Rankings don't matter anymore: Gen Z students focus on degree outcomes, programmes when choosing a university

Gen Z international students are shifting their focus from rankings to degree outcomes when applying to universities, a global survey by INTO University Partnerships reveals. Most Gen Z students now place highest value on programs that will help them become successful when applying to a university.
The survey conducted by the leading international education organisation shows that 67% of Indian students under 25 believe the ability of a university to give them the skills they need to succeed in future is more important to them than rankings. Only a fifth (19%) still think it is important to attend a highly ranked university, even if it is more expensive to do so.

The sentiment of Indian students mirrors the global trend as 72% students worldwide said they are more interested in degree outcomes. Only 17% still consider rankings a major consideration while deciding on a university.

More than 1,200 Gen Z students from 93 countries participated in the survey, which was conducted in August 2021 and focused on hopes and aspirations of Gen Z students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. India, China, Nigeria, Kenya, Japan, Australia and Brazil were represented, among other countries.

Concrete future
“The COVID-19 pandemic has instilled a sense of pragmatism in Gen Z students. Rather than yearly rankings, they are looking for concrete evidence that higher education institutions will help them find long-term success in their careers and lives,” said Olivia Streatfeild, CEO of INTO University Partnerships.

“The survey shows Gen Z are not just looking at outcomes for themselves but are also assessing universities on their credentials on social issues they feel strongly about. This represents a generational shift — one universities and the international education sector must prepare for as we navigate into the new normal.”

Student mobility is defining global higher education. Millions of students leave home every year for study abroad. In 2019 alone, 6.2 million students crossed borders for higher education. The global economic impact of international students is estimated to be in excess of US$350 billion.

“Indian students constitute among the largest populations of overseas students in popular study destinations. They are in sync with their global counterparts in what they want out of their international degree. They want to be fully equipped to succeed in an increasingly competitive world and they are looking beyond rankings as they see themselves as changemakers,” said Diwakar Chandiok, Recruitment Director, South Asia, INTO University Partnerships.

In addition to being practical, Gen Z students are more purpose-led in their pursuit of higher education abroad as a result of the pandemic. Alongside degree outcomes, 86% of Indian students are considering an institution’s track record on issues such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice when applying to university. An overwhelming 88% seek an international degree so they can one day make the world a better place.

“No one person can make a change but united we can,” said a Gen Z student from India who is studying abroad this year.

Gen Z make up 30% of the global population, and they constitute the largest share of the pool of prospective students. The survey makes clear that young people are opting for substance over style. Only 27% of respondents in India (35% globally) report they prefer to purchase brand-name products.

Pandemic deepened inequalities
“Hyperconnected as they are, Gen Z understands how the pandemic has deepened inequalities worldwide. Young people’s exposure to these challenges has galvanized them to act as catalysts of change — further proof of their resilience and resolve in the face of adversity. Helping students study abroad today means giving them the global perspective they need to address the world’s toughest problems tomorrow,” said Ms. Streatfeild.

The survey further confirms a strong activist bent among young people, 40% of whom have become more concerned about unemployment since the onset of COVID-19. Another 49% of Indian respondents have shown concern over climate change and global warming, and 36% over any sort of discrimination. Gen Z also feel a great personal responsibility for enacting the change they want to see in the world — 39% think it is down to them and their generation to solve social issues.

“I believe that as individuals, we have our own role to play in reducing economic inequality,” said a Gen Z student from Indonesia who is studying abroad this year.

Highlights from the survey:

• Over 67% of Indian Gen Z students think that a university’s capacity to give them the skills they need for their future is more important to them rather than the ranking; only 19% think it is important to attend a highly ranked university
• 89% of Indian Gen Z students consider an institution’s track record on social issues when applying to university
• 40% of Indian Gen Z students care more about unemployment caused due to the pandemic, 49% about climate change and 36% about discrimination.
• 39% of Indian Gen Z students believe they and others in their generation are responsible for solving social issues; 52% believe it is the role of governments
• Only 27% of Indian Gen Z students prefer to purchase brand-name products.
• 88% of Indian Gen Z students seek an international degree so they can one day make the world a better place.
• 24% of Indian Gen Z students report they will consider the social ethics and environmental impact of a company when they apply for jobs in the future.