A recent survey conducted by INTO University Partnerships found that 62% of prospective Indian students were increasingly applying to three or more universities abroad, indicating a seismic shift in behavior. The goal of this deliberate diversity is to lower the risks brought on by unforeseen visa regulations in a number of nations.
The unstable international visa situation has made Indian students rethink their approach to studying abroad.
Numerous such students with various career and academic aspirations are now lured to a range of study abroad locations. They all provide different advantages, like the chance to network, access to job prospects, and a large selection of courses.
This rise suggests that students are casting a wider net to increase their chances of admission despite stringent visa requirements.
"It's become critical for us to apply to various countries and universities with the increasing uncertainty around visa approvals," said Chennai resident Harshavardhini Nayyar, who is applying to both the United States and Canada universities in January 2025.
“We all fear rejection so much that having a fallback plan ensures our dreams of studying overseas are not dashed by a single setback. Spreading our applications gives us a better chance of achieving our academic and professional goals at a time when we are more desperate than ever to secure our future," he added.
The process of obtaining a visa has become more unpredictable for students nowadays. Many applicants are choosing to use a multi-university application strategy due to the unpredictable nature of visa clearance processes and their delays," said Subhakar Alapati, Founder and Director of Global Tree.
"For families, this isn't merely an academic pursuit but a critical investment in their children's future amid global socio-economic pressures exacerbated by the pandemic."
Alapati highlighted the post-pandemic surge in demand for international education, citing a doubling of applications as families recognize the importance of international academic opportunities in shaping future career paths. This increase reflects the tenacity and perseverance of today's students, who need the great guidance of education advisors to successfully navigate challenging application procedures.
The choice to apply to several universities carries a heavy financial cost. Families are heavily impacted by the total cost of application fees, consulting fees, and related costs.
Indian students who want to study abroad and experience a high-quality education have traditionally chosen to study in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Nonetheless, it is now more difficult for Indian students to obtain study permits in these nations due to recent changes in visa laws.
The UK has restricted the ability to transfer from a student visa to a work visa before finishing education, and it has limited family inclusion.
In a similar vein, Canada has increased the financial criteria for international students and placed a cap on the number of study permits granted annually.
On the other hand, in an effort to prevent immigration fraud, the US has mandated that Indian students utilize their passport details while scheduling visa appointments.
By requiring a minimum IELTS score and raising the funding requirement for overseas students, Australia has likewise upped the bar.
Many Indian students are considering other possibilities or may even decide to reconsider their intentions to study abroad as a result of the strict visa requirements in typical study destinations.
Meanwhile, many Indian students are moving to emerging nations that offer more benevolent visa policies in reaction to the tightening of visa regulations in traditional study destinations. A number of European countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy, have loosened their visa requirements in an effort to draw in foreign students, especially those from India.
For example, Ireland now grants overseas students a two-year post-study visa, which enables them to remain in the nation after earning their degree. For Indian alumni, France has instituted a five-year Schengen circulation visa, extending their travel and employment options inside the Schengen region.
Universities that can adjust to this changing environment and provide strong value propositions—such as affordability, strong post-study opportunities, and a variety of destinations—will be in a position to draw and hold on to the next generation of international talent.
