While the US remains the top destination for Indian students wanting to pursue Undergraduate-level courses abroad, there has been a 10 per cent decline in Indian student applications to the country between 2024-26, SAT entrance exam data shows. "Three years ago, about 80 to 85percent of Indian students' SAT scores were heading to the United States. Now in 2026, that 80 to 85percent is closer to 70 to 75 per cent. So within three years, a 10percent drop, which to us is significant," Mr Rushi Sheth, Vice President, College Board, highlighted in a conversation with this author. College Board has been conducting the SAT exam for 100years.When this author asked Rushi about the reasons he assigned for this US-specific decline, he cited "changing geopolitical conditions." Different countries create or remove policies, which send different signals. As a result of this, families take time to reflect and re-assess, adjust accordingly, he reasoned.Interestingly, the 2024-26 period broadly coincides with the ongoing Trump Presidency 2.0. Donald Trump and his officials and supporters have repeatedly made hostile speeches and blatantly racist public remarks against India and its people, while the policies of the Trump administration have further cemented this animosity towards India. It is widely acknowledged that hateful and racist content targeting Indians has been spreading rampantly on controversial US tech mogul Elon Musk's social media platform X(formerly Twitter). Several accounts linked with Elon Musk and Trump's MAGA political movement are known to be creating and spreading such content targeting Indians.Queried if such a decline in Indian student applications to the US was unprecedented, College Board's VP told this author that similar trends were seen during the 2008-10 economic slowdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which were major global disruptions and crises.Asked if he saw this US-aversion among a section of Indian students as a temporary or a long-term trend, Sheth replied that he was not a politician and that he did not have a qualified opinion on future policies or geopolitical conditions. "About one generation ago, I imagine most Indian students thought of the SAT as a one-way ticket to the United States. And today, that is no longer true. The SAT is more of a global passport, and I don't think that will ever reverse," he added.<h2>Amid decline in US applications, where are Indian students heading?</h2>Referring to the 2024-26 period, Rushi mentioned that the number of Indian students taking the SAT had risen during the period. While there has been a drop in applications going to the US, Indian students are applying in larger numbers to Universities in the UK, European Union, Canada, Singapore, among other destinations, he added."The one country that's really surprising us with how fast it's growing is Australia... For Indian student applications, Australia has now replaced Canada as the number two destination after the United States. Within the Group of Eight, which are some of the most selective and highly prestigious universities in Australia, six of eight universities give unconditional offers to students based on their SAT scores. That's among the reasons driving this spike in applications heading for Australia," shared Rushi.Further, he expressed surprise to see Japan as a trending destination among Indian students. He explained that the Japanese government is welcoming talented young men and young women from India to attend university, to learn, to help build jobs that are in high demand and to enter the workforce in Japan. We are seeing more SAT scores heading to Japan than we'd ever seen historically, he said.When asked about the growth of the SAT exam globally, he said that they are seeing huge uptake in China, India, Vietnam, Egypt, and Uzbekistan.<h2>SAT scores are accepted in a few Indian Universities</h2>According to data from College Board, there has been a rise in the number of Indian students taking the SAT, and a small number of those students are sending their applications to Indian universities that are accepting SAT score-based admission. "There are now 70 universities in India which are accepting the SAT score. Flame and Ashoka are among the Indian universities accepting SAT scores", Rushi added.Asked specifically if the $111 fee for taking the SAT, plus the associated coaching charges, is affordable for a vast majority of Indian students who wish to apply to Indian universities that accept SAT, Rushi said that SAT has created some partnerships in India to give fee waivers for the SAT registration for students who can demonstrate financial need. "Generally, students who can demonstrate family income of less than 8 lakh rupees are eligible for a reduced fee waiver or a full fee waiver. Students can also access free SAT practice tests online, based on the results of which they can decide their approach towards taking the SAT," he said.Further, he mentioned that SAT has more than 200 Test centres in India presently, compared to barely 50 metrocity-centric centres about two decades ago.&nbsp;<h2>In the era of all-pervasive AI, is SAT using AI to assess students?</h2>According to Vice President Rushi Sheth, College Board, like any company, is experimenting with AI, but SAT still very much has human design at the centre. "Being a multiple-choice test, machines can score a multiple-choice test, not only for our SAT, but just about any assessment company. With AI, we are still looking into what it can do in terms of evaluation or insights. And these are very exciting technologies. There's nothing that we have even come close to perfecting. And so we will not deploy anything to a student unless it has evidence-based research that supports the value. But we do think, hopefully, AI will allow us to deliver more value to students in terms of insights, career readiness mechanisms, or just new and novel ways of testing. So it's early for us, as I imagine it is for most people, but we're excited to experiment," he elaborated.&nbsp;

According to data from College Board, there has been a rise in the number of Indian students taking the SAT, and a small number of those students are sending their applications to Indian universities that are accepting SAT score-based admission.

While the US remains the top destination for Indian students wanting to pursue Undergraduate-level courses abroad, there has been a 10 per cent decline in Indian student applications to the country between 2024-26, SAT entrance exam data shows. "Three years ago, about 80 to 85percent of Indian students' SAT scores were heading to the United States. Now in 2026, that 80 to 85percent is closer to 70 to 75 per cent. So within three years, a 10percent drop, which to us is significant," Mr Rushi Sheth, Vice President, College Board, highlighted in a conversation with this author. College Board has been conducting the SAT exam for 100years. When this author asked Rushi about the reasons he assigned for this US-specific decline, he cited "changing geopolitical conditions." Different countries create or remove policies, which send different signals. As a result of this, families take time to reflect and re-assess, adjust accordingly, he reasoned. Interestingly, the 2024-26 period broadly coincides with the ongoing Trump Presidency 2.0. Donald Trump and his officials and supporters have repeatedly made hostile speeches and blatantly racist public remarks against India and its people, while the policies of the Trump administration have further cemented this animosity towards India. It is widely acknowledged that hateful and racist content targeting Indians has been spreading rampantly on controversial US tech mogul Elon Musk's social media platform X(formerly Twitter). Several accounts linked with Elon Musk and Trump's MAGA political movement are known to be creating and spreading such content targeting Indians. Queried if such a decline in Indian student applications to the US was unprecedented, College Board's VP told this author that similar trends were seen during the 2008-10 economic slowdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which were major global disruptions and crises. Asked if he saw this US-aversion among a section of Indian students as a temporary or a long-term trend, Sheth replied that he was not a politician and that he did not have a qualified opinion on future policies or geopolitical conditions. "About one generation ago, I imagine most Indian students thought of the SAT as a one-way ticket to the United States. And today, that is no longer true. The SAT is more of a global passport, and I don't think that will ever reverse," he added. Amid decline in US applications, where are Indian students heading? Referring to the 2024-26 period, Rushi mentioned that the number of Indian students taking the SAT had risen during the period. While there has been a drop in applications going to the US, Indian students are applying in larger numbers to Universities in the UK, European Union, Canada, Singapore, among other destinations, he added. "The one country that's really surprising us with how fast it's growing is Australia... For Indian student applications, Australia has now replaced Canada as the number two destination after the United States. Within the Group of Eight, which are some of the most selective and highly prestigious universities in Australia, six of eight universities give unconditional offers to students based on their SAT scores. That's among the reasons driving this spike in applications heading for Australia," shared Rushi. Further, he expressed surprise to see Japan as a trending destination among Indian students. He explained that the Japanese government is welcoming talented young men and young women from India to attend university, to learn, to help build jobs that are in high demand and to enter the workforce in Japan. We are seeing more SAT scores heading to Japan than we'd ever seen historically, he said. When asked about the growth of the SAT exam globally, he said that they are seeing huge uptake in China, India, Vietnam, Egypt, and Uzbekistan. SAT scores are accepted in a few Indian Universities According to data from College Board, there has been a rise in the number of Indian students taking the SAT, and a small number of those students are sending their applications to Indian universities that are accepting SAT score-based admission. "There are now 70 universities in India which are accepting the SAT score. Flame and Ashoka are among the Indian universities accepting SAT scores", Rushi added. Asked specifically if the $111 fee for taking the SAT, plus the associated coaching charges, is affordable for a vast majority of Indian students who wish to apply to Indian universities that accept SAT, Rushi said that SAT has created some partnerships in India to give fee waivers for the SAT registration for students who can demonstrate financial need. "Generally, students who can demonstrate family income of less than 8 lakh rupees are eligible for a reduced fee waiver or a full fee waiver. Students can also access free SAT practice tests online, based on the results of which they can decide their approach towards taking the SAT," he said. Further, he mentioned that SAT has more than 200 Test centres in India presently, compared to barely 50 metrocity-centric centres about two decades ago. In the era of all-pervasive AI, is SAT using AI to assess students? According to Vice President Rushi Sheth, College Board, like any company, is experimenting with AI, but SAT still very much has human design at the centre. "Being a multiple-choice test, machines can score a multiple-choice test, not only for our SAT, but just about any assessment company. With AI, we are still looking into what it can do in terms of evaluation or insights. And these are very exciting technologies. There's nothing that we have even come close to perfecting. And so we will not deploy anything to a student unless it has evidence-based research that supports the value. But we do think, hopefully, AI will allow us to deliver more value to students in terms of insights, career readiness mechanisms, or just new and novel ways of testing. So it's early for us, as I imagine it is for most people, but we're excited to experiment," he elaborated.

According to data from College Board, there has been a rise in the number of Indian students taking the SAT, and a small number of those students are sending their applications to Indian universities that are accepting SAT score-based admission.

Trump's racism? 10% drop in Indian applications to US Universities in 3 yrs

Iran has threatened to target US universities in the West Asia after it claimed that two of its higher education universities were attacked in US and Israeli strikes. The University of Science and Technology in northeastern Tehran, was targeted in the attack which caused damage to buildings but resulted in no casualties, said the Iranian Authorities. Multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz, and areas in Hormozgan province have been targeted over the past 24 hours by US and Iran.&nbsp;In a statement released on Sunday (March 29) the IRGC said, “If the US government wants its universities in the region to be free from retaliation… it must condemn the bombing of the universities in an official statement by 12 noon on Monday, March 30, Tehran time."&nbsp;“We advise all employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region and residents of their surrounding areas stay a kilometer away from campuses," the statement further added.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-raids-kharg-island-seizure-one-month-into-war-us-eyes-ground-ops-in-iran-details-here-1774752593758">Strait of Hormuz raids, Kharg Island seizure: One month into war, US eyes ground ops in Iran | Details here</a>&nbsp;Notably, &nbsp;American universities operate campuses across the Gulf region that could be under threat of Iranian attacks.<h2>US universities in war zone</h2>&nbsp;The number of American students studying at universities in Arab countries in 2023 and 2024 was 3,216, according to data shared by the Institute of International Education. The maximum number of students were enrolled in Morocco 1,223, while United Arab Emirates and Jordan were at second and third spot with 1,072 and 484 students, respectively.&nbsp;Other countries where American students have been studying, though the numbers are not substantial are: Egypt (223), Oman (70) and Qatar (74), Tunisia (26), Kuwait (26), Saudi Arabia (11) and Lebanon (5).&nbsp;Maximum number of US campuses, 6, are in Qatar, while 3 are in UAE. American universities with branch campuses in the Middle East include -<ul><li>New York University in Abu Dhabi</li><li>Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai</li><li>Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, Weill Cornell Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and Northwestern University, all in Doha, Qatar.</li><li>University of New Haven announced plans to open a campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the first institution approved to establish a branch there.</li></ul>

American universities operate campuses across the Gulf region that could be under threat of Iranian attacks after Iran claimed their universities were hit in US, Israeli strikes and threatened retaliation.

Iran has threatened to target US universities in the West Asia after it claimed that two of its higher education universities were attacked in US and Israeli strikes. The University of Science and Technology in northeastern Tehran, was targeted in the attack which caused damage to buildings but resulted in no casualties, said the Iranian Authorities. Multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz, and areas in Hormozgan province have been targeted over the past 24 hours by US and Iran. In a statement released on Sunday (March 29) the IRGC said, “If the US government wants its universities in the region to be free from retaliation… it must condemn the bombing of the universities in an official statement by 12 noon on Monday, March 30, Tehran time." “We advise all employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region and residents of their surrounding areas stay a kilometer away from campuses," the statement further added. ALSO READ: Strait of Hormuz raids, Kharg Island seizure: One month into war, US eyes ground ops in Iran | Details here Notably, American universities operate campuses across the Gulf region that could be under threat of Iranian attacks. US universities in war zone The number of American students studying at universities in Arab countries in 2023 and 2024 was 3,216, according to data shared by the Institute of International Education. The maximum number of students were enrolled in Morocco 1,223, while United Arab Emirates and Jordan were at second and third spot with 1,072 and 484 students, respectively. Other countries where American students have been studying, though the numbers are not substantial are: Egypt (223), Oman (70) and Qatar (74), Tunisia (26), Kuwait (26), Saudi Arabia (11) and Lebanon (5). Maximum number of US campuses, 6, are in Qatar, while 3 are in UAE. American universities with branch campuses in the Middle East include - New York University in Abu Dhabi Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, Weill Cornell Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and Northwestern University, all in Doha, Qatar. University of New Haven announced plans to open a campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the first institution approved to establish a branch there.

American universities operate campuses across the Gulf region that could be under threat of Iranian attacks after Iran claimed their universities were hit in US, Israeli strikes and threatened retaliation.

Which US universities are at risk of attack after Iran threatens 'retaliatory' strike on campuses? Check details

The universities across US are preparing for possible disruptions at graduation ceremonies. Four universities rocked by pro-Palestinian protests will hold graduations this weekend.

While many others, including Columbia University, have scheduled ceremonies throughout the month and in June.

Universities are stepping up security measures considering walkouts and other possible actions&nbsp;by protesting student.

Protesters established encampments and organised campus demonstrations to urge their universities to cut connections with Israel due to the conflict in Gaza. In response, many colleges brought in law enforcement, resulting in thousands of arrests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-campus-protests-over-gaza-war-spread-to-australia-houthis-offer-education-to-suspended-us-students-717754">Israel gives Hamas a week to agree to ceasefire deal: Report</a>

According to a BBC count, since protests began at Columbia University last month, demonstrations have taken place at nearly 140 colleges across 45 states and Washington DC.

Student protesters have been quiet about plans of disruptions at graduations.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protests-ucla-faculty-joins-ongoing-protests-on-campus-717530">Over 2,100 arrests made in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses</a>

The Indiana University, IU Divest and the Palestine Solidarity Committee - whose camp at Indiana University was cleared by police twice in recent weeks - have called for a walk-out at graduation events.

"Make your pro-Palestine stance clear at the 'Liberated Zone' instead," reads a post on Instagram, referencing a protest area at the university's campus in Bloomington.

"Join us in wearing your keffiyeh along with your cap and gown," the post further read.

The walk-out is planned when Pamela Whitten, the university president, begins to speak, according to the post.

It is worth mentioning that more than 2,000 people, including students, have been arrested on campuses across the United States, as of Friday (May 3) in pro-Palestinian protests at US universities.

These demonstrations are no longer limited to the US with people and students across the world taking to university campuses, setting up encampments and showing up in large numbers to protest the war in Gaza.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-move-in-to-dismantle-ucla-gaza-protest-barricades-717374">Police tear down barricades at UCLA protest encampment</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yemen-based Iranian-backed militant group Houthi said that it will offer education to students suspended from US universities for anti-Israel protests, according to a Reuters report.

“We are serious about welcoming students that have been suspended from US universities for supporting Palestinians,” an official at Sanaa University, which is run by the Houthis, told the news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

The universities across US are preparing for possible disruptions at graduation ceremonies. Four universities rocked by pro-Palestinian protests will hold graduations this weekend.

The universities across US are preparing for possible disruptions at graduation ceremonies. Four universities rocked by pro-Palestinian protests will hold graduations this weekend. While many others, including Columbia University, have scheduled ceremonies throughout the month and in June. Universities are stepping up security measures considering walkouts and other possible actions by protesting student. Protesters established encampments and organised campus demonstrations to urge their universities to cut connections with Israel due to the conflict in Gaza. In response, many colleges brought in law enforcement, resulting in thousands of arrests. Also read: Israel gives Hamas a week to agree to ceasefire deal: Report According to a BBC count, since protests began at Columbia University last month, demonstrations have taken place at nearly 140 colleges across 45 states and Washington DC. Student protesters have been quiet about plans of disruptions at graduations. Also Read | Over 2,100 arrests made in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses The Indiana University, IU Divest and the Palestine Solidarity Committee - whose camp at Indiana University was cleared by police twice in recent weeks - have called for a walk-out at graduation events. "Make your pro-Palestine stance clear at the 'Liberated Zone' instead," reads a post on Instagram, referencing a protest area at the university's campus in Bloomington. "Join us in wearing your keffiyeh along with your cap and gown," the post further read. The walk-out is planned when Pamela Whitten, the university president, begins to speak, according to the post. It is worth mentioning that more than 2,000 people, including students, have been arrested on campuses across the United States, as of Friday (May 3) in pro-Palestinian protests at US universities. These demonstrations are no longer limited to the US with people and students across the world taking to university campuses, setting up encampments and showing up in large numbers to protest the war in Gaza. Also Read | Police tear down barricades at UCLA protest encampment Meanwhile, Yemen-based Iranian-backed militant group Houthi said that it will offer education to students suspended from US universities for anti-Israel protests, according to a Reuters report. “We are serious about welcoming students that have been suspended from US universities for supporting Palestinians,” an official at Sanaa University, which is run by the Houthis, told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine protests: Graduation ceremonies at US universities may see walkouts

Protests at US universities showed no sign of slowing over the weekend, with more arrests on campuses across the country and skirmishes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators at UCLA, where a tent encampment was set up last week.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA tussle with Israel supporters | White House urges peaceful protests

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Spain: Show of support for PM Sanchez - Police cracks down at US Universities - Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal push - Pope to visit Venice, Health in focus - Pro-Palestine protests across US

Spain: Show of support for PM Sanchez | Police cracks down at US Universities

Well tensions are running high on US college campuses, anti-Gaza war protests are spreading across universities nationwide. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war | US: Protests over Gaza war spreads to over a dozen campuses

Four prestigious universities in the United States, namely Dartmouth, Northwestern, Rice, and Vanderbilt, have agreed to a combined settlement of $166 million to resolve allegations of favouring wealthy student applicants. <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, this development marks a milestone in a federal antitrust lawsuit, bringing the total settlements to $284 million. <o:p></o:p>

The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused 17 renowned colleges and universities of breaching antitrust laws by considering students' financial backgrounds in admissions decisions, thus providing unfair advantages to affluent applicants.<o:p></o:p>

According to legal representatives for the proposed class of current and former US students, the latest settlements were disclosed in a filing made in Chicago federal court on Friday. <o:p></o:p>

The lawsuit highlighted the violation of a pledge by these institutions not to factor in students' financial statuses during the admissions process, resulting in an alleged bias towards wealthy candidates.<o:p></o:p>

In response to the lawsuit, Dartmouth and Rice University have committed to paying $33.75 million each, while Northwestern University agreed to a settlement of $43.5 million, and Vanderbilt University will pay $55 million to resolve the claims against them. <o:p></o:p>

Previously, Brown, Yale, and Columbia universities reached settlements totalling $62 million.<o:p></o:p>

Despite agreeing to the settlements, the universities, including those mentioned, have maintained their stance of denying any wrongdoing. <o:p></o:p>

Statements released by Northwestern, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, and Rice indicated that they wanted to put the legal proceedings behind them and refocus on their academic missions. <o:p></o:p>

However, the case continues against seven other institutions, including Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Georgetown University.<o:p></o:p>

Ted Normand, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs told Reuters, "These new settlements will significantly increase the compensation to the class members for the harm we allege the defendants’ cartel caused." <o:p></o:p>

The average payouts expected for members of the affected class are approximately $750, as outlined in a court filing. <o:p></o:p>

However, the finalisation of these settlements is contingent upon the judge's review and approval.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Four prestigious universities in the United States, namely Dartmouth, Northwestern, Rice, and Vanderbilt, have agreed to a combined settlement of $166 million to resolve allegations of favouring wealthy student applicants.

Four prestigious universities in the United States, namely Dartmouth, Northwestern, Rice, and Vanderbilt, have agreed to a combined settlement of $166 million to resolve allegations of favouring wealthy student applicants. According to Reuters, this development marks a milestone in a federal antitrust lawsuit, bringing the total settlements to $284 million. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused 17 renowned colleges and universities of breaching antitrust laws by considering students' financial backgrounds in admissions decisions, thus providing unfair advantages to affluent applicants. According to legal representatives for the proposed class of current and former US students, the latest settlements were disclosed in a filing made in Chicago federal court on Friday. The lawsuit highlighted the violation of a pledge by these institutions not to factor in students' financial statuses during the admissions process, resulting in an alleged bias towards wealthy candidates. In response to the lawsuit, Dartmouth and Rice University have committed to paying $33.75 million each, while Northwestern University agreed to a settlement of $43.5 million, and Vanderbilt University will pay $55 million to resolve the claims against them. Previously, Brown, Yale, and Columbia universities reached settlements totalling $62 million. Despite agreeing to the settlements, the universities, including those mentioned, have maintained their stance of denying any wrongdoing. Statements released by Northwestern, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, and Rice indicated that they wanted to put the legal proceedings behind them and refocus on their academic missions. However, the case continues against seven other institutions, including Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Georgetown University. Ted Normand, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs told Reuters, "These new settlements will significantly increase the compensation to the class members for the harm we allege the defendants’ cartel caused." The average payouts expected for members of the affected class are approximately $750, as outlined in a court filing. However, the finalisation of these settlements is contingent upon the judge's review and approval. (With inputs from Reuters)

Top US universities settle for $166 million over favouring wealthy students

The Harvard University's president will not leave office despite heavy backlash she is facing for her controversial testimony about anti-semitism in her campus.

US witnessing dramatic rise in antisemitism

Virus prevention measures are taking center stage in US universities as they reopen after months-long shutdown. Watch report.

Fineprint: Cornell University appoints COVID-19 peer consultants | World News

The effect of the new national-security law that China imposed on Hong Kong is extending far beyond the territory to American college campuses.

Your Story: American college campuses now in Beijing's reach

Several US universities shut down Chinese institutes on their campuses - because they were seen as a way for Beijing to spread propaganda and interfere with free speech on campuses. India has launched also placed Chinese institutes under review. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about these institutes - that are increasingly being seen as government-funded outposts by leading nations.

Gravitas: How China infiltrates campuses

Thousands of foreign students in America are angry and frustrated.

First,&nbsp;the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;locked them up in their room, now they face deportation.

The&nbsp;government has decided, if classes go online, students must leave. Harvard University and several other colleges say they will reopen campuses, but hold classes online.&nbsp;

The foreign students are a tormented lot for no fault of their own and weighing some tough questions in their anxious minds.

All F-1 and M-1 visa holders are in the spotlight. Regular academic students hold an F-1 visa. Those pursuing non-academic and vocational courses have the M-1visa. These&nbsp;visas will be deemed invalid if the students are attending online classes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-orders-foreign-students-to-leave-311460/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The students are now grappling for options. A student must shift to a college which&nbsp;offers&nbsp;in-person classes such students can remain in the US. Also, the&nbsp;question being raised is which students will be the worst affected.

At least 1.2 million foreign students are studying in 8,700 colleges across the United States of these the Chinese students form the largest group along with 360,000 Indians who will be the second worst-affected. Over 250,000 students from South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada will be also be affected. The question on most students mind is if they can return to finish the course, assuming that they are sent home.

The students have been asking will they be allowed to return? The answer is no, not unless the student provides proof that lessons will be held inside a classroom. The rule applies to new students too if classes are online -- student visas won't be issued.

And the other question is how will the students leave the US?

Nearly 90 per cent of these foreign students are still in the United States if they go back home, it will be hard for them to return as routine visa processing has been suspended at the US embassies and consulates worldwide.

International travel restrictions are in place in many countries and commercial flight options are limited even if colleges shift to classroom-based teaching in the coming months' travel restrictions will make it difficult for students to return.

The other question is about fees which have already been paid. Online classes do not mean lower tuition fees. Foreign students pay more than American citizens. They make up less than 6 per cent of a class but contribute over 10 per cent of the revenue. Last year foreign students contributed over $40 billion to American colleges. Harvard University president Larry Bacow says he is very concerned by the decision to deport students.

Colleges might take the government to court as they are lobbying to get the decision revoked. America's COVID-19&nbsp;cases are close to 3 million but colleges want to retain students. The new rule could force them to open up, worsening America's health crisis. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of foreign students in America are angry and frustrated. First, the pandemic locked them up in their room, now they face deportation. The government has decided, if classes go online, students must leave.

Thousands of foreign students in America are angry and frustrated. First, the pandemic locked them up in their room, now they face deportation. The government has decided, if classes go online, students must leave. Harvard University and several other colleges say they will reopen campuses, but hold classes online. The foreign students are a tormented lot for no fault of their own and weighing some tough questions in their anxious minds. All F-1 and M-1 visa holders are in the spotlight. Regular academic students hold an F-1 visa. Those pursuing non-academic and vocational courses have the M-1visa. These visas will be deemed invalid if the students are attending online classes. The students are now grappling for options. A student must shift to a college which offers in-person classes such students can remain in the US. Also, the question being raised is which students will be the worst affected. At least 1.2 million foreign students are studying in 8,700 colleges across the United States of these the Chinese students form the largest group along with 360,000 Indians who will be the second worst-affected. Over 250,000 students from South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada will be also be affected. The question on most students mind is if they can return to finish the course, assuming that they are sent home. The students have been asking will they be allowed to return? The answer is no, not unless the student provides proof that lessons will be held inside a classroom. The rule applies to new students too if classes are online -- student visas won't be issued. And the other question is how will the students leave the US? Nearly 90 per cent of these foreign students are still in the United States if they go back home, it will be hard for them to return as routine visa processing has been suspended at the US embassies and consulates worldwide. International travel restrictions are in place in many countries and commercial flight options are limited even if colleges shift to classroom-based teaching in the coming months' travel restrictions will make it difficult for students to return. The other question is about fees which have already been paid. Online classes do not mean lower tuition fees. Foreign students pay more than American citizens. They make up less than 6 per cent of a class but contribute over 10 per cent of the revenue. Last year foreign students contributed over $40 billion to American colleges. Harvard University president Larry Bacow says he is very concerned by the decision to deport students. Colleges might take the government to court as they are lobbying to get the decision revoked. America's COVID-19 cases are close to 3 million but colleges want to retain students. The new rule could force them to open up, worsening America's health crisis.

Indian, Chinese students face deportation as US changes visa policy amid pandemic

The United States said Monday it would not allow foreign students to remain in the country if all of their classes are moved online in the fall because of the coronavirus crisis. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-over-hong-kong-issue-308910">Also read: US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong issue</a> 
 
"Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States," US Immigration and Custom Enforcement said in a statement.

"Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status," ICE said.

"If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings."

ICE said the State Department "will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will US Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States."

F-1 students pursue academic coursework and M-1 students pursue "vocational coursework," according to ICE.

Most US colleges and universities have not yet announced their plans for the fall semester.

A number of schools are looking at a hybrid model of in-person and online instruction but some, including Harvard University, have said all classes will be conducted online.

Harvard said 40 per cent of undergraduates would be allowed to return to campus but their instruction would be online.

There were more than one million international students in the United States for the 2018-19 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE).

That accounted for 5.5 per cent of the total US higher education population, the IIE said, and international students contributed $44.7 billion to the US economy in 2018.

The largest number of international students came from China, followed by India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

The United States said Monday it would not allow foreign students to remain in the country if all of their classes are moved online in the fall because of the coronavirus crisis.

The United States said Monday it would not allow foreign students to remain in the country if all of their classes are moved online in the fall because of the coronavirus crisis. Also read: US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong issue "Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States," US Immigration and Custom Enforcement said in a statement. "Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status," ICE said. "If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings." ICE said the State Department "will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will US Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States." F-1 students pursue academic coursework and M-1 students pursue "vocational coursework," according to ICE. Most US colleges and universities have not yet announced their plans for the fall semester. A number of schools are looking at a hybrid model of in-person and online instruction but some, including Harvard University, have said all classes will be conducted online. Harvard said 40 per cent of undergraduates would be allowed to return to campus but their instruction would be online. There were more than one million international students in the United States for the 2018-19 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE). That accounted for 5.5 per cent of the total US higher education population, the IIE said, and international students contributed $44.7 billion to the US economy in 2018. The largest number of international students came from China, followed by India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

US to withdraw visas for foreign students whose classes move online

Online learning may be fun but not when students have paid a fortune for a campus experience. Students of at least 26 US universities have sued their schools. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll They are demanding a partial refund of tuition and campus fee.

Online learning may be fun but not when students have paid a fortune for a campus experience. Students of at least 26 US universities have sued their schools. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll They are demanding a partial refund of tuition and campus fee. They claim - online learning compromises on the quality of education. Also read: Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab What these students paid for was campus learning. They paid for the infrastructure, the labs, the libraries, and the gyms. But now--- they are all sitting behind their computer screens. Sure the students are earning term credits. But a college experience is not limited to that. College is about inter-personal experiences. Interaction with faculty and classmates building contacts. Students are frustrated with online classes. Some point out that the lectures are not live. Professors often pre-record videos and there are no discussions. Lawsuits have hit some Ivy League schools like Brown, Colombia and Cornell. Public schools too have not been spared. Students have sued the University of Purdue, Colorado and the University of Chicago. Most of these schools argue that the classes may be online--- but the professors remain the same. Some schools 'have' returned portions of housing and dining fees. But the majority of them refuse to refund tuition or campus fees. Colleges say the coronavirus has posed financial strains in their systems. Some estimate losses up to $1 billion a year. Is the pandemic ushering in the end of big universities? If Harvard was granted $9 million for coronavirus aid alone imagine how much money the United States pumps into the campus every year? It may be impossible to continue this supply of funds. Not with an impending recession. Plus these institutions have been caught in controversies. A 2019 scandal exposed how admission to these campuses are not always based on merit. Fewer foreign students Top universities are likely to also see a downturn in student enrollment. The coronavirus has instilled a sense of fear in people. Would foreign students want a return to campus? The trend of foreign education was ushered in by globalisation. It was nurtured by a stable global economy, accessible students loans, job availability and friendly visa policies. The pandemic is hammering all of these. So, will top universities be the collateral damage in the post-pandemic world?

Students sue top US universities over switch to online courses

The United States said on Monday it was committed to welcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warned-students-and-academics-on-the-risk-of-studying-in-the-united-states-223867">Chinese nationals for "legitimate" studies</a> but acknowledged increased visa scrutiny after Beijing warned its students of risks.

"We welcome Chinese students and scholars to the United States to conduct legitimate academic activities," a State Department spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said, however, that the United States had identified "an increasing number of instances" in which foreign intelligence co-opts students during their time in the United States.

"At the same time, we're committed to providing the highest quality service to legitimate travellers - who constitute the overwhelming majority of our visa applicants - so they can receive swift, thorough and clear decisions regarding their visa applications," she said.

China earlier on Monday had warned its students and academics of the "risk" of studying in the United States, citing an uptick in visa denials and delays.

The new guidance comes amid a surge in commercial tensions between the world's two largest economies, with the United States cracking down on premier Chinese tech company Huawei, citing security concerns due to its cosy ties with the government.

A decrease in Chinese students could be costly to the United States. China is the biggest source of international students on US campuses, with 360,000 attending last year -- and many pay costly full tuition.

The United States said on Monday it was committed to welcoming Chinese nationals for "legitimate" studies but acknowledged increased visa scrutiny after Beijing warned its students of risks.

The United States said on Monday it was committed to welcoming Chinese nationals for "legitimate" studies but acknowledged increased visa scrutiny after Beijing warned its students of risks. "We welcome Chinese students and scholars to the United States to conduct legitimate academic activities," a State Department spokeswoman said. The spokeswoman said, however, that the United States had identified "an increasing number of instances" in which foreign intelligence co-opts students during their time in the United States. "At the same time, we're committed to providing the highest quality service to legitimate travellers - who constitute the overwhelming majority of our visa applicants - so they can receive swift, thorough and clear decisions regarding their visa applications," she said. China earlier on Monday had warned its students and academics of the "risk" of studying in the United States, citing an uptick in visa denials and delays. The new guidance comes amid a surge in commercial tensions between the world's two largest economies, with the United States cracking down on premier Chinese tech company Huawei, citing security concerns due to its cosy ties with the government. A decrease in Chinese students could be costly to the United States. China is the biggest source of international students on US campuses, with 360,000 attending last year -- and many pay costly full tuition.

Welcome Chinese students to conduct legitimate academic activities: US

Actress Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty to paying to rig a college entrance exam for her daughter, part of a wide-ranging scandal in which wealthy parents used bribery and fraud to secure their children spots at prominent US universities.

Actress Felicity Huffman pleads guilty in court in US college admissions scandal

As many as 211,703 Indian students are currently studying in various American universities, a latest official report has said.

India ranks second in number of foreign students studying in the US. China tops the list with 377,070 students.

In its latest biannual report on international student trends, 49 per cent of the F and M student population in the United States hailed from either China (377,070 students) or India (211,703 students), and interest continues to grow.

Over the reporting period, both China and India saw proportional growth between 1 and 2 per cent, with China sending 6,305 more students and India sending 2,356 more students.

It is this level of participation from China and India that makes Asia far and away the most popular continent of origin. In fact, 77 per cent of all international students in the US call Asia home, said the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) report of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations.

According to the report, despite steady growth from the two most populous nations, there was a slight decrease in the number of Asian students coming to study in the United States over the reporting period.

The sharp decline in the number of students from Saudi Arabia (-9,971), South Korea (-5,488), and Yemen (-396) outweighed the rapid growth in the number of students coming from Pakistan (+448), Burma (+206) and Cambodia (+109).

During the reporting period, the total number of SEVIS records for active F and M students decreased by 0.5 per cent, from 1,208,039 in March 2017 to 1,201,829 in March 2018.

The J-1 exchange visitor population increased by four per cent from 201,408 in March 2017 to 209,568 in March 2018.

The J-1 visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the US State Department.

Over the reporting period, both China and India saw proportional growth between 1 and 2 per cent

As many as 211,703 Indian students are currently studying in various American universities, a latest official report has said. India ranks second in number of foreign students studying in the US. China tops the list with 377,070 students. In its latest biannual report on international student trends, 49 per cent of the F and M student population in the United States hailed from either China (377,070 students) or India (211,703 students), and interest continues to grow. Over the reporting period, both China and India saw proportional growth between 1 and 2 per cent, with China sending 6,305 more students and India sending 2,356 more students. It is this level of participation from China and India that makes Asia far and away the most popular continent of origin. In fact, 77 per cent of all international students in the US call Asia home, said the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) report of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations. According to the report, despite steady growth from the two most populous nations, there was a slight decrease in the number of Asian students coming to study in the United States over the reporting period. The sharp decline in the number of students from Saudi Arabia (-9,971), South Korea (-5,488), and Yemen (-396) outweighed the rapid growth in the number of students coming from Pakistan (+448), Burma (+206) and Cambodia (+109). During the reporting period, the total number of SEVIS records for active F and M students decreased by 0.5 per cent, from 1,208,039 in March 2017 to 1,201,829 in March 2018. The J-1 exchange visitor population increased by four per cent from 201,408 in March 2017 to 209,568 in March 2018. The J-1 visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the US State Department.

Most Chinese students in US varsities, India ranked 2nd: Report

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