“Practicality Beats Prestige”: CA explains why Indian students burn us to Germany, the United Arab Emirates

Ca Nitin Kaushik notes that Indian students rethink their choices in higher education, and “study abroad” is no longer synonymous with the United States. For decades, the United States symbolizes a position and an opportunity, but the trends that have turned into a decisive action towards practical application and financial clarity.

According to the TNE 2024-25 upgrade report, Indian requests to American universities decreased by 13 %, while Germany and the United Arab Emirates appear quickly as preferred destinations. Germany now attracts 32.6 % of Indian students, thanks to low or free tuition fees and a strong business market. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has risen to host 42 % of Indian students, as they ran on the attractiveness of international universities, geographical proximity and relatively easier immigration paths.

Why the United States loses brilliance

The decrease in interest towards the United States can be attributed to high costs of tuition fees, complex visa obstacles, and unconfirmed work methods after graduation. These barriers force Indian families to reassess whether the extreme investment in the United States guarantees the financial stability and the returns they are looking for.

Germany and the United Arab Emirates rise as alternatives

Germany’s education model at reasonable prices, as well as its reputation in the strong economy and job opportunities, put it as a practical and attractive option. On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates benefits from its unique mixture of international universities, regional proximity and policies that support international students to become a major center for higher education.

Convert

Kaushik also noticed in a post on X (previously Twitter): Indians quietly rewrite “a study abroad”. For decades, the United States was the default selection. But now – things are turning. Families want clarity and return to invest and settle on the “brand value” only. New mentality: Operations outperform the status. “

While the Indian students and their families give the priority of cost efficiency, alignment of the labor market, and the flexibility of immigration, it is clear that the hegemony that was successive to the United States is under pressure clearly.