Hyderabad students turn to New Zealand as US dreams dim

Time of India

29-04-2025

HYDERABAD: Is the United States' loss turning into New Zealand's gain? City-based consultancies certainly think so.
According to them, the island nation has seen a sharp 300% rise in enquiries from local students seeking overseas higher education opportunities-a surge linked largely to recent changes in US immigration norms.
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Breaking from tradition, many Hyderabad students are now considering courses in dairy and agricultural sciences in New Zealand, in addition to the usual tech-related programmes, consultancies said.
'No mood for risks'
"This shift is primarily due to the changing situation in the US, as well as in Canada and the UK. Students are in no mood to take any risks by heading to these countries and are exploring safer options like New Zealand, Australia, and Germany," said Ajaya Kumar Vemulapati, who runs an overseas education consultancy in the city. Ajaya Kumar noted that enquiries for New Zealand have jumped from about four or five per year to 35-40 this year alone.
Subhakar Alapati, founder-director of Global Tree, echoed this trend: "Many are showing interest in courses such as food technology and dairy science-both at the undergraduate and master's levels."
New Zealand's appeal extends beyond acaemics. Faster visa processing, a post-study work visa for up to three years, and a clear pathway to permanent residency are major draws for students.
"I did not want to go to the US because of the changing immigration rules, long visa wait times, and political uncertainties," said Chavva Prasanth, who plans to pursue a master's degree in food technology from Auckland.
"Canada too has become less attractive because of the recent cap on international student intake, rising cost of living, and new financial requirements for visas. So, I felt New Zealand was the better option."
Paladugu Saketh, who will be heading to New Zealand's North Island in July, shared a similar view.
"There is a shortage of skilled food technologists in New Zealand," he said. "Also, these roles are on New Zealand's Green List (formerly the Skill Shortage List), making it easier to obtain permanent residency."