Global Education Shifts: Students Prioritise Careers, Flexibility Amid AI Disruption

As global education undergoes rapid transformation, students are increasingly prioritising career outcomes, flexibility, and long-term value over traditional choices. In an exclusive interaction with The Free Press Journal, Meti Basiri, CoFounder and CEO of ApplyBoard, shares insights with Simple Vishwakarma on evolving study abroad trends, the impact of AI on careers, emerging destinations, and how students can make smarter, future-focused decisions in an increasingly complex education landscape.

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FPJ: As you’ve mentioned, students are now prioritising careers and salaries over universities. How should institutions adapt?

Meti Basiri: There are two key aspects to this. First, the reality is that we are in a period of uncertainty. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at a rapid pace, and there isn’t a universal formula that works for everyone. However, students can still make relatively safer choices. Fields like healthcare, skilled trades, and STEM remain more resilient compared to others. Take graphic design as an example. Instead of narrowing your focus to a specific skill, it’s better to pursue broader creative programs that offer flexibility. Over the past few years, AI has already shown us how quickly automation can impact certain jobs. Roles that rely heavily on human interaction, such as healthcare, will take longer to be replaced. Institutions must therefore design programs that are flexible, interdisciplinary, and aligned with evolving job markets.

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FPJ: With fewer Indian students going abroad due to visa changes, is this a temporary dip or a long-term shift?

Meti Basiri: I would describe it as a correction rather than a decline. Before 2019, Indian student mobility was growing steadily at around 7–10% annually. The pandemic disrupted that trend significantly. In 2020 and 2021, international travel almost stopped, and then in 2022 and 2023, we saw a surge—almost like four years of demand compressed into two. What we’re witnessing now is a stabilisation. If you look at the period from 2020 to 2025 as a whole, the growth trajectory is still intact. So, it’s not a long-term drop but a return to a more sustainable pace of growth.

FPJ: With traditional destinations facing challenges and new ones emerging, what advice would you give students and universities?

Meti Basiri: Two major shifts are happening. First, the quality of education is becoming critical. Students are asking: “What job will I get after this?” Second, immigration is no longer the primary deciding factor, as many countries are dealing with their own economic and demographic challenges. Students must start thinking beyond just studying abroad. It’s about outcomes. For instance, countries like Korea and Japan are attracting healthcare students because they face workforce shortages. The key question students should ask is, “What happens next?” Many still make decisions based on what others have done—a friend or a relative—rather than their own goals. That mindset needs to change.

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FPJ: Are you suggesting students should choose courses based on return on investment (ROI)?

Meti Basiri: Yes, but ROI is subjective. For some, it’s about salary. For others, it could mean starting a business or pursuing a passion. The real question is: what are you trying to achieve? Education will become far more personalised in the next decade. The traditional four-year degree may no longer be the default path. Instead, students may opt for shorter, targeted programs or even study across multiple countries depending on their goals. This flexibility will make the system more complex but also more effective. We’re already seeing this shift in North America, where students are questioning whether long degrees are worth the investment when shorter programs can deliver better outcomes.

FPJ: With emerging destinations like Germany, Korea, and the UAE, how do you see them evolving as study hubs?

Meti Basiri: Rather than focusing on specific countries, it’s important to understand global demographics. Broadly, you have countries with ageing populations and those with younger populations. India has a young population, while countries like Korea are ageing rapidly. Places like Dubai are unique, with a largely expatriate population, and Saudi Arabia has a young demographic with growing talent needs. Each country’s approach to international students is shaped by these factors. Countries like Canada need young talent to fill workforce gaps, especially in sectors like healthcare and trades. At the same time, new destinations will continue to emerge— countries that were not traditionally seen as education hubs. Even India is moving in that direction, with over 100,000 international students and growing.

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FPJ: Students often report job struggles despite opportunities in countries like Canada. How do you explain this gap?

Meti Basiri: There are some misconceptions here. Jobs do exist, but the market is challenging globally—not just in Canada but also in the US and the UK. The bigger shift is being driven by AI. Traditionally, graduates would start with entry-level roles and gradually move up. But AI is impacting those entry-level jobs the most, which is why youth unemployment appears higher. Those stepping-stone roles are disappearing. At the same time, students need to adapt their mindset. If someone realises they chose the wrong course, they should be open to reskilling. Today, that process is faster than ever. Continuous upskilling— especially in AI-related skills—is no longer optional; it’s essential.

FPJ: What advice would you give students choosing courses in an AI-driven job market?

Meti Basiri: The first thing is to avoid blindly following traditional career paths. In many cultures, including Indian and Iranian, there’s a strong push towards professions like engineering, medicine, or law. But students must ask whether those paths still align with their goals. A simple rule is this: if a job involves repetitive processing of information, it is likely to be affected by AI. For example, roles like data entry are already becoming obsolete. Even basic data analytics is evolving quickly. On the other hand, fields like healthcare and trades are relatively more secure. However, there is often a mindset issue—especially among Indian students—where trades are undervalued. In reality, these sectors offer strong job stability and demand. Students should consider them seriously if job security is a priority.

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FPJ: With rising inbound students, can India become a global education hub?

Meti Basiri: Over the next decade, I believe India has strong potential to become one. The country is already taking steps by inviting foreign institutions and strengthening its education ecosystem. China provides a good example. It was once primarily a source of international students but is now one of the top destinations globally. India could follow a similar trajectory, but it will require sustained investment, a strong focus on quality, and clear outcomes for students. If international students come to India, the key question is: what value do they gain beyond the degree? That answer will determine success.

FPJ: Could improved quality education in India reduce students’ interest in studying abroad?

Meti Basiri: Not entirely. Even countries with strong domestic education systems, like China, still see large numbers of students going abroad. That’s because education is not just about academics—it’s also about experience. Studying abroad exposes students to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. That exposure is incredibly valuable. Even if the academic quality gap narrows, the experience factor will continue to drive student mobility. In fact, for many students today, the experience may be just as important—if not more—than the degree itself.

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FPJ: What is the key strategy students should focus on when planning to study abroad?

Meti Basiri: It starts with a simple but powerful question: what do you want to become? Think 10 years ahead. Once you have clarity on that, the path becomes much clearer. If you don’t have the answer yet, that’s okay. In that case, choose a path that maximises your chances of success—programs that offer flexibility, skill development, and future adaptability.

FPJ: How will recent India–Canada university partnerships impact study abroad trends?

Meti Basiri: The relationship between India and Canada will continue to strengthen. However, context is important. In 2019, around 67,000 Indian students went to Canada. By 2023, that number had surged to nearly 200,000.

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