Piyush Kumar, Regional Director at IDP Education, and Aniket Dani, Director of Research at Crisil Intelligence, dive into the financial labyrinth faced by Indian students aspiring to study abroad. They discuss the skyrocketing tuition fees and the impact of a depreciating rupee, questioning if the investment in global degrees remains valid. The duo analyzes trends in overseas education loans and potential cost-effective universities, shedding light on how technology is enhancing loan dynamics and shaping the future for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Indian students studying abroad are increasingly burdened by rising tuition, inflation, and reliance on educational loans, prompting a reevaluation of costs and educational choices.
There is a notable shift in the profiles of Indian students, with more from tier two and three cities pursuing STEM postgraduate degrees while assessing post-study work rights.
Deep dives
Rising Financial Pressures on Indian Students
Indian students studying abroad face significant financial challenges, highlighted by increasing tuition fees, inflation, and a devalued rupee. Many students find themselves relying heavily on educational loans to cover their expenses, and the burden of debt can be overwhelming. For instance, tuition and living costs at prestigious institutions like Ivy League schools often exceed 20 lakh INR, leading students to evaluate alternative, more affordable educational options. The need for careful budgeting is crucial, as many students need to balance their spending with potential internships and part-time jobs during their studies.
Emerging Trends in Study Abroad Preferences
The profile of Indian students aspiring to study abroad is evolving, with growing interest from those in tier two and three cities, along with a shift towards postgraduate degrees. A notable majority of these students pursue STEM fields, driven by job market demands and the potential for residency opportunities. Institutions outside the top Ivy League schools are also gaining traction, as they offer high-quality education at lower costs; students recognize that even universities ranked in the top 700 globally provide better educational outcomes compared to many Indian institutions. Students are becoming increasingly savvy about their choices, often factoring in post-study work rights and immigration policies alongside tuition and living costs.
The Education Loan Landscape and Future Considerations
The market for education loans has expanded significantly, with approximately 70-75% of students now opting for loans compared to previous years. Key players in this segment include banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) that provide collateral-free loans, enabling more students from diverse financial backgrounds to participate. Defaults on education loans remain low, as lenders focus on students with strong academic credentials and employability prospects. However, as the costs of studying abroad rise and immigration policies tighten, questions arise about the long-term viability of this educational pathway, making it essential for students to carefully assess their financial futures.
Dreaming of studying abroad as an Indian student? The path to global education is becoming increasingly fraught with soaring tuition fees, inflation, and a depreciating rupee. From onerous education loans to repayment challenges, we’ll discuss whether these global degrees are worth the investment. Are there cost-effective destinations offering quality education, or is the dream becoming unsustainable? Host Neil Ghai talks to Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia at IDP Education and Aniket Dani, Director of Research at Crisil Intelligence as they uncover the growing financial pressures faced by Indian students pursuing international degrees.