International students are recalibrating their study-abroad decisions with a sharper focus on return on investment (ROI), affordable education pathways, and employability outcomes, according to ApplyBoard’s newly released 2026 Trends Report: Building and Rebuilding Global Education.

With policy shifts, rising costs, and tightening job markets across major destinations, students — especially from India — are choosing countries that offer stable policies, lower expenses, and clearer post-study work opportunities over traditional “prestige” options.

Affordability, employment, and stability taking priority

ApplyBoard co-founder and CEO Meti Basiri said that the study-abroad decision “is now, more than ever, a financial calculation,” with students prioritising tangible career outcomes and po

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