LeapScholar, South Asia’s largest end-to-end study abroad platform, recently released its “Application-based Survey 2024” about how Indian students break conventional boundaries to pursue their dream of studying abroad. The recent survey highlighted that almost 57% of students pursuing international education come from state boards, with 34% of females leading the charge.
Contrary to popular belief, international/ICSE and CBSE board students have exposure to and aspirations for studying abroad. The survey suggests that students from local State Boards are equally enthusiastic about pursuing global education. This points towards the inclusion of a broader and more diverse demographic, with aspirations for international study travelling beyond conventional backgrounds and ethnicities.
Furthermore, with females accounting for a significant portion of this trend, the survey demonstrates how women in India challenge preconceptions and lead the way in global education. The report also shows a shift in travel preferences and subjects of interest. While top destinations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain popular, Indian students are increasingly exploring outside them, with Japan and the Netherlands emerging as exciting new options. It also highlights that although still popular, STEM courses are no longer the only draw for international students. Instead, students are exploring a range of subjects, including Psychology, Law, Sport Sciences, Architecture, Building, and Planning, Performing Arts, and Social Sciences, indicating a desire for a more well-rounded and diverse educational experience.
The surge in aspirations among State Board students can be attributed to rapid digital penetration in the country, increased accessibility and growing awareness about international study opportunities. Additionally, the widespread availability of online resources and education platforms has democratized access to information, allowing students to explore international education options more easily.
Other key findings from the survey include:
- Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study-abroad destinations, with Japan and the Netherlands emerging as exciting new choices. Traditional favourites Canada, the UK, and the US remain the top choices for international students
- While STEM courses continue to be popular among international students, the survey reveals the top trending subject areas among students pursuing higher education abroad include Psychology, sports, Architecture, building and planning, Performing arts, Social sciences
Commenting on the latest survey, Arnav Kumar, Co-founder of Leap, said:
The survey indicates that Indian students are becoming more ambitious and forward-thinking in their approach to looking for what is best for them. We feel inspired by the growing aspirations of Indian students, particularly those from State Boards, who are now considering and embracing studying abroad like never before. We also feel perfect to see female students leading the charge. This shift not only reflects the increasing accessibility of studying abroad but also the changing mindset of Indian students, who are now more open to exploring unconventional ways of learning.
About LeapScholar
LeapScholar offers a wide range of services to help students navigate the complex process of studying abroad, including personalized counselling, test preparation, application assistance, education loans and accommodation services. With a mission to democratize access to international education, the company has helped thousands of students pursue their dreams of studying at top universities worldwide.
