Panic-stricken amid Trump’s visa purge, Indian students look at private universities back home

New Delhi: As the Trump administration revokes student visas in its crackdown on immigration, a 20-year-old undergraduate student at a Philadelphia university has reached out to a career counselling agency in India to weigh his options.

The student, a New Delhi resident pursuing business computing studies in the US, said uncertainty is running high among Indian students in America.

His is not a lone case, as the new administration under US President Donald Trump has in the last few weeks revoked visas of numerous international students, leaving many at risk of detention and deportation. The move has sparked concern across academic and immigrant communities, with some affected students even filing lawsuits, alleging their visas were revoked without due process.

Amid the uncertainty around visa policies in the US, an increasing number of Indian students are exploring backup plans—from transferring to top private universities in India to relocating to countries like Canada, Australia or the UAE.

A 23-year-old postgraduate student pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) course at a university in Connecticut told ThePrint that he is already taking steps in anticipation of any sudden visa policy changes. “I have also been in touch with some counselling agencies to advise me if I can move to Canada if required.”

“I have heard that many other Indian students are also planning to shift to either good universities in India or other countries,” added the student, who hails from Haryana.

Private universities in India, including Ashoka University in Sonepat, have reported a surge in transfer requests this year, particularly from Indian students studying in the US. Career counselling agencies are also seeing a rise in similar enquiries, ThePrint has learnt.

Sakshi Mittal, founder of education consultancy University Leap, admitted to sensing panic among students and parents, especially when it comes to destinations like the US.

“There is uncertainty around changing immigration policies and post-study work options. On Monday, a student reached out expressing the desire to transfer back to India from the US, citing anxiety over spending such a significant amount of money without clarity on long-term visa prospects,” she told ThePrint.

Mittal too said that Indian students are increasingly exploring alternative options. “We have also seen rising interest from students who are considering studying (further) in India or choosing destinations like Dubai,” she added. She also advised students to avoid making decisions based solely on headlines, urging them to instead consult trusted professionals for guidance.

According to professor Harsh Pant, vice-president, Studies and Foreign Policy, at Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, one key reason students choose to study abroad—particularly in the US and other western countries—is the perception that India lacks institutions of calibre.

“For them to come back and seek admission here would be a very difficult decision, one often made under duress,” he told ThePrint. “If we’re seeing an uptick in such cases, it likely reflects a high level of distress among students and deep uncertainty about their future. That’s what’s pushing them to consider such extreme measures.”

Pant, however, said that India has an opportunity to make the most of the situation. “But for that to happen, the Indian education system must also rise to the occasion—becoming more efficient, forward-looking, and ready to meet the evolving needs of students,” he said.

According to Open Doors 2024, an annual report published by the Institute of International Education that studies international educational exchange activity into and out of the US, the number of Indian students surpassed those from China in the nation in 2023-24. At 29 percent, Indians were the largest international student cohort in the US.

More and more transfer requests 

Several private universities in India offer lateral entry options, allowing students—both domestic and international—to transfer after completing at least one year of study.

Ashoka University, for instance, has an undergraduate transfer programme that enables students to carry forward their academic credits and continue their education in India. This option is especially valuable for those seeking to change universities, switching majors, or relocating for academic or personal reasons.

According to a spokesperson, the university has seen a noticeable rise in interest from Indians studying abroad, particularly in the US.

“We are witnessing a global shift in academic preferences, and India is no exception. At Ashoka, we’ve already begun receiving queries from students studying abroad—especially from the US—who are exploring the possibility of transferring to institutions back home,” the spokesperson told ThePrint.

“As uncertainties persist globally, we believe Indian universities have an opportunity to emerge as choice academic destinations at a global level. We are ready to welcome these students and support them in continuing their academic journey seamlessly.”

Pallavi Lohokare, Director, Admissions and Financial Aid, at Pune’s FLAME University, also said there has been an increase in the number of transfer applications from students abroad. The university too accepts transfer students through a lateral entry process.

“In the last two years, we have received applications from students studying in different countries across the world, including Australia, the Netherlands, Ireland, UAE, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and, of course, US. There has definitely been an increase in the number of students from US-based institutions applying to FLAME University for transfer admissions,” she said.

Navrachana University in Vadodara has observed the trend of students who had initially planned to study abroad—or even taken a gap year—now actively seeking admission to Indian institutions.

“Over the past year, we have witnessed an increase in requests for transfers. This is due to changing global views and collective concerns from students and parents. Some students are choosing to discontinue their overseas education and are opting for a fresh start at Indian institutions,” Pratyush Shankar, Provost, Navrachana University, told ThePrint.

US universities step up 

With the Trump administration freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for several universities, including Harvard and Columbia, foreign students may finding themselves in a difficult spot as many institutions rely on federal funds to support merit- or need-based aid for international students. However, some of the institutions are taking initiatives to support affected students.

At Columbia University, Acting President Claire Shipman addressed the issue in a message to the university community Monday. She emphasised that Columbia would not accept any agreement that compromised its core values.

“The university would reject any agreement requiring it to relinquish our independence and autonomy as an educational institution,” Shipman wrote. ThePrint has seen her mail.

She acknowledged the distress among international students—whom she called “essential” to Columbia’s “unique and powerful ecosystem”—and announced the launch of a new University Hardship Fund. Backed by the president’s office, the board of trustees, and generous alumni, the fund aims to support students facing unexpected financial challenges.

According to Columbia’s website, the International Student Hardship Fund will offer grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, based on demonstrated need, the urgency of the situation, and the student’s overall financial condition. In exceptional cases, larger grants may be awarded.

Similarly, Harvard University also issued a firm response Monday, stating it would not “surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights”.

The statement came after the US Department of Education announced a freeze on approximately $2.3 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard, following the university’s refusal to comply with White House demands to limit campus activism and shut down diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes.

This article has valuable insights from Pallavi Lohokare, Director, Admissions and Financial Aid, FLAME University.