Top 8 Factors Indian Students Should Consider While Choosing a Country for Higher Education

Most Indian students are attracted to Canada, US, UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia in comparison to other European countries, as English is the predominant language of communication in these countries. Students find it easier to settle in and absorb the local experience with no qualms about the local language.

But language should not be the only criteria.

Many students depend on the kind of advertisements that are posted on the social media and knit dreams for themselves. Though these advertisements or posts do help to a certain extent but total dependency on them can go against you. The best idea would be to do research yourself and be informed about all the prevalent procedures. Additionally, you can contact a consultant who can fulfil your requirements. Do take suggestions and then fine tune your process.

Today I am going to tell 8 factors that Indian students should consider while choosing a country for higher education. I believe this will help you a great deal in your decision-making process.

For all those who are reading this blog for the very first time, Let me introduce myself formally and share my mission. I am Kapeel Gupta, founder of study abroad academy. I am on a mission to coach and mentor 100,000 high school students and help them realize their dream of studying in the best universities of the world and build happy careers for themselves.

Today I am going to introduce you to 8 factors that will help you choose the right destination for studying abroad. 

1. Preferred course: The course that you choose should be as per your passion that should lead to your dream profession. I have spoken about it in my earlier podcast. Do check it out. Choose accordingly. 
2. University Rankings: Top universities across the world always attract more student applications. Even though students have slowly started to look beyond just the university rankings as a deciding factor, it is still one of the significant considerations.
3. Language & Culture: Many students opt for non-traditional choices to experience a new language and culture while also obtaining globally recognized degrees and quality education. The culture of the country you want to move to can have a very crucial impact on your personality development. One must study the culture of the country they are heading to. Some countries are very strict on their traditions or have certain set of restrictions for the people. For example some of the Islamic nations.  But if you choose to go there you must respect and follow the rules prevalent there. Some might not have any such restrictions like France. The point is that do research on such rules and laws. Decide as per your willingness. Then it will be easy for you to adapt to such changes.
4. Cost of Living: What you choose will have a direct impact on your cost of education. If you want to go abroad for an undergraduate degree you will have to plan your expenses for 3-4 years which is the typical duration of UG programs. Similarly, for a graduate degree, the expenses will have to be for 2 years. Apart from tuition fees, students will have other living expenses too.  How much you spend on living will be determined by the country and subsequently the city you choose. For example, the cost of living in the US and Canada is higher than the cost of living in Germany or Spain. Just like India, we have public and private universities abroad too. That does determine our cost of living as some countries in Europe provide education with Zero tuition fees.
5. Student Facilities: Flexible accommodation options, higher standard of living, an efficient healthcare system, travel allowances, university scholarship grants etc. available for international students are some of the other reasons why people choose a particular destination
6. Economic Opportunities: There are certain countries that allow you to work even while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Though its only part time. For example only 20 hours per week. But that earning is enough for an individual to cover his day to day expenses. Of course I am not talking about a luxury life style but a decent one. This flexibility helps a student belonging to a middle class background to take care of his expenses on his own without depending on his family.
7. Permanent Migration Formalities: A lot of students see overseas education as their easiest route to getting a Permanent Residency in a country. Once they move to a particular country, post their studies, most students prefer to make their living and career there itself; hence easier migration laws and student-friendly policies become a focal point of discussion and interest for the study abroad student community.
8. Industry Connects and Networking: Students tend to prefer countries that offer a lot of networking options, where they can build stronger peer networks that complement their future careers. In addition, students who return to work in India after studying and gaining work experience abroad are extremely valuable to future employers, as they can get ahead of the intense talent competition.