A total of 8,92,989 Indian students went to study abroad in 2023, as per the Education Ministry, highlighting an increase of over 52% in the number of students studying abroad in five years. Although this might seem big, the number of students who struggle to achieve their overseas education dream is also stark. It is usually because they fail to select the right university, course, or country. Students who get their visas stamped for abroad education typically do so through careful planning.
In this blog, we have compiled the five most important factors that students must consider before studying abroad.
Things to Know Before Studying Abroad for Indian Students
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience as students get exposed to an entirely new culture, knowledge and career possibilities. However, before making this critical decision, it is important that students consider some key aspects of studying abroad. As one of the leading overseas education consultancy, we at Orient Spectra ensure that students factor in the below details when we guide them through university selection, and visa process.
Here are the 7 things every Indian student must consider:
1. Choosing Study Abroad Destination
Picking the right study destination for your study abroad plan is the most important first step in your overseas education journey. While there are multiple attractive study destinations for Indian students, each one has their own benefits, and restrictions. You must carefully assess details like university and course options, part-time work rules, academic growth programs, campus placements, tuition fees, and living costs, among other things. For example,
- The USA is famous for top-class universities and globally renowned courses, but they are usually expensive.
- Germany offers excellent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) courses, which are not just affordable, but are also taught in English.
- The UK universities are popular for providing a range of scholarships based on profile. Also, some of the institutes waive requirement of English proficiency tests as well.
- Dubai is now emerging as an attractive study abroad destination all because of its cosmopolitan vibe, easy admission policy and quality education.
- Other countries like France, Canada, Ireland, and Australia are more welcoming towards international students, and provide better post-study work opportunities.
Therefore, it is important to understand the nitty-gritties of each country’s international student programs across academics, work opportunities, and post-study, before making a choice.
2. University-Course Selection
Once you’ve decided on a country as your overseas education destination, it is time to make a list of universities and courses. It must typically begin with your career aspirations and preferences, and these should motivate your university and course shortlist. In selecting a university for abroad education, most Indian students make the mistake of just focusing on university rankings. But as a leading study abroad consultancy for over 20 years, we understand that details like faculty skills, research options, job placements, and alumni achievements are more important.
While most students pursue STEM courses like Data Science, Engineering, AI/ML, and IT, Indian students have rich options for creative courses like Photography, UI/UX, and Brand Management.
Bonus Tip: Check if the course you’re selecting offers internships or hands-on experience, as it might become critical when you are trying to secure a job post-study.
3. Student Visa & Immigration Rules
Navigating student visa and immigration rules is the trickiest part of a study abroad journey. Every country has its own set of unique regulations, and it is important to be aware of them for a hassle-free process. Meanwhile, some countries allow students to work while pursuing their degree, while others impose strict work laws. Countries like Germany, UK and Australia provide generous post-study work opportunities, but in the USA, however, students will have to get additional permissions to work.
4. Overseas Education Expenses
Financial considerations like tuition fees and living costs must weigh significantly in your decision to study abroad. Both the tuition fees and everyday expenses can differ from one country to another by a great margin. Countries like the USA and the UK may have higher education fees, while Germany, France, and Ireland charge comparatively lower fees from international students. Indian students aspiring for abroad education must also pay attention to the location of the university, which will influence their living costs.
Getting in touch with an overseas education counselor can prove beneficial in understanding these nuances of abroad education expenses. Orient Spectra has been providing personalized guidance to students for over 20 years now.
5. Scholarships and Other Financial Aid
Indian students planning to study abroad can avail a number of scholarships and other grants offered by governments, non-profit organizations and trusts. In addition to these, universities offer multiple scholarship programs to students who meet the respective eligibility criteria. To ease students of financial strain, some select universities and institutes provide early bird discounts. You can get this information by booking a free counselling session with our counsellors.
Choose An Overseas Education Consultant That Works for You
No doubt studying abroad can open up a new world of opportunities, and growth both professionally and personally, it is a tricky task nonetheless. Indian students often resort to scams and unethical tricks that some consultancies promise. Remember that getting admission to your favorite global university and subsequently getting your visa approved is a challenging process. However, with the help of the right consultancy, you can sail through these difficulties without stress.
Orient Spectra has been a reliable friend to all the students who want to pursue their Bachelors or Masters abroad. Having sent over 15,000 students abroad so far, we ensure that students’ requirements are prioritized over anything else.
If you want to get your abroad education journey started, talk to us today.
