Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Indian Students Face US Challenges
For many years, Indian students loved going to the US for college because it was seen as the best choice.
But now, fewer Indian students are choosing the US.
Famous journalist Fareed Zakaria says this is because the US has made it harder with visa problems and high costs.
Instead, students are going to countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UK where it's cheaper and easier to stay after studies.
The US is losing a lot of money and influence because of this change.
It's not just a small problem; it's a big shift that might not go back to how it was before.
Additionally, Indian students in the US are facing job rejections and growing anti-India sentiment, making Europe an even more attractive option.
Indian students are increasingly choosing Europe over the US for higher education due to visa issues and high costs.
The US share of Indian students dropped from 54% in 2023 to 20% by Fall 2025.
Europe, particularly Germany and the UK, has seen a significant rise in Indian students.
Visa delays and policy uncertainty are the primary reasons for the decline in Indian students choosing the US.
Indian students in the US face job rejections and growing anti-India sentiment, further driving them towards Europe.
- Who
- Indian students, US universities, European countries
- What
- Decline in Indian students choosing US for higher education and facing job rejections
- When
- 2023 to 2025
- Where
- United States, Europe (Germany, Ireland, UK)
- Why
- Visa delays, policy uncertainty, higher costs, better alternatives in Europe, and growing anti-India sentiment
- Decline in Indian Students
- 5.7% in 2025 compared to 2024
- US Share Drop
- From 54% in 2023 to 20% by Fall 2025
- Europe's Gain
- Germany doubled its share to 9%, UK saw 143% surge
- Visa Delays
- Primary reason for reduced Indian enrolment in US
- F-1 Visas Issued
- 44% decline in first half of 2025
- US Higher Education Industry
- Worth $40–50 billion annually
- Alternative Destinations
- Australia, Canada, UK, Europe
- Cost Comparison
- Universities in Australia, Canada, UK are a third to a quarter the price of US universities
- Job Rejections
- Indian students often asked 'Are you a US citizen?' during job fairs
- Anti-India Sentiment
- Increasing online hostility and racist slurs against Indian Americans
Sources
‘America has done this to itself’: Indian-origin journalist Fareed Zakaria explains Why Indian students are turning away from US
‘Are you a US citizen?’ Indian student says was rejected without her resume even being looked at
‘Are you a US citizen?’ Indian student says was rejected without her resume even being looked at