Time to look beyond the U.S. for education:Expert

In a candid assessment of the changing global education landscape, Asslam Shaikh, founder of Aliff Overseas Pvt. Ltd., has urged Indian students and families to explore opportunities beyond the United States. With over a decade of experience in the overseas education sector, Shaikh highlighted how recent visa restrictions have created uncertainty for students aspiring to study in the U.S.

“While the U.S. has long been a preferred destination for international students, policy changes under the recent Trump administration have tightened visa scrutiny,” Shaikh said. “Even highly qualified students with strong academic and financial backgrounds are facing refusals. This isn’t just a setback for individuals; it’s a wake-up call for the entire education community.”

Shaikh emphasized that the situation should not discourage students but rather encourage them to diversify their choices. “No single destination dominates forever,” he noted, citing the UK’s history of evolving student policies. “The U.S. will likely adjust, but meanwhile, India’s students should seize global opportunities elsewhere.”

Leading alternatives, according to Shaikh, include Germany, France, Ireland, and Hungary. Germany’s tuition-free public universities and strong STEM industry demand make it a top choice, while France and Ireland attract students with scholarships, English-taught programs, and post-graduation work opportunities. Canada, he added, remains a perennial favorite, offering streamlined study permits and clear pathways to permanent residency, with a projected need for 1.5 million skilled immigrants over the next five years.

Shaikh also highlighted how India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 complements this global outlook. “NEP 2020 encourages internationalization of higher education, multidisciplinary learning, and research-driven skill development. Students are now better equipped to compete globally, pursue study-abroad programs, or even collaborate with foreign universities while staying in India,” he said.

The Asia-Pacific region also presents promising options. New Zealand and Australia offer affordable, quality education with strong employability outcomes, while emerging hubs like Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and the UAE are actively expanding international student programs in business, technology, and healthcare.

At Aliff, this philosophy translates into action, with scholarships and support systems helping students from underprivileged backgrounds access international education. “The U.S. is important, but it’s not the only star in the sky. By exploring alternatives and leveraging NEP 2020 reforms, we are advancing toward a resilient, opportunity-rich future,” Shaikh concluded.

His message is clear: global education is no longer limited to a single destination. For Indian students, the world has never been more diverse or more accessible.