Vijayawada: The cost of pursuing a master's degree abroad has increased steadily over the past decade for Indian students, driven by both rising tuition fees and the depreciation of the rupee against major currencies. The financial burden of overseas education has come into sharp focus following the recent death of Chandu Iraganaboyina, who died by suicide in Chicago reportedly due to difficulties in securing a job and servicing the debt he raised to fund his education. Concerns are being raised by many about the stress students face in a precarious job market in the USA, with several students encountering similar challenges in other major countries.
Comparison of Fee Structures (2016 vs 2025–26)
A comparison of fee structures between 2016 and 2025–26 across key destinations—the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and Germany—reveals a consistent upward trend, though the extent varies by country and type of institution.
United States
In the United States, tuition fees have risen moderately in dollar terms but sharply in rupee terms. At the University of Texas at Austin, annual tuition for computing-related master's programmes increased from about $28,000 in 2016 to around $45,000 in 2025–26, reflecting a 61% increase in dollar terms and nearly 130% in rupee terms. Similarly, at New York University, fees rose from $45,000 to $70,000, an increase of 56% in dollar terms and about 123% in rupee terms. The dollar value has surged from Rs 67 to Rs 95 between 2016 and 2026.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, fee increases have been sharper. At University College London, MSc computing fees rose from £20,000 in 2016 to £38,000, marking a 90% increase in local currency and about 166% in rupee terms. Similar trends were observed at the University of Manchester, where fees increased from £16,000 to £30,000, an 88% rise in local currency and about 163% in rupee terms.
Australia
In Australia, fee growth has been comparatively moderate. At the University of Melbourne, computing-related master's fees increased from AUD 35,000 in 2016 to AUD 52,000 in 2025–26—an increase of 49% in local currency and about 74% in rupee terms. At the University of Sydney, fees rose from AUD 36,000 to AUD 55,000, a 53% increase in local currency and about 79% in rupee terms.
Ireland
Ireland has witnessed one of the steepest increases, particularly in computing programmes. At University College Dublin, fees jumped from €14,000 in 2016 to €28,000 in 2025–26, reflecting a 100% increase in euro terms and about 205% in rupee terms. At Technological University Dublin, fees rose from €11,000 to €21,750, a 98% increase in local currency and about 201% in rupee terms.
Germany
In Germany, while public universities such as the Technical University of Munich continue to charge minimal tuition fees, the overall cost of education has risen due to higher living expenses and mandatory blocked account requirements. The living cost requirement at TUM increased from €8,000 in 2016 to €11,904 in 2025–26, a 49% increase in local currency and about 128% in rupee terms. At SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, tuition fees rose from €12,000 to €25,000, a 108% increase in local currency and about 216% in rupee terms.
Detailed Fee Table
The table below summarizes the fee changes across countries, showing both local currency and rupee costs.
- USA (University of Texas at Austin): $28,000 to $45,000 (61% local, ~130% INR)
- USA (New York University): $45,000 to $70,000 (56% local, ~123% INR)
- UK (University College London): £20,000 to £38,000 (90% local, ~166% INR)
- UK (University of Manchester): £16,000 to £30,000 (88% local, ~163% INR)
- Australia (University of Melbourne): AUD 35,000 to AUD 52,000 (49% local, ~74% INR)
- Australia (University of Sydney): AUD 36,000 to AUD 55,000 (53% local, ~79% INR)
- Ireland (University College Dublin): €14,000 to €28,000 (100% local, ~205% INR)
- Ireland (Technological University Dublin): €11,000 to €21,750 (98% local, ~201% INR)
- Germany (TUM living cost): €8,000 to €11,904 (49% local, ~128% INR)
- Germany (SRH Berlin): €12,000 to €25,000 (108% local, ~216% INR)
The data highlights the increasing financial strain on Indian students, with the rupee depreciation amplifying the impact of local fee hikes. As the cost of education continues to rise, students and families must carefully plan their finances to manage the growing debt burden.
