5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Study Abroad Destination
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So you have decided to study abroad but are confused about where to go and which university you should choose. Do not worry, you are not the first one to be here. You should keep a few factors in mind at the time of selecting an ideal study destination for your higher studies. Want to know important things to consider before choosing a study abroad country? Check here
5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Study Abroad Destination: Is it just the university, university rankings, cost of studying, cost of living, quality of life and education system that you should consider before making your decision to study abroad? We believe this is not it that you should consider, in fact, there are several other questions that you should ask yourself before making this life-changing decision to move abroad for higher studies. Read this article to learn about the major questions that you should ask yourself to make a better and informed decision.
Select a Course
The first thing every student must consider, irrespective of what kind of return on investment you expect, is the course one is planning to pursue. While most of the top colleges across different countries offer brilliant opportunities, the fact remains that there is always one particular course that would have more advantages in one country than the next.
Taking for instance the top courses students apply for in universities abroad. Research showed that more students opt for MS courses than MBA courses at the post-graduate level. Now, while many top-ranked universities belong to the USA (which continues to be the first among equals for study abroad destinations), we cannot ignore countries like Germany and even Australia that offer good quality education at a fraction of the cost (for Germany!).
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Also, if you are interested in taking up a language course in French, for obvious reasons France and Canada would offer better opportunities and credence as compared to any other study abroad destination. Hence, we suggest that the first step a student ought to take is to understand which course to take. Once that is done, go to Question 2.
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Career Prospectus of The Course
Often I have come across students who are more interested in looking at the rank of the college rather than the kind of opportunities the location offers. What is important to understand is that the reason why you are planning to go abroad is to take a jump in your lifestyle which comes with a dream job. Now, if that is the reason, how would taking up a course, say like aeronautical engineering in some obscure land help if there is no industry nearby?
Every curriculum requires industrial training. Be it at an undergraduate level or a postgraduate level or indeed at the research level, the fact remains that there are top companies which attract the best. And though the top companies hire from the very best, they also tend to reach out to the local colleges for their interns and special training.
Hence we highly recommend that once you have chosen the course you are planning to undertake, look at the cities that the universities/ institutes are close to and what kind of industries mark that region. Ideally, it should be closer to the big names in the industry of your choice. Not only would this ensure a better set of job opportunities after completing the course, but also help you assimilate to the culture of the region, hence assisting a better performance at the job.
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What is the Return on Investment?
You are going to invest your time, effort and hard-earned money of your parents. It is really important that you have an idea about the return on investment. A return on investment, simply put is the expected earnings after the course divided by the cost of acquiring the necessary education. Explaining it further, while the cost of pursuing an MBA is considerably higher, the returns of the degree are higher still. However, the student must consider calculating the same for specific countries.
A good way to do this is by researching the job and salary statistics of the country as per the industry. Often, the relevant statistical data is easily available for the discerning. So before you finalize a country, also understand what kind of pay-outs you can expect from the job which you are hoping to get after completing your education. Unless and until your aspirations are purely academic, you would be wiser to calculate the expected salary.
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| Average Salary in Canada | Average Salary in New Zealand | Average Salary in USA |
In case the pursuits are academic, even then a return on investment can be calculated by understanding the kind of research facilities available in the country you are planning to go to and the tie-ups that the university enjoys with the research centres in the region.
Opportunities Available for Spouse/Family Members
Perhaps more relevant for students applying for postgraduate courses as against the undergraduate courses, the other thing a student should also research is the options for spouses in the country. While some countries are mindful that you would want to bring your spouse or child along, they do not necessarily have many opportunities for them. As such, it becomes a critical determinant and must be considered.
Especially for students who are in the middle of their careers and have a working spouse, understanding this is important for while you increase your income, you might want to add your spouse’s income rather than forego it.
Related Blog: Student Spouse Visa Information of Different Countries
Value of The Degree in India
The final thing and arguably also the first thing a student must evaluate is the value of the country’s degree in India. Usually, degrees received from foreign universities are valued in India. However, it is important that we choose the right study destination and university for higher education.
One country might offer a cheaper cost of living but a must stricter entry requirements while another country might offer you easier admissions but have rather a high cost of living. Irrespective, we believe that these are the things one cannot truly avoid but when deciding which is the best country to study abroad…think of the first 5 questions and chances are…no matter what your choice, the country would offer you the best value for your time and money. Start your research with the country pages at Shiksha Study Abroad to understand about the countries and then make an informed choice.
Also Read: Consequences of Choosing the Wrong University Abroad
Feel free to mention any query in the comment section and we will be happy to answer your question. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors
How to Choose the Right Study Destination Abroad FAQs
Q. How do I choose the right country to study abroad?
A. Every country comes with its unique set of benefits of studying abroad, followed by its different application procedures. The decision of choosing the right country should be based on your preferences, interests and budget along with a mix of several other factors. Below are some points that you should critically think about while choosing your abroad study destination as these points will help you make an informed decision.
- Finance
- Post-study work opportunities
- Safety
- Language
- Visa Process
- Required exams
- Accommodation
- Cost of living and studying
- University Rankings
- Personal budget and ROI
Q. Which destination is best for abroad study?
A. The best country for your higher studies depends on your preferences such as
- Academic Focus
- Cost of Living Expenses
- Cost of Studying
- Language preferences
- Job Opportunities
- Scholarships
Q. What are the 5 steps to study abroad?
A. The five steps to study abroad include the following:
- Country Selection
- University and course shortlisting
- Checking eligibility and taking the required tests
- Submitting the required documents and test scores while completing the application process
- Visa Application
Q. How do I decide whether to study in India or abroad?
A. There are a number of reasons that can help you in making the right decision whether to study in India or abroad.
- Firstly, if you are a person who has never lived away from home then you may find studying abroad a bit difficult. However, if you are determined to make an informed decision and ready to explore a world full of opportunities, then studying abroad can be the right decision for you.
- Secondly, your choice to study in India or abroad must depend on the university you are getting your chances of studying at. In India, the top universities conduct physical entrance examinations which are really difficult to crack because they are designed to gauge through lakhs of applicants to find only the most genius minds against a limited number of seats. In most cases, students often find it difficult to crack these exams and due to the lack of proper research, they end up settling for whichever university they get. So, make sure you do thorough research and shortlist some universities that suit your preferences the best and have the course of your interest. You must then further filter your choices by other preferences like location, budget, accessibility, ease of admission, and various other factors. But make sure you stick to the list and get admitted to a university for which you are strongly confident, whether in India or abroad.
Q: Â Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: Â How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Â Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Â How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Â What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: Â Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: Â What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: Â How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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Dear Thanima It is recommended to choose a country based on your budget to study abroad and college that you like. Please refer to https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-psychology-from-abroad-ds11509286 for suitable options.