Nursing, AI and Europe: The new study-abroad formula For Indian students

Italy, France and New Zealand gain stronger traction as Indian students choose study-abroad destinations based on jobs, course value and long-term career outcomes

For years, Indian students choosing to study abroad often prioritised brand-name universities, popular destinations and aspirational migration pathways. But new data suggests the conversation is changing rapidly. Students are now asking tougher questions: Will this degree actually lead to a job? Can I afford the cost of living? Is the return on investment worth the loan?

 

According to new data from Leap, an AI-powered study-abroad ecosystem, helping more than 3 million students, Indian students are increasingly choosing international courses and destinations based on employability, affordability and long-term career outcomes rather than just university rankings or country reputation.

 

The shift is becoming especially visible in career-linked programmes. Applications for healthcare-related courses rose 37.6%, while Master of Nursing Science programmes recorded a massive 533% surge. Physiotherapy applications jumped 336.3%, reflecting growing student preference for fields with clearer global job demand and migration pathways.

   

Artificial intelligence is also emerging as a major pull factor. A Master of AI programme in New Zealand reportedly triggered a 33,800% year-on-year rise in applications, highlighting how students are increasingly chasing courses aligned with global tech hiring trends.

 

The data suggests Indian students are becoming significantly more cost-conscious as well. Scholarships featured in 40% of analysed student conversations, while concerns around post-study job placements appeared in 21%. Questions about part-time work opportunities accounted for 15% of conversations, while cost of living concerns appeared in 12%.

 

Europe is also becoming more attractive for students looking beyond traditional choices. Italy recorded 668.8% year-to-date growth, led by demand for STEM and healthcare courses. France saw 541.8% year-to-date growth, driven by specialised finance and marketing programmes. Demand from South Indian tech hubs also rose sharply for France, with Bangalore up 212%, Hyderabad up 1,100%, and Chennai up 750%, showing that working professionals are exploring Europe to move from core technology roles into product, management and business careers.

 

At the same time, students are entering the study-abroad process with more doubts. GRE and GMAT-related questions appeared in 58% of conversations, making entrance-exam clarity one of the biggest concern areas. Backlogs appeared in 27%, while low CGPA concerns appeared in 7%, showing that many students are unsure whether they are even eligible before they apply.

 

Ranking pressure is another visible concern. University ranking-related anxiety appeared in 7.8% of conversations, suggesting that students continue to attach high importance to global rankings, even when they may not fully understand how rankings connect with jobs, course quality or location-specific opportunities.

 

Key points to note: 

 

Countries such as Italy, France and New Zealand are seeing rapidly rising interest from Indian students as they position themselves as more affordable or career-oriented alternatives to traditional destinations such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

 

Italy recorded 668.8% year-to-date growth in student interest, driven largely by STEM and healthcare programmes.

 

France saw 541.8% growth led by specialised finance and marketing courses.

 

The strongest growth for France came from Indian tech cities. Student demand from Bengaluru rose 212%, Hyderabad surged 1,100% and Chennai climbed 750%.