Rupee depreciation, higher tuition fees, and visa uncertainty are reshaping how Indian students evaluate overseas education, with affordability and outcomes taking center stage.
Overseas education is becoming significantly more expensive for Indian students, prompting many to reassess traditional destinations such as the US, UK, and Canada. A sharp depreciation of the rupee in 2025 has inflated education budgets by nearly 20 to 25 percent, even before factoring in rising tuition fees and living expenses.
Students who had planned budgets of around Rs 1.2 crore are now seeing total costs approach Rs 1.5 crore largely due to currency movement alone. At the same time, tuition fees at private universities in the US and UK have steadily increased, with annual costs now commonly ranging between US$30,000 and US$35,000.
Visa challenges are adding another layer of uncertainty. Higher rejection rates, tighter scrutiny, and less predictable post study work outcomes are making families more cautious, especially those relying on education loans.
As a result, students are actively exploring alternatives. European destinations such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands are gaining traction for their lower tuition costs and clearer study to work pathways. Even within English speaking countries, value comparisons are becoming sharper, with cost efficiency now weighing as heavily as institutional reputation.
Together, currency volatility, visa risk, and job market pressures are pushing Indian students to plan more strategically, prioritizing return on investment over brand alone.
[Source: Economic Times]
