Preparing to study abroad can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone! As experts in study abroad preparations, we understand the questions that may arise. You might be wondering how to choose the right destination, how to narrow down universities and programs that align with your desired industry and career, what criteria will the universities use to evaluate your profile, etc.
Worry not! These questions and more will be answered in our blog today. Stay tuned.
Why Study Abroad?
Before we worry about studying abroad, let us consider why should you choose to study abroad. Here are 6 reasons why choosing to study abroad will be beneficial for you.
Global Exposure
Studying abroad offers the opportunity to interact with students and professors from diverse countries, fostering holistic growth and transformation. Engaging with peers from various cultural and academic backgrounds will expand your perspective on thinking and responding. This exposure to a range of thoughts, viewpoints, and communication styles in a multicultural environment will refine and enhance your thought processes, positively influencing both your personal and professional outlook.
Emphasis on Practical Training
In India, the learning and teaching methods focus on rote learning. However, studying abroad in countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany offers a different experience. These countries emphasize a practical and hands-on approach to education. This method is advantageous when you enter the workforce. It provides valuable exposure that prepares you for your role in the industry.
Cutting Edge Technology & Research
Many students are drawn to studying abroad because universities in other countries often provide access to advanced facilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the latest technology. These institutions offer valuable opportunities for exposure and learning. One of the foremost reasons that students choose to pursue their research or Ph.D. programs at international universities is due to the availability of these sophisticated resources.
Excellence Across Diverse Fields
Universities abroad are known for their excellence across a variety of programs. For instance, top universities excel not only in engineering but also in fields such as business and medicine. Students have the flexibility to choose courses that align with their interests and needs. These universities offer specialized courses to cater to diverse student interests, including Blockchain Technology, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Quantum Computing, Bioinformatics, and many more.
Wide Range Of Job Opportunities
Many employers today prefer graduates with international study or work experience, which can make it much easier to secure your desired job. Even if you choose to return to your home country, having the right skill set will open up better job opportunities for you. Employers value universities that utilize cutting-edge technology and promote practical learning.
Attractive Compensation
One of the advantages of studying abroad is the potential for higher financial compensation. A survey found that students who study abroad earn, on average, 20% higher starting salaries compared to those who do not. This statistic invests in studying abroad seems worthwhile, doesn’t it?
Here, we have laid out 6 broad reasons for you to choose to study abroad. However, the benefits of studying abroad are not limited to these reasons.
To realize your study abroad plans, our experts at Galvanize are your best companions. With the experience of acting on the dreams of many students, we can promise you that your journey with us will be smooth sailing. For more details, reach out to us.
Top 5 Exams Required To Clear To Study Abroad
When it comes to studying abroad, certain eligibility criteria need to be cleared. These criteria are set by several exams that the applicant is required to take. Depending on what you wish to study and where you will be required to take these tests and attain a certain score. Here, let’s take a look at the top 5 exams taken every year by students who plan on studying abroad.
Apart from your academic scores, your scores in some qualifying exams are given great weightage by universities abroad.
In this blog, we will be walking you through the details of 5 such exams. Let’s dive!
GRE – Graduate Record Examination
The GRE is a widely recognized test for students aspiring to study abroad, specifically for Master’s or Ph.D. programs. It assesses three skills: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. You can take the GRE up to five times a year, with at least 21 days between retakes. To start your preparation, consider taking a practice test to assess your current level. Here is a complete guide to the GRE.
Grab the free resources for better GRE preparation here :
- GRE Practice test
- GRE App specially designed to score high.
SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test
If you’re interested in earning a Bachelor’s degree abroad, consider taking the SAT exam, which is required for undergraduate admission in countries like the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. The SAT evaluates your skills in Writing, Math, and Critical Reading. It’s offered five times a year, so you have multiple chances to take it, and your scores are valid for five years.
Here are the free resources for your SAT preparation:
GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test
The GMAT, developed with input from graduate management faculty, is designed to evaluate problem-solving and analytical skills crucial for business management. It is accepted by approximately 2,100 universities worldwide for around 6,000 programs. Similar to the GRE, you can take the GMAT up to 5 times a year, with a minimum gap of 16 days between attempts, but you are limited to 8 attempts in your lifetime.
In addition to standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, and SAT, if you plan to study abroad and your home country is not an English-speaking country (for example, Southeast Asian countries), you will also need to take an English proficiency test.
This test is required to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to communicate effectively in English, which is crucial for your success in the host country. After all, how can you be expected to study or work in these countries if you are not fluent in English?
The two most popular English proficiency tests are the TOEFL and IELTS.
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL is a standardized exam that tests the English proficiency of non-native English speakers. Countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia accept TOEFL scores for university admissions.
This test is conducted over 50 times a year and you can attempt the test any number of times once in 12 days. The TOEFL tests your ability across four areas – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Unlike the GRE, there is no Math section.
Collect the free resources before you go:
- TOEFL Practice Test to skyrocket your score prepared by experts.
- Addictive gamified Vocabulary App
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
The IELTS test is an English proficiency exam, similar to the TOEFL, that evaluates Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading skills. Its format differs from that of the TOEFL, and IELTS scores are recognized by universities in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. The test is available multiple times a year with no limit on attempts, and scores are valid for two years.
Comparing Top Countries To Study Abroad
Let’s explore the top study-abroad destinations across various factors. The most popular study-abroad destinations include the U.S., UK, Australia, Germany, and Canada.
Scholarships
When we talk about scholarships, we’re referring to the likelihood of finding scholarships there. Keeping this in mind, we see there are a lot of advantages for the U.S. and Canada. In terms of academics, research, and career prospects – the U.S. is absolutely one of the best countries to study abroad in.
When it comes to scholarships, the United States stands out because the number of world-class institutions there is unmatched by any other country. Germany is also a popular destination for many Indian students, particularly due to its full scholarship options for international students. Every country has its top universities; for example, the United Kingdom is known for its prestigious institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Every country has a few excellent schools, but the United States has a significantly higher number of top universities. No other country can match the number of institutions that are in the same league as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Yale, Princeton, the University of Chicago, and others.
If you intend to study abroad, you’ll find a lot of options when shortlisting universities for studying in the U.S. But on the other hand, the other countries have their advantages when choosing them as your study abroad destination.
Career Prospects
When it comes to career prospects, the U.S. and Canada offer a more comfortable environment for finding work compared to other study-abroad destinations. If you graduate with a degree in a STEM field, these countries encourage you to work there immediately without requiring an H1B visa. STEM stands for – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, (not management).
In the U.S., after completing your Master’s degree, you can work for up to three years without needing an H1B visa or any special visa. Canada offers a similar opportunity, which is why we have rated their career prospects with four stars. In contrast, the UK and Australia usually require graduates to return to their home countries shortly after completing their studies. If you wish to apply for permanent residency in those countries, you will need to initiate a separate process to do so.
Cost
In terms of costs, Singapore ranks above all. The U.S. is more expensive compared to other study-abroad destinations on this list.
In Singapore, if you pursue studies in specific fields and sign a bond agreeing to work in Singapore for two to three years after completing your degree, you may have your tuition fees waived or significantly reduced.
How To Shortlist Universities
One of the most common dilemmas for students planning to study abroad is shortlisting the desired universities. In this blog, we will guide you through the key factors to focus on while shortlisting universities.
Field Of Interest
When we talk about “field of interest,” we mean the area you want to specialize in during your Master’s or Ph.D. program. Choose a subject that you truly care about.
Remember, you will spend two years focusing on one subject, which may have only been one of several in your undergraduate studies. To help you understand, if networking was one of six subjects, you would dedicate half of your Master’s program exclusively to it. So, ensure that your chosen field is one you are passionate about and truly wish to study abroad.
University Reputation
When choosing to study abroad, the brand of your university will stay with you for life. However, what may seem like an ‘ambitious’ choice for someone else might be a ‘safe’ option for you, and vice versa. Therefore, it’s important to select the universities that best match your profile. Additionally, the reputation of your specific department is also crucial.
For instance, the University of California-San Francisco may not be highly ranked for engineering programs, but it is considered one of the best institutions for studying medicine or biology abroad.
Career Opportunities
Before selecting a university to study abroad, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure there are strong job opportunities in your field after graduation. Employers pay significant attention to where you studied and are aware of the institution’s reputation. Therefore, choosing the right university that aligns with your profile is crucial for enhancing your career prospects.
University Location
Location is another important factor to consider when you choose to study abroad. To give you an example, while San Jose State University may not have a high ranking, it is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, which provides a wealth of job opportunities. If you are certain that you want to work in a technical field, choosing this university could significantly help you achieve your career goals.
Cost Of Study and Funding Options
In general, there is no exact figure that tells you the cost of studying abroad. These expenses normally vary based on the country you choose to study.
To give you a rough idea, we have curated this table of the estimated cost of studying abroad in different countries.
| Destination | Undergraduate Program (annually) | Postgraduate master’s degree (annually) | Doctoral degree (annually) |
| USA | USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 | USD 20,000 to USD 45,000 | USD 28,000 to USD 55,000 |
| UK | £10,000 to £20,000 | £10,000 to £20,000 | £15,000 to £24,000 |
| Canada | CAD 13,000 to CAD 20,000 | CAD 17,000 to CAD 25,000 | CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 |
| Australia | AUD 15,000 to AUD 33,000 | AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 | AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 |
You can manage your study costs through personal funding or educational loans. Additionally, many universities abroad offer scholarships, which can help cover your expenses.
To qualify for these scholarships, you must show the university that you are a deserving candidate. Before granting any scholarships, they will carefully evaluate various criteria, including your academic profile, extracurricular activities, financial situation, and future goals.
When considering the best strategy from today’s guide, it’s important to reflect on which one resonates with you the most. Do you now feel more confident in your ability to shortlist universities for your Master’s program?
If you’re ready to begin choosing your study-abroad destination, taking these steps can set a solid foundation for your educational journey.
The Full List Of Scholarships For Indian Students
Financial help when choosing to study abroad can make things very easy and smooth. One of the most common queries about studying abroad is the scholarships for Indian students.
A scholarship is financial aid awarded to any student that a university admits to its course. The students applying are given prior information about the existing scholarships that the university offers. So, students may apply for the scholarships while applying for the course. However, the scholarships are not just handed out to anyone. And there are several kinds of scholarships.
In this blog, we will look into the availability of different kinds of scholarships for Indian students.
A scholarship is awarded to the student based on various criteria. It could be based on academic excellence represented through the GPA that you obtained in your undergraduate degree program. It could also be based on any talent that you have demonstrated. This might include very interesting projects that you’ve undertaken – hackathons, awards won, accomplishments, and so on. The most relevant reason to give a scholarship, however, is financial needs and struggles.
In addition to these factors, a university may also decide to award you a scholarship based on certain other factors, such as your ethnic background or your field of study.
Great info!
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Very useful info from GRE preparation to Joining best colleges. Thank you very much!
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Helpful information
nice post shared.
I’m interested in applying for fall 2021 to US and Europe based Univs.
On what parameters does getting an admit with or without scholarship vary?
Gets my head straight.
Really useful information,
Cleared all my doubts.
good stuff.
Accurate summary of all one needs to know about education in abroad.
thank you very much for the info. quite insightful.