The pursuit of higher education abroad has become increasingly popular among Indian students, driven by evolving visa rules and a desire for world-class education. As the landscape of international education transforms, Romesh Khandelwal, Co-Founder of **MENTOR UNIVERSE**, sheds light on these developments and their impact on Indian students.
Visa Rules: A Game-Changer for Aspiring Students
Visa regulations for international students have evolved significantly, creating a host of opportunities for Indian students dreaming of studying abroad. The United States, for instance, now offers student-friendly visa policies for graduates in STEM fields, granting them 24 months to apply for post-graduation work permits. This change not only encourages students to pursue STEM courses but also provides extra time to manage education loan repayments while seeking employment.
The United Kingdom’s Graduate Visa allows students to stay for 2-3 years post their studies, enhancing their career prospects. Canada has maintained its popularity with student-friendly visa policies, offering a post-graduation work permit of up to 3 years. These policies also allow students with valid visas to work part-time, with Australia even extending work hours to 48 hours per fortnight starting from July 2023. Indian students now weigh these policy shifts as they make decisions, considering factors like return on investment, employment prospects, and their financial strategies.
Changing Trends in Indian Students’ Pursuit of Education Abroad
In recent years, a significant trend has emerged – a surge in students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India pursuing international education. At MENTOR UNIVERSE, over 60% of students in 2022-2023 hailed from these cities. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in female students pursuing traditionally male-dominated fields like STEM. While in FY2019-20, female students from smaller cities constituted less than 10%, this number has seen substantial growth in FY2022-23. The male-to-female ratio is nearly equal among students from smaller towns.
Drivers Behind the Demand for Study Abroad
Several factors are fueling the demand for Study Abroad among Indian students . The cost of overseas education, including tuition fees and living expenses, can be substantial. This, in turn, financial assistance to bridge the gap. Prestigious foreign universities and the pursuit of world-class education also motivate Indian students to explore opportunities abroad. The competitive job market, which values candidates with global exposure and qualifications, further encourages students to seek international education, even if it means relying on financial assistance.
The availability of flexible and student-friendly loan options from financial institutions caters to this growing demand, making it more accessible and manageable for students. These factors underscore the increasing importance of education loans in fulfilling the aspirations of studying abroad.
Preferred Destinations for Studying Abroad
Indian students continue to prioritize the United States as their top destination for higher education due to its prestigious universities, diverse academic programs, and abundant research and career opportunities. Other popular choices include the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, there is a growing interest in pursuing higher education in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several Nordic nations, including Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
In a dynamic international education landscape, Indian students are seizing opportunities like never before, with MENTOR UNIVERSE playing a pivotal role in guiding their educational journeys.
For more insights and guidance on studying abroad, contact MENTOR UNIVERSE today.
This trend showcases Germany’s increasing popularity among international students, reflecting its reputation for high-quality education and diverse opportunities. At MENTOR UNIVERSE, we take pride in assisting students in pursuing their educational dreams in Germany, providing them with the guidance and support they need for a successful academic journey. Romesh Khandelwal and Somesh Khandelwal, Co-founders of MENTOR UNIVERSE – Study Abroad Consultant in Vadodara
