The falling Rupee has dramatically increased the expenses of Indian students studying abroad, placing a significant financial burden on their families.

The Rupee continues to weaken, now reaching nearly 90 Rupees per Dollar. This decline has increased the concerns of Indian students studying abroad and their families. The cost of education abroad was already high, but the Rupee's weakness has further exacerbated these expenses.

Over the past eight to nine months, the Rupee has fallen from approximately 84 Rupees per Dollar to 90 Rupees per Dollar. This decline has directly impacted the pockets of students studying in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and European countries. College fees, board and lodging, rent, travel expenses, and insurance are all paid in dollars, pounds, euros, or other foreign currencies. The Rupee's weakness automatically increases these expenses.

The number of students going abroad remains high.

According to the Bureau of Immigration data, 760,000 Indian students went abroad for higher education in 2024. This number is lower than the 890,000 in 2023, but it still shows that the demand for foreign education among Indian families remains strong. Five years ago, in 2020, this number was only 260,000. In 2021, it reached 450,000, 750,000 in 2022, and nearly 900,000 in 2023.

Student Expenses Suddenly Rise

According to media reports, each new semester poses a new challenge for students already studying. Many students say that their monthly expenses have increased by 20,000–30,000 rupees. Total annual expenses are estimated to be 200,000–300,000 rupees. Food, rent, and travel expenses have increased the most. Fees in dollar and pound terms automatically become more expensive as the rupee depreciates.

Some students rely on part-time jobs.

Many students describe the first six months as the most difficult. They have to adjust to the new environment, and expenses continue to rise. Many families report that their children work part-time while studying to help cover some of the expenses.

Pressure on family budgets too.

Families in India carefully consider every rupee and send money for their children's education. Household expenses, loan instalments, and their children's foreign education have all combined to create a significant financial burden. One young man wrote on social media that the annual tuition fee of $50,000, which previously cost ₹4.15 million, has now become approximately ₹4.47 million. The rupee's depreciation alone is creating an additional burden of ₹300,000 annually.

Some students are considering changing countries.

Many students say that if the rupee continues to decline, they may consider other countries for their studies, where the cost is lower. A student preparing to pursue a master's degree in the US said, "Now we have to decide what we can afford. We may have to change our destination."

Visa and processing fees also expensive

Immigration consultants have reported that visa fees and other processing charges have also increased by approximately 4%. The average cost of American colleges is also increasing by 2-3 lakh rupees every year.