Sheen of foreign education is perhaps on the wane: Survey

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The US has issued 55,000 student visas in India this year. The highest-ever number of US student visas indicated increased preference of students to study abroad, many have said. Now, a survey has revealed that more and more students are planning higher studies in their home countries, The Economic Times reported. The study, done by Shiv Nadar University and International Career and College Counselling  Institute, said this year only 25% of the total students are considering studying abroad for higher studies, lower by four percentage points than in last year.

The Student Quest Survey covered more than 6,600 students between grades 9 and 12 from 2,000 schools across India and South Asia.

49% students preferred to study in their home country

Nearly 68% of over 3,000 class 11 and class 12 students surveyed said they preferred higher education in their home countries, a jump of 24 percentage points from last year.

As much as 49% students in grade 9 and 10 students preferred to study in their home country, while 24% of them were not certain, said the report.

The survey noted that students start thinking about their career and job in their high school days. The three factors they consider while selecting a university are placement record, rankings and programme design. The fees factor came at fourth, while the quality of faculty members was still lower at 6^th.

The study further said that the quality of faculty was low-ranked by grade 9 and 10 students, while those in grades 11 and 12 ranked it significantly higher.

When it comes to choosing an institution abroad for higher studies, 83% of students surveyed said quality of education was biggest factor

 Meanwhile, it is worth noting here that in the wake of pandemic, students remain confused Covid-19 related travel restrictions are in force in many countries. Some universities are asking students join online classes for the time being.