Are Rising Tuition Fees and Tougher Visa Rules Making Studying Abroad Less Attractive for Indian Students?

As global job markets evolve, Indian students pursuing education abroad are grappling with increasing visa restrictions, rising tuition fees, and changing job placement trends.

Dr. Balakrishna Grandhi, Dean – Global MBA, MGB at SP Jain School of Global Management, offers crucial insights on how Indian students can navigate these challenges to maximize their return on investment, increase employability, and make well-informed educational decisions.

The Changing Landscape for Indian Students Studying Abroad

Studying abroad has long been a sought-after dream for many Indian students, but recent changes in global immigration policies and tuition hikes are making this dream more complicated. With countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia tightening visa rules, international students are now looking for new ways to make their education more cost-effective and rewarding.

Dr. Grandhi emphasized that studying abroad still offers a strong return on investment, but students must adopt a more strategic approach. He explains, “With the rise in tuition fees and more complex visa processes, Indian students need to carefully evaluate their choices and align them with global industry demands. Fields like AI, data science, finance, and digital marketing continue to experience significant demand.”

Also Read: US Green Card Crisis Hits Hard: EB-4 Visa Limit Reached, What’s Next for Indians?

Visa Challenges: How Indian Students Can Plan Strategically

Visa policies are one of the biggest obstacles for Indian students, especially with growing restrictions in popular destinations like the US, UK, and Canada. However, countries like Germany and Australia continue to offer favorable post-study work programs, allowing graduates to gain valuable experience after completing their degrees.

One of the most promising alternatives to traditional Western study destinations is Dubai. Dr. Grandhi points out that Dubai’s Golden Visa initiative offers long-term residency for graduates, which provides added stability. With its growing economy and multinational company presence, Dubai is rapidly emerging as a competitive destination for Indian students.

Economic Uncertainty and Job Placements for International Graduates

Global economic trends are also influencing the job prospects for international students. Economic slowdowns and evolving visa policies have led many companies to be more selective when hiring foreign graduates. As companies prioritize candidates with specialized expertise, students need to align their skills with industry demands to stay competitive.

Dr. Grandhi notes that fields like data analytics, AI-driven solutions, and fintech continue to see strong hiring demand. “The future belongs to graduates who can adapt to these trends, enhance their skills, and strategically network with industry professionals.”

Proactive Strategies for Indian Students

To enhance employability, Dr. Grandhi recommends that students focus on practical experiences such as internships and research opportunities. He also highlights the importance of certifications in high-demand fields to stand out in a competitive job market.

“Networking and making connections with alumni and industry leaders are also critical in securing job offers,” he said. “By actively engaging with professionals, students can position themselves as strong candidates for work visas, making the process smoother when seeking employment.”

Alternative Visa Options and Pathways

As students face visa uncertainties, exploring alternative visa options is crucial. Dr. Grandhi advises students to research pathways such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 visas for those planning to study in the US. Additionally, employer-sponsored visas or skilled migration routes in countries with friendlier visa policies like Singapore and Germany can be effective solutions.