Hyderabad: Once again, Hyderabad is poised to see a significant number of students heading abroad for higher education in the upcoming academic year.
Numerous individuals from the city are preparing for either the summer intake, which is scheduled for May, or the fall intake in August and September. The majority of these students are currently immersed in the application process for prominent international universities, with a particular focus on gaining admission to universities in the United States.
Data from the US Embassy and consulates in India reveal a notable surge in student visas issued last academic year, reaching a record high of 95,269 across the F, M, and J categories, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year.
In the academic year 2022-2023, approximately 113,304 students took the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), indicating a growing interest in higher education abroad. Additionally, there has been an uptick in the number of individuals taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exams.
Among the preferred destinations for students from Hyderabad are California, New York City, Chicago, and Florida. Reports from ‘study group’ and ‘open door’ agencies indicate that international student enrollment in the US for 2021-22 stood at 261,000, with India leading the cohort with around 75,000 visas issued.
Sharing her experience, Prerna Gangi, a resident of Begumpet, mentioned, “I recently took the IELTS test on Saturday. I am in the process of submitting my applications to universities in the US for either the summer or fall intake.”
According to Johnson Joseph from Nebo Consultancy, “Prospective students are currently engrossed in the documentation process for the May intake. However, a significant number of Indian students prefer enrolling in the fall semester as academic programs in India typically conclude by April/May, allowing for a seamless transition to higher education in US universities.”