For years, one of the biggest attractions of studying in the United States has been the opportunity to gain professional experience after graduation through Optional Practical Training, or OPT . For an Indian student considering a Master’s in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business Analytics or another eligible field, OPT can be an important part of the overall career plan. Now, that calculation may need another look. The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new $70,000 fee for an institution’s first OPT recommendation for an F-1 student , followed by a $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT recommendations . The proposal is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026. But before students panic, there is one crucial fact: This is a proposal, not a rule currently in effect. The proposed fees would go through a public-comment and rulemaking process before they could become effective. So what does this mean for Indian students planning to study ...
Spain may not be the first country that comes to mind when Indian students discuss studying abroad. The UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Germany often dominate the conversation. But new official data from Spain suggests that another European destination deserves a closer look. According to Spain’s Permanent Observatory on Immigration, the number of foreign people holding valid authorization to stay in Spain for study purposes increased by 122.3% between June 2021 and June 2026 . That represents an increase of 51,966 people over five years . As of June 30, 2026, 94,465 foreign people held valid authorization to stay for studies in Spain, including students and eligible accompanying family members. The figure was also 4.5% higher than a year earlier . And there is another number that deserves attention. The number of people with study authorization specifically for higher education increased by 14.4% in one year , according to the Spanish government. So, is Spain becoming a more importan...