Find Your Best University

Yes absolutely. The US has a medical insurance system much like what you find in India. An insurer would pay your treatment costs. 
Heavily subsidized medical care is available in the UK, Canada and Australia. But they do not wish immigrant students to be a burden. Hence, they too require you to buy medical insurance. 

Foreign universities typically accept gap years. Western cultures understand that reasons such as mental health challenges or financial concerns are common and these cause gap years.
As long as you can provide a clear explanation, taking a gap year is not a problem.

This is a mixed bag. In STEM subjects the teaching is better and more explorative. In case of degrees such as law, there is no direct benefit to passing the bar from the UK, compared to a degree from Delhi University.

The journey can be mentally and physically challenging. Without your close family you might struggle. The weather can be a huge downside in many locations. But as time passes you will reflect fondly on these experiences.

It is practically impossible to study abroad free of cost. However, with careful planning, you can study abroad at a minimal cost.

Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland, for example, offer free or low-cost education. This is also true for international students.

For other living expenses, you can look out for scholarships and grants. Universities, governments, and private organizations offer financial aid to international students. These aids are based on academic merit, financial need, or criteria like field of study.

You can also consider exchange programs. These programs cover tuition fees and also provide stipends for living expenses.

Yes, studying abroad with lower marks in your 12th grade is possible but this may limit your options.

Most universities abroad consider your academic performance when making admission decisions.

Higher-ranked institutions tend to have stricter requirements.

However, some universities offer foundation programs for students with lower grades.

These programs help students build academic skills and qualify for degree programs. Such programs are common in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Also, many universities consider factors other than your academic scorecards. These factors include:

• Extracurricular activities like sports, etc.
• Letters of Recommendation and personal statements.
• Standardized test scores like the SAT, ACT, or IELTS.

So if your academic performance is not strong, focus on highlighting your strengths in these areas.

Yes, your 10th and 12th class marks can matter when applying to study abroad. However, their importance varies by country, university, and program.

For undergraduate programs, 12th-grade marks are usually more critical. This is because they reflect your most recent academic performance. Universities also consider grade marks in subjects related to the chosen course. For example, for an engineering degree, your scores in math or science will be considered.

Some universities, however, also consider factors other than class 12th results. These include:

• Class 10th marks
• Extracurriculars
• Letter of Recommendation and personal statement

This is a more holistic approach that helps students who lack high scores in 10th and 12th class. 

There are several exams that study abroad aspirants need to apply for and clear. The exact list of exams you need to clear depends on the country, university, and program you are applying to. Some of the most common exams for studying abroad include:

1. Language Proficiency Tests:
   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English)
   • DET (Duolingo English Test)
2. Standardized Academic Tests:
   • SAT/ACT (for undergraduate admissions in the USA)
   • GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
   • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) (for MBA programs globally)
   • LSAT (for law programs, especially in the USA and Canada)
   • MCAT (for medical programs, especially in the USA and Canada)
   • UCAT or GAMSAT (for medical programs in the UK, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand)

Research the university/program-specific requirements to determine the exams you need to take.

Studying abroad doesn't always have to be expensive. There are many countries where Indian students can study abroad at low costs.

Some of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indians are Germany, Norway and Mexico. Public universities in these countries offer low or no tuition fees.

However, you need to consider the cost of living like accommodation, food and travel.

Other lesser-known options include Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. These countries not just have minimum tuition fees but also the cost of living is manageable.

Additionally, you can also apply for scholarships and part-time jobs to cover costs.

However, students need to look at an international education from a perspective of ROI rather than expense. For instance, while your master’s degree from a university in the USA will mean you have to spend more, iti is likely to offer you a higher ROI than getting the same degree from a comparable university in Poland.

Yes, you can study abroad without an education consultant. You can do your own research and preparation and also use platforms like GradRight.

GradRight offers two unique tools that help study abroad aspirants. These tools include:

• SelectRight: To find the right college suited for the student's needs
• FundRight: To find the most affordable funding options from top lenders in the country

So, by staying organized and proactive and using the right tools, you can study abroad without needing a counselor.

Applying to universities to study abroad is a complex process. Some of the common mistakes that you should avoid include:

1. Not Researching Enough

Don't rely on what you hear from others. Always conduct thorough research around the universities and programs. This will ensure that you don't apply to schools that don’t align with your academic goals or budget. Explore all options and understand each university’s requirements and culture.

2. Missing Deadlines

University application deadlines are strict. Missing them can result in your application being disqualified. Create a timeline and set reminders to ensure all materials are submitted on time.

3. Weak Personal Statement

A poorly written or generic personal statement can hurt your chances of admission. Tailor your statement to each university you are applying to. Don't forget to highlight your unique strengths and why you are a good fit for the program.

4. Ignoring Financial Planning

Not planning your finances adequately can lead to difficulties later. Ensure you understand the full cost of studying abroad. This includes tuition, living expenses, and travel.

5. Incomplete Applications

Incomplete applications or missing documents are a key cause of rejections. Make sure you have all the documents and double-check the requirements to ensure your application is complete.

Avoiding these pitfalls can improve your chances of getting accepted into your preferred program.

Yes, studying abroad can significantly enhance your job prospects. Some of the reasons for this are:

• Studying abroad teaches you adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to thrive in diverse environments.
• Studying abroad exposes you to different cultures, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving.
• Studying abroad allows you to build a global network of contacts. These connections can lead to job opportunities and valuable references.
• Study abroad experiences develop independence and resilience, which attract employers.
• Studying abroad provides opportunities to intern or work in the host country. This gives you direct access to international job markets and valuable work experience.

The amount of money needed to study abroad depends on several factors, including:

• The country
• University
• Program
• Your lifestyle

Some of the key expenses to consider include:

1. Tuition Fees

Studying in the USA or the UK can cost tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, for a two-year master’s program. However, countries like Germany or Norway offer low or no tuition fees.

1. Living Expenses

Living costs include accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. These costs can vary significantly depending on the city and country. For example, living in cities like London or New York is more expensive than in smaller towns.

1. Health Insurance

Most countries need international students to have health insurance, which can add to your expenses.

1. Travel and Visa

Don’t forget to budget for airfare, visa fees, and other travel-related costs.

1. Books and Supplies

Factor in the cost of textbooks, lab materials, and other academic supplies.

On average, you might need anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, but this can vary widely.

You should apply for study abroad programs at least 12 to 18 months before the intended start date.

Here’s a general timeline to follow:

• Start researching 18 months before
• Start preparing for exams 12-15 months before
• Take the exams at least 12 months before
• Apply 10-12 months before
• Start financial planning 8-10 months before
• Start the visa process 6-8 months before

With this timeline, you can ensure a smooth study abroad application process.