offers a plethora of advantages, ranging from cross-cultural experiences to unparalleled professional networking opportunities.

A major draw for Indian students is the chance to interact with global professionals and gain exposure to esteemed universities equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities.

Moreover, an overseas postgraduate degree can enhance a graduate’s appeal in a competitive job market, highlighting their adaptability, global viewpoint and expertise.

Several trends are shaping the future of international postgraduate education:

• Digital Learning Models: The ascendancy of online and hybrid education models allows students global access to premier institutions.

By 2025, online postgraduate enrolments are expected to see a 15 percent spike, particularly benefiting students from developing nations.

• Rise of Interdisciplinary Programs: Universities are increasingly offering interdisciplinary programs to cater to the ever-evolving job market.

American universities, for instance, have reported a 50 percent surge in such programs over the past decade, covering areas such as business administration, data science, and public health.

• Integration of Cutting-Edge Technologies: Artificial intelligence and virtual reality are making significant inroads into postgraduate syllabi. These technologies, set to generate nearly 97 million jobs by 2025, enhance the learning experience, from streamlining tasks to offering immersive simulations.
• Data in Business and Design: Business analytics, now considered a STEM discipline, highlights the intertwining of management courses with data-driven content. The intersection of technology and data modules is now also prevalent in Marketing and Design programs.
• Focus on Global Issues: Reflecting the world’s emphasis on sustainability, programs tailored to renewable energy, environmental conservation, and human rights are burgeoning. With education linked to 12 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability competencies are deemed critical by 60 percent of employers globally.
• Surge in Students from Developing Nations: The US, a major hub for international education, saw over 2 million students from developing countries in 2020. Key contributors included China, India, and South Korea.

The arena of international postgraduate education is undergoing rapid changes, with the future appearing bright due to the heightened demand for expertise, enhanced financial aid options, and avant-garde learning methodologies. The years ahead show signs of an even higher global student influx pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.