Leap Scholar today released ‘Beyond Borders: A New Chapter in Global Student Movement,’ a comprehensive year-end report analysing over 3 million student interactions that reveals dramatic shifts in study abroad patterns.
The report was released to offer an in-depth look at the evolving dynamics of students studying abroad, particularly in light of global economic factors, changing visa policies, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping career outcomes. By analysing data from millions of interactions over the last five years, the report sheds light on the priorities driving student decisions today, emphasising affordability, post-study work opportunities, and the impact of AI in education.
Destination Shifts: Germany Up 377%, New Zealand rises by 2900%
Germany recorded a 377% year-on-year increase in Indian student interest for 2024-25, jumping up from 219% from the year before. New Zealand saw a 2900% year-on-year growth (from the earlier 6%), and in the UAE, this percentage was at 5400% (as compared to 7% earlier).
“Students are asking a fundamentally different question now,” said Arnav Kumar, Co-founder, Leap Scholar. “It’s no longer ‘Can I afford to go?’ It’s ‘What will this degree actually give me?’ The data shows they’re making calculated decisions based on ROI, not just prestige.”
Career Advancements in AI Drive the Shift
Germany’s 18-month post-study work visa provides employment pathways that offer a favourable trajectory for students, aiding their career progression and future goals.
“Career advancement is of utmost priority,” said Vaibhav Singh, Co-founder, Leap Scholar. “Students are selecting locations based on what the degree will give them, not just the university name.”
UAE Emerges as Alternative
The UAE recorded nearly 55x growth in interest by offering lower costs than Western universities, 3-4 hour flights from India, and a 3.5 million Indian diaspora. International branch campuses provide recognised degrees at competitive prices.
New Zealand shows a rapid rise
New Zealand’s immigration policies feature a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing students to live and work for up to three years. In addition, the country has a “Green List” for critical skills such as engineering and health, that streamline residency. New Zealand also offers a “middle path” in terms of quality and affordability, offering high quality education that typically cost between USD 20,000 and USD 30,000.
Working Professionals Return to Study
Working professionals make up 36% of AI program aspirants, with 28.6% having 0-2 years of experience and 7.2% being mid-career professionals with 3-6 years of experience.
Undergraduate students account for 42.8% of applicants, while postgraduate students represent 21.4%. Nearly half (49.9%) are pursuing AI education to upskill within their current field, while 22.5% want to switch careers into AI entirely. Another 17.5% aim for research careers, and 10% plan to start AI-focused businesses.
“These are professionals pausing their careers to future-proof their skills,” said Rajan Chaudhary, Co-founder, Leap Scholar. “They’ve concluded AI literacy is no longer optional.”
Students Choose Broader AI Programs
The data highlights a distinct preference regarding curriculum specialisation. Whilst 40.4 per cent of respondents pursue specialised Master’s programmes in AI, machine learning, or data science, a majority of 59.6 per cent opt for broader Master’s degrees that incorporate AI modules. This trend suggests a strategy of academic diversification, wherein students seek AI proficiency whilst maintaining versatility across established sectors such as business, engineering, and healthcare.
PhD interest Jump
PhD interest increased 60% year-on-year, now exceeding 6% of total interest. The growth is concentrated in AI and biotechnology research programs.
Student Priorities Have Changed
ROI Trumps Prestige
Students planning to study AI abroad now prioritise return on investment over university rankings. Survey data shows 75% rank program cost and affordability as their top factor, the highest ever recorded. Scholarship availability follows at 70%, career advancement at 58%, and graduate salary potential at 49%. Faculty expertise and research opportunities ranks fifth at 40%. University rankings did not make the top five priorities.
Gender Gap Narrowing
Male students represent 58% of applicants versus 42% female, but the gap is closing. Women are increasingly applying for STEM programs abroad, particularly in AI and data science.
“Students aren’t passive victims of policy changes,” said Vaibhav Singh, Co-founder, Leap Scholar. “They’re strategic actors making calculated decisions about their futures.”
Methodology
This report analyses application and survey data from over 3 million students who engaged with Leap Scholar between 2020 and 2025. The data includes course preferences, destination choices, demographic information, and decision-making factors across multiple academic years and countries.
All figures represent Leap Scholar’s applicant pool and provide directional insights into Indian study abroad trends.
