New destinations for study abroad

According to a new study by Assocham, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are no longer the top choices for Indian students looking to study abroad. The recent report "New Overseas Destination for Indian Students" shows that Germany, Canada, Singapore, Norway, Malaysia, the Philippines, and China are offering a tough challenge. These countries are emerging as favorite study destinations.

Several factors are at play: fees, living costs, global experiences, and internship opportunities. While student visits to these new destinations have increased by 15-20 percent, numbers for the US and UK are declining daily. The US slowdown has diminished job opportunities, reducing its appeal. Meanwhile, the UK has tightened its visa laws.

Now, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Canada, Norway, the Philippines, China, and Sweden are on the hit list for Indian students. People used to go abroad primarily for MBAs and Engineering. Now, options have expanded. A large number of students want to study fashion, visual creation, retail management, and digital art.

Why go abroad for study? India has adequate educational resources, but we still lag behind developed countries in many areas. This gap drives students to seek higher education overseas for better careers. Students prefer countries that are relatively cheap and offer part-time jobs. The allure is clear: quality universities lead to better jobs and a good lifestyle.

We lack high-quality institutions like IITs and IIMs. These new destinations have successfully improved their education levels. The day is not far when students will choose these countries over the US and UK for higher education.

Low fees in Singapore

Just 7-8 years ago, few viewed Singapore as a study center. For Indians, it's now a "center of attraction" for foreign study. The Singapore government's efforts have established many renowned universities in Science, Technology, and Management. Affordable fees, an easy admission process, and a comfortable life are making Singapore famous.

Germany is enticing

Why is Germany so enticing? Tuition fees are very low. Many Indian students also get scholarships. Beyond low tuition, monthly expenses can be as low as 500 Euros (about 30 thousand rupees). This covers living, food, health insurance, and study materials. International students get a 120-day work permit, allowing them to earn pocket money easily. After the new "Right to Residence Act," students at German universities can work without restriction.

China for Medical

About 130 Indian students are studying MBBS at Chongqing Medical University in China. The main reasons for choosing China are affordable study costs and a favorable environment, which is almost similar to India. The atmosphere is completely Indian, with a large number of Indian students present. There's a strong focus on practical learning. Doing an MS course here offers significant benefits. Countries like China offer higher education with great job opportunities at lower fees.