Study Abroad Shift: 25% Indians May Avoid US, Experts Say Ireland, Germany & Japan Seeing Surge

Last Updated:May 29, 2025, 18:27 IST

Education experts advise against overreaction, highlighting that the pause applies only to new visa appointments; interviews already scheduled will continue as planned.

In a move that could affect thousands of aspiring international students, including many from India, the Trump administration has instructed US embassies worldwide to temporarily halt the scheduling of new student and exchange visitor visa appointments. This pause accompanies efforts to introduce more stringent social media background checks for visa applicants — a development that has raised concerns among students and education consultants globally.

However, education experts advise against overreaction, emphasising that the pause only applies to new appointments; visa interviews already scheduled will continue as planned.

Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, stresses the importance of staying calm and well-informed.  “We’re closely monitoring updates from official sources and continuing to advise students accordingly. This is a time to prepare, not panic,” Arora told News18.com.

Arora also highlights that social media vetting is now an established part of the visa process.

“Students should be mindful of their digital presence. This isn’t about changing who you are but about being aware of how your content might be interpreted in the context of visa applications,” Arora said.

Despite temporary disruptions, the fundamentals of international student mobility remain robust. In 2023 alone, over one million international students enrolled at US institutions contributed approximately $42 billion to the American economy. India accounted for an estimated $17 billion of that sum, underscoring the critical role Indian students play.

“Mobility isn’t a trend. It has been part of human progress for over 10,000 years. The motivation to learn, grow and contribute internationally isn’t going away,” Arora added.

Student Choices Expanding Beyond The US

While the US continues to be a preferred destination for many Indian students, early indicators point to a shift in preferences. Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director at Career Mosaic, observes an estimated 25% decline in Indian student enrollments heading to the US this autumn. However, she doesn’t see this decline as Indian students losing interest in studying abroad or having lower goals. Instead, she believes students are exploring and choosing a wider variety of countries for their education, spreading their options beyond just the US.

“Global aspirations are not declining — they are diversifying. We’re seeing growing interest in countries like Ireland and Germany. Ireland, in particular, appeals due to its one-year master’s programmes and strong post-study work opportunities,” Manisha said.

Germany and Japan are also gaining traction among STEM and research-oriented students.

“Students today are making more ROI-driven and data-informed decisions. Our role is to help them navigate this evolving landscape with clarity and confidence,” she added.

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US Still Strong For Finance And Accounting Careers

Despite the broader slowdown in student numbers, certain professional sectors in the US remain in high demand — especially finance and accounting. Sripal Jain, Co-Founder of Simandhar Education and a US CPA, explains that Indian talent continues to be sought after in these fields.

“The US is facing a significant shortage of accounting professionals. Over 300,000 accountants have left the workforce in just the last two years, according to The Wall Street Journal,” Jain points out.

In response, leading accounting firms — including the Big Four — are aggressively recruiting, with India emerging as a vital talent pool.

“Indian candidates holding the US CPA qualification are being hired not only for offshore roles but also for onshore, client-facing positions. For finance professionals with global credentials, the US remains a market offering strong career growth potential,” he added.

While recent US policy changes may create short-term uncertainty, experts remain optimistic about the long-term prospects for international education. They advise students to stay informed, think globally, and carefully consider options that align with their career goals and financial plans.

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