New Delhi: In a significant change the Donlad Trump administration has sent shockwaves to the international students studying in the country or are planning to study by revoking Harvard University’s permission to admit international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The decision comes amid escalating immigration policy changes which have left thousands of aspiring students, especially from India, in stress and search of alternative pathways for quality study abroad options.

Harvard University preferred by Indians for its academic excellence and global prestige, will no longer be able to issue I-20 forms which is a mandatory requirement for student visas.

Impact on Indian Students

Every year, nearly 800 Indian students apply to Harvard for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Currently, 788 students from India are enrolled at the university in its various courses.

With the restriction announced, applicants who had already received admission offers may have to defer or revoke their plans. This move has led students and parents alike to urgently explore alternatives.

Top Alternatives to Harvard for Indian Students

1. Other Ivy League Schools
While Harvard in under this setback, other Ivy League universities like Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania continue to admit international students. These universities offer similarly top academic courses and also has a strong global reputations.

2. Stanford and with
Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in tech-driven hubs, are excellent options for Indian students planning to study abroad. These universities will continue to welcome international students, especially in the STEM and research-based domains.

3. Canadian Universities
With easy immigration policies, Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia (UBC), McGill University and others are becoming top preferred institutes for Indian students. The country also offers post-study work visa opportunities.

4. European Universities
Germany, the Netherlands and France offer affordable and high-quality programmes for international aspirants. The public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education to international students.

5. Asian Universities
Due to the global rankings and technological strengths, institutes such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and NTU, as well as universities in Hong Kong and Japan, are emerging as top-choice destinations for students.

Students are advised to stay updated through the official website of the university and consider alternate plans for the Fall 2025 intake. Amid changing visa regulations, students are recommended to apply to multiple universities to keep doors open.