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28% fall in Indian students headed to US in FY25 over visa, cost concerns
- businessline’s analysis reveals a significant decrease in Indian student enrollment in the US based on SEVIS data, dropping from 3,48,446 in July 2024 to 2,55,447 in August 2024.
- This decline is attributed to concerns over ad-hoc deportations, tighter visa regulations, and high tuition costs, along with the proposed 'Fairness for High-Skilled American Act 2025' targeting OPT.
- The bill aims to eliminate OPT, causing unease among F-1 and M-1 visa holders, and potentially impacting future OPT issues.
- Experts and students express varying sentiments, with some opting for countries like Germany over the US due to uncertain job prospects and a perceived hostile atmosphere.
- While some students with scholarships continue to pursue the American dream, many are reconsidering their higher education plans in the US due to visa uncertainties and evolving conditions.
- Current students in the US face challenges in finding jobs and navigating visa sponsorship costs, leading to cautious decisions and a reluctance to leave the US.
- The shift in Indian students' preferences towards countries like Germany and Ireland over the US is driven by rising visa uncertainty, high costs, and muted job prospects.
- Experts believe that with clearer post-study pathways, improved tech hiring, and better policy alignment, the US could regain its appeal for Indian STEM talent despite the current decline.
- Factors such as visa concerns, cost implications, and job uncertainties continue to influence Indian students' decisions regarding higher education options, leading to a shift away from the US.
- While some students still pursue the American dream, others are opting for alternative destinations like Germany, Australia, and France due to perceived advantages and opportunities.
- The current trend of declining interest in US education among Indian students may potentially reverse if the US government addresses concerns related to visas, costs, and job opportunities.
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