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It’s projected statistically that by the year 2030, 1 out of 4 graduates from around the world will be from India. That only means there will be many Indian students in several universities. But, do you know how do Indian students choose their universities? First of all, choosing a university isn’t the sole decision of a student. Parents, and to an extent family, play a very important role in the same. In over 45% of cases, it’s the parents or family that take the final call on the colleges that a student can apply to. Secondly, peer influences also play a very big role in an Indian student's college decision. It’s always intriguing to see how this plays out. Upon a thorough analysis of college choices of over 200,000 students, over the past 5 years, we’ve identified that there are specific parameters that play diverse roles in making an informed decision about college admissions. These parameters have different weights- some are non-negotiable and some come into play when the location i.e. the country choice has to be made. NON-NEGOTIABLE Factors: 1. Admission criteria – The bare minimum expectations set by the university/college to filter out the student pool no longer have the same importance as they used to 10 years ago. Students look at the previous year's cutoffs and analyze their chances of getting shortlisted! 2. Courses and Subjects offered – This is, of course, a non-negotiable factor, there has to be a course/subject match-up between the students’ aspirations and the courses that you offer. 3. Location – In India, location is significant in many students’ minds, either because they want to live in a certain part of the country, or because of financial constraints. It’s interesting to note that, the choice of location is one of the major factors that cause Student-Parent conflicts in terms of college choices. Even, when students make a conscious decision to travel internationally, they tend to pick cities that have traditionally been chosen in the past. While travelling internationally, students also tend to evaluate their college choices based on the presence and strength of the Indian community in that particular location. It’s an observed trend that 7 out of 10 students prefer not to leave their home state and city. No huge surprise here, but, it’s a nice reminder that you need to have a more focused approach for students who aren’t in your home state/region. 4. Internships – In today’s world, experience trumps all! Recruiters give high importance to the relevant internship or research experience. Thus, having access to internships has now become a necessity in a student’s mind. 5. Placements – The placements of your previous cohorts determine your standing among other institutions. They are your biggest selling point especially when it comes to Indian students. Typically, the educational journey culminates in finding compatible jobs and building a career. If You're An Indian University: How to stay ahead of the competition? How to upgrade yourself so that you become students' top choice, here are some following points- 1. Accreditation & Credibility – Before Indian students apply to your college, they determine your credibility through a thorough background check. Thus, you can establish credibility through your accreditations from National, as well as, International bodies. Having students interact with your alumni and current students can also take you places! 2. Class Size – There is a drastic difference between the class size that an IB student is exposed to, and the class size that a student from a national curriculum is exposed to. Sometimes the difference can be in the hundreds. Thus, students who are used to smaller class sizes, usually prefer the same, when it comes to their university or college classes. The challenge for universities is to toe the line and make sure that their class sizes are not too big, or too small. 3. Faculty and Pedagogy - Students want to learn from faculty who've been there and done that, NOT, those who have studied that. They believe in learning from experiences. As a college, you must have a pedagogy that equips students with skills and knowledge that they can use in real-time at their workplaces or in their daily lives. 4. Academic Support Resources – Students these days are looking for support in two major verticals - Career Services and Counselling Services on Campus. These services not only help students in making career and professional decisions but also, help students stay healthy- emotionally, and psychologically. If You're An International University 1. Rankings – Rankings play a huge role, as in most cases, they help a student in determining the credibility and the quality of education of the universities or the colleges that they've shortlisted. There may be a slight possibility that these students have not travelled internationally before making their college choice, in which case, virtual reality i.e. rankings, websites, and social media is the only way they can evaluate a college - from a third-party perspective. 2. Cost & Financial Aid – The availability of financial aid heavily influences a student’s college choice when it comes to applying abroad. Not all students can afford the high cost of education which can sometimes go up to 70,000 USD a year. 3. Culture – Indian students at the young age of 17 – 18, make a conscious effort to make their dream of a new life in a new country come true. Thus, the culture at your college or university sets a precedent for what living in your country will be like for them. 4. Safety - Safety is of utmost importance for Indian students who travel abroad. Make sure that your college campus is a haven for all students emotionally and physically. Create an environment in which your students can thrive! Read more about How to Boost College Admission and Improve Your Online Presence. FAQs Q. How do students choose universities in India? Students in India often choose universities based on admission criteria, courses offered, location, internships, and placement opportunities, while parents and peers also play a significant role in their decision-making process. Q. How important are placements when students choose universities? Placements are a critical factor for students as they determine the institution's ability to provide career opportunities and a strong return on investment. Q. How do Indian students choose universities abroad? Indian students consider factors like global rankings, cost, financial aid options, and safety. They also evaluate the campus culture and the presence of an Indian community. Conclusion: What It All Means Many of these factors behind "How do Indian Students Choose Universities?" can’t change. But, understanding how the student thinks and makes decisions will help you evolve and transform your college's identity accordingly. Align your programs and attributes to their aspirations! Make them believe that your college is the only place where their dream can come true! Let's connect and talk about how your university can stand out with some innovative strategies.

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