Foreign interest in studying abroad among Indians appears to be dwindling. Questions persist regarding the diminished appeal of foreign degrees, with recent data shedding light on the situation.

In recent years, the affection for 'vilayati degree' – a colloquial term for an international degree – has faced real challenges. The numbers and policies tell a story of changing times in the international education landscape.

According to reports from Zee News, over the last five years, Indian students were sending an average of $314 million annually to fund their studies abroad. However, the current spending on studying abroad is significantly lower compared to the highs of September 2021, when the amount reached a peak of $718 million.

The decline in funds sent for education abroad is attributed to stricter visa policies imposed by countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. These visa regulations have made it harder for Indian students to get visas, which is discouraging many from pursuing education overseas.

Many Indian students face delays and difficulties obtaining visas, causing uncertainty and frustration. As a result, the amount sent by Indian students to the United States has fallen by 10-15%, while the amount sent to Canada has also decreased by the same margin.

The shift in preferences reflects broader global dynamics. Countries like Australia have placed limits on student numbers. In contrast, the United Kingdom has attracted more Indian students amid these changes.

Experts believe the trend of declining interest in studying abroad among Indians might change in the near future. They argue that the current situation is a result of temporary circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and that as conditions improve, Indian students may once again turn to overseas education.

In the meantime, Indian students are rethinking the value and feasibility of overseas education due to rising hurdles and uncertainties. They are cautiously reassessing their choices in a complex and often restrictive international education landscape.

Despite the challenges, the drop in spending highlights a slow but steady decline in Indian students' inclination to study abroad. It remains to be seen how this trend will evolve in the coming years.

Foreign interest in studying abroad among Indians appears to be dwindling. Questions persist regarding the diminished appeal of foreign degrees, with recent data shedding light on the situation.