Assessing the Impact of India's No-Employment Policy for International Students: Financial Wellbeing and Career Development Consequences

This study investigates the impact of India’s no-employment policy on the financial wellbeing and career development of foreign students, including their perceptions of the no-employment policy. Descriptive statistics are used to analyse the quantitative data. Based on survey responses from 150 international students from different disciplines and different level of study, findings indicate significant financial challenges associated with the policy, leading to dependence on external support, frequent financial stress, and negative effects on mental health and academic success. Most students (82.7%) believe their financial wellbeing would improve if they could work part-time, while 64.7% reported borrowing funds to manage expenses, and 60.7% experienced mental health impacts from financial stress. Additionally, many students feel disadvantaged in career readiness, with 84.6% stating that the inability to gain work experience leaves them unprepared for future opportunities. Qualitative responses further reveal that policy restrictions drive some students toward informal, unregulated work, exposing them to lower wages and exploitation. A majority (over 80%) consider the policy unfair and isolating, with some unaware of these restrictions until after arrival. The study recommends allowing part-time work, paid internships, and research or teaching assistant roles for doctoral students to mitigate these issues, enhancing students’ financial stability and professional development in India.