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India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
US visa curbs push Indian students towards Canada, Germany, Japan
Every year, thousands of Indian students pin their hopes on a US education—drawn by its world-class universities, tech-driven job market, and the promise of a better future. But this year, that dream is under pressure. A wave of policy changes and visa restrictions under the Trump administration has sparked fear and confusion, pushing students and their families to reconsider their top institutions like Harvard University have come under political fire, with the government reportedly threatening research funding and tightening scrutiny on international collaborations. With rising uncertainty around safety, immigration, and long-term career prospects in the US, countries like Canada, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and Japan are quickly emerging as more stable and welcoming BLOCKS AND SURVEILLANCE: WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE US? The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has sent tremors across the international student community. In addition to the abrupt pause on student visa interviews, a controversial new policy called "Catch and Revoke" is reportedly using AI to monitor students' social media for any alleged support of terrorist organisations. This, combined with the scrutiny over overstayed student visas and mounting legal pressure on top universities, has made the US an increasingly uncertain destination for Indian a visible chill in sentiment towards the US," says Piyush Kumar, Regional Director (South Asia, Canada, LATAM), IDP Education."Parents are deeply concerned about safety, visa rejection rates, and future work opportunities. Students are beginning to explore more stable countries like Canada and Germany," he EVEN TOP UNIVERSITIES LIKE HARVARD ARE BEING TARGETEDThe administration's stance isn't just about students—it's also political. A recent report revealed that President Trump's government is taking aggressive action against Harvard University, threatening its research funding and international recruitment efforts in a move some are calling authoritarian."The US is no longer the 'default' dream destination. It's now a calculated risk," says Aritra Ghosal, Founder & Director, One Step Global."We're seeing a clear shift in the aspirations of Indian students—particularly those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who can't afford to gamble with such uncertainty," she further ARE INDIAN STUDENTS GOING INSTEAD?1. CanadaDespite implementing a two-year cap on new study permits, Canada remains attractive due to its clear immigration pathways."Canada still offers clarity and opportunity—especially with its post-graduate work permit and PR options," says Kajal Dave, Co-founder, LaunchEd."But now, only the most committed and well-prepared students are making the cut, especially with the new financial proof requirements," she GermanyWith zero tuition fees at public universities and a booming demand for STEM graduates, Germany is climbing fast."Students are beginning to realise that Germany offers world-class education without the sticker shock," Kajal further adds."The only real barrier is language, but even that's manageable with enough prep."3. IrelandKnown for its tech ecosystem and English-speaking advantage, Ireland is increasingly popular amongst business and STEM students."Ireland is one of the few places offering a two-year stay-back even for master's students," says Aritra."Its growing Indian student community and faster visa processing make it a rising favourite," Aritra further adds.4. AustraliaAustralia continues to offer generous post-study work options, but has recently capped international intakes and raised visa fees."Despite the stricter regulations, Australia remains a strong contender—especially for those who value lifestyle and employability," says Piyush."What's changing is the profile of the student—more mature, career-focused, and financially secure," Piyush further adds.5. JapanRecently, Japan has been actively promoting itself as a top study destination for Indian students, offering expanded scholarships and simplified visa processes. Its focus on technology, robotics, and engineering education, combined with a growing Indian student community and relatively lower tuition fees, makes it an appealing is quickly becoming a favourite, especially for students interested in STEM and innovation-driven fields," says Kajal."The government's push to internationalise its campuses and offer better post-study work options is attracting more Indian students than ever before," she RESPONDING WITH FLEXIBILITY From scholarships to flexible intake windows, many non-US universities are trying to make transitions smoother for displaced or hesitant students."We've seen universities in Australia and Europe expedite admission timelines and offer digital onboarding for late joiners," shares Kajal Dave."They're clearly trying to tap into the growing number of students turned away or anxious about the US," Kajal further AND FINANCIAL TOLLThe sudden change of plans has been taxing, especially for families that invested heavily in SAT prep, application fees, and counselling for US admissions."There's a sense of betrayal amongst students who see the US as a promise," says Aritra Ghosal, Founder & Director, One Step Global."But this disruption is also helping them ask harder questions—about return on investment, residency, and long-term stability," Aritra American dream is no longer a given. As immigration policy becomes a volatile political tool, Indian students are looking elsewhere—not just for education, but for a better life and we're witnessing is a strategic redirection—not a panic reaction," concludes Piyush."Indian students are not giving up on their dreams. They're just finding better maps to reach them," Piyush Kumar further adds.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
America First Lands Again Visa Interview Pause Raises More Questions
Live Events The Donald Trump administration's latest diktat to halt new student visa interviews is exacerbating already-elevated anxiety levels among Indian aspirants. The US President is increasingly being seen as hostile towards international visa appointments will be honoured for students whose dates are fixed, those who are still to book slots are clueless about how long the wait will prevail. Working professionals—many of them B-school candidates—who had quit jobs in India ahead of their planned US move in August, are under even greater studies consultants said while some clarity is expected in the coming weeks, those keen to study in the US can, for now, only wait while staying in regular touch with has locked horns with some top institutes, including Harvard, accusing some of enabling anti-semitism on campus.A US embassy spokesperson in India on Wednesday said aspirants may continue to submit applications but embassies would adjudicate cases in full compliance with law, including to ensure applicants do not pose a security or safety risk.'No one is sure for how long the pause is on, but various stakeholders at NAFSA have been saying it can take around two weeks before clarification comes,' said Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at education consultancy an association of international educators, is currently holding the world's largest trade fair for higher education in San Diego, one of the top companies in the business, has seen a 20% drop in US applications so far this year, with sentiment worsening in the past four five months. 'Hopefully, new visa slots will open. I'm advising students not to panic because there's still two-and-a-half months before they need to head out,' said Kumar. Of IDP's students, 75% have a visa slot but the rest could be held up following the new many are firming up Plan B — exploring other destinations for higher studies, especially in Tibrewal, founder of Alum-n-i, said a client has applied to a leading French university and is fairly convinced of heading there, despite securing admission to one of the top 10 US client, an MIT MBA admit, plans to spend the coming year at her data science firm, treating it as a chance to deepen her work who applied in the early application rounds have been able to secure their visa and are all set to fly, but a few remain in not everyone has a back-up plan. Tibrewal said a Harvard-bound Masters candidate—who worked with his company this year—had quit his job, but is now unsure if he can even look for other roles while he are also actively advising students to audit social media profiles and remove or make private any content that could be misinterpreted.'US consular officers are being instructed to apply heightened scrutiny to online behaviour, which could include posts or even likes that appear hostile to the US, or supportive of extremist ideologies — even if posted by others. We're encouraging students to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance if unsure,' said Kunal Mehra, chief executive at Crimson Education India.'In many cases, we're also directing them to legal resources, so they fully understand the implications. Awareness and proactive caution are the best defences in this climate of increased digital scrutiny,' he added.'This is showing up in social media forums, where there's been a marked decline in people saying anything negative about the US,' noted Karan Gupta, founder of the eponymous career consultancy. 'Many who were heading to the US this fall don't want to derail plans if possible. But those who have admissions in other countries are keeping those alive. They will switch over later if things don't improve.'Students need to be careful, stressed Sukanya Raman, country head for India at global immigration-focused law firm Davies & Associates llc. 'This administrative action is part of broader efforts of scrutiny on students who want to enter the US.'Raman added that there could be a possibility that American universities would join hands and push back against Trump's directive. 'Otherwise, this could impact the US as a whole—the fees that international students bring in—the talent that adds so much value to US companies and the economy,' she coming to power, the Trump administration has frozen billions of dollars in funding for US universities and ramped up deportations and student visa revocations. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said recently the number of visas he has revoked was probably in many of these actions are facing legal hurdles. Harvard University, which sued the government after it revoked Harvard's ability to enrol international students, had a federal judge blocking the move with a temporary restraining order. However, Trump has continued with action against the Ivy league institution, most recently moving to cut $100 million in federal contracts.
Mint
28-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Third time's the charm for this startup looking to ride India's gaming frenzy
MUMBAI: Rooter, a game streaming startup that began life as a sports fan engagement platform in 2016, is rewriting its playbook yet again. In its sharpest pivot so far, the company has doubled down on gaming commerce, helping it clock $10 million ( ₹82 crore) in revenue in 2024-25, a 120% year-on-year jump. Almost 70% of that revenue came from users, not advertisers. At the heart of this transformation is Rooter Shop, an in-app marketplace that allows gamers to buy virtual currencies, gift cards, and gaming vouchers. In just six months since its launch, Rooter Shop has emerged as the fastest-growing revenue channel for the platform. 'The launch of Rooter Shop marks a defining moment for us. We've moved from just being a streaming platform to becoming a content-to-commerce company," said Piyush Kumar, chief executive and co-founder. The platform has scaled multiple user monetisation streams in addition to its existing brand and publisher deals. But the pivot came with tough calls. The company pulled back on aggressive growth, cut costs, and reoriented its strategy towards sustainable monetisation. Since its previous fundraising round nearly two years ago, Rooter says it has reduced its cash burn by over 80%. Losses dropped 63% in FY25. 'We decided not to chase top-line growth blindly. We focused on stabilising monetisation before expanding again," Kumar said. Rooter has so far raised $37 million in primary capital from investors across India, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. According to the company, its annualised revenue run rate—a 12-month projection based on current revenues—is at $24 million (about ₹205 crore). The company is targeting a gross merchandise value (GMV, or total sales without factoring in discounts and other expenses) run rate of $90 million by March 2026, up from $24 million in March this year. Rooter has more than 85 million registered users, with paying users spending around ₹2,400 per month on average. 'Gaming in India is becoming a leisure spend category. Our users, often young adults, have meaningful disposable income and are willing to invest in digital goods," Kumar said. Also read | Nazara & Friends: Why Nitish Mittersain wants cash for his M&A train Riding India's gaming wave India's gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a young, tech-savvy population, affordable smartphones, and widespread internet access. According to a report by UnlistedIntel, the country boasts over 500 million active gamers, with about 138 million willing to pay for premium services. Key growth drivers for India's gaming market include increased smartphone usage, low data costs, and the ease of digital payments via UPI. However, challenges such as regulatory ambiguities, content localization, and taxation concerns persist. Despite these hurdles, the sector presents significant opportunities for investors, developers, and consumers alike, as the ecosystem matures and focuses on creating innovative, immersive gaming experiences tailored to India's diverse audience. According to a recent report by Lumikai, a gaming-focused venture capital fund, India's in-app purchase market, which stood at $300 million three years ago, is expected to surpass $1 billion this year and hit $4.3 billion by 2029. Kumar believes Rooter is well-placed to ride that wave, noting that 87% of all Rooter Shop transactions are now organic. What sets Rooter apart, Kumar said, is its in-house tech stack, cost discipline, and early move to monetise. 'If we are the only serious player in the category, we need to show maturity in how we operate and scale." According to Kumar, Rooter's core moat is a combination of its proprietary technology, low customer acquisition costs, and tight integration of streaming and commerce. 'We are acquiring users cost-effectively and converting a healthy percentage into paying customers. That makes Rooter a powerful commerce engine, not just a content destination," he said. Also read | Mint Explainer: Online gaming's future—and its past taxes—hinge on this Supreme Court battle Venturing beyond gaming Rooter's journey has been marked by repeated reinvention. It started with sports fan engagement, shifted to live commentary, and then pivoted to game streaming in a crowded space. The platform also works with over 100 brands and major gaming publishers in India. It helps them distribute digital goods, run esports tournaments, and even localise go-to-market strategies. 'Every successful game launch benefits us. Rooter Shop acts as a central distribution hub for gaming currencies and SKUs (stock keeping units, or product lines) that aren't available elsewhere," Kumar said. According to the company, its users spend an average of 20 minutes per day on the platform. But it does face stiff competition from global game streaming platforms Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Kumar appears unfazed. 'Twitch has never targeted mobile-first markets like India. YouTube is too broad. Rooter is purpose-built for Indian gamers," he said. Globally, Twitch has more than 240 million unique visitors every month and about 35 million daily active users. However, in India, its estimated user base is about 910,000. YouTube doesn't provide gaming numbers separately. Rooter is also exploring new business segments such as payments and user engagement tools. 'Every year, we want to unlock a new monetisation or engagement layer. Commerce was the start. Payments or deeper social layers may be next," Kumar said. 'We've quietly built one of the most scalable gaming ecosystems in the country. Now we're ready to talk again. Gaming will be a $5-10 billion category in India soon. We want Rooter to be here for the next decade," he said. Also read | Seen, sent, but never read – WhatsApp's new privacy story
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Business Standard
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Australia now top choice for Indian students; visa, cost concerns persist
Australia has cemented its place as the top study destination for Indian students, overtaking the United States, while Canada's popularity continues to dip, according to a survey conducted by international education specialist IDP Education in March 2025. Australia accounted for 28% of first-choice preferences among students surveyed, compared to 22% for the United States and 21% for the United Kingdom. Canada fell sharply to 13%, a six per cent decline compared with March 2024. 'Despite the rise in visa and tuition fees, Australia continues to see strong interest from Indian students. Many families approach it as a long-term investment, weighing factors like academic quality, post-study work rights, safety, and the overall student experience,' Piyush Kumar, Regional Director - South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education told Business Standard. The Emerging Futures Seven – Voice of the International Student research, based on over 6,000 responses worldwide including nearly 1,400 from India found that Australia's appeal has been helped by its strong showing in global rankings, with 15 universities placed among the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Students also benefit from extended post-study work rights through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), making it easier for graduates to build careers after completing their degrees. The United States also remains a strong choice for students, holding a 22% share of first-choice preferences. Students favour the US for quality education, graduate employment opportunities, and post-study work visa policies. 'A post-study work visa is very important. Employers don't want to waste resources training someone who may not be able to stay. So, they set a prerequisite: you must have the legal right to work here before they are willing to invest in training you. Otherwise, everyone who joins is a beginner, and they can't afford to train just anyone,' said an IDP student from China. Rising costs and visa hurdles weigh on student decisions Even as Australia and the United States surge ahead, concerns about affordability remain front and centre for Indian students planning to study abroad. According to the survey, 66% of students have identified cost and finances as their biggest concern. Visa challenges are the next most common worry, mentioned by 47% of respondents. 'Financial factors like tuition costs and savings requirements are top of mind for Indian students — and we're starting to see how that is shaping their decisions. More than half of Indian students say their choice of study destination would change based on the availability of scholarships (55%) and part-time work opportunities (54%),' said Kumar. In addition, housing costs (43%) and balancing work and studies (39%) were flagged as major challenges by international students surveyed. Career development opportunities are driving choices Career development remains the leading motivation behind the decision to study abroad. According to the survey, 77% of Indian students pursue international education for career advancement, including better employability and higher earnings. 'We know that international students choose their study destination based on factors that help them become job ready, with access to post-study employment visas being the key influence. Students leaving India to embark on their global journeys are no different,' said Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer at IDP Education. Job outcomes after graduation are particularly important: < 70% of Indian students ranked access to work placements as the top academic factor when selecting an institution. < 69% cited job outcomes from the institution as the top non-academic factor, which is nine per cent higher than the global average. The research also found that nearly half (45%) of current Indian students and 43% of prospective or applied students intend to work in their destination country after completing their studies. Academic quality and reputations still matter While jobs dominate the conversation, academic factors continue to influence decisions too. The study found that: < 67% of Indian students cited education quality as a key reason to pursue an international qualification. < 56% chose acquiring global knowledge as a major motivation. < 50% valued earning reputable qualifications, while 47% pointed to broader education options available abroad. Students' perception of what defines 'high quality education' has also shifted. Graduate employment rate is now the top indicator students use to judge an institution's quality, ahead of traditional markers like university rankings or the reputation of academic staff. When asked about what mattered most: Graduate employment rate ranked first. Institution ranking came second. Facilities available to students placed third. Quality of academic staff came fourth. Cost of tuition fees was ranked fifth. Which country do students now prefer? < The United Kingdom scored highest in international student policies. < The United States and Australia led in perceived quality of education, value for money, graduate employment opportunities, and post-study work visa policies. Reflecting on the importance of work rights, an IDP student from China shared, 'A post-study work visa is very important. Employers don't want to waste resources training someone who may not be able to stay.' First-choice destinations over time The survey tracked how student preferences have changed over time: Australia: 28% (+5% compared to 2024) United States: 22% (+1%) United Kingdom: 21% (-2%) Canada: 13% (-6%) New Zealand: 5% (+3%) Other destinations: 11% Key numbers from the report < 66% cited cost and finances as their top concern. < 47% pointed to visa challenges. < 77% of Indian students pursue international education for career advancement. < 70% prioritise access to work placements at institutions. < 69% value job outcomes after graduation when selecting an institution. < 45% of current students and 43% of prospective students intend to work in the destination country after graduating.
India Today
29-04-2025
- Business
- India Today
How IELTS opens doors to global education and career opportunities
In our increasingly interconnected world, English has solidified its position as the lingua franca, facilitating global communication, commerce, and cultural exchange. According to Ethnologue, English is the most spoken language in the world, with roughly 1.5 billion speakers. The use of this language in universities, businesses, and diplomacy underscores its importance as a tool for personal and professional advancement. advertisementAs English continues to permeate various facets of life, the demand for reliable and standardised language proficiency assessments has grown exponentially. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping global futures. It is more than a test - it is the passport to opportunity, which opens doors to education and career advancement, as well as cultural integration on a global a world where English connects people across borders, IELTS has become more than just a language test. As Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia, Canada and LATAM, IDP Education, notes, it's a powerful catalyst for global mobility, education, and personal STUDENTS WITH GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS For students seeking higher education abroad, IELTS is often the first step towards their dream. It is accepted by over 12,000 institutions worldwide, ranging from universities and colleges to professional organisations. By testing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, IELTS ensures that students are well-prepared to thrive in academic environments where English is the medium of instruction. It is also recognised in 140 countries, and over 3,400 institutions in the United States accept IELTS scores. advertisementMillions of students and professionals take IELTS each year. For them, it's not just a test-it's the gateway to global success. The preparedness goes beyond the realms of academia. Students also gain confidence in their ability to communicate effectively, cooperate, and add value in diverse contexts. In essence, IELTS equips them with the linguistic foundation to adapt and excel in new environments, fostering a generation of globally competent PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS IELTS also helps in professional development. Many organisations require IELTS scores for employment or immigration purposes in English-speaking countries. Additionally, the test design encourages the development of practical language use skills that are essential to professional life, including clear communication, active listening, and persuasive the 'Listening' section of the IELTS includes different accents and the 'Speaking' section evaluates the English skills that people use in different parts of the world. Most companies consider IELTS as a standard means of understanding an applicant's readiness to work under various cultural expectations and to contribute effectively to international CULTURAL AND SOCIAL GAPS advertisementApart from academics and job opportunities, IELTS promotes cultural exchange and enables participation in social activities. From engaging in community activities to forming meaningful connections with locals, language proficiency is key to integration and LIFELONG LEARNING The benefits of the IELTS test go far beyond the time of its conduct. Preparation for IELTS develops critical thinking, time management, and flexibility. Such skills are essential in today's globalised world, where individuals must continuously upskill and adapt to stay an era defined by global mobility and interconnectedness, IELTS stands as a gateway to international success. It empowers students to pursue education abroad, enables professionals to achieve career milestones, and facilitates cultural integration for individuals seeking new is not simply an exam but a transformative journey that shapes the global citizens of tomorrow - individuals capable of bridging gaps, building connections, and creating even more opportunities for the world.
