Should Indians rethink their study in the US dream?

India Today

23-04-2025

The last time Aditya Kapoor, 17, slept properly was more than a month ago. These days he is too anxious and utterly confused. A resident of New Delhi, Aditya is supposed to fly to the United States in three months for his undergraduate programme at an Ivy League university. He has no fear of moving to a new place. His worries are different. Like his parents, he, too, is quite concerned about the situation in the US, where ongoing policy shifts, such as changes in tariff and visa regulations, have caused panic among international students, including Indians.The US is navigating a period of uncertainty for international students, especially those from India, due to recent policy developments. Concerns have grown following reports of sudden visa revocations of over 1,000 international students, including a notable number of Indians. 'Moreover, a proposed bill seeking to eliminate the optional practical training (OPT) programme—the post-study work opportunity—has raised questions about future career pathways for students after graduation,' says Abhijit Zaveri, founder and director, Career Mosaic, a 'study abroad' career guidance, counselling and consulting company.advertisementThe US is the leading destination of Indian students, notes the Open Doors Report 2024. With a remarkable 35 per cent increase over the previous academic year, Indian students made up a significant share of the over 1.1 million international students enrolled with institutions in the US in 2023-24. This surge not only highlighted the growing ambitions of Indian students, but also saw India surpass China as the largest source of international students in the US. However, by early 2025, there was a noticeable dip in the number of Indian students planning to study abroad, including in the US—the first such decline in five years.'Student numbers may slightly decline in the 2025-26 academic year, largely due to uncertainty around visa policies and post-study work options like OPT,' says Zaveri. 'The US, however, continues to be a top choice for most Indian students, especially for its academic excellence and research-driven environment. If policy clarity improves in the months ahead, student confidence is likely to rebound.'advertisement
The most popular programmes with Indian students in the US with high enrolment are mainly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses, and business management (MBA and Finance) programmes. Liberal arts, public health and economics programmes see smaller but steady enrolment. In the 2023-24 fall intake, approximately 1.1 million international students were enrolled—883,908 in academic programmes, including 196,567 Indian students, and 242,728 OPT participants, among whom were 97,556 Indians. Universities may see a slight dip this year due to the visa and OPT uncertainty, though top-tier STEM and business schools are still seeing strong application volumes.There is another area of concern for students and their parents: will the cost of education in the US go up due to change in tariffs? While tariffs don't directly affect tuition fees, they can significantly impact the overall cost of education by increasing the operational costs for universities. 'These added expenses often stem from inflation and higher prices on imported goods, such as laboratory equipment, textbooks and technology—resources that are essential for students,' Zaveri explains. 'As institutions face rising procurement costs, they may be forced to reallocate funds away from areas such as faculty salaries, campus development and student support services.'In order to maintain financial stability, some universities might consider raising tuition or introducing additional fees. Many institutions, however, are working to shield students from these pressures and several continue to offer robust scholarships, freeze tuition or expand support services to help students navigate the challenges.advertisementAmid so much uncertainty and confusion, students are likely to look beyond the US for their study abroad plans. While the UK is another top choice, there are a few other destinations Indian students would be looking at. 'Some countries may see a rise in applications due to students seeking alternative study abroad destinations,' says Zaveri. 'That's not just because of uncertainties in the US policy but also due to the growing appeal of other global education hubs. Countries such as Germany, France and Ireland are gaining attention for their affordable tuition, streamlined immigration policies and growing infrastructure.'The US has faced similar challenges in the past and always bounced back stronger. It remains one of the top destinations for international education due to its world-class universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, diverse campus environments and unmatched global career prospects. 'Moreover, universities and advocacy groups across the US are actively engaging with policymakers to safeguard the interests of international students,' says Zaveri. 'Many institutions continue to offer robust support systems, career services and inclusive learning environments.'advertisementWith timely information and careful planning, Indian students can still pursue their US education dreams with confidence and clarity. For students planning to study in the US soon, it's important to stay well-informed and prepared.A handy checklist of dos and don'ts would help to make the whole process hassle-free. They can start by keeping themselves updated on key visa regulations, including F-1, OPT and H-1B policies, and by applying for visa well in advance with all the necessary documents in order. 'Stay connected with your university's international office for timely updates and support; they're a valuable resource for navigating legal and academic requirements,' says Zaveri. 'Have a backup plan, whether that means exploring other study destinations or alternative academic programmes, just in case circumstances change.'A few nos would be to avoid relying on outdated or unofficial sources of information, as they could be misleading, and to not overlook communication from the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) or delay important steps such as arranging for finances and accommodation.Subscribe to India Today Magazineadvertisement