Why Indian Students Leaving US For The First Time As Top Study Destination In 2026?

Why US is No Longer a Top Country to Study Abroad in 2026?

USA has been a popular choice to study abroad since decades. However, there is a big shift in Indian students preferences about study abroad countries in 2026. Indian students are shifting from US to other emerging countries such as Germany, UAE, New Zealand, and Ireland. US sharply showed a drop of 13% in Indian students’ applications according to upGrad's 2024-25 report. On the other hand, countries like Germany, UAE, and other European nations are now preferred by Indian students.

So, why US is no longer the first choice for Indian students? The answer is simple. It is due to the consistent changes in USA immigration policies, increasing tuition and living costs, visa delays and F1 slots unavailability, uncertainty in OPT and H1B visas, and many more. Let us now check the major reasons why Indian students are leaving US for the first time as top study destination in 2026:

Ever-Rising Costs in USA for International Students

The cost of studying and living in USA has been increasing for international students. Top universities in US are laying out a higher tuition fee structure year by year (USD 60,000+), making it difficult for international students to afford. For many Indian families, US is simply unaffordable in terms of finances. On the other hand, countries like Germany seem a pocket-friendly option. The average tuition and living costs in USA, according to the College Board, are as follows:

• Tuition Fees in Public Universities: USD 30,780

• Tuition Fees in Private Universities: USD 43,350

• Living Expenses in USA: USD 10,000 to USD 18,000 (Depending on the location)

Visa Uncertainty, Delays, and Unavailability of F1 Slots

With the revamped US visa screening process for international students and the scarcity of visa appointment slots, thousands of Indian students are unable to secure interview slots. They face problems, including months-long wait times for interviews. This leads to visa delays and, hence, missing the admission intake.

F1 Visa freezing is one such reason why Indian students are leaving US as a top study destination in 2026. Due to increased scrutiny, the US study visa rejection rate is increasing as well, which is yet another reason for not choosing the country.

Career Risks Due to OPT and H-1B Uncertainty

With the uncertainty over OPT and H-1B visas, there are major career risks for international graduates, leading to potential job loss, financial problems, and career breaks. According to new policies and proposals, international students after graduating from US universities and colleges are facing many challenges. OPT (Optional Practical Training) helps to become more competitive for foreign graduates. On the other hand, the H1B visa fee has increased.

The uncertain post study work opportunities after graduation is one of the major reasons why Indian students are leaving US as a top study abroad destination in 2026. On the other hand, other affordable countries besides US are preferred, offering streamlined PSW options such as an 18-month post-study work visa in Germany and up to 5 years of PSW in the UAE.

Also Read: Campus life in US

Real Incidents Shared By Indian Students Studying in USA

Indian students are dealing with stress and anxiety due to the current circumstances of students living in USA. Many students returned to India from US either by deportation or on their own. Some of the real-life cases from US include the following:

“I got into a US university but couldn’t get a visa interview in time. Ended up accepting Germany’s offer — zero tuition and a job guarantee after!”

From: Raghav, Engineering student, Mumbai

“Why pay ₹60 lakhs to study in US when I can get the same degree in UAE for half the price — and work there after?”

From: Simran, Business major, Delhi

Other Emerging Countries to Study Abroad Except USA

US is not preferred as the number 1 study abroad destination for Indian students in 2026. There are some other alternative countries chosen by Indian students to study abroad. These countries are often simpler, easier, affordable and more welcoming towards foreign students. These include the following:

Conclusion: US is still a good study abroad country, but definitely not the first choice in 2026

In 2026, Indian students tend to choose a study abroad destination with a hassle-free and streamlined process rather than a strict one. Therefore, US is no longer the first choice for Indian students. Instead, countries such as Germany, UAE, Poland, Philippines, and others top the list.

This is because these countries offer students affordability, top educational systems, certainty, better career options, and much more. On the other hand, the US still provides world-class education to international students, but recent immigration changes, visa uncertainties, working risks, and more have made the country less appealing for foreign students.