Latest news with #AkshayChaturvedi
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
What Can International Students Do To Adapt To Pause On Student Visas
We're seeing a sharper focus on strategic planning: choosing intakes with better visa processing timelines, diversifying destination options, and pre-aligning career goals with immigration frameworks. It's no longer just about studying abroad; it's about where you'll grow professionally and personally over the next 10 years. NDTV's Ambika Singh speaks to Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, about recent changes in the F-1 visa application process, new restrictions, and the latest trends in US university admissions for international students, including trends in STEM courses. Here is the full interview: Have there been recent changes in the F-1 visa application process or approval rates for Indian students? There's been increased scrutiny, but not systemic denial. Approval rates have dipped slightly, especially in Tier 2/3 cities. Students who articulate their intent well and show career alignment are still seeing success. It's a signal for deeper prep, not deterrence. Are there new restrictions or regulations affecting post-graduation work opportunities under OPT and H-1B pathways? There's more noise than change. The core OPT framework remains intact, but the ecosystem around it is being recalibrated. Expect tighter compliance, not closures. H-1B is seeing reform debates too, but Indian talent continues to drive value, and policy will eventually reflect that. How are US universities adapting to visa policy changes to support international students? Universities are stepping up with faster I-20 issuance, more transparent communication, and expanded career services. International students are critical to their sustainability now, especially amidst budget cuts. Expect more targeted outreach and support systems going forward. How do F-1 visa changes compare to other visa regulations? The US still offers a powerful mix of academic excellence and work pathways, but countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UAE are gaining edge with friendlier, more predictable policies. Students are actively taking immigration frameworks into consideration while planning for the long-term. What are the latest trends in US university admissions for international students? Data science, AI, engineering management, and public health programs are seeing a marked rise in interest, driven by their alignment with global workforce trends. These fields offer students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, with relevance and impact playing as critical a role as employability in shaping their appeal. How competitive is the application process compared to previous years? The bar is higher but so is the access to information. Students today are more prepared, more strategic, and better guided. What we're witnessing is not competition fatigue, but clarity in ambition. What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for Indian applicants in 2025? Universities are increasing aid for qualified international students to keep their cohorts diverse. From STEM-focused merit scholarships to fully funded PhD offers, the window is widening. Students must take initiative early, plan ahead, and craft applications that speak directly to each opportunity. Are there alternative pathways to studying in the US, such as community colleges or transfer programmes? Absolutely. Community colleges and 2+2 pathways are gaining real traction, especially for those seeking affordability without compromising on eventual university brand. Are STEM courses still the most preferred for Indian students, or are new trends emerging? STEM dominates, but new verticals like AI ethics, climate tech, digital health, and design-led entrepreneurship are rising. Students are not falling for what's hot, they're carefully choosing what aligns best with their future. How does Leverage Edu assist applicants in navigating these challenges and optimizing admission chances? At Leverage Edu, we operate as a full-stack lifecycle partner: from discovery to visa, accommodation to careers. Our AI tools and mentorship network empower students to make data-backed, purpose-driven decisions. In a complex global environment, clarity is the real currency and we help unlock that.
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Immigrants Built America, Can Build Another": CEO Slams Trump Over Harvard Ban On Foreign Students
US President Donald Trump has halted Harvard University's ability to enrol international students, targeting a key funding source for the nation's oldest and wealthiest college. This marks a major escalation in the administration's efforts to pressure the elite institution to align with the president's agenda. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally. On one hand, China has labelled it a "politicisation" of educational exchanges. On the other hand, many business leaders and corporate figures argue that the move could harm the country's own growth and global competitiveness. Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, has recently tweeted about this ban, and it has gone massively viral. He said through his posts that Harvard news may impact US talent attractiveness, financing markets, and university endowments, benefiting other countries meanwhile. "It's going to have an impact on the US's attractiveness as a talent magnet. How deep that hole gets is anybody's guess right now. Third, given so much of our institutional finance flows from Harvard, Yale and the like (their $50B, $30B and so on endowment's), this is very likely to have a trickle-down effect on the financing market - the PEs, the VCs, even RE; at some stage every endowment will have to do a mark-to-market, and that won't look pretty," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Woke up to the Harvard news. Firstly, wow. Second, of course it's going to have an impact on US's attractiveness as a talent magnet. How deep that hole gets, is anybody's guess right now. Third, given so much of our institutional finance flows from Harvard, Yale and the likes… — Akshay Chaturvedi (@Akshay001) May 23, 2025 "The entire world is watching, eyes wide open; I am typing this an hour away from a meeting with a French cabinet person, and he sent me a link to a related article with "Yay"... they/other selected European nations/Middle East ARE GOING TO LAP UP this access to international students, aka high-quality talent," he further mentioned. "The macros don't lie. The need for international students, for talent, is only going to go up. The need for universities to have them to show a back-to-stability balance sheet is going to be all too apparent. So just stand by and give it time." Highlighting the importance of the immigrants in the developed economies, he wrote in a separate post that "immigrants have built the US. They are capable of building other countries too."
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From Campus to Career: UK Becomes More Student-Friendly Under New FTA
In a major boost for Indian students aspiring to study abroad, the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) promises to make the United Kingdom a more accessible and appealing destination for higher education. With over 150,000 Indian students already pursuing studies in the UK, the FTA introduces a range of indirect yet impactful benefits—from simplified visa processes and financial relief to enhanced job prospects in key service sectors. The agreement reflects a deepening of bilateral ties and acknowledges the critical role of education and professional exchange in strengthening economic and cultural partnerships. Operation Sindoor 'Did not want to...': Pak def min gives absurd excuse for army's failure to withstand Op Sindoor Blackouts, sirens & Pak's failed attacks: 10 things that happened in the last 36 hrs '1971 war was not remotely as terrifying': Residents of border areas shell-shocked Among the notable provisions are exemptions from social security contributions for temporary workers, mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications, and streamlined procedures for intra-company transfers. These developments are expected to significantly ease the academic and professional journey for Indian students, setting the stage for a new era of opportunity and collaboration between the two nations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Smoother Visas, Lower Financial Burdens Experts believe the FTA marks a turning point in bilateral relations, bringing indirect but meaningful advantages to Indian students. Among the key benefits are streamlined visa procedures, exemptions from social security contributions for temporary workers for up to three years, and improved pathways to employment in high-demand sectors such as IT, finance, education, and professional services. Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, a leading study abroad platform, highlighted the transformative nature of the agreement. According to him, FTA includes provisions to reduce paperwork and streamline visa procedures, while also promoting mutual recognition of qualifications, particularly in professional fields such as law, architecture, and accounting.. Boost for Career Opportunities in Key Sectors The agreement also paves the way for smoother intra-company transfers and enhances the recognition of Indian degrees and certifications in the UK job market. These measures are expected to not only ease the transition for students moving abroad but also bolster long-term career prospects in the global economy. With lower financial hurdles and a more welcoming policy framework, the FTA is likely to encourage thousands more Indian students to consider the UK as their destination of choice for world-class education and international career development. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
FTA rolls out red carpet for Indian students as UK study benefits expand
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is poised to make the UK a more attractive destination for Indian students. The deal promises streamlined visa procedures, enhanced post-study job opportunities in sectors like IT and finance, and mutual recognition of qualifications. Experts anticipate increased collaboration, potential scholarships, and a boost in career prospects for Indian graduates in the UK. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: Indian students considering higher studies abroad may find the UK more attractive now, as the new bilateral trade deal promises smoother visas, better job prospects, and lower financial hurdles. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signals a new era of opportunity for over 150,000 Indians already studying there and thousands more preparing to join them-with a bevy of indirect but substantial include exemptions from social security contributions for temporary workers for three years; enhanced post-study job opportunities in services sectors like IT, educational, financial and professional services; mutual recognition of qualifications; and easier intra-company transfers, experts FTA commits to reducing paperwork and streamlining visa procedures , and will also help in mutual recognition of qualifications-especially in fields like law, architecture, and accounting, said Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of study abroad platform Leverage Edu."Expanded quotas and faster visa processing for Indian professionals could help students move into full-time roles more smoothly after graduation," he will help those in sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering, said presence of Indian companies in the UK, too, will help."Post the FTA, we are receiving strong interest from Indian companies exploring the possibility of expanding or setting up operations in the UK, creating a wave of new career opportunities for Indian students," said Falguni Y Parekh, solicitor and founder of The SmartMove2UK, an UK-focused immigration law companies often prefer Indian graduates from the UK as they bring a unique blend of market understanding and cultural alignment, making them ideal champions of cross-border collaboration, she positive for Indian students is that India is "not part of a list" of countries whose students are identified to be misusing the asylum route to seek permanent citizenship in the UK, said a study abroad expert who requested not to be FTA paves the way for a more student- and professional-friendly ecosystem, said study abroad experts such as Piyush Kumar, regional director - South Asia, Canada and Latin America (Latam) at IDP also encourages deeper academic collaboration and may lead to more scholarship opportunities, institutional partnerships and joint degree programmes, and flexible online or hybrid learning models in the the trade deal will not directly reduce tuition fees, it may indirectly benefit students through expanded education and service sector collaboration, experts said."While tuition fees may remain high, the FTA could lower indirect costs and make UK education more affordable over time," said Mary Gogoi, head of admissions at eduVelocity Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, said: "Even marginal financial relief, enhanced scholarships, or easier work rights post study can significantly change affordability and access."The tuition fees in the UK range anywhere from £10,000 to £38,000 annually, he Kapoor, global chief business officer of fintech platform Prodigy Finance, said any direct impact on tuition fees will depend on future policy the FTA, the UK may now offer Indian students not just world-class education, but a launchpad for a global career as well.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
FTA Rolls Out Red Carpet for Students in UK
Live Events Indian students considering higher studies abroad may find the UK more attractive now, as the new bilateral trade deal promises smoother visas, better job prospects, and lower financial hurdles. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signals a new era of opportunity for over 150,000 Indians already studying there and thousands more preparing to join them—with a bevy of indirect but substantial include exemptions from social security contributions for temporary workers for three years; enhanced post-study job opportunities in services sectors like IT, educational, financial and professional services; mutual recognition of qualifications; and easier intra-company transfers, experts FTA commits to reducing paperwork and streamlining visa procedures , and will also help in mutual recognition of qualifications—especially in fields like law, architecture, and accounting, said Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of study abroad platform Leverage Edu.'Expanded quotas and faster visa processing for Indian professionals could help students move into full-time roles more smoothly after graduation,' he will help those in sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering, said presence of Indian companies in the UK, too, will help.'Post the FTA, we are receiving strong interest from Indian companies exploring the possibility of expanding or setting up operations in the UK, creating a wave of new career opportunities for Indian students,' said Falguni Y Parekh, solicitor and founder of The SmartMove2UK, an UK-focused immigration law companies often prefer Indian graduates from the UK as they bring a unique blend of market understanding and cultural alignment, making them ideal champions of cross-border collaboration, she positive for Indian students is that India is 'not part of a list' of countries whose students are identified to be misusing the asylum route to seek permanent citizenship in the UK, said a study abroad expert who requested not to be FTA paves the way for a more student- and professional-friendly ecosystem, said study abroad experts such as Piyush Kumar, regional director - South Asia, Canada and Latin America (Latam) at IDP also encourages deeper academic collaboration and may lead to more scholarship opportunities , institutional partnerships and joint degree programmes, and flexible online or hybrid learning models in the the trade deal will not directly reduce tuition fees, it may indirectly benefit students through expanded education and service sector collaboration, experts said.'While tuition fees may remain high, the FTA could lower indirect costs and make UK education more affordable over time,' said Mary Gogoi, head of admissions at eduVelocity Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, said: 'Even marginal financial relief, enhanced scholarships, or easier work rights post study can significantly change affordability and access.'The tuition fees in the UK range anywhere from £10,000 to £38,000 annually, he Kapoor, global chief business officer of fintech platform Prodigy Finance, said any direct impact on tuition fees will depend on future policy the FTA, the UK may now offer Indian students not just world-class education, but a launchpad for a global career as well.
