For years, studying abroad has symbolized a gateway to career success and global mobility, particularly for Indian students targeting destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. But Rajesh Sawhney, Founder and CEO of GSF Accelerator, is now challenging this long-held belief, warning that global shifts are diminishing the advantages once associated with foreign education.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Sawhney drew from his own international academic journey—having studied at Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics—to issue a stark warning to students and their families. He cautioned that the current job market in popular study abroad destinations is increasingly inhospitable to international graduates.
“There are no jobs in the USA, Canada, and the UK for international students. Honeymoon is over, parents should think twice before spending crores on the expensive education,” Sawhney wrote.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over rising tuition costs, stricter visa regulations, and saturated job markets, all of which are reshaping the outcomes of study abroad programs. While international degrees still hold prestige, Sawhney argues that the payoff is no longer guaranteed.
“Engineering students—especially IITians—had an easy hack: do a master’s in the US and land a $200K starting tech job. This hack works no more,” he added.
Sawhney’s comments also reflect broader anxieties about tightening immigration policies in countries traditionally favored by Indian students. As governments in the US, UK, and Canada introduce more restrictive measures, students may face new hurdles in securing employment and residency after graduation.
The post has struck a chord online, with many users echoing Sawhney’s sentiments. “The game has changed. It’s no longer about degrees—it’s about adaptability and skill,” one user commented.
As these realities continue to evolve, education experts suggest students explore diverse pathways and rely on up-to-date study abroad guides to make informed decisions. In today’s global economy, a successful international education may depend less on destination and more on strategic planning, skills development, and long-term career viability.
