Applications from Indian students to colleges and universities in the United States have declined by 15 per cent, highlighting growing uncertainty among prospective students over US visa rules, post-study work opportunities and the rising cost of overseas education.

The figure, reported by undergraduate admissions platform Common App, places India among the major international applicant groups experiencing the sharpest decline. The data was also highlighted by an official account operated by the Trump White House.

The drop comes at a time when the US remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students. However, changing immigration policies and uncertainty around employment after graduation are increasingly becoming part of the decision-making process for students and their families.

International applications also decline

The decline among Indian applicants is part of a broader reduction in applications from international students to US institutions. Overall international applications have fallen by about 10 per cent, according to the data cited in the report.

At the same time, applications from students within the US have continued to rise, widening the gap between domestic and international demand.

For Indian students, the changes are particularly significant because many applicants consider the ability to gain professional experience in the US after completing their degrees when calculating the cost and potential benefits of studying there.

Student visa rules create uncertainty

Changes to the US student visa framework have added to concerns among international applicants.

The Trump administration has moved to replace the previous “duration of status” arrangement with a proposed four-year limit for students holding F-1 and J-1 visas. Students who need additional time to complete their programmes could be required to apply for an extension through US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The proposed change could have greater implications for students enrolled in longer or more complicated academic programmes, where completing a degree within a fixed period may be difficult.

OPT remains a key concern

The future of Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another issue being closely watched by Indian applicants.

OPT allows eligible international students to work in the US after completing their studies. For many Indian students, the opportunity to gain US work experience is an important consideration when choosing an American university.

However, uncertainty over possible changes and additional costs associated with the programme has made it harder for students to estimate the overall financial return of a US degree.

For families already facing high tuition, accommodation and living expenses, uncertainty over post-study employment can significantly affect the attractiveness of studying in America.

Smaller universities see sharper fall

The decline in applications has also varied according to the type of institution.

Highly selective US universities with strong international reputations and established employment outcomes have seen comparatively limited changes. Their international applications declined by around 1 per cent, according to the data.

The situation has been different for universities with broader admission policies. Institutions with acceptance rates above 75 per cent recorded an approximately 21 per cent decline in applications.

The figures suggest that students who continue to consider the US may increasingly favour universities with stronger global reputations, career prospects and perceived value, even when those institutions are more expensive or competitive.

US universities could face financial impact

A sustained decline in international applications could also affect American higher education institutions and the economies surrounding them.

International students contribute through tuition payments as well as spending on accommodation, transportation, food and other services. According to an outlook cited in the report, reduced international enrolment could contribute to an estimated $3.4 billion decline in economic activity.

For Indian students, meanwhile, the changing US immigration environment could encourage greater consideration of alternative destinations such as the UK, Canada, Australia and other countries offering international education and post-study work opportunities.

The 15 per cent fall in Indian applications therefore signals more than a change in admissions numbers. It reflects the growing importance of visa certainty, affordability and post-study employment prospects in how Indian students evaluate higher education in the US.

Washington: The Donald Trump administration is considering a proposal that could require international students to pay a $100,000 fee if they want to work in the United States after graduating from an American university, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The proposal could have a major impact on foreign students, particularly Indians, who form one of the largest international student communities in the US. More than 360,000 Indian students could potentially be affected if the measure is introduced in a form that applies broadly to international graduates. The proposed charge is reportedly being considered in connection with the Optional Practical Training, or OPT, programme, which allows eligible international students to remain in the US and gain work experience related to their field of study after completing their education. Depending on their course and eligibility, students can currently work under the programme for between one and three years.

According to the report, the proposal is being considered by the US Department of Homeland Security, but several important details remain unclear. There is no confirmation yet on whether the White House has formally backed the plan, and it is also unclear exactly which international graduates would be required to pay the proposed $100,000 fee. The plan, therefore, remains under consideration rather than an implemented policy. If introduced, however, such a large charge could significantly change the financial calculation for students planning to study and later work in America. International students already spend substantial amounts on university tuition, accommodation, insurance and other living expenses. Adding a six-figure employment-related fee could make the post-study work route difficult to afford for many graduates. The OPT programme has been particularly important for students who want to gain professional experience in the US before moving to another immigration status or returning to their home countries.

Indian students could be among those watching the development most closely. With more than 360,000 Indians studying in the United States, any major change to post-graduation employment rules could have wide consequences for students and families planning education abroad. The impact would ultimately depend on the final structure of the proposal, including whether the fee applies to all OPT participants, particular categories of graduates, employers or another group. Those details have not yet been made clear in the reported proposal. For now, students considering US universities should note that the $100,000 OPT fee has not been introduced and remains a proposal reportedly under consideration at the Department of Homeland Security. A final decision, the categories covered and any implementation timeline would need to become clear before its actual impact on Indian and other international students can be assessed.

The internship is designed to provide young professionals with practical exposure to WHO’s technical and administrative work while helping them build careers in global public health. Selected interns will receive a living allowance (stipend) along with medical and accident insurance during the internship period.

What is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme allows students and recent graduates to work alongside international experts on global health initiatives. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience by involving interns in WHO's technical, research, policy, and administrative activities.

The programme also seeks to develop the next generation of leaders in global public health while benefiting from the fresh ideas and perspectives that young professionals bring.

Who Can Apply?

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a recognized university in fields such as:
  • Public Health
  • Medicine
  • Social Sciences
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Communications
  • Other health-related disciplines
• Recent graduates must have completed their degree within the last 18 months.
• Students should have completed at least three years of full-time study before the internship begins.
• Must have a good command of English (knowledge of another WHO official language is an advantage).
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible to apply again.

Benefits of the Internship

Selected candidates will receive several benefits, including:

• Living allowance (stipend) to help cover daily expenses.
• Medical and accident insurance throughout the internship.
• Opportunity to work with global health experts and professionals from around the world.
• Exposure to international public health projects and policymaking.
• A valuable addition to the candidate's CV, enhancing future career prospects in international organizations, research institutions, NGOs, and public health agencies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official WHO Careers Portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the WHO Careers website.
2. Search for available Internship Position Vacancy Notices.
3. Create an online profile and complete the application form.
4. Upload your CV and educational details when required.
5. Submit the application before the deadline mentioned in the vacancy notice.

WHO has clarified that applicants are not required to submit supporting documents at the initial stage unless specifically requested during the selection process.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Indian Students

For Indian students aspiring to build careers with the United Nations, international organizations, or the global healthcare sector, the WHO Internship Programme offers invaluable international exposure. Working at WHO provides practical experience in public health policy, research, and global healthcare initiatives while opening doors to future opportunities in international institutions.

Addressing a press conference in Melbourne, Misri said Indian authorities had raised concerns regarding recent changes in Australia's visa assessment process and reports of delays in the processing of student visa applications. The issue has attracted attention among Indian students planning higher education in Australia, one of the most popular overseas study destinations for Indian applicants.

Misri said the matter was discussed during interactions between Indian and Australian leaders throughout the day. According to him, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, which remain a key pillar of the India-Australia relationship.

He noted that Australian authorities acknowledged that certain visa verification procedures have become more rigorous than before. However, they also conveyed that the changes were intended to strengthen the integrity of the system and would not reduce opportunities for genuine and qualified students from India.

The Foreign Secretary also dismissed speculation that Australia was considering a halt on new student visa applications from Indian applicants. Referring to reports circulating on various platforms, Misri said there was no indication that such restrictions were being planned.

According to him, Australia has reassured India that legitimate students seeking higher education in Australian institutions will continue to be welcomed and that access to educational opportunities will remain open and fair.

The issue comes at a time when educational cooperation has emerged as a major component of bilateral engagement between the two countries. Australia hosts a large Indian student population, with thousands of students enrolling each year in universities and vocational institutions across the country.

Misri said India remains confident that Australia will continue to provide a transparent and accessible environment for students pursuing academic and professional goals abroad. He added that student mobility and academic exchanges are important elements of the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.

The remarks came as Prime Minister Modi participated in the “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event during his visit. The programme highlighted the growing contribution of the Indian diaspora to Australian society and the deepening ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the Indian community for its role in Australia's economic and social development. He said Indian-origin professionals have helped address skill shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare and information technology while also contributing to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Albanese also acknowledged the contribution of Indian students to Australia's education sector. He said many students from India continue to choose Australia as a destination for higher studies and long-term career development, particularly in the state of Victoria.

Education has become one of the strongest links between India and Australia in recent years, alongside trade, technology, defence cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. The assurances provided during the visit are expected to offer clarity to prospective students and their families amid concerns over changing visa procedures.

Further details regarding any future policy adjustments are awaited, but both governments have indicated that educational engagement will remain an important area of cooperation in the years ahead.

The initiative comes at a time when the rising cost of overseas education remains one of the biggest challenges for students seeking admission to foreign universities. Tuition fees at many US institutions can range between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, making financial assistance a crucial factor in study-abroad decisions.

Among the scholarships being offered, the “Invitation to Idaho” scholarship has attracted significant attention because eligible students do not need to submit a separate application to be considered.

Automatic Scholarship for Eligible Students

According to the university, students admitted for the Fall 2026 intake or those transferring to complete their degree programmes at the University of Idaho may automatically qualify for the scholarship, subject to eligibility requirements.

The award provides a substantial reduction in tuition costs. Under the scheme, the annual tuition fee can be reduced from approximately $29,016 to $13,294, representing a discount of nearly 50 percent. The financial benefit can significantly ease the burden on international students and their families.

University officials have indicated that the scholarship may be renewable for up to four years, provided students continue to meet the institution’s academic and enrollment requirements.

Growing Interest in US Education

The announcement is expected to generate interest among Indian students, who continue to represent one of the largest international student communities in the United States. Over the past few years, demand for undergraduate and postgraduate education in the US has remained strong despite increasing education costs and currency fluctuations.

Experts in international education note that scholarships and tuition discounts have become increasingly important for students comparing study destinations. Financial aid opportunities often play a decisive role in university selection, particularly for families seeking quality education at a manageable cost.

Opportunity Beyond Financial Support

Apart from tuition assistance, international students at the University of Idaho gain access to academic resources, research opportunities, campus facilities, and industry-oriented programmes designed to enhance employability and career development.

Education consultants say students planning to apply for overseas programmes should carefully review scholarship eligibility criteria, academic requirements, and application deadlines to maximize their chances of receiving financial support.

With tuition costs remaining one of the biggest concerns for international applicants, the University of Idaho’s scholarship initiatives could provide a valuable opportunity for Indian students aiming to turn their American education aspirations into reality.

An Indian tech founder's recent statement urging parents to reconsider college education has sparked heated debate across the country. Citing American students who skip university altogether, the founder echoed Silicon Valley's growing anti-college sentiment—but education experts warn this advice could be disastrous for Indian students.

The trend isn't new in tech circles. Peter Thiel's "Thiel Fellowship" has funded college dropouts since 2011, while his company Palantir launched a "Meritocracy Fellowship" in 2023 that lets students work directly instead of attending university. Tesla CEO Elon Musk frequently declares "you don't need college to learn anything important."
These statements spread like wildfire on social media, resonating with families worried about rising education costs and uncertain job markets. But here's what gets lost in translation: America's education system and India's operate in completely different universes.

The Dangerous Assumption Behind the Advice
When American students skip college education India-style discussions miss a crucial point: context matters enormously. The U.S. K-12 system, financial aid structures, and recognition of alternative credentials look nothing like India's educational landscape.

American students who successfully bypass traditional universities typically benefit from high-quality primary education that builds critical thinking, research skills, and self-directed learning. They have access to well-funded libraries, advanced courses, career counseling, and family safety nets.
Indian students face vastly different realities. Most navigate an education system prioritizing rote memorization over comprehension. The gap between elite urban schools and rural government institutions creates massive disparities in actual learning, even when test scores look similar.

Why Most Indian Students Aren't Ready at Eighteen
Education analysts highlight an uncomfortable truth: many Indian students simply aren't prepared for independent learning at eighteen—academically, emotionally, or practically.

"The Silicon Valley narrative assumes students have foundational skills our schooling system often fails to provide," explains Dr. Meera Sharma, an education policy researcher. "Critical reading, analytical writing, independent research—these capabilities require years of development that most Indian schools don't prioritize."
The readiness gap manifests clearly in universities. Faculty members across Indian institutions report students struggling with basic comprehension, unable to construct coherent arguments, and unprepared for intellectual independence that college education India programs demand.

Beyond academics, emotional maturity matters. While American students often work part-time jobs and take gap years building life skills, Indian students frequently transition directly from protected home environments to university without intermediate experiences.

The Quality Crisis Nobody Talks About
Discussing college education India requires confronting quality issues within universities themselves. While IITs, IIMs, and premier institutions maintain standards, most of India's 50,000-plus colleges suffer from inadequate infrastructure, under-qualified faculty, and outdated curricula.
Recent assessments show only a fraction of Indian institutions meet basic quality benchmarks. Many function as degree mills offering credentials without substantive learning.

However, the solution isn't abandoning higher education—it's demanding better quality and ensuring students enter universities actually prepared to benefit.

Silicon Valley executives preaching against college typically benefited from excellent education, had family resources, possessed exceptional self-direction, and operated where alternative paths receive recognition. Few acknowledge these privileges when advising others.

The Middle Path India Actually Needs
For Indian students and parents, wholesale rejection of college education India would prove catastrophic. Unlike America's robust alternative ecosystem, India lacks widespread recognition of non-traditional pathways. Social mobility remains closely tied to educational credentials.

India's employability challenge stems not from over-education but from education quality. National reports show less than 50% of graduates possess employer-required skills—not because they attended college, but because colleges failed to educate properly.

Practical steps forward:

Reform K-12 to build genuine comprehension, not memorization
Strengthen college quality through better faculty and modern curricula
Develop recognized alternative pathways while maintaining degrees for fields requiring them
Provide honest guidance about university readiness
Consider gap years or foundation programs for students needing preparation

Making Smart Decisions in Indian Context
Students facing college decisions should ignore Silicon Valley soundbites and focus on Indian realities. Assess your genuine readiness honestly. Evaluate institution quality rigorously. Consider whether your career field actually requires formal education—medicine, law, engineering, and research genuinely need credentials.
Recognize that what works for privileged American students with excellent prior education differs vastly from what serves most Indian students navigating different circumstances.

The question isn't whether everyone needs college education India style, but rather who benefits from which pathways given their readiness, goals, and context.

Quality education matters enormously for opportunity and national development. Rather than importing Silicon Valley narratives uncritically, India needs solutions addressing actual challenges: improving school quality, reforming higher education, and providing honest guidance helping students make informed decisions.

The debate should focus less on whether students attend college and more on ensuring whatever pathways they choose actually deliver the learning, skills, and development India's future requires.