The future of Indian students pursuing graduate studies in the US is facing a significant challenge. A recent report has revealed a concerning 9.5% drop in Indian student enrollment for master’s and doctoral programs in the 2024-25 academic year. This decline can be attributed to tighter visa regulations and increased scrutiny of social media accounts, creating a more challenging environment for international students.
But here’s where it gets controversial… While the US has seen a decrease in Indian graduate students, other countries are stepping up their game. Canada, West Asia, and Europe are emerging as attractive alternatives, offering diverse opportunities and a more welcoming atmosphere. It’s a shift that has experts taking notice.
The Open Doors report, funded by the US Department of State, provides valuable insights into international student trends. It reveals that the overall number of Indian students in the US increased by 9% in 2024-25, primarily due to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which saw a remarkable 47.3% surge in participation. However, this growth is not reflected in traditional university enrollments.
Ankit Mehra, co-founder of GyanDhan, a student loan financing platform, highlights the real story: “The growth in Indian students in the US is almost entirely due to OPT participation, not an increase in university enrollments.”
So, what’s causing this shift? Experts point to a combination of factors. The temporary closure of US visa consulates in India during May and June, high visa rejection rates, and limited visa slot availability have all contributed to the decline. Additionally, Indian students, especially graduates and postgraduates, are becoming more selective about their study abroad destinations, seeking out countries that offer better affordability, post-study work opportunities, and industry-aligned programs.
Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, explains, “Students are considering the US alongside countries like Germany, Italy, the UK, Ireland, and emerging hubs in Asia and the Middle East. They’re weighing factors like affordability, work routes, and the clarity of long-term pathways.”
Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, believes this dip is a short-term correction after the unusual post-pandemic growth of the past two years. Study abroad consultants expect Indian student enrollments for Fall 2026 to remain stable or show modest growth, with the admission process currently underway.
Chaturvedi adds, “Graduate numbers are sensitive to visa certainty and long-term pathway clarity. Gen-Z is increasingly open to exploring destinations that offer better cost-effectiveness and long-term prospects.”
As the landscape of international education evolves, it’s clear that the US is facing competition from other countries. The question remains: Will the US take steps to address these challenges and regain its appeal as a top destination for Indian graduate students? We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Your insights could spark a valuable discussion on the future of international education.