Changes in visa regulations leave students in limbo, many reconsider plans to study abroad

Changes in visa regulations leave students in limbo, many reconsider plans to study abroad 

Amisha.Rajani@timesofindia.com 22.09.2024 

Hyderabad : The global education landscape is facing an upheaval as key international destinations for students — namely the US, Canada, UK, and Australia — undergo shifts in visa regulations. With nearly 10 lakh Indian students venturing abroad last year, the twin Telugu states (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) contributed a substantial number, averaging around 1.5 lakh students. While expectations for a rise in this year’s numbers were high, sudden visa rule changes have left students re-evaluating their study abroad plans. 

Although the US, a top destination, hasn’t implemented any major regulatory changes, the other three most sought-after locations — Canada, the UK, and Australia — have introduced a series of alterations, sparking concerns among students. Canada, a favoured destination for Indian students, has introduced a cap on the number of international students, setting the limit at 35%. This move has left many students, like Danish Patel from Afzalgunj, uncertain about their plans. 

“Just a few months ago, they raised the financial requirements, and now this cap. Unemployment is already high among graduates, so I’m not sure if applying there is the best choice anymore,” Patel shared. Study abroad consultancies share that the US and Canada continue to see an influx in applications. “However, the UK and Australia have seen a drop in applications, especially after the recent cap set at 2.7 lakh. The rejection rate is also very high for Australia,” said Chirandeep Patnaik from Lemma One Consulting.

 “However, these alterations encourage students to consider other emerging destinations like Germany, Singapore, Italy, and Ireland, which are becoming increasingly attractive as top education choices. While countries like Canada and the US remain leading destinations, these  changes underscore the expanding array of global opportunities for Indian students,” said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, a global accommodation service provider.