US freezes scholarships, impacting thousands of Indian students

The US State Department has announced a freeze on funding for scholarships like Fulbright, affecting thousands of Indian students. This decision takes away not only financial support but also valuable academic opportunities for many students who may struggle to afford studying abroad. Consultants note that this freeze particularly impacts students in non-standard fields, such as social sciences and the humanities. Neelabh Prabhat, cofounder of Alum-n-i, said these are often the students who benefit the most from such scholarships. Current scholars in the US may have to abandon their studies mid-course. Many students who had prepared applications are now left uncertain about their futures. Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, emphasized that scholarships are crucial for validation and support of academic ambitions. STEM researchers feel the impact the most. They rely on the resources and networks provided by US scholarships. Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, pointed out that PhD students now face difficulties in conducting their research without funding. The freeze has sudden implications, forcing students to look for alternative funding quickly. Many are turning to education loans, but this can lead to significant debt. Applications for private scholarships are rising, but these options cannot fully replace the lost funding. Experts warn that the long-term consequences could strain the relationship between Indian scholars and US institutions. Khandelwal believes this situation presents a chance for Indian institutions to enhance their offerings and support local talent, as uncertainty looms over US academic programs.