The recent reports of student visa cancellations in the United States have caused anxiety among many Indian students, including Delhi University undergraduate Radhakrishnan, who is now reconsidering his goal of studying in America.
“What I feel is that during my father’s time, it was very lucrative to study in the US. They could get a visa quite easily. But things seem to have gone haywire,” said the 19-year-old.
With his original plans shaken, Radhakrishnan is now setting his sights on enrolling in one of India’s premier management institutions for a master’s degree in business administration. He will only consider going to the US if he fails to secure admission within India.
The sudden revocation of multiple international student visas and the ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and top-tier American universities—some of which are battling over funding issues—have raised alarms among Indian students hoping to study abroad.
India continues to dominate the international student scene in the US, accounting for 29.4 percent of all foreign enrolments for the 2024–25 academic year. It also remains the leading source of international graduate students in America for the second year in a row.
However, many young Indians are now opting to chase their academic and professional dreams within the country. Even those who still choose to study overseas are increasingly planning short-term stays, with the intention of returning soon after graduation.
In recent months, several international students in the US have faced visa cancellations, with some even being instructed to leave voluntarily. The reasons cited range from participating in political demonstrations—especially those supporting Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict—to minor legal violations such as traffic offenses.
Most students feel powerless to challenge these decisions legally, as the financial burden of litigation is simply too high in addition to their already steep university expenses.
Although many still believe that a US degree offers an edge in the global job market, the tense and unpredictable atmosphere is prompting them to think more carefully about where to pursue their education.
As Indian students expand their options, regions like Europe, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong are becoming increasingly attractive. Simultaneously, India’s own top-tier universities are expected to benefit from this shift, according to education experts.
Soumya Shukla, an associate professor at Delhi University, said the current atmosphere in the US is reinforcing a trend she’s observed over the past two to three years.
“Things may not be as rosy in the US as it might seem. Some students who have gone there for studies have later had to pick up unskilled jobs. You don’t get a direct job placement unless you have a qualification from an Ivy League college,” she explained.
The steep cost of studying abroad is another deterrent. Students in India can complete a degree for anywhere between US$200 and US$10,000, while attending a top US university can cost approximately US$50,000 annually—an overwhelming expense for most middle-class Indian families.
The overall demand for higher education within India is booming. According to data from Statista, the number of Indian students enrolled in higher education is projected to more than double, rising from around 40 million in the financial year 2020 to 92 million by 2035.
Nonetheless, students choosing to stay in India must confront the reality that many local colleges are overcrowded, which may compromise educational standards. According to a report by global consultancy EY, few Indian institutions rank among the world’s best, and their academic programs often fail to align with industry needs.
Despite these shortcomings, a growing number of students are optimistic about their prospects in India, especially as the country’s economy remains one of the fastest-growing in the world, promising more job opportunities for well-qualified individuals.
Delhi University student Pratyush Taing, 20, has decided against pursuing his dream of studying at an Ivy League school in the US due to increasing concerns over safety and anti-immigration policies.
“When someone is coming from so far away to study, they want a safe environment,” he said.
Taing also pointed out that India is rapidly expanding its own quality education options, which makes staying in the country more appealing.
This expansion includes international participation. Two years ago, India’s University Grants Commission permitted foreign universities to establish campuses within India. In August of last year, the UK’s University of Southampton became the first to launch an offshore campus in India under the newly introduced national education policy.
Education specialists highlight that prestigious private Indian institutions like Ashoka University and O.P. Jindal Global University have gained a solid reputation for offering world-class education, thereby expanding domestic choices for ambitious students.
Harsh Pant, a professor of international relations at King’s College London, said that universities in Europe, Australia, and Singapore may see an uptick in Indian student applications due to current uncertainty surrounding the US.
However, Pant also emphasized that the US remains a formidable player in global education. “Once things settle down, I do think the diversion from the US will be smaller,” he stated.
One Indian student, who has been accepted into a computer software engineering program in San Jose, California, still intends to go ahead with his plans, despite the recent visa-related controversies.
“I know someone whose visa was cancelled because he participated in a protest. But if you are studying and not taking part in any such activity, then I don’t think it would affect you,” said the student, who wished to remain anonymous.
He also noted that the US continues to offer unmatched opportunities for cutting-edge education and research in the field of technology.
Nonetheless, he plans to return to India after working there for two to three years. His decision is driven by a desire to support his parents and capitalize on India’s rising job market and increasing availability of well-paid roles.
In conclusion, while the United States remains a desirable academic destination due to its advanced educational infrastructure and global prestige, growing concerns about visa security, legal vulnerability, and safety are driving Indian students to reassess their options. With increasing investment in domestic education and the emergence of international campuses in India, students now have broader choices at home and abroad. The shift may not signal a complete departure from the US, but it does reflect a changing mindset shaped by evolving geopolitical and financial realities.