Indian students will be compelled to reconsider their plans

For decades, US has been the most preferred higher education destination for Indian students because of its top ranking universities, scholarships/ fee waivers and opportunities to work in the country.

However, with the proposed cancellation of the stay period for overseas students in the US (extensions of one year for work and practical training for all students and two years for science and technology graduates) as well as H-1B visas for further employment, many aspiring Indian students will be compelled to reconsider their plans.

Amrita Dass, career counsellor, said: “The opportunity to earn in the same currency and pay for substantial fees (averaging about Rs 40 lakhs per annum) and the cost of living was an important consideration in their decision to study in US.”

As a consequence, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, which provide overseas students with work visas ranging from two to three years on the completion of undergraduate studies are fast becoming preferred destinations.

Canadian universities also provide the option of co-op during under graduate studies. This is a fully supervised and paid work experience which enables students to earn while they learn and also develop employability skills. Thus on graduating, they have both the requisite knowledge and skills, she said.