Alluring American Dream: US Universities Engage Indian Students On Admissions, Scholarships, & Visa Advice In Mumbai

Mumbai: Indian students aspiring to study in the US had an excellent opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a number of American universities on Saturday, August 16, 2025 in Mumbai.

EducationUSA, the official US government resource on higher education, along with the US Consulate, Mumbai, hosted representatives from 35 accredited universities, including Arizona State University, Bradley University, George Mason University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Iowa State University, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Louisiana Tech University, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Northeastern University, Pace University, The Chicago School, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Missouri – St. Louis, University of New Haven, University of Oregon, The University of Utah, University of Washington & University of Southern California.

Many of the Indian students attended the education expo, all of them eager to learn more about the possibility of studying in the US and to get answers to all of their many concerns. To meet the varied interests of its students, these universities offered a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate academic programs.

Strong Turnout

For Bradley University, the experience has been particularly memorable. Holly Bland, Director of International, Graduate and Online Admission, expressed her delight at the turnout.

She said, “We’ve been very impressed with the turnout at all the venues so far. It’s still early, but the response has been very encouraging. This being my first trip to India, I wasn’t sure what to expect in different cities, but I’ve been fortunate to travel with a local colleague who helped me understand the unique concerns of Indian students. From the first fair in Chennai, which was extremely busy, to today’s event, every city has been remarkable. EducationUSA has done a fantastic job of marketing the events, and I’ve noticed that while students are aware of big-name American universities, they are also very open to exploring institutions like Bradley, which they may not have heard of before. That’s been wonderful to see.”

While Bland observed a large and enthusiastic footfall, Kushala Mahadeshwar, South Asia Regional Manager for International Admission at George Mason University, described the response as more measured from her perspective. She said, “For me, the turnout has been moderate since I focus only on undergraduate admissions, while many of the visitors are graduate aspirants. Most students who approach us ask about admission requirements, the university environment, and career opportunities after graduation. Since undergraduate degrees take four years, students have more time to plan their pathways compared to master’s students, who are focused on the next two years.”

At Canisius University, the event was met with cautious optimism. Sarah Burke, International Admissions Counselor, admitted she was initially uncertain about attendance levels but was quickly reassured: “The event has gone very well. Initially, I was concerned about attendance given the current climate in the U.S., but I’ve been pleased with the strong turnout. It’s important for us to be present here, to show students that we are actively processing applications, guiding them through the visa process, and seeing student success. That face-to-face connection reassures students and families.”

Burke also noted that many of her interactions were highly focused. “I’ve personally interacted with 20 to 30 students so far, many of whom come with very specific program interests. Canisius, being a liberal arts university, attracts undergraduates interested beyond STEM—programs such as psychology, education, and business are popular. Some students already arrive with clear goals, while others explore options during the fair.”

Common Inquiries

During the fair, the majority of student inquiries centredaround scholarships, the application process, accommodation options, and the availability of funding. Bradley University’s Holly Bland highlighted this clearly: “Students are most often asking about whether we offer their course of interest, along with questions on finances, scholarships, and costs. Parents, on the other hand, want to know more about housing opportunities and the kind of student support services available. These concerns are quite universal — whether you’re an American parent or an Indian parent, finances and student well-being remain top priorities.”

Michael Belcher, Director of International, Multicultural and Regional Admissions at the University of Massachusetts, confirmed the same patterns. “Students mainly ask about the programs we offer, which we share through our brochures for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Merit scholarships and internship opportunities are also top queries. Among programs, computer science and business are the two most frequently asked about, both at the UG and PG levels.” For Canisius University’s Sarah Burke, however, visa-related questions were almost always the starting point. “The first question nearly every student asks is about visas. My advice to them has been clear:

Advice for Students (Visa Process):

1. Apply as early as possible— visa appointments now often take 6–8 months instead of the earlier 3 months.

2. Make use of deferment options if necessary; many universities, including ours, allow students to defer to the next semester if visa timelines don’t align.

3. Stay flexible and plan well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Cindy Habara, Associate Vice-Provost at Middle Tennessee State University, also emphasized the financial aspects of decision-making: “Scholarships are the number one question we get, followed by admissions requirements and program details. In terms of academic interests, computer science, data science, and information systems are the most popular, with some students also asking about psychology.”

She reassured students about visa approvals, while also sharing practical advice: “From what we are seeing, interest from Indian students remains steady. Visa approvals for our students have also been strong. In fact, applications and acceptances from India continue to increase for us. Of course, it’s still early in the cycle, so we’ll watch how trends develop, but so far we’re very encouraged.” Habara encouraged applicants to be well-prepared for their visa interviews:

Be fully prepared for your visa interview:

1. Know your chosen program and why you selected it. n Be familiar with your university, its location, and nearby areas.

2. Understand the courses you’ll be taking and be able to explain them.

3. Know your international advisor’s name and role.

4. Research thoroughly—visa officers want to see that you’ve done your homework.

5. Remember that visa interviews last only about three minutes, so clarity and confidence are essential.

6. Follow the rules, both in India and in the U.S. If you’re unsure, consult your university’s international office for guidance.

7. Avoid trouble—visa revocation is extremely difficult to overcome, and once lost, it’s nearly impossible to regain.

More than an information session

For students, the fair was more than just an information session—it was an opportunity to consider serious life choices. Many found the sessions valuable in charting their next steps. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Lamees Kazi, who plans to pursue a Master’s in Structural Engineering in January 2026, shared her perspective. She is considering universities such as Washington University, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and San Jose State University