Rupee fall, visa curbs push Indians to rethink foreign degrees

The Indian rupee's depreciation against major currencies, combined with tighter visa regulations in key destination countries, is leading many Indian students to reassess their plans for pursuing higher education overseas. The combination of higher tuition costs due to the weaker rupee and increased difficulty in obtaining student visas has made foreign degrees less attractive.

According to education consultants, the number of inquiries from students about alternative study destinations has risen significantly in recent months. Some students are now considering countries with more favorable exchange rates and visa policies, while others are looking into domestic options.

The United States, traditionally a top choice for Indian students, has seen a decline in applications partly due to stricter visa norms and the high cost of education. Similarly, other popular destinations like the United Kingdom and Australia have also implemented policy changes that affect international students.

Experts note that the trend could have long-term implications for both Indian students and host countries. For India, retaining more students could boost local educational institutions, while countries that rely on international student fees may need to adjust their policies to remain competitive.