The suspension affects major initiatives, including the Fulbright Program, IDEAS Program, Gilman Scholarship, and Critical Languages Scholarships.

The lack of clear guidance from the State Department has caused confusion among program providers. Some Fulbright offices were instructed by local embassies to pause operations, while others initially halted but have since resumed, The PIE News reported.

The funding freeze, which took effect on Feb. 12 and is set to last for 15 days, has left students and program staff in shock.

Melissa Torres, president of the Forum on Education Abroad, told The PIE that while there is no indication of permanent cuts, the abrupt suspension—issued without explanation or public statement—has sent shockwaves through the sector.

“At present, there is no additional detail, nor has a rationale been provided,” Torres said, adding that while grantees have been contacted, no formal announcement has been made.

She warned that the delay in funding could lead to significant layoffs among international education professionals, with serious consequences for local communities and economies. She also emphasized that these grants not only support students but also sustain the staff who administer the programs.

Onlinea platform providing study-abroad updates for Indian students, reported that the sudden suspension has left many reliant on these grants in a state of uncertainty.

With students having planned their academic futures based on the expectation of financial aid, the disruption could force them to reassess or even abandon their study-abroad plans.

The Fulbright Program, which awards over 2,200 grants to Indian students annually, may face major disruptions. Any reduction or delay in funding could limit participation, affecting cultural exchange and academic collaboration between India and the U.S.

The program also provides over 2,200 grants annually to U.S. students while bringing in roughly 4,000 international students for study or research in the U.S.