Nikhil Inamdar reports on the growing concerns of Indian students regarding studying abroad due to economic strains.
Pragati Priya, a 29-year-old from Jharkhand, has decided to study global economic affairs in Rome but fears excessive student debt due to a weakening rupee. She reflects a growing concern among Indian students, with enrolments for the upcoming academic year seeing a 20% drop in the UK and US.
The Indian rupee has depreciated by nearly 47% since 2019 against major currencies. Despite some job opportunities, many graduates end up in the gig economy instead of securing skilled positions in their fields.
Nevertheless, interest in alternative study destinations like Germany and Ireland is increasing due to lower costs and better job prospects. The declining appeal of the US and UK is concerning for their higher education sectors, which have relied heavily on Indian students.
Experts highlight that visa challenges and changes in immigration policies have created a detrimental environment, potentially impacting economic relations and educational influence abroad.
