Indian edtech giant upGrad is strategically broadening its university collaborations across the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, responding to a significant decline in Indian students opting for U.S. and UK institutions. This shift is driven by escalating visa restrictions, rising costs, and geopolitical tensions, according to Praneet Singh, Associate Vice President of upGrad’s Study Abroad division. Founded by film producer Ronnie Screwvala and supported by Singapore’s Temasek, upGrad currently partners with approximately 80 universities in 10 countries, offering online MBAs and executive education programs. The company generates revenue by enrolling students in online courses and facilitating their transition to overseas campuses to complete degrees. Singh highlighted that prestigious U.S. and UK universities have established campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, and Singapore, prompting upGrad to follow suit. The company is actively exploring partnerships with institutions like Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Birmingham, and Middlesex, which have campuses in Dubai or Doha, as well as universities in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This strategic pivot comes as Indian student applications to U.S. universities have dropped significantly, with only 47% of students choosing the U.S. in fiscal 2025, down from 60% the previous year. Factors such as stricter visa policies, weaker job prospects, and the allure of more affordable educational destinations in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific are reshaping the global education landscape. upGrad’s expansion reflects a broader trend of Indian students seeking alternatives to traditional Western education hubs.