Indian students are showing growing interest in studying at foreign university campuses located in India, with affordability, access to global teaching methods and reduced visa uncertainty influencing their choices, according to an Emeritus report.About 68% of the 1,010 respondents surveyed said they would be likely or extremely likely to study a programme offered in India by an international university. The survey covered people aged 15 to 28 across major Indian cities.The report, based on quantitative research conducted in March 2026 and qualitative interviews held in January, found that the preference for an India-based international programme cut across students considering overseas education and those who were not.The visa wall is becoming a campus bridgeThe shift is clearest among students who are close to making higher education decisions.Among transitioning students—those enrolled in undergraduate programmes or preparing for postgraduate study—69% said they would prefer an India-based international programme over going abroad specifically to avoid visa uncertainty.This group also showed the strongest interest in studying in India within the next two years, at 92%. At the same time, 78% said they would consider studying abroad.The report described this group as being caught between overseas ambitions and concerns over costs, immigration rules and the risks involved in moving abroad.India offers global learning at lower costThe survey found that 72% of respondents believed an India campus would be more affordable than studying at the same university abroad.An equal 72% believed such a campus would provide exposure to global teaching methods and high academic standards. Another 71% said it could improve opportunities in the global job market.For 70% of respondents, an India-based international programme was also viewed by their families as a good investment.The findings suggest that the perceived quality gap between foreign and Indian campuses may be narrowing. The larger gap, the report said, is awareness about these programmes.Also Read| Britain’s Universities bet on foreign students. Now they’re turning elsewhereThe campus model beats the online optionAmong pre-college and transitioning respondents—the two groups actively considering their next education step—fully on-campus programmes in India emerged as the most preferred format.The model was preferred by 44% of pre-college respondents and 50% of transitioning students. Fully online programmes attracted 34% of respondents in both groups.A pathway model, combining study in India with partial study abroad or a semester exchange, was preferred by 27% of pre-college respondents and 39% of transitioning students.The rise in preference for the pathway model as students move closer to enrolment suggests that they want international exposure, but with lower costs and less immigration uncertainty.The ‘best of both worlds’ degreeThe pathway model also featured in student responses.“If these programmes offered four semesters in India, and for the final semester you come to the US — that approach would be the best of both worlds,” a 19-year-old male transitioning student from Delhi said in the report.Another 23-year-old transitioning student from Hyderabad said an India-based programme would be more beneficial after a visa denial.“It’s great — I got denied a visa to go abroad. If the same education is provided here, it is more beneficial. I could stay here, get the same exposure as someone going for foreign education,” he said.Among respondents preparing specifically for postgraduate study, 50% said they would consider a fully on-campus international programme in India. For 38%, it would be their first choice.Overseas education is still attractive—but the calculation is changingStudying abroad remains part of the plans of many young Indians. Around 60% of pre-college respondents, 78% of transitioning respondents and 71% of early-career respondents said they would consider studying abroad.However, the reasons are increasingly economic. Among those considering overseas education, 40% identified higher earning potential as their top expected outcome. Other reasons included better quality of content and knowledge, better job opportunities, and access to stronger professional or industry networks.At the same time, 48% of those considering studying abroad said their interest had declined compared with a year earlier.Cost was cited as the primary barrier by 40% of respondents who remained interested but concerned about going abroad. Another 32% pointed to visa requirements and immigration policies, while 31% cited being away from family.Among those whose interest had actively declined, 37% pointed to rising costs and 24% to safety and political uncertainty in other countries.Also Read| Australia considers tighter student visa rules, impacting onshore applications and dependantsThe US is no longer the automatic first choiceThe report found that 35% of respondents considering overseas education would consider the United States. But 42% of this group said their interest in the US had declined over the past year.Among those who had become less interested in the US, 41% cited the cost of study, 34% cited current visa and immigration policies, and 31% cited a lack of family support.“At first, I used to think about America a lot, but now I’m shifting more towards Europe or Australia. Basically, getting a visa and then getting a green card in the US is way tougher,” a 19-year-old transitioning student from Delhi said.Why this matters for universitiesThe report’s findings point to a growing opportunity for foreign universities seeking Indian students without requiring them to immediately relocate overseas.The strongest demand is among students making near-term education decisions, particularly those considering postgraduate programmes. They appear to be looking for a combination of international credentials, global faculty and academic exposure, while keeping costs and immigration risks under control.For universities, the report suggests that India-based campuses and hybrid pathways may no longer be seen only as alternatives to overseas study. For a significant section of Gen Z, they are becoming a preferred route.