A growing number of South Asian students are choosing to complete their undergraduate education closer to home before pursuing postgraduate studies and careers overseas, according to the Cambridge University Press & Assessment Destination Survey 2025–26.

The survey found that 52 per cent of Cambridge graduates opted to study in their home country at the undergraduate level. The trend was particularly visible in India and Bangladesh, where several schools reported that most learners were choosing domestic universities before considering postgraduate education abroad.

Affordability, employability, return on investment and visa certainty are among the factors influencing these decisions. Students are also considering a wider range of international destinations, including Singapore, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Japan and South Korea.

Technology-related careers are gaining popularity across South Asia. Business and management remains the leading subject choice among students in India, while science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects lead in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said students continued to aspire to global careers but were changing how they pursued them.

“More learners are choosing to begin their journey locally, build strong foundations, and pursue international opportunities at the right stage of their education,” he said.

In India, some schools reported that 70 to 90 per cent of their learners were selecting Indian universities for undergraduate education. The survey attributed this to the expansion of domestic university options, international collaborations, private institutions and skilling opportunities.

Vinay Sharma, Regional Director – International Education, South Asia, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said the shift in India was also supported by the alignment of Cambridge qualifications with competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET and the country’s university admission cycle.

In Bangladesh, rising tuition and living costs, fewer scholarship opportunities, visa challenges and uncertainty around post-study work are encouraging more students to begin their higher education locally.

Students in Nepal are exploring destinations offering scholarships, career pathways and a better return on investment. In Sri Lanka, economic conditions, immigration policies and access to regional education options are influencing decisions, alongside demand for technology and problem-solving skills.

Also Read: SuperGrads records 332 selections across IIM undergraduate programmes