Studying Abroad vs Locally - Which is a Better Choice?
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The quality of higher education is a key player in shaping a student's future. Most Indian students move to study abroad after the 12th to get a top-notch education. However, the decision to study abroad or in India depends on several factors such as financial performance, academic reports of students, and more.
When it comes to studying abroad, students need compelling reasons before deciding on a country, an academic institution, and a course. When it comes to studying locally, students are more aware of the academic institution where they wish to study. There is no doubt that there are some pros and cons of studying in India vs abroad. It is a smart decision that compare both options before selecting one. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of studying abroad vs studying locally.
Studying Abroad vs Studying Locally
Studying abroad will give you an amazing experience and may positively impact your career trajectory. On the other hand, you'll be away from your home, arranging a huge amount, and settling at a new place are some challenges. So, should I consider studying in India? There are multiple elite universities and colleges at home. There you'll get high-quality and subsidized education. The biggest challenge is the opportunities are limited in India.
The following table will provide an overview of various factors that a student must consider before making a decision to study abroad or studying locally:
| Head | Studying Abroad | Studying Locally |
|---|---|---|
| Universities | As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, the top 150 universities in the world are located abroad. The top 5 universities in the world include: |
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the following Indian institutions were ranked at the top:
|
| Courses Options | Abroad courses emphasize practical learning. Internships, co-ops, and placements offer hands-on experience. | When it comes to studying locally, courses are focused on theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills |
| Cost of Studying | Studying abroad can be expensive. Tuition fees typically range from INR 10 lakhs to 1 Cr per year (Depending on course). | The cost of studying locally is definitely less than studying abroad. Tuition fees in public universities are significantly low. |
| Cost of Living | It will take time for a student to adjust abroad. Coming from a different culture in a new country can be intimidating in the beginning. | The best thing about studying locally is your familiarity with the local culture. It is easy to mix up even if you do not study in your hometown. |
| Career Prospectus | Studying abroad can provide a global edge and better job opportunities, as the degree from foreign universities holds higher recognition. |
Only, deegrees of premium and government educational institute get value. |
Benefits of Studying Abroad
There are multiple benefits of studying abroad. Some of the advantages of studying abroad include good career opportunities, international exposure, independence, development of confidence, better command of foreign languages, etc. In addition, if you get selected by a top-ranking university, you will have access to excellent work opportunities. Here are some points that will mention the benefits of studying abroad:
1) Career Opportunities Abroad
If you get selected by a top-ranking university, you will gain access to brilliant career opportunities and can work in big companies such as Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Apple, etc. As an example, the median base salary for MIT graduates was $165,000. Similarly, in the case of the University of Cambridge in the UK, the average salary of an MBA graduate was £96,429.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
2) Networking Opportunities Abroad
Most foreign universities provide facilities of career centres that help students in finding their desired employment. Most of the placements and recruitments happen with the help of networking. This process will help you build excellent professional networks that will help you in finding good internships, sandwich placements, and full-time jobs.
3) Exposure to New Cultures Abroad
Another benefit of studying abroad for Indian students includes exposure to different cultures. It helps you build lasting bonds with your peers, gain knowledge about different cultures, and improve your communication skills. It is a life-changing opportunity to study abroad.
Benefits of Studying Locally
Now that you are aware of the various advantages of studying abroad, you must understand the various benefits of studying locally as well. Some of the advantages of studying in your own country include your familiarity with the economy and job market, familiarity with the culture, ease of communication, etc. It will be easier for you to adapt in you will not have to adjust to a new culture. In addition, the cost of studying in your own country will be less compared to the cost of studying abroad.
The choice of studying abroad or studying in India is influenced by a number of variables, including one's personal preferences, career objectives, financial situation, and academic requirements. Studying abroad will give you access to study in top ranked universities in the world, improve your self-confidence and help you to learn how to live independently. On the other side, you will get limited exposure while studying in India, high competition but much affordable than studying abroad. In the end, each student should consider the benefits and drawbacks of studying abroad vs at home and then make a choice based on their own tastes and ambitions.
For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
Q: 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: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: 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: What GPA do I need to get into Northwest Missouri state?
Northwest Missouri State University expects a cumulative GPA of 2 for UG programs and 3 for PG programs on a scale of 4. GPA is one of the top factors when considering students for university admissions. Along with GPA, the university expects a student to provide high school transcripts from previously attended university or school, standardized test scores, English language proficiency test scores, and more. In addition, students with relevant experience in the chosen field are preferred over the studious students.
Q: 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: 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: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
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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MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.