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Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
US foreign student policies: Blessing or curse?
In Donald Trump second, non-consecutive term as President of the US, his administration's stance on foreign students is once again in the spotlight. With sweeping changes to visa regulations and targeted actions against elite academic institutions, the global higher education landscape may be entering a new era. The question remains: are Trump's policies a blessing in disguise—or a curse with far-reaching consequences? US President Donald Trump called the strikes 'very successful'.(AFP) Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has made it clear that immigration—including the entry of international students—will be governed by stricter rules. One of the most controversial measures has been the requirement for all foreign student visa applicants (F, M, and J categories) to disclose their social media handles for vetting. Criticism of U.S. foreign policy, particularly around sensitive topics like the Israel–Palestine conflict, has reportedly led to visa denials. This level of scrutiny is creating a climate of anxiety. According to immigration reports, nearly 4,700 international students—mainly from India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, and South Korea—have had their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records revoked since January. Many of these cases involve minor infractions, from unpaid traffic fines to peaceful protest participation. Universities have voiced concern that this punitive approach risks undermining the values of academic freedom and open discourse. Trump's policies have not spared even the most prestigious institutions. Harvard University, long considered a beacon of academic excellence, has been at the centre of a legal and political storm. The administration threatened to strip it of SEVP certification (necessary for enrolling international students), revoke its tax-exempt status, and freeze federal funds worth more than $2.3 billion. Though a federal judge has since blocked these actions, the signal is unmistakable: Elite universities are not immune from political pressure. These moves appear to be part of a broader ideological shift—one that seeks to reshape the culture and influence of American higher education, particularly when it comes to internationalism, liberal values, and global research collaborations. Amid these harsh realities, the Trump administration has also sent out mixed signals. During his 2024 campaign and in more recent statements, Trump expressed support for allowing international graduates—particularly from China and India—to stay in the US and launch start-ups. He called this approach 'smart economics', arguing that retaining top talent benefits American innovation and competitiveness. One of the more ambitious promises was a proposal to offer automatic green cards to foreign graduates upon completion of their studies. However, this remains a promise with no legislative backing, and thus far, no clear pathway to implementation. The contradiction between rhetoric and policy continues to baffle university administrators and international applicants alike. While Trump's America grows more insular, other nations are seizing the moment. Canada, the UK, Australia, and various European countries have all seen a marked increase in foreign student interest. With clearer visa pathways, supportive post-study work opportunities, and a generally more stable policy environment, these countries are poised to benefit from the US's self-inflicted brain drain. The economic implications are substantial. In 2023–24, international students contributed an estimated $43–50 billion to the US economy. As students and scholars increasingly look elsewhere, a share of that economic activity will flow to competing countries. Universities abroad not only gain tuition income, but also enrich their academic environments with diverse perspectives and global talent. Moreover, countries that promote academic freedom and protect the rights of foreign students are earning reputational dividends. In an era where political unpredictability can disrupt lives and careers, stability has become a highly prized asset. The turbulence in US academia raises a profound question: Could the dominance of the American Ivy League be coming to an end? While names like Harvard, MIT, and Yale remain iconic, their appeal may wane if international students begin to favour more welcoming destinations. Already, clusters of excellence are emerging elsewhere. Canada's U15 universities, Australia's Group of Eight, the UK's red brick institutions, and top European universities like ETH Zurich and Sciences Po are building global reputations. These institutions are investing in international partnerships, offering robust research opportunities, and—crucially—ensuring predictability in student visas and academic governance. If the Ivy League has long been defined by exclusivity, endowments, and American soft power, the next generation of elite universities may instead be defined by values: openness, inclusivity, and global collaboration. Trump's foreign student policies are proving to be both disruptive and defining. While some of his rhetoric gestures toward opportunity and innovation, the dominant tone of his administration has been enforcement, surveillance, and exclusion. For thousands of international students, the experience of studying in the US is becoming less about academic growth and more about navigating risk. Yet in this geopolitical shift lies an opening for others. Countries that double down on inclusion, freedom, and support for global talent stand to become the world's new academic superpowers. In doing so, they may not just replace the Ivy League—but redefine what it means altogether. This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti, scholar, international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
8 hidden expenses of studying abroad that no one warns you about
You've calculated tuition. You've factored in rent. You even looked up airfare. But studying abroad is a financial iceberg — and tuition is only the tip. Beneath the surface lurk hidden expenses that can drain your savings faster than you think. As global education becomes more expensive, students and families must prepare not just for the known costs, but also the unspoken ones that universities and agents rarely discuss. Here are 8 hidden or underestimated expenses of studying abroad that can wreck your budget if you're not careful — no matter which country you're headed to. Visa applications: A multi-layered financial commitment Getting a student visa has evolved into a complex process with multiple fee structures. Today's visa applications involve much more than a simple application fee. The visa process has become increasingly complex, with multiple mandatory charges that often catch students off guard: Biometrics appointments Mandatory immigration health surcharge (especially in the UK) SEVIS ( Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ) fee in the US Visa renewal or extension fees in countries like Canada and Australia The numbers tell a stark story. An Indian student applying for a UK visa faces an initial fee of around INR 60,000. However, when you factor in the mandatory health surcharge, English language test requirements, and other associated costs, the total bill approaches INR 3,00,000. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A failing liver is taking my son away from me! Help him! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Even this figure doesn't capture the complete picture, as additional expenses like courier services, travel to visa centers, and premium appointment fees can push costs even higher. Healthcare coverage: Mandatory investment International students must navigate mandatory health insurance requirements that vary significantly between countries. These aren't optional add-ons but essential coverage that directly impacts your budget. The annual costs break down as follows: Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) ranges from AUD 450 to AUD 800 (approximately INR 30,000 to INR 50,000) Germany : Monthly premiums of €110 to €120 (approximately INR 8,000 to INR 13,000 per month) United States : Annual costs can reach $2,000 to $3,000 (approximately INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,60,000) The challenge extends beyond cost. Many insurance plans exclude dental care, vision services, and mental health support. In expensive healthcare markets like the United States, a single emergency room visit without proper coverage can create severe financial strain. Currency risk: Unpredictable fluctuations Exchange rate fluctuations represent one of the most unpredictable aspects of studying abroad. Your educational investment remains tied to currency movements between your home country and your destination. Consider this scenario: A single rupee decline against the US dollar can increase your total study abroad expenses by INR 1 to 2 lakh. This isn't a theoretical risk, it's a real factor that affects thousands of students each year. International banking adds another layer of expense. Foreign exchange markups accompany most international transfers, while credit and debit card transactions abroad typically include 2% to 4% surcharges on every purchase. Housing: Upfront costs and uncertain returns Securing accommodation abroad requires substantial upfront investments that extend well beyond monthly rent payments. Renting accommodation abroad often involves significant upfront costs that many students overlook. Before you even move in, you may be required to pay: First and last month's rent A security deposit Application fees or broker charges Recovery of these deposits remains uncertain. In competitive rental markets like Toronto, London, or Melbourne, landlord disputes are common, and many students never recover their full security deposits. Daily transportation: The commute cost Universities promote their academic programs but rarely discuss the practical costs of reaching campus each day. Urban transportation expenses can significantly impact monthly budgets. Monthly public transport passes in major cities like London, New York, or Sydney typically cost between INR 6,000 and INR 12,000. Transportation disruptions create additional expenses through surge-priced ride-sharing services. Geographic factors compound these costs. Many campuses, particularly in Canada and Germany, are located outside city centers, making daily commutes both time-consuming and expensive. Academic materials: Beyond digital learning Despite technological advances, academic programs still require significant material investments. Course requirements often extend beyond what's included in tuition fees. Professors frequently require current textbook editions that are only available in the host country at premium prices. Students in specialized fields like engineering, architecture, or fine arts face additional equipment and material costs that aren't covered by tuition. Essential items like lab coats, drawing supplies, and software licenses represent out-of-pocket expenses. These costs can add INR 10,000 to INR 30,000 per semester, depending on your program requirements. Social integration: The cost of belonging International education involves more than classroom learning. Social integration and networking opportunities require financial participation that many students underestimate. The pressure to fit in or stay socially active can quickly lead to unexpected spending on: Impulsive shopping Frequent dining out Short trips or weekend travel Club memberships or gym subscriptions While these expenses aren't academically essential, they often feel necessary for building relationships and professional networks in a new environment. Emergency situations: When plans fall apart Unexpected situations create some of the most significant financial pressures for international students. Family emergencies or visa complications can require immediate and expensive responses. A family emergency requiring immediate return home can mean booking last-minute flights from cities like New York or Berlin to Mumbai, often costing INR 1.5 to INR 2.5 lakh during peak travel periods. Visa complications may require in-person embassy interviews in your home country, creating additional travel expenses. Administrative requirements like courier services for official documents, passport renewals, and document attestation can quickly exhaust emergency funds. What can students do? Successfully managing study abroad finances requires preparation that goes beyond basic budgeting. These four strategies can help students maintain financial stability: Plan for 20% above consultant estimates : Education consultants often provide conservative cost estimates. Factor in inflation, currency fluctuations, and unexpected expenses by budgeting at least 20% above initial projections. Seek comprehensive scholarship support : Many scholarships cover only tuition fees. Prioritize opportunities that include living stipends or housing allowances, as these can significantly reduce your financial burden. Consider location economics : Academic programs in smaller cities like Adelaide or Leipzig can cost up to 40% less than equivalent programs in Sydney or Berlin, while maintaining similar educational value. Practice selective spending : Social expenses accumulate quickly. From weekend trips to daily takeout orders, lifestyle inflation can quietly drain your budget without careful monitoring. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Academic fraud: Students with fake degrees clear US, UK visa interviews; caught at Hyderabad airport
HYDERABAD: In a worrying trend that highlights the growing sophistication of academic fraud, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has uncovered a racket involving students using forged academic credentials to secure student visas for the United States and the United Kingdom. In the past two weeks alone, four individuals were intercepted at the airport-despite having cleared formal visa interviews at foreign embassies-with fake degrees, some sourced from dubious education consultants. These candidates had successfully obtained student visas and enrolled in foreign universities. However, the deception unravelled during additional checks by BoI personnel before departure. The first breakthrough came on June 1 with the detention of Pakeeru Gopal Reddy, a 28-year-old from Parepalligudem in Nalgonda district. Gopal Reddy had earlier entered the US on a student visa with a forged BSc (computers) degree from Madurai Kamraj University and enrolled at Webster University, Missouri, in Sept 2023. After spending 15 months in the US, he returned to India citing personal reasons. However, in May 2024, during his attempt to re-enter the US, he was deported from Dallas airport due to an inactive Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Upon landing at RGIA, BoI officials subjected Gopal to intense questioning and document verification, which revealed his degree was fake. He confessed to obtaining it through Katoju Ashok, an agent operating under Sri Dhanalakshmi Overseas Private Limited in BN Reddy Nagar, Vanasthalipuram. Gopal was arrested on June 1, and Ashok a day later. 'Cases indicate role of education consultants' The arrests made us realise that candidates were securing fake degrees through certain education consultants and managing to obtain visas to the US and the UK. We decided to monitor this trend closely," a BoI official said. Following this, BoI officials intensified scrutiny and intercepted three more students en route to the UK. Mohammad Shahabazuddin, 26, of Hyderabad, was caught on June 9 with a fake BCom degree from Acharya Nagarjuna University (2021), a forged Intermediate certificate (2017), and bogus BTech certificates from two engineering colleges in Hyderabad. Shahabazuddin admitted to purchasing a fake SSC certificate from one Yakub in the city for Rs 1.5 lakh and fabricating the rest using software. He secured a UK student visa using these forged documents. A case was filed on June 10, and Shahabazuddin was taken into custody. Mohammed Azhar Hussain, 25, from Seetharampuram in Miryalaguda, was stopped on June 10 while boarding a flight to the UK via Dubai. Azhar confessed to using fake certificates from Capital University, Jharkhand, and a forged job letter arranged by Bharat from Emerge Migration Overseas Educational Consultancy in Miryalaguda. BoI filed a police complaint, and Azhar Hussain was remanded in custody. Srikanth Marthala, 26, from Guntur, was intercepted on June 12 with a fake BTech degree from Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation. He admitted to paying Rs 40,000 to Mohan Krishna, a Guntur-based agent, for the certificate. A case was registered, and Srikanth was also remanded in judicial custody. RGIA police, suspecting a broader pattern, are now expanding the probe to identify and arrest more agents and consultants involved in this fraudulent network. Investigations are ongoing.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump hints at "deal" with Harvard — as judge lets Harvard keep enrolling foreign students
A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll international students — but President Trump said Friday he could strike a "deal" to resolve his battles with the Ivy League school within days. The preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs bars the government from cutting off Harvard's access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal database that keeps track of student visa applications. The Boston-based judge had previously blocked the policy through a temporary restraining order. Minutes later on Friday, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that his administration has been "working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so." "They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right," the president wrote. "If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be "mindbogglingly" HISTORIC, and very good for our Country." Mr. Trump did not provide further details on the settlement talks. CBS News has reached out to Harvard and the White House for comment on the discussions. The Department of Homeland Security told Harvard in May it was revoking its student visa system certification, telling the school "it is a privilege to enroll foreign students" — and the school "lost this privilege" by allegedly failing to deal with campus antisemitism. Harvard quickly sued, arguing the school was being punished for defying the administration's political agenda, and Burroughs sided with Harvard. Mr. Trump issued a separate order earlier this month barring most international students from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard. Burroughs blocked that move two weeks ago, though her ruling Friday did not address Mr. Trump's order. In reaction to the judge's Friday ruling, a Harvard spokesperson said: "The Court order allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students and scholars while the case moves forward. Harvard will continue to defend its rights—and the rights of its students and scholars." DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement Burroughs' ruling is "in direct conflict with the President's constitutionally vested powers under Article II and those granted by federal law." "It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. The Trump administration is committed to restoring common sense to our student visa system; no lawsuit, this or any other, is going to change that," McLaughlin said. The battle over international students could have grave consequences for Harvard, where about one in four students hail from outside the United States. Mr. Trump suggested last month that Harvard should cap its foreign student enrollment at 15%, and share more information with the government so it can determine whether prospective students are "troublemakers." Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also ordered "additional vetting" for anybody who wants to travel to Harvard from abroad, including students as well as staff, faculty, guest speakers and tourists, CBS News has previously reported. It's part of a wider back-and-forth between Harvard and the Trump administration. In April, the administration pushed the school to make a range of policy changes in order to maintain its "financial relationship" with the government, including external audits of some academic departments and an end to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. When the school refused, the government said it would cut off billions of dollars in grants to Harvard. Other universities have faced similar pressure, including demands for policy changes — often zeroing in on the schools' handling of pro-Palestinian protests — and grant freezes. Earlier this week, the State Department announced guidelines for vetting student visa applicants' social media accounts, telling staff to look for signs of "hostility" toward the U.S. And some international students who are already in the U.S. have faced scrutiny. Authorities have detained several students linked to pro-Palestinian activism, including Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi from Columbia and Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts. Mahdawi and Ozturk have since been released, and a judge ordered Khalil's release Friday. SpaceX Starship upper stage blows up Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico with destructive winds, major storm surge "Jaws" premiered 50 years ago, but it's a wonder it got made at all
Boston Globe
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘I would not have left': An Indian student went home after the US terminated his status. Now he can't come back.
'A lot of people got scared,' said the student, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal. Some foreign students made the wrenching decision to drop everything and leave. The PhD student was among them. He bought a one-way ticket from Boston to Mumbai, and left April 5. Advertisement What these students couldn't have known: The federal government would soon restore most international students' statuses in its Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) The problem, immigration lawyers said, is that the State Department did not automatically restore their visas, which allow international travel. With a revoked visa, anyone who leaves and tries to come back could be stopped by airport officers and barred from reentering the United States, or risk getting stuck abroad because of security delays. Back in India, the PhD student applied for a new visa May 9, but got denied two weeks later. He has an 'active' status in the SEVIS database, 'as though the termination did not happen,' according to a notice sent by ICE in June and reviewed by the Globe. But without a valid visa he is physically locked out of the country. Advertisement While the story of a PhD marooned in Mumbai may seem distant, it illustrates how compliance with the letter of the law doesn't always ensure protection. It also shows how difficult it is to bring people back once they've removed themselves from the country, said immigration lawyers. 'I did all the things right. I was compliant. They asked me to leave. I left the country,' said the PhD student. In doing so, 'I became a statistic to their self-deportation [initiative].' If he had to do it all over again, he said, 'I would not have left.' Lawyers said they generally advised students who had their statuses terminated this spring to stay in the United States, or made sure students at least knew their options. 'We know of cases where individuals did decide that 'I'm not going to fight,' for whatever reason,' said Boston-based attorney Elizabeth Goss. It's hard to know how many students left, or where they ended up. A sizable number seem to hail from India, which The State Department, in an email to the Globe, said that 'whenever an individual's visa is revoked, he or she may reapply at one of our consulates or embassies overseas at any time.' Advertisement But some students have been denied authorization for reentry, and in late May, the US The way Cambridge-based lawyer Stephanie Marzouk sees it, the Trump administration 'doesn't want foreign students here' and is 'pursuing this scorched-earth strategy of doing everything they can to dissuade people from coming to the US to study.' The Indian PhD student, who didn't want to identify his school, applied for his visa before the United States suspended new interviews, but he was rejected under Immigration and Nationality Act's Section 214(b) because he didn't sufficiently demonstrate 'strong ties' to his native country that would compel him to return home. He questioned why that concern was never flagged previously: 'I've done two visas before this [one], and I've presented my strong ties to them successfully.' 'My dad is a heart patient while my mother is a breast cancer patient,' he added. 'I'm not interested in leaving them.' Soon after his rejection, he created a poll in his WhatsApp chat group of Indian students and found at least 14 others denied for the same reason. Dahlia French, an immigration lawyer based in Texas, has met with around 11 students and heard of another 25 or so rejected on these grounds. 'Almost all are Indian,' she said. Charles Kuck, a lawyer based in Atlanta, , said he's only heard of two students who have been approved for new visas since they returned home, 'but I've got at least 60 who have been denied' for 214(b), and 'they were all from India.' Advertisement Reversing a visa denial is practically unheard of because of the judicial doctrine of Kuck advised clients who left not to reapply for a visa. 'If the revocations were illegal, which we believe they were, then these students don't need to go back to the consulate; they can just come in on their current visas,' he said. Simii, who asked to be identified by her first name only to protect her privacy, is a 30-year-old who graduated from Northeastern in 2022. The software engineer was in her third year of employment related to her field of study when she learned her SEVIS status was terminated and her visa revoked. She returned to India, only to learn her SEVIS record had been reactivated. But with only a few months left before her student status runs out, she doubts the government will grant her another visa. The PhD candidate had been studying neurodevelopmental disorders in his university lab in Boston when he found out ICE terminated his record. The reason he was given, he said, was 'otherwise failing to maintain status -- Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had VISA revoked.' Around five years ago, he was picked up in New York state for driving while ability impaired, Advertisement 'I was 21 at the time, and that was definitely a stupid mistake,' he said. When he applied for a visa for his PhD program, he declared the prior DWAI conviction, then completed another round of medical and psychological evaluations before it was approved. After his recent visa rejection, he's struggling to find a lawyer. For these students, 'all that can be done is they can be better prepared to go back on a second consular interview,' and try to prove they do maintain strong ties to their country, said Kuck. Simii, the Northeastern graduate, said she no longer sees the point in reapplying. Instead, she's traveling around India before looking for a job. 'I didn't leave because I gave up. I left because I refused to live in fear, uncertainty, and anxiety created by the immigration system,' she wrote in an email. 'I am sharing my story so that other students who feel scared, stuck, or ashamed because of a system that failed them can feel seen and heard.' Globe correspondent Jade Lozada contributed to this report. Brooke Hauser can be reached at
