Thousands of Indian students go abroad every year in pursuit of higher education. An overwhelming number of them pursue STEM courses or management programs.
Here are some interesting facts:
- Of the Indian students studying internationally, close to 70% are enrolled in STEM disciplines.
- Sources indicate that approximately 20% of Indian students studying abroad choose Business and Management fields.
- A US study has shown that STEM occupations have an average annual wage of $100,900 (compared to $55,260 for non-STEM jobs).
- The median starting salary of an MBA graduate is around $120,000 plus bonus and stock options.
This amply demonstrates why STEM and MBA universities in the USA, UK, and Australia are so popular among expatriate Indian students.
There are many excellent global universities to choose from, and this guide outlines the best STEM and MBA programs on offer. We also outline the key considerations for prospective students and offer insight into the admission process.
Overview of the global education landscape for Indian students
The rising demand for professionals has driven a record number of Indian students to attend STEM and MBA universities in the USA, UK, and Australia. Over a million Indian students were enrolled internationally in 2024.
An overwhelming majority of students choose STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields due to strong global demand and promising career prospects. Indian students spend significant funds for master’s in the most promising STEM courses, including computer science, data science, biomedical engineering, environmental science, mathematics, and robotics.
Not as many as STEM, but still a large number of Indian students pursue MBA programs abroad. While MBA programs in India are more affordable, those abroad offer a higher ROI in the long term.
Most of the students travel to the USA because of the numerous career and research opportunities that are available. Currently, 3,37,630 Indian students live and study in the USA, and many hope to transition to permanent residency after their degree. There are 185,000 Indian students in the UK and 139,038 in Australia.
Given the global job market’s sustained demand for professionals skilled in science, engineering, and managemen,t the prospects for Indian students are exceptionally promising.
Top STEM universities in the USA, UK, and Australia
STEM is much more than a combination of science and formulas. It represents a foundational approach to critical thinking and problem solving. As you look to grow your skill, the vital question is, where are the global centres offering the most exceptional STEM education and research experiences?
We’ve done the hard work and curated a list of the top STEM universities in the USA, UK, and Australia based on the latest QS World University Rankings 2025.
Top STEM Universities in the USA
When it comes to STEM, universities in the USA consistently dominate global rankings. With huge research funding and cutting-edge labs, the USA remains a top destination for Indian students wanting to study STEM master’s. Here are the top-ranked STEM universities in the USA.
| Rank | Overall Score | University Name | Location |
| 1 | 96.2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, United States |
| 3 | 93.5 | Stanford University | Stanford, United States |
| 6 | 91.8 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, United States |
| 9 | 89.6 | Harvard University | Cambridge, United States |
| 13 | 86.8 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Pasadena, United States |
| 15 | 86.2 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, United States |
| 19 | 84.6 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, United States |
| 22 | 84.1 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, United States |
There are several more US universities in the top 100, but we have shown the top 8.
Top STEM Universities in the UK
UK universities are highly regarded globally due to their strong academic reputation and the prestige of their institutions. Several universities, like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, consistently rank among the top in the world, attracting top students and faculty. Here are the top STEM universities in the UK for Indian students:
| Rank | Overall Score | University Name | Location |
| 2 | 93.7 | University of Oxford | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| 4 | 92.9 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| 8 | 90 | Imperial College London | London, United Kingdom |
| 32 | 81.7 | The University of Manchester | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| 33 | 81.6 | UCL | London, United Kingdom |
| 58 | 78.6 | The University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
Top STEM Universities in Australia
Australia is a newer entrant compared to the USA and the UK. But its STEM universities have quickly gained global recognition. Furthermore, Australian degrees are recognized internationally, opening doors to global career opportunities. Here are the leading STEM universities in Australia you should consider:
| Rank | Overall Score | University Name | Location |
| 25 | 82.6 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Sydney, Australia |
| 50 | 79.3 | The University of Melbourne | Parkville, Australia |
| 60 | 78.5 | The University of Sydney | Sydney, Australia |
| 68 | 77.8 | The University of Queensland | Brisbane City, Australia |
| 76 | 77.2 | Australian National University (ANU) | Canberra, Australia |
| 78 | 77.1 | Monash University | Melbourne, Australia |
Each of these countries brings its strengths to the table. The USA offers the largest number of high-tech jobs, the UK extends a combination of academic excellence and strong career prospects, while Australia is relatively less expensive.
Top MBA universities in the USA, UK, and Australia
An MBA isn’t just a degree. It teaches the philosophy of business. An MBA from a globally ranked university can open opportunities you could never dream of. Let’s take a closer look at the top MBA universities in each region, based on the latest QS Global MBA Rankings 2025.
Top MBA Universities in the USA
The world’s first formal MBA program was launched in 1908 at Harvard Business School. Over 115 years later, the nation still leads in management education. US universities offer case-study-based learning and access to global business giants such as Amazon, Meta, and Google. Here are the top-ranked MBA universities in the USA:
| Rank | Overall Score | Business School | Location | Thought Leadership | Return On Investment |
| 1 | 100 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | Stanford (CA), United States | 95.2 | 90.9 |
| 2 | 99.8 | Penn (Wharton) | Philadelphia (PA), United States | 95.9 | 95 |
| 3 | 99.4 | Harvard Business School | Cambridge (MA), United States | 96.5 | 90.4 |
| 4 | 99.2 | MIT (Sloan) | Cambridge (MA), United States | 99.1 | 90.5 |
| 8 | 96.9 | Columbia Business School | New York (NY), United States | 93.7 | 95.7 |
| 11 | 95.5 | Northwestern (Kellogg) | Evanston (IL), United States | 85.7 | 97.2 |
Most US MBA programs run for 2 years, giving you adequate time for an internship and networking.
Top MBA Universities in the UK
In the UK, a full-time MBA program for international students is typically one year long. That’s perfect if you are a busy professional in your 20s or 30s who wants to upskill and join the management team. Here are the best MBA programs in the UK as per QS rankings 2025:
| Rank | Overall Score | Business School | Location | Thought Leadership | Return On Investment |
| 5 | 98.8 | London Business School | London, United Kingdom | 97.7 | 90.9 |
| 7 | 97.4 | Cambridge (Judge) | Cambridge, United Kingdom | 98.1 | 94.4 |
| 18 | 92.4 | Imperial College Business School | London, United Kingdom | 90.2 | 90.2 |
| 19 | 92.3 | Oxford (Said) | Oxford, United Kingdom | 99.1 | 71.7 |
| 30 | 77.6 | Warwick Business School | Coventry, United Kingdom | 86.5 | 92.9 |
| 58 | 64 | University of Edinburgh Business School | Edinburgh, United Kingdom | 74.5 | 79.5 |
Top MBA Universities in Australia
Australia’s MBA universities have seen a steady rise in global rankings. They have a strong focus on Asia-Pacific business dynamics, which is missing in the USA. If you want to work in emerging markets, Australian MBAs are perfect for your skillset. Here are the top MBA universities in Australia:
| Rank | Overall Score | Business School | Location | Thought Leadership | Return On Investment |
| 32 | 76.1 | Melbourne Business School | Melbourne, Australia | 91.8 | 73 |
| 33 | 74.8 | UNSW (AGSM) | Sydney, Australia | 89.2 | 71.7 |
| 45 | 70.7 | University of Sydney Business School | Sydney, Australia | 83.8 | 70.6 |
| 81 | 59.3 | UQ Business School | Brisbane, Australia | 75.3 | 74.1 |
Each of these countries offers a distinct MBA experience. US management programs are immersive two-year degrees, MBA programs in the UK take a year, and industry-integrated options in the Australian MBA foster deep cross-cultural understanding of Asia Pacific countries.
Comparing STEM vs MBA: Key considerations
Still undecided between a STEM degree and an MBA? You’re not alone. Both STEM and MBA universities in the USA, UK, and Australia offer incredible opportunities leading to very different career tracks.
A STEM degree often leads to technical roles and research, such as:
- Software Developers
- Database Architects
- Computer Scientists
- Mechanical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Environmental Scientists
Mastery of STEM courses demands original thinking and innovative research.
On the other hand, an MBA degree leads to leadership skills, business knowledge, and strategic thinking.
Managers set the direction for their teams, providing a clear purpose and vision. They help employees understand the organization’s goals and how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
Are you an original and innovative thinker? Then take up a STEM master’s.
But what if you are driven to achieve targets and chart out a strategy? Then you must do an MBA.
Of course, this is a highly simplified explanation, but it effectively demonstrates different job roles.
Admission processes & eligibility criteria
While requirements vary by country and university, most top STEM and MBA universities in the USA, UK, and Australia follow a similar application structure. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
| Criteria | STEM Programs | MBA Programs |
| Academic Background | Bachelor’s in a relevant STEM field – Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics, and Engineering. | Bachelor’s in any discipline (including humanities) |
| Standardized Tests |
|
|
| English Proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE as required by the university | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE as required by the university |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory | Typically, 2–5 years required (varies by school and country) |
| Popular Specializations | Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, AI & Robotics | Finance, Marketing, Operations, Business Analytics, Supply Chain |
Scholarships & financial aid for Indian students
Studying abroad can be expensive. An MBA from a top US business school can cost over $100,000. Though it is cheaper to study in Australia, the average annual tuition fee ranges from AUD 50,000 to 80,000 (approximately ₹36 – 60 lakh).
Here’s a concise table showing the best scholarships for Indian students in the USA, UK, and Australia:
| Country | Scholarship | Coverage | Target Program |
| USA | Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship | Full tuition, living, and travel | Master’s (STEM, public policy, etc.) |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Tuition & fees | MBA at Stanford | |
| AAUW International Fellowship | Up to $25,000 | Master’s (women only) | |
| University Scholarships (e.g., MIT, Yale) | Varies (partial to full funding) | STEM & MBA | |
| UK | Chevening Scholarship | Full tuition, living,and airfare | 1-year Master’s (any field) |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Full funding | Master’s/PhD | |
| Inlaks Scholarships | Up to $100,000 | STEM & MBA | |
| Oxford/Cambridge Awards | Varies | STEM & MBA | |
| Australia | Australia Awards | Full tuition, living, and flights | Master’s |
| Destination Australia | Up to AUD 15,000/year | Regional campuses (STEM/MBA) | |
| RTP (Research Training Program) | Tuition + stipend | Postgraduate research (STEM) | |
| University-Specific Awards (e.g., ANU, Melbourne) | Partial to full funding | STEM & MBA |
There are an enormous number of grants given by foreign universities. These are not always advertised on their website. Ensure that you mention that you will welcome any financial aid they can provide. It might not be a full grant, but likely 20 – 50% of your tuition might be subsidized.
Career outcomes & ROI
Choosing between a STEM or an MBA degree doesn’t just impact your academic experience but shapes your career. Here’s how outcomes typically differ across the two paths:
Career Outcomes for STEM Graduates
| Category | Details |
| Top Roles | Data Scientist, Software Engineer, AI/ML Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Researcher |
| Industry Demand | Tech, Engineering, Healthcare, Biotech, Energy, Government |
| Avg. Starting Salary |
|
| Post-Study Work Visa |
|
Career Outcomes for MBA Graduates
| Category | Details |
| Top Roles | Management Consultant, Product Manager, Investment Banker, Marketing Head, Strategy Lead |
| Industry Demand | Consulting, Finance, Tech, Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Startups |
| Avg. Starting Salary |
|
| Post-Study Work Visa |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors should I consider when choosing between STEM and MBA programs abroad?
You must consider your career goals, preferred learning environment, and financial situation. STEM programs offer a more specialized, technical education, while MBAs provide a broader business focus.
2. How do admission requirements differ across the USA, UK, and Australia?
Many US universities employ a holistic review process, considering not just academic performance but also extracurricular activities. GRE or GMAT is a requirement for many universities in the USA.
On the other hand, UK and Australian universities generally focus on meeting specific academic requirements through a high GPA and well written SOP.
3. Are there specific scholarships available for Indian students in these programs?
There are an enormous number of scholarships for STEM and MBA programs. These include:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Chevening India Scholarships
and many more.
4. How do career outcomes compare between STEM and MBA graduates internationally?
Both courses offer excellent job prospects for graduates. STEM degrees provide a strong foundation for careers in research and development. MBAs pursue careers in consulting, helping businesses solve complex problems and improve their performance. Salaries differ by country, sector, and employer but suffice it to say the compensation is well above median and sometimes stratospheric for STEM and MBA graduates.
5. What is the overall ROI for these international programs?
Studying at the best STEM and MBA universities in the USA, UK, and Australia can involve an investment of ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore. That is a massive amount. But salaries are also high, and the average median starting salary is not less than $90,000 – $120,000. Within 2 – 5 years you will earn back what you invested.
