Overseas universities have seen a constant rise in the number of Indian students as more and more people are now keen on getting an international degree. Studying abroad from reputed universities and institutions is a great way of upskilling and adding academic value to a resume. However, choosing a foreign degree is no easy task as one needs to take note of several things including the best countries to study abroad for Indian students.

Why Study Abroad?

Studying at top international universities is an enriching experience that prepares students for the upcoming challenges in their careers. Receiving world-class education, being guided by the best mentors, making new friends, exploring, and living in a new place prepare you for the journey ahead. It also presents graduates with better job prospects.

Above all, students studying at foreign universities get quality education and world-class facilities, and most importantly the focus is on practical education. 

Important Points to Check Before Choosing the Best Places to Study Abroad

Here are some key things to know before you settle on the best country to study abroad.

Preferred Course

The course 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. Additionally, the fee for STEM courses is often more than other programs. Plan accordingly. 

Cost of Living

Apart from tuition fees, students will have expenses like rent, grocery, phone/internet bills, transportation, and other everyday expenses. 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.

Economic Opportunities

Foreign degrees are accelerated pathways to enter the international market and seek job opportunities overseas. The destination you choose directly impacts this in terms of whether the country allows foreign graduates to work in its domestic market and for how long. Some of the best countries for Indian students are those with booming economies and flexible work laws. 

Language and 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.

Best Countries for Indian Students to Study in 2022

The United States of America (USA)

The USA takes the trophy when it comes to receiving the maximum inflow of international students. This huge number is justified by its excellent academic ecosystem with highly ranked and respected universities. The USA offers a mix of quality education, opportunities, and culture. The massive analysis by QS of more than 15,000 subjects at 1,543 leading universities in its World University Rankings by Subject shows that the United States has 239 programs in the top 10, far outpacing the UK (131) and nine other countries combined. Still, the share of U.S. institutions ranking at the top has dwindled over the past five years from 71% to 53%. Here are some other reasons to study in the USA-

• 4000 world-class universities, the USA offers a wide range of degrees and courses in academic fields. 
• The USA offers excellent programs that award internationally recognized degrees.
• Marketplace in the USA offers equal opportunity to all skilled graduates.
• International students can work in the US after graduation as all majors are eligible to receive one year of OPT – optional practical training. Additionally, those graduating with a STEM degree can get a work permit for up to three years.

Germany

In recent years, Germany has become an obvious choice when it comes to the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. The reasons for this are affordability, golden career scope, and exposure to a different culture. While public universities do not charge any tuition fees, even for international students, the cost of studying at private universities is also affordable when compared to the US or UK. Also, other reasons include –

• German universities extensively focus on research and practical training.
• Students can work part-time to meet their expenses. 
• It has high-ranking universities. 

Australia  

Over the years, Australia has relaxed its visa requirements so that students can pursue their higher education at top universities with the least hassle. 

• Australia is the third most popular hub for study. Many students get attracted to study here because of its cultural diversity, quality of education, and job opportunities.
• International students can work part-time with their studies allowing them to manage their living costs. They can work 20 hours a week.
• There are many scholarships funded by the government for meritorious international students.
• Australia is one of the safest countries in the world with the lowest records of crime. 

Canada

Canada’s education and work policies greatly favor international students. Thousands of Indian students are presently enrolled at the best Canadian universities (approximately 14% of students in Canada are Indians). Students come here to pursue a range of courses like medicine, engineering, MBA, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and data science.        

• Canada is a bilingual country (English and French) that offers excellent opportunities to develop your command of language skills for a shining career.
• High-ranked universities, internationally recognized degrees and good prospects upon graduation makes it one of the best places to study abroad for Indian students.
• Canada is ranked highest among the safest nations in the world for international students.

The United Kingdom

British universities are well-known for their excellence. The UK offers a wide variety of educational courses and specializations in tandem with industry demand. 

• As per the new post-study work visa policy, international students graduating from summer 2021 onwards can stay in the UK and work for 24 months. 
• International students may work part-time for up to 20 hours each week during the session.
• There are many scholarship options available for eligible aspirants including Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarship, Commonwealth Fellowship and Scholarship, Scotland Saltire Scholarship, and Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship. 

Spain

Like many countries in the European Union, Spain reformed its education system in 2007, embracing the Bologna Process. It now awards internationally recognized degrees to all students at its excellent academic institutes.

• Apart from gaining a quality education, studying in Spain is also the perfect chance to learn the second most spoken language in the world – Spanish.
• Tuition fees for universities in Spain are some of the lowest in Europe. The tuition fees for bachelor’s programs range from 750 EUR to 2,500 EUR per year, while for master’s programs it is around 1,000 to 3,500 EUR per year.
• International students on a student visa can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. However, if part-time work is deemed to likely impede your studies by authorities, you will not be allowed the same.

The Netherlands

With its top-ranked universities, it is no surprise that the excellent education system in the Netherlands is becoming a favored choice of Indian students.  

• International students can work part-time for up to 10 hours every work during the study semester. 
• Fresh graduates can apply for an orientation year visa that allows for an extended 12 months. Under this voluntary work, employment, internship, and start-ups are all allowed without a work permit.
• Several scholarship opportunities are provided to international students in the Netherlands. They are either funded by the government or the university.