London/New Delhi, November 19, 2025 – New international research into student expectations reveals that Indian learners are redefining what higher education must deliver. Far beyond traditional lectures and academic content, today’s Indian prospective students expect programmes that build practical skills, industry readiness, and clear pathways to global careers.

Based on a global survey of 3,000 students and parents, the findings show that Indian students place the strongest emphasis on applied learning and employability compared to their peers worldwide.

Key findings from the research

• 60% of Indian students believe that integrating technology into learning is essential.
• 56% rate the development of technical skills among their top priorities.
• 56% also emphasise the importance of professional behaviours and workplace readiness.
• An overwhelming 97% consider work experience and employability skills critical when choosing to study abroad.
• Globally, 56% of students rank employability among their top three deciding factors—rising sharply to 87% when examining Indian respondents.
• 66% of Indian students feel that employability-focused training boosts their confidence to enter the workforce.
• 54% believe it helps connect academic learning with real employer needs.

What the findings mean

The results clearly indicate that Indian students are highly outcome-driven. They expect higher education to deliver:

• Future-proof skills, not just theoretical knowledge
• Industry-aligned learning experiences
• Practical exposure that bridges the gap between campus and career
• Curricula that directly link to employment pathways

The research reinforces a growing trend:
For Indian learners, employability is no longer an added advantage — it’s a core expectation. Institutions that blend academic excellence with hands-on learning, real-world opportunities, and career preparation will be best positioned to meet the aspirations of this new generation of students.

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