Graduation abroad: A comparison of countries

There are a wide variety of countries where Indian students can pursue graduation. The most popular higher education destinations are USA, UK. Australia and few European countries like Germany, Netherland etc. Over the last decade some Asian countries such as Singapore and China are also gaining popularity for students pursuing graduation abroad.

Let’s get a closer look at the different options that Indian students consider for studying abroad or getting a foreign degree.

• ·USA: The US is the first choice for Indian students who plan to study abroad. This preference is more due to the name and fame of the US rather than what it has to offer. USA has some of the world famous colleges but very few Indians are able to get into these. Irrespective, there are thousands of colleges in the United States for Indians to choose from. Most Indians students who study graduation in America do not end up in the globally high ranked or recognized colleges. One of the other reasons Indians choose the not so famous colleges is because of the fees. To study at Harvard or Yale or the likes one has to be from an exceptionally rich family.

• ·UK: The UK has some of the oldest and best Universities in the world. The kind of education that one would receive in these universities is par excellence. It is a ticket to a great future. The application prerequisite to some colleges in the UK requires a non-refundable registration fee to be paid. It is crucial to be absolutely sure that it is the university you would like to attend before registering. Getting admission is not easy as the number of applicants is huge compared to the number of seats available. The college fees for international students are quite steep in the UK. The student also needs to show a bank balance which will cover their living expenses for at least a year. The estimated cost of living in the UK is among the highest in the world.

• Germany: Germany offers free undergraduate college education charging only a small fee to cover administrative costs and some other university costs. But what is the catch? Why aren’t Indians flocking to Germany for graduation? - The courses are taught in German. It is mandatory for every foreign student who wants to study in Germany to be fluent in German and pass a German fluency test. Some universities in Germany have courses which are taught completely in English. But these are paid courses and are quite expensive, making them not worthwhile. The German government also requires that the student should have the money required to meet the average cost of living expenses. Most countries expect this before issuing a student visa.

• ·Europe: Similar to Germany many other European countries offer free or cheaper undergraduate education but most of these courses are taught in the local language. For an Indian they first have to learn the language fluently before they can actually pursue a course in it. Cost of living in most of the northern European countries is quite high too. So Indians have to consider if it is really worth getting a free education in Europe where the cost of living is so high.

• ·Australia: Today Australia is the 3rd most popular choice for Indian students. Many Indians choose Australia as it is a bit cheaper than the UK and USA. Australia also offers several other benefits over the western countries, as well as Asian countries. Australia has an easy going and friendly culture. Indians and all other international students are made to feel at home. Cost of living in Australia is cheaper too and students can work part time and earn enough to cover their living expenses.

• ·Asian countries: China, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia and several other Asian countries have opened their doors to international students for graduation and post-graduation courses. Some of these colleges charge a huge sum while others are more affordable. The issue for Indians in Asian countries is the life style, culture and food. There are very limited universities which have course in English for international students. Living and getting about in these countries is difficult unless one knows the local language. Indians find it difficult to adjust to the Asian style of food and eating.

Having a foreign degree holds great value in India and most Indians feel that it will give them a better career and future. Going abroad for graduation has become very popular among Indians, almost like the norm. Banks do not hesitate to give education loans as the dividends are high. Considering all these factors the number of Indian students pursuing graduation abroad is growing each year.