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Best Countries To Study Abroad
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Study Abroad Guide
Get answers to FAQs about studying abroad, learn about requirements, and explore the benefits. Start your journey to global education with this guide.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 13,00,000 Indian students enrolled in different programs across 79 foreign destinations.
When you choose to study abroad in foreign universities, you take the first step towards a promising future. Universities abroad have better infrastructure and amenities. Moreover, a global degree opens doors in the job market. Most of all, there is the lure of permanent residency and finally citizenship abroad.
Here’s everything you need to know about the study abroad journey.option of study abroad loans.
Students need to fulfill several requirements before they can study abroad.
These are some of the key factors:
Academic Qualifications
Reputed universities and educational institutions abroad have quite strict academic requirements for admission.
Students need to meet these standards. These may include:
- Consistent academic performance
- Standardized test scores such as the SAT or GRE
- Proficiency in English (if studying in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia)
1. Financial Resources
Studying abroad can be expensive. An MS degree from the USA can cost as much as a small apartment in an Indian metropolitan city.
Students need to consider their financial resources and plan accordingly. Expenses include tuition fees, living costs, travel costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
2.Visa and Immigration Requirements
Obtaining a student visa is a crucial step in studying abroad.
The study abroad visa process has to be completed well in advance. You need to complete the necessary paperwork for a student visa. These include proof of acceptance from a recognized educational institution, financial documentation, and health insurance.
3.Health Insurance and Vaccinations
Health insurance coverage is crucial for international students. The USA, like India, depends on private-sector healthcare, which is very expensive. Even in nations like Canada, England, and Ireland (and many European nations), a student may not have access to government subsidized healthcare.
What is the best nation to study abroad? It depends on various factors. Your academic preferences, language proficiency, and personal preferences all play a role.
Several countries are renowned for their high-quality education systems. Let’s read about them.
USA
The USA boasts prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. They offer a vast array of programs. While the US presents huge career growth opportunities for students from India, studying there can be expensive.
Australia
Australia provides a unique blend of quality education and a vibrant lifestyle. Renowned universities in the country offer programs across various fields.
Ireland
Ireland's friendly atmosphere and rich history make it an attractive destination. Their universities offer internationally recognized programs. Shorter program durations for master's degrees compared to some other countries make it an attractive option. The cost of living can be moderate, making Ireland a budget-friendly location.
UK
The UK is home to world-renowned universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You can experience British culture firsthand while pursuing a degree. However, Brexit has increased complexities for international students. Tuition fees can be substantial.
France
Immerse yourself in French culture and language while studying at esteemed institutions. France offers strong programs in various fields. There is a focus on research. Be prepared for a potentially bureaucratic application process.
Germany
Germany excels in engineering, business, and science education. Public universities often have minimal or no tuition fees for international students. The emphasis on research provides opportunities to collaborate with leading minds. However, learning German might be necessary to participate fully.
Canada
Canada has emerged as a popular choice in recent years. The education system offers high-quality education but charges affordable tuition fees compared to the US. The application process can be competitive with so many Indians vying for Canadian education. Winters can be quite harsh in some regions.
Studying abroad can be a rewarding experience. However, you have to plan carefully. Here's a step-by-step guide to the process of studying abroad:
1.Choose a Destination
You can study in Europe, the UK, the USA and Canada. Many students also opt for Australia.
Start by researching potential study abroad destinations based on your academic interests.
Language preferences and budget also need to be considered.
2.Select an Institution
Once you've chosen a destination, research universities and colleges that offer courses you want.
Explore their UG and PG programs and read the curricula. Research about the quality of faculty.
You also need to think of admission requirements, tuition fees, and financial aid options.
3.Meet Admission Requirements
You need to pass standardized tests to study abroad. Universities may require SAT scores (for UG) GRE/GMAT (for PG).
Review the admission requirements of your chosen institution carefully.
You also need to get through language proficiency exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Beyond that you will need a letter of recommendation (written by an authority figure), and your statement of purpose.
4.Apply for Admission
Complete the application process for your chosen institution according to their deadlines.
Submit all required documents. You might have to provide transcripts, test scores, LOR and SOP.
5.Secure Funding
How do you want to fund the study abroad costs?
Explore various funding options to cover the cost of tuition, accommodation, travel, etc. This may include scholarships, educational loans, and financial support from family.
6.Apply for a Student Visa
Once you've been accepted into your chosen institution, apply for a student visa. Most western embassies accept online applications.
Follow the visa application instructions carefully and provide all required documentation. They usually include proof of admission, proof of funds, and health insurance.
With all of this done, prepare for departure. As the date approaches, make sure you've purchased travel insurance.
Different entrance exams are the gateway to your dream degree. Here are the most well-known exams to study abroad:
1.Undergraduate Admissions
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test):
Commonly used for undergraduate admissions in the US. It focuses on evidence-based reading, writing, and math skills.
2.Graduate Level Exams
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
A must-have for pursuing graduate programs (like MS or PhD) abroad. It assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The entrance test for MBA programs abroad. This exam evaluates your analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
3.English Language Proficiency
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
For admission to universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Scores hold validity for two years.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is preferred by US and Canadian institutions. Acceptance of TOEFL in the UK and Commonwealth nations is limited. Scores remain valid for two years.
Also read: Differences between academic and general IELTS: Format, difficulty, how to choose? Differences between academic and general IELTS: Format, difficulty, how to choose?
A degree from a prestigious international university makes your resume look picture perfect. You have the chance to work with top employers worldwide.
However, the cost of studying abroad is a significant hurdle for many.
A US degree, for example, can easily exceed ₹50 lakhs. To finance it you may need education loans offered by banks.
Some of the top banks and NBFCs that offer educational loans for studying abroad are:
- State Bank of India
- Bank of Baroda
- IDFC First Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Union Bank of India
- HDFC Credila
- Axis Bank
- Yes Bank
- Tata Capital
- Auxilo
- InCred
- Leap Finance
- Avanse Financial Services
- Mpower Finance (NBFC)
- Prodigy Finance (NBFC)
Education loans for abroad studies are not easy to secure. You have to visit multiple branches and consult with bank officers. The process is exhausting.
That is why we have created FundRight. It is a one stop shop for all your education loan needs.
So, save yourself the effort of pounding pavements, and head right over to FundRight.
Stop overpaying for your education. Save up to 23 lakhs with FundRight. Check your offers.
Scholarships can significantly ease your financial burden. Various scholarships available for studying abroad from India include:
- Fulbright Scholarship (US): Supports outstanding students, scholars, and professionals for study and research in the US.
- Chevening Scholarship (UK): Funds exceptional international students to study in the UK.
- Commonwealth Scholarship (UK): For postgraduate study in the UK by students from Commonwealth nations.
- Inlaks Scholarship (Global): Supports postgraduate studies at top universities worldwide for Indian students.
- JN Tata Endowment (Global): Offers financial aid for postgraduate studies abroad to Indian students who have shown academic excellence.
Also read: : All about Education Loans without Co-applicants
Studying abroad expands your horizons. New cultural milieu, friends from across the globe, top notch faculty and latest infrastructure mature you as an individual.These are some of the benefits of studying abroad:1. Academic Growth
You gain exposure to diverse teaching styles and learn from the best. Good infrastructure and research facilities allow you to specialize.2.Cultural Immersion
Live and learn in a new culture. New experiences broaden your worldview and bring personal growth.3.Career Advantages
Develop skills such as learning from other cultures. This makes you a standout candidate to MNC employers with offices across the world.4.Travel & Exploration
Experience new places firsthand and enrich your perspective. Several thousand miles away from home, you learn to be completely self-sufficient and strong.
Happy Stories
Play Video
Geetha Murthy – Parent
Mrs. Geetha Murthy is a proud parent, and two of her kids are studying in the UK and the US with GradRight’s help. Before they went to study abroad, Mrs Murthy and her family faced rejection by banks and lenders. After losing all hope, they found GradRight and got much-needed assistance getting an affordable education loan for their studies abroad.
Play Video
Abhinaya Murthy – Student
Meet Abhinaya Murthy, who went to the London School of Economics with GradRight’s help for her studies abroad. Abhinaya and her family had been trying to secure an education loan from banks but kept facing rejection. GradRight helped them find an affordable education loan and also awarded Abhinaya a merit-based scholarship for her studies abroad.