The Indian Rupee's recent fall against the US Dollar is making it more expensive for students to study abroad. Many Indian families are now changing their plans. They are looking for countries where education costs less.
One US Dollar now trades above **ninety Indian Rupees**. This makes study programs that last three or four years much pricier. Education experts say students and their families are now very focused on how much money they will spend.
Students Prioritise Costs Over University Rankings
Counselling teams, who advise students on studying abroad, noticed a big change in calls made during **November and early December**. Most students and parents now first ask about fees and living costs. Earlier, they used to ask about university rankings.
One large helpline shared some numbers. About **42%** of their enquiries last month named at least one cheaper country as an option. In early **2024**, this number was only about **29%**. This shows a clear shift in student interest.
Data from the **Reserve Bank of India (RBI)** also supports this. The amount of money sent outside India for education has slowed down this year. Counsellors say that students are not losing interest in studying abroad. Instead, they are taking longer to decide and finalise their plans due to cost worries.
A consultant in Chennai mentioned that students often bring screenshots of fees, hostel videos, and their own calculations about currency changes to meetings. He said, "They want to know how every rupee move affects the total money they will spend."
Europe and East Asia Become Popular Choices
Countries like Germany and Italy are becoming popular among Indian students. This is because their public universities have low tuition fees. After converting the cost to rupees, students often pay only **€3,000** to **€4,500** per year. This is a big saving compared to other places.
For example, some popular courses in the **United Kingdom (UK)** can cost around **₹25 lakh** to **₹28 lakh** each year. This includes both course fees and living expenses in the city. Such high costs push families to look for shorter courses or choose countries with more affordable programs.
Families of Class **12** students are now asking for full cost estimates for the entire study period, not just for the first year. Counsellors in Bengaluru and Pune report that many families now have two plans. One plan involves a European country, and the other involves an Asian country. This helps them manage risks, especially if there are delays in getting visas.
Students are also looking at South Korea, especially for technology courses. Universities there have increased the number of seats for international students. Students ask about courses taught in English, chances for internships, and available scholarships.
Smart Planning for Future Costs
To deal with the rising costs, some families are asking overseas colleges for flexible payment options. This means they want to pay fees in smaller amounts over time, instead of a large sum all at once. Others are adding a small extra amount to their monthly budget. This acts as a safety fund for any future changes in currency rates.
Education agents believe this trend will continue until early **2026**. This will likely change only if the Rupee becomes more stable, or if popular study destinations change their visa rules or fee payment plans.
