Study Abroad Plans Affected Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
India — The education-abroad market in India is witnessing a short-term impact as ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan lead many families to rethink their overseas study plans. Despite the ceasefire announced between the two nations on Saturday, education experts say uncertainty continues to loom over international education decisions.
Surge in Inquiries and Safety Concerns
In recent days, education consultants have been overwhelmed with queries from parents and students concerned about the safety, financial viability, and travel complications of studying abroad.
“While the ceasefire brings temporary relief, uncertainty still prevails. Over the past 72 hours, we’ve seen a surge in queries—families are increasingly asking whether to proceed with study-abroad plans or explore alternative options,” said Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify, a college-admissions consultancy.
Many parents are hesitant, particularly those from tier-2 cities, where income stability is now uncertain. One such parent revealed that he had withdrawn his daughter’s plans to study abroad and instead enrolled her in an Indian university, citing income unpredictability.
Financial Strain and Long-Term Planning
Experts suggest that the potential economic fallout from the conflict may restrict the ability of families to afford foreign education. Kamlesh Vyas, Partner at Deloitte India, warned that worsening conditions could force many to reconsider or cancel overseas education plans.
However, consultants urge families not to abandon long-term goals due to temporary disruptions. Khandelwal advises:
“Our advice to students and families is not to abandon long-term aspirations because of short-term disruptions. Plan smartly and build financial buffers.”
Varying Reactions Across Families
According to Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, short-term dips in applications may occur, particularly among economically vulnerable households. He added that travel disruptions and rising costs are real concerns for many families.
Yet, some parents are taking the opposite approach—viewing overseas education as a way to shield their children from future instability in India. These diverse reactions highlight the complexity of decision-making in times of conflict.
Ceasefire Brings Temporary Relief, Not Clarity
Some students have advanced their travel plans following the ceasefire, hoping to secure their academic future before further disruptions arise. Meanwhile, others remain cautious, waiting for more clarity before committing to international programs.
Abhijit Zaveri, founder of Career Mosaic, said they had not observed a significant decline in student numbers:
“While students are aware of the geopolitical situation, they continue to prioritise their long-term academic and career objectives.”
He believes that even if tensions escalate, any impact on India’s study abroad market will be limited and temporary.
Conclusion
As the geopolitical scenario continues to evolve, the real effect on India’s study abroad market will likely unfold in the coming weeks and months. For now, consultants recommend that families assess their financial preparedness and prioritize long-term educational goals over immediate uncertainties.
