Complete Guide to STEM Courses Abroad: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
What are STEM Courses?
📍 STEM Discipline Classification
As you all might already know, STEM refers to the popular acronym Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Almost all STEM disciplines abroad have graduate or postgraduate study avenues. The MS, MSc, ME, MAS – Master of Science/ Engineering/ Applied Science, etc, are the degrees that are awarded and this varies depending on the program, university, and country. To grow a dynamic and innovative economy, advanced nations like the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany are increasingly looking to the abilities of STEM graduates to logically solve problems, innovate and render cutting-edge results that propel the world into the next generation of advancing human civilizations.
The STEM classification takes on a more significant role in terms of visa prospects in select countries like the United States of America. Depending on the visa stipulations of each country a prospective student can weigh in their options while deciding on pursuing a program of their choice. Go through our blog on visa regulations for studying abroad for more information. Moreover, if students decide to return to India after their education or after a few years of working abroad, a STEM degree will put you in a better position for domestic high paying jobs in a STEM field. Read our article on job prospects for STEM degrees to get a clearer idea on the same.
👉 This table is a small sample of the plethora of graduate education options available in the STEM arena abroad.
🌱Science |
📱Technology |
|
Physics Chemistry Biology Life Science Agricultural Science |
Information Technology Human Computer Interaction Data Visualization Business Analytics Data Science |
|
💻Engineering |
📊Mathematics |
|
Computer Science Petroleum Electrical/Electronics Telecommunications Aerospace Medical/Biomedical |
Pure Mathematics Applied Math Statistics Risk & Stochastics Actuarial Science Business Statistics Business Statistics |
Eligibility and Application Requirements
📌 Undergraduate Degree Requirements:
The universities abroad will prefer students who have necessary knowledge required to complete the graduate program successfully, hence they commonly ask for their applicants to have a bachelor’s degree that is relevant to the master’s they aspire to pursue. This shows the applicant’s proclivity to the said subject. If you are applying for a master’s that is different to your UG program, you might need to show work experience relevant to the MS.
When it comes to undergraduate program structure, it would be advantageous if you have done a 4 year undergraduate degree course. If you have completed a 3-year UG degree, then, the UK and Australia are popular choices to pursue a graduate degree. A more detailed look is provided in the below table. However, be certain to check the program eligibility page to find out whether a third party transcript evaluation is required to authenticate your bachelor’s degree.
|
US |
The US requires all international students who wish to pursue graduate studies to have a relevant 4 year undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. If you have completed a 3 year UG program you might need to do an additional bridge program, or one year diploma program, or undertake a 2 year master’s before applying for US graduate schools. Prerequisites: Your bachelor’s program must be in a discipline that proves completion of essential coursework towards your graduate program application. |
|---|---|
|
Canada |
Similar to the US, Canadian universities prefer students to possess a 4 year UG degree. Since admissions to Canadian university master’s programs are competitive, preference will be given to students who comply with the requirements. If you have a 3 yr bachelor’s degree, you could consider a Graduate Certificate Program that could be completed in less than 1 year to become eligible to study a masters in Canada. Be sure that your coursework prepares you to meet all the prerequisite requirements for higher studies. |
|
Australia |
Australian universities consider 3 year UG programs, but they will also look into the university affiliation and standing of your undergraduate institution before providing an offer. But some Australian universities are known to ask for 4 year degrees too. Hence applicants must be thorough in the verification with each university on their requirements. |
|
Germany |
A 4 year UG degree will put you at ease while applying to Germany for an MS at public universities, where the cost of tuition is free for consecutive degree programs. A consecutive Master’s program builds on a previously completed bachelor’s program in the same field allowing students to deepen and broaden the knowledge and skills previously acquired. You have to complete an undergraduate degree in a specified field to qualify for admission. |
|
UK |
UK universities accept 3-year UG programs. While considering your applications they will look for the quality of undergraduate degree, and program, as well as ranking/affiliation of your university. Your grades are very important for admissions, along with completion of all required prerequisite courses. |
📌 GPA:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 and higher would be advantageous to apply for most universities in the US and Canada. Students might need to show special achievements or relevant work experience to compensate for lower GPA’s.
German universities also have stringent GPA requirements, in order to get into top 10 universities a minimum of 3.8 or above will be required.
In Australia and the UK, you will be able to undertake graduate studies at several institutions that accept a minimum GPA of 2.5 and above. Again a GPA of 3.5+ would be required to attend top universities in either continents.
📌Test Scores:
Depending on the nature of the program and the university concerned, students will need to provide GRE, especially if applying to the USA. Taking the IELTS/TOEFL for showing english language proficiency is mandatory of foreign students wishing to pursue higher education abroad.
| GRE – This test is required mostly by US universities. Select top ranked programs in other destinations may also require this test as an admissions criteria. If you are applying to top ranked universities you should target a test score of 315+ to be considered a competitive candidate for admissions. |
| IELTS – Minimum 6.0 or above. Top universities will mandate a 7.0 or 7.5+ score. |
| TOEFL – Minimum of 75 and above. A 100+ score would increase chances of admission into higher ranked universities. |
📌 German Language Proficiency:
Most international study courses in Germany are instructed in the English language. Therefore, these programs typically do not require a proof of German language proficiency. However, if basic German Language skills are required, it will be at the CEFR B2/C1 level of proficiency in the language (B1, B2 refer to upper intermediate language level/ C1, C2 refer to advanced proficiency level *). Moreover, knowing the German language will come in handy while looking for employment.
📌 Application Documentation:
The universities abroad are very particular about their admissions essays. All students applying for graduate studies will be required to submit a SoP, Resume/CV, LoRs (Minimum of 2), and answer additional essays as stipulated by particular universities. Also some universities in the US are known to ask for additional documents such as a diversity statement and a personal history statement. Go through our blogs on application documentation for more insight.
📌 Financial Documentation:
Visa stipulations will require students to show financial ability to pursue graduate education abroad. Hence all countries will require students to show sufficient evidence via appropriate bank documentation, account statements, collateral evidence, IT returns, savings records, and sufficient fund reserve.
📌 Program Fit:
Universities abroad are very specific about the program cohort, they lay special emphasis on determining the goals and future objectives of their applicants. Students are encouraged to be clear about their short term and long term career plans and ambitions. Applicants need not have an elaborate plan, but a general direction on their probable path after their master’s is essential.
Applicants with work experience will always have an upper hand in this regard. Relevant work experience empowers applicants to show their interest, aptitude, and connect that to past work experience and future prospects. Universities abroad value this ability immensely, and consequently applicant’s chances of admission quadruple.
Program Application Deadlines for Graduate Study
|
USA |
Fall: - Begins Aug/Sept - Most popular Intake - Application Deadlines from Nov-March - Some universities have rolling deadline also |
Spring: - Begins Jan/Feb - students who missed the Fall deadline could apply for this intake, if university accepts applications - Application Deadlines from Aug - Nov |
|---|---|---|
|
Canada |
Fall: - Begins in Sept - Popular intake - Application Deadlines Nov - March - Students are encouraged to apply early since universities stop accepting applications if seats fill up |
Winter: - Begins in January - Application deadlines July - Sept - Intake is good for students who were not ready to complete their applications for the previous intake - Applying early will be advantageous, as seats can fill-up fast! |
|
Australia |
Semester 1: - Begins in February - Most popular intake, however does not coincide with the Indian UG graduation Timeline - Application Deadlines Oct - Nov |
Semester 2: - Begins in July - corresponds with UG graduation dates in India - Application deadlines Apr/ May |
|
Germany |
Winter: - Begins in September or October - Primary intake - To avoid application closures due to Numerus Clausus (NC), apply early. NC is a restriction on admission because there are more applicants than available places. |
Summer: - Begins in March or April - Secondary intake - Numerus Clausus (NC) applies to this intake also |
|
UK |
Fall: - Begins in September - Most intense competition during this intake - Application Deadlines February - June |
Winter: - Begins in January - A good option if you you need more time to prepare and submit your application - Application Deadlines June - September |
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