Indian students seeking higher education abroad are now encountering a far more complex reality than what glossy brochures and Instagram highlights portray. As global job markets contract and immigration rules become stricter, the once-linear path from an international degree to a high-paying job has become uncertain and fraught with risk. Increasingly, Indian graduates are finding themselves dealing with limited job prospects, overwhelming student debt, and subtle discrimination that can hinder both career progression and social acceptance. The dream of studying overseas, long seen as a surefire route to upward mobility, is now turning into a high-stakes gamble—one that requires deep introspection about personal goals, motivations, and the risks involved.
A revealing Reddit post by an Indian student recently sparked widespread debate on the topic. The student questioned the widespread desire to pursue higher education abroad, especially during a time of global economic instability. “Why is everyone so keen on going abroad for higher studies?” the student asked, voicing skepticism toward what they see as a trend driven more by aspiration than realism.
Their critique pulled no punches. “USA has instability with Trump’s rule, Canada is a dead end (believe me I lived in Canada for 5 years and now back in India). Australia has HCOL and impossible PR. Europe has language barriers. These are the major issues,” they wrote. They went on to say, “I see people posting in this sub about taking huge loans and going abroad for masters/phd/post grad. Mostly see education as an escape to another country and pathway to PR… My concern is literally every country is going through job market crisis so why does everyone wanna go when economy is down everywhere?”
In sharing their own journey, the student highlighted the disconnect between expectations and reality. “I have bachelors in CS and masters in Information security from Canada. I came back to India cause Canada has a dead market be it any field. I am struggling to find a job in India. On the other hand, my friends who graduated from CSE have high paying jobs and great career… This is an eye opening post for everyone, don’t blindly follow the trend of going abroad. Invest in your career.”
This viral post drew a range of responses, some agreeing with the sentiment, others providing alternative perspectives. One user commented, “Living conditions in India are far from ideal… Higher education is plagued by reservations… job security is uncertain… Bollywood movies and YouTube influencers glorify life in foreign countries.” They criticized how these romanticized images of the West drive demand for overseas education—often funded by Indian parents. But they also warned of the repercussions: “In the past five years, a significant number of below-average Indian students have enrolled in European universities… ending up in low-paying jobs… Some submit fake documents to secure university admissions… damaging the reputation of genuine Indian students.”
A member of a university committee added a more institutional perspective, citing troubling trends in student behavior. “We are bringing in fraudulent and misogynistic behavior into other cultures… Indians get compared to others now. Some blame Indians for making a lobby and slogging more hours at cheap rates just to appease higher management.”
Other voices in the thread offered more balanced viewpoints. One user explained their motivation wasn’t tied to job prospects, but rather academic ambition. “I’m not someone who’s going abroad for job opportunities, I just want to do better quality research,” they wrote. They acknowledged the deficiencies in India’s research funding environment but warned peers against assuming that foreign institutions would reward average performance. “Don’t dream of surviving in another country by maintaining your mediocrity from India,” they added.
Criticism of the Canadian education system also surfaced. One commenter pointed out the rise of “diploma mills”—institutions offering low-quality degrees that still attract large numbers of Indian students. “Even a vast majority of those who pursue legitimate degrees have been attending these diploma mills… shocking to see how many take on loans to attend [them] and push themselves into debt,” the user noted.
Despite the many warnings and frustrations aired in the thread, not all users were disillusioned. Some still saw the pursuit of education abroad as a transformative life experience. One student offered a more optimistic take: “I want to experience this life… explore what their culture offers… it would help me mature.” For them, the motivation was rooted in personal development, not merely financial success.
Returning to the conversation, the original poster clarified their position, emphasizing that they weren’t against the idea of studying abroad in itself. “There’s nothing wrong with moving abroad… Everyone deserves a better lifestyle and better pay. The main concern… is to give a reality check. Every country has limited jobs and limited immigration seats. Not everyone is gonna get what they want. I hope everyone achieve their dreams!”
Their message resonated because it highlighted the growing disconnect between the global education dream and the economic and social realities that now define it. For decades, studying abroad has been perceived as a golden ticket to success, with countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe seen as ideal destinations for upward mobility. However, that perception is beginning to shift. As these countries grapple with political changes, tighter immigration controls, and economic instability, Indian students are finding that the opportunities they hoped for aren’t always guaranteed.
The impact is not just financial, though the burden of student loans—often taken with the assumption of a future high salary—has become an increasing source of anxiety. There’s also a psychological toll. The cultural alienation, the stress of legal uncertainties around visa status, and the pressure to succeed in unfamiliar environments add to the burden students must carry. Subtle discrimination in both academic and professional settings can further complicate the journey. In some cases, Indian students feel they are being judged not just on their individual merits, but as representatives of a larger group—a group that is now under more scrutiny due to cases of document fraud or exploitative labor practices.
All of this raises important questions about the future of international education as a model for Indian students. Should students still pursue degrees abroad in an increasingly volatile and competitive world? The answer may depend not just on academic ambition or career prospects, but on a realistic understanding of what lies ahead.
In an era where global opportunities are no longer as plentiful or predictable, the decision to study abroad demands more than aspiration—it requires strategy, self-awareness, and an honest assessment of what success truly looks like.