A new report has highlighted the changing overseas study and migration preferences of Indian test takers, with Canada emerging as the most preferred destination among respondents from India.
The IELTS Voices 2026 report is based on a survey of 8,395 respondents who had taken the IELTS test within the previous two years or were planning to take it in the future. The respondents included test takers from IDP IELTS, British Council and IELTS USA test centres.
INDIA LARGEST SOURCE MARKET AMONG RESPONDENTS
India accounted for the largest share of respondents in the survey, with 973 test takers, followed by China with 713, Nigeria with 415, Pakistan with 377 and Vietnam with 353.
Other major source markets included Bangladesh (330), Indonesia (314), Uzbekistan (212), Kenya (202) and Turkey (198).
The report found that test takers globally continue to consider multiple destinations for study, work and migration, reflecting increasingly complex global mobility pathways.
CANADA MOST PREFERRED DESTINATION AMONG INDIAN TEST TAKERS
Across all respondents, Australia was the intended destination for 18%, followed by Canada (17%), the UK (16%), the US (9%), Germany (6%) and New Zealand (4%). Another 30% selected other destinations.
The destination preferences varied considerably across source markets. Among Indian test takers, Canada accounted for 30% of intended destinations, while 13% of respondents from Nigeria and 7% from another major source market also selected Canada.
For the US, Uzbekistan accounted for 9% of intended preferences, followed by Bangladesh (8%) and China (6%). For the UK, Nigeria, India and China each accounted for around 8–9%.
Australia was also a key choice, with India and Kenya each accounting for 9% and China 8%.
INDIAN STUDENTS PLAN LONGER STAYS ABROAD
The report also found a notable difference in the intended duration of stay among test takers taking IELTS for study purposes.
Among all study respondents, 12% planned to stay permanently, while 9% intended to stay for five years or more. Around 32% planned to stay for three to five years, 29% for one to two years, and 5% for less than a year. Another 13% were unsure.
Indian respondents showed a stronger preference for longer stays compared with Chinese test takers.
Among Indian study respondents, 13% planned to stay permanently, while 10% intended to stay for five years or more. The largest group, 41%, planned to stay for three to five years, while 23% expected to stay for one to two years.
In comparison, among Chinese respondents, 12% planned to stay permanently, 7% for five years or more, 26% for three to five years and 36% for one to two years.
KEY FACTORS WHEN CHOOSING ENGLISH TEST
The report said test takers are increasingly considering multiple destinations, with 42% of respondents who took or planned to take IELTS for study purposes saying they would consider multiple study destinations.
In this environment, recognition of an English-language test emerged as the most important factor influencing test choice, cited by 82% of respondents.
According to the report, test takers prioritise examinations accepted by the widest range of institutions and authorities because this gives them greater flexibility when exploring different study, work and migration pathways.
The report also highlighted the importance of clear information on accepted English-language tests and required scores. It said inconsistent or difficult-to-verify information can make it harder for prospective students to compare destinations and may lead them to rule out opportunities that could otherwise suit them.
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