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Indian Students Defer US Study Plans Amid Visa Woes
24 Aug
Summary
- 25-50% drop in NBFC loan applications for US studies
- Unavailability of visa slots leads students to consider other countries
- Many students willing to defer admission or wait a year to reapply
According to the latest reports, the number of Indian students planning to study in the US this fall has seen a substantial decline compared to previous years. Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) have witnessed a 25-50% drop in loan applications for US-bound students, while study-abroad counselors have also noted a similar trend.
The primary reason behind this slump is the unavailability of visa slots, which has led around 25% of students to either drop out or postpone their admission to the next cycle. This has prompted many to explore alternative study destinations, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, or consider deferring their plans by a year.
Despite the current downturn, industry experts believe the situation is likely to improve in the coming year. They expect the number of Indian students heading to the US to rise again by the fall of 2026, as those unable to secure admissions this year are expected to reapply, creating a surge in demand. In the meantime, some students are using their gap year productively, gaining work experience through internships, volunteering, or acquiring new skills and certifications to strengthen their applications.
