Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty around the immigration and revoking of student visas that has been happening during the past few months under the Trump administration in the US, the academics now assure that Indian students seeking admissions in the US would not face challenges of any kind.
“The US remains committed to welcoming international students who meet the visa requirements and contribute to the academic community,” assured Marcello Fantoni, vice-president, global education, Kent State University, while briefing Business India. “At our university, we provide comprehensive support to international students to help them navigate these challenges.”
Universities in the US are emphasising that the quality of education and the opportunities available in the US will continue to attract students from around the world. “We at Kent State will always welcome all international students with open arms,” Fantoni added.
Scholarships are being offered for international students, including those from India, ranging from $4,300 to $17,000 per year for eligible undergraduate students.
In 2023-24, India became the leading source country for international students in the US, with over 331,000 Indian students enrolling across various university campuses. This was a 23 per cent increase over the previous year. During the last academic session, nearly 800 Indian students enrolled in various programmes – and the numbers have been on the ascendant in the Kent State University too. And, the projections for the ongoing academic year are higher than last year.
India became the leading source for international students in the US, with over 331,000 Indian students enrolling across various university campuses
Kent State University has collaborated with Bennett University in India for offering undergraduate programmes for Indian students under the 2+2 scheme (beginning this year), where an Indian student can study initially for two years in India and the next two years in the university campus at Ohio, while enjoying a 50 per cent discount on fee. Kent State University has initialled an MoU with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, too.
“Indian students can choose from a number of campuses outside the US too (such as Florence, Paris, Brazil) from semester to semester, which will get them a global experience,” affirmed Paulo Octavio Mussi Augusto, associate vice-president, KSU.
“It’s the students from smaller cities who are showing interest in joining KSU, seeing the success of Indian alumni,” said Jyotsna Misra, director (India), KSU.
“Indian students graduating from Kent State University with an F1 visa are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the US for up to 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM graduates). This provides valuable work experience and enhances their career prospects. The possibility of transitioning to an H-1B visa for longer-term employment also exists, depending on employer sponsorship,” Fantoni added.
Student support services
Indian students need to stay informed about visa regulations and also focus on their academic standing. Universities offer interested students support services, which include academic advising, career counselling and cultural integration programmes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), government of India, has advised the Indian students to register at the embassy/consulate website, depending on their location in the US. Details have been shared on their website on all the locations where students can register. This process makes it easier for the Indian government to reach out to the student in case of any eventuality.
MEA has advised students to be vigilant about their surroundings, as this would enable them to decide on what neighbourhoods to avoid. Indian students have also been urged to move in groups or with a few friends and venture out into safe areas, which are well-inhabited and well-lit. These guidelines have been made after a few instances of Indian students falling victims to crimes.
In addition, Indian students, like all other international students, will have to exercise all caution to conform to the norms that are listed for them – whether it is participating in protest marches, committing traffic violations or even smaller aberrations against law. They must realise that such infringements will not be tolerated and could, in certain cases, lead to the revoking of their visas.