Indian is among the largest exporters of education. In a study recently conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs, 91% students expressed their desire to study abroad. Studying abroad among Indian students has begun to be seen as a more familiar occurrence. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic India sent 2,61,406 students in 2020. USA, UK, Canada, and Australia have been countries preferred by Indian students, with the USA still holding the top position according to the QS ranking.
Read on as we list the best countries to study abroad for Indian students
Germany
• Germany attracted 20.85% more Indian students for the Winter Semester 2019-2020.
• Indian students are the second highest student group in Germany according to the German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD.
• Affordable education, elevated standard of living, career opportunities and recognized degrees have made Germany an attractive package for international students.
• Almost all German public universities offer education to international students for free, but charge nominal admission and other processing fees; making Germany the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students.
• Education at German universities focuses on giving students practical and research oriented teachings, thus developing in them a holistic approach that prepares them for the corporate.
Advantages of study in Germany
1) Affordable tuition fees: German public universities offer international student the opportunity to access world-class education and facilities by charging minimal fees towards admission and other charges which amount to €250 per semester.
2) Highly respected universities: There are 429 public higher education institutions in Germany of which 106 are universities. German universities are constantly ranked high in international university ranking tables and are highly recommended by students for their quality of education, safe environment, facilities and teaching methods.
3) Travel: To be able to study in Germany as an international student you will need to apply for a German Study visa. The residency permit gives you the power to travel visa-free through the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries – Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
3) Employment opportunities and future prospects: Your German education grants you a degree that is valued and accepted around the world. German graduates are highly sought after and employable, this opens promising high-paying career opportunities both within the country and across the globe.
4) Living expenses: To live in Germany as an international student, you will need 10,332 Euros per year as stated by the website ‘study-in-germany.org’.
Australia
• Australia is the best country to study abroad for Indian students and is quickly becoming a favourite among other International students, as well.
• The number of Indian students studying in Australia has increased manifolds over the years.
• Australian universities occupy top ranks in world ranking tables.
• Degrees earned through the Australian education system are recognised, valued and are highly employable.
• Melbourne and Sydney are in the top 5, while Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Gold Cost are in the top 70 of the QS ranking for best cities for international students 2022.
• High standard of living, excellent quality of education, cultural diversity, and great job opportunities are perks to achieving education in Australia.
Advantages of study in Australia
1) Reputed universities: Australia is the third most popular education destination preferred by international students. The Australian education system trains students by making them ready to take up a career of their choice. Moreover, 7 Australian universities are in the top 100 and 5 are in top 50 of the QS World University Ranking.
2) Work while studying – Australia is considers a costly destination for international education, with high tuition and living costs; but can be less expensive when compared other popular international education destinations like the USA and the UK. International students can work part-time for 20 hours during semester and 40 hours on holidays to support and manage their living costs.
3) Scholarships – There are a great number of scholarships available to the advantage of international students. As international students you have an access to over 1000 plus scholarships offered by the government, and universities.
4) Australia’s multicultural environment – Australia welcomes people from varied ethnicities. It is not uncommon to find Indian restaurants, groceries and other shops on the streets of Australia. Hence, you will not feel alien to the land.
5) 5) A safe place to live: Australia is one of the safest countries in the world with the lowest records of crime.
Canada
• Along with being one of the safest countries, Canada carries with it the reputation of offering the best education at affordable fees.
• Canadian degrees are accepted and recognized globally.
• Every year a large number of Indian students are attracted to Canada for the offer of lucrative opportunities, recognized degrees and better living standards.
• Moreover, the introduction of the Student Direct Scheme has made it easier for Indian students to receive student visas to study in Canada.
• Medicine, MAB, Data Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, and Cybersecurity are popular courses pursued by most international students.
Advantages of study in Canada
1) Affordable education: When compared to the US and UK, education in Canada is fairly affordable. Students have access to a range of scholarships, making education in Canada more affordable.
2) Academic excellence: Canada has earned the reputation of being one of the most highly qualified countries. The quality of education makes its graduates employable and corporate ready. Canadian degrees are recognised and in great demand among employers. Moreover, 26 of Canada’s universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2019.
3) Safety: Canada has consistently ranked among the most peaceful country, ranking 6th in The Global Peace Index 2018. 5 Canadian cities are in the Top 150 among the Best Student Cities 2022 as listed by QS.
USA
• No study abroad discussion is complete without the suggestion to study in the USA.
• The USA has one of the best education systems in the world and is home to some of the most popular universities – Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and many more.
• The USA comes only behind India with the most of universities – 3,254.
• The QS World University Ranking 2022, itself features 174 US universities listed among the best in the world.
• The USA has the highest population of international students, with Indian students contributing to be the second highest population of international students studying in the USA.
Advantages of study in the USA
1) Highly acclaimed academics standards: The USA has been the most sought after education destination. American institutions are known to impart education that meets high academic standards. 5 American universities are in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2022, followed by 12 other universities in the top 50.
2) Career opportunities: A degree from the USA is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. The American education system is the best in the world, making its graduates highly employable both in the country and across the globe. Students graduating from STEMs secure high paying jobs, and hence, the US STEMs programs are among the most pursued courses among Indian and international students.
3) Cultural diversity: Studying with students from different ethnicities makes you more respectful and understanding of other cultures while ensuring a rich educational experience. This valuable international exposure helps you develop a global mind-set and a perspective that employers prefer. People of different races and cultures call the US their home, lending their cuisine, customs, and festivals to make the USA a cultural melting-pot.
These are our best places to study abroad! We are certain that this list can get more extensive if we were to list every advantage of studying in different countries.