Over 4.2 lakh Indian students in the US could soon face financial hardship due to Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Indian exports. While designed to target trade, this policy might significantly increase the cost of living and studying in America.
Key impacts include:
- A weaker rupee, which makes tuition, rent, and daily expenses more expensive in INR.
- Indian essentials like groceries, medicines, and electronics could see price hikes of 20–30% due to tariffs and added markups.
- A typical student might spend ₹25,000–₹40,000 extra annually just on essentials.
- US universities may raise tuition or reduce scholarships to manage economic uncertainty, increasing the overall financial burden.
This comes on top of a 24% cost rise since 2018 due to currency depreciation alone. Experts warn that students need to rethink financial strategies, including forex planning, budgeting, and choosing aid-friendly universities.
While the US remains the top choice for many Indian students, recent policy fluctuations could jeopardize their dreams. Join GD Connect to get real-time support from alumni, peers, and experts.
Source: Financial Express