Few from Vidarbha vie for US colleges as Re, jobs and H-1B dip Overseas education consultancies in Nagpur and Vidarbha have reported a significant decline in student applications to US colleges this year, driven by a combination of economic and policy factors. The weakening Indian rupee against the US dollar, a struggling US job market, and stricter H-1B visa rules have collectively dampened interest, marking a reversal of trends seen in recent years. This shift mirrors a broader global trend, with a 14% drop in Indian applications to US institutions since March 2024, the first such decline since 2020. International applications overall fell by 9%, and Asian applicants saw a 10% drop during the same period. Local estimates suggest that around 150 students from Nagpur district typically pursue higher education in the US annually. However, this year’s numbers are projected to drop by 50%, according to counseling services in the region. Students are increasingly questioning the feasibility of studying abroad, citing financial and practical challenges. Rohit Juneja, a student planning to pursue a Master’s in Journalism, noted that Ivy League institutions, once his top choice, now seem unattainable due to exorbitant fees. “Paying crores for a degree that may not lead to employment feels like a bad deal,” he said, shifting his focus to UK options with lower costs. Yashashri Dhabekar, who had aimed for an MBA in luxury brand management, echoed similar concerns. “The depreciating rupee and steep costs made me reconsider. Australia turned out to be a more practical option,” she explained. Naina Patel, pursuing a Master’s in history, added that the falling rupee, rising tuition fees, and anti-immigrant rhetoric in the US have influenced her decision.#nagpur #vidarbha #gb_education #rohit_juneja #yashashri_dhabekar
