What if choosing a country for higher education meant looking beyond university rankings and tuition fees to the opportunities available after graduation? South Korea is taking a closer look at that question. On October 7, 2026 , South Korea’s Ministry of Justice announced the results of discussions on reforming its international student visa system. The government is considering measures intended to move beyond attracting international students towards supporting their education, employment and longer-term career development. The announcement comes as the country prepares for a potential international student population of 400,000. For Indian students considering South Korea for a bachelor’s degree, master’s programme or specialised technical education, the announcement is worth watching. However, there is an important distinction: these are proposed reforms, not a blanket change to the student visa rules currently in force. What Are South Korea’s Proposed Student Visa Changes in 202...
US Study Visa 2026: Proposed $70,000 OPT Fee Could Change How Indian Students Choose Master's Programs
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 ...