₹ Down, Fees Rise: Indian Students Face a Study Abroad Struggle

Mon Jun 22 2026 11:39:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A sharp rupee slump and visa restrictions are making overseas study more expensive and risky for Indian students, leading many to rethink their plans.

Indian students are scrambling as the rupee slips, pushing study loans up and squeezing enrolments abroad. 1.2 million students were abroad last year, but 20% student numbers fell in the UK and US due to tougher visas. 47% cost hike against European currencies leaves many students turning to cheaper European destinations. The trend threatens both students and universities, who fear a soft‑power loss. Education leaders warn the pandemic‑era momentum could unravel.

₹ Down, Fees Rise: Indian Students Face a Study Abroad Struggle

Pragati Priya, 29 and a content creator from Jharkhand, is ready to study global economic affairs in Rome this September. But the sharp rupee decline is making her loans sky‑high.

Over the past year, the rupee has depreciated by 35‑47% against key study destinations, driving up costs and leaving students borrowing far more. Edwise founder Sushil Sukhwani points out that enrolments in the UK and US have fallen about 20% over the last two years, and is expecting further drops.

Visa tightening is a twin issue. UK universities report a decline in Indian student numbers for the January intake, while U.S. enrolments fell nearly 7% between February 2025 and February 2026.

More students are looking south to cheaper European alternatives – Germany, Ireland, Italy – that offer lower tuition, better post‑study work options and a more attractive value proposition.

Sudhanshu Kaushik, founder of the North America Association of Indian Students, warns that the cluster of a weak rupee, job market slumps and stricter immigration is causing families to rethink the return on investment of overseas degrees. He notes that many graduates end up in gig‑economy roles rather than the skilled jobs they expected.

The trend worries university leaders and local communities alike. Both the UK and the U.S. are hauls off a major source of international students and the soft‑power benefits that brings.