Students aspiring to study abroad are now required to maintain an impressive social media presence as immigration authorities are reviewing applicants' online profiles as part of visa assessments. The digital presence of candidates has become an extension of their personal brand and is as significant as formal documentation.
Advising students to be authentic and strategic with their social media account, Prashant A.Bhonsle, founder and CEO, Kuhoo Finance says, "Celebrate your academic wins, cultural pride, and career goals, but avoid content that may be misunderstood across cultures. A balanced, thoughtful digital presence can reinforce your intent and become a quiet ally in your global education journey."
"The digital world has become an extension of a candidate's resume," Mr Bhonsle adds. "What you share online travels faster than your transcripts. Immigration officers now review social media as part of background checks. This way your posts can shape perceptions beyond borders."
"Social media is no longer just personal," says Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu. "it is a public narrative that can influence how anyone could perceive purpose of travel and mid-to-long-term goals. Students are hence now more conscious of maintaining a digital presence that reflects academic and professional goals without ambiguity. The political climate has made students more strategic, not just about what they study, but how they present themselves across all platforms."
"Posts that highlight scholarly interests, research involvement, volunteer work, or creative projects can contribute positively to one's digital narrative," says Nandita Singh, manager - media labs (Growth), Athena Education. "A thoughtful online identity should reflect academic commitment, professional aspirations, and respectful engagement with global issues. Students are advised to routinely review privacy settings, avoid sharing content that could be misconstrued or deemed politically sensitive, and ensure consistency between their stated intentions and online behavior," notes Ms Singh.