Study Abroad Trends Amongst Indian Students

July 2020

Every year an increasing number of students decide to pursue their higher study abroad. The number of enrolments for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses has risen, with students being attracted to countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and many more. However, new study locations such as France and Ireland are also emerging.

Why Indian students decide to study abroad

The social motivation of pursuing a degree from abroad to gain a respectable standing in the society can also be reasons as to why students wish to study abroad. The immigration policies adopted by certain countries have recently relaxed which makes the process more effortless. In an attempt to interact with like-minded individuals; students yearn to study in a foreign university.

Popular Courses

There are several courses that Indian students pursue. For instance, popular courses students study in USA include Business, Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, and Pharmacy. Moreover, sought after programs in the UK include Management, Engineering, Law, English Literature, Media Studies, Hospitality, and Psychology to name a few. Canada is another popular study destination among international students. Indian students in Canada are drawn towards, Engineering, Business, Psychology, Information Technology, Project Management, and Healthcare to name a few. Top 5 courses in Australia include MBA, Engineering, Management, Information Technology, and Accounting to name a few. Lastly, New Zealand offers popular courses in the area of Business, Engineering, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Information Technology to name a few.

Work Opportunities during the course

As an international student enrolled in a tertiary program of study in New Zealand, you are eligible to work 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time, which is 40 hours per week, during course breaks. You can approximately expect to earn NZ$12-NZ$15 per hour.

Upon completion of 2 years of study in Australia, students are given a 24 months visa, during which they can work full time or develop their skills to attain points for the General Skilled Migrant Policy of PR. Students can apply for various visa categories within eighteen months or apply for an employer-sponsored visa.

An alluring aspect of the education system in Canada is the co-op term offered. This first-hand practical experience lasts for 12-17 weeks. It gives the students the opportunity to kickstart their careers, due to the immense networking opportunities they get. The co-operative work program enables students to approximately earn C$700-C$900 per month. During the duration of the program in Canada, students are permitted to work 20 hours per week off-campus and 40 hours during course break, which approximately enables them to earn C$11-C$14 per hour. A student can work for 20 hours a week during their courses in the UK or full-time during vacations. Students can expect to earn approximately around £5 to £7 per hour which is approximately £375 to £575 per month.

Job Prospects for Indian Students

Upon graduation in New Zealand students gain points under the Skilled Migrant Category through which they can apply for the Grand Job Search visa. International students are provided with a visa to hunt for a job upon completion of their course in New Zealand. This is an impeccable opportunity to migrate as well. Thus, the 1-year Job Search visa holds many benefits.

Bachelor and Masters by coursework graduates in Australia who have spent at least two academic years are eligible to attain two years of Post Study Work Right. Furthermore, Masters by research graduates receive three years of Post Study Work Rights. Lastly, Doctorate graduates receive four years of Post Study Work Rights.

International students who have completed two years of study in Canada are encouraged to stay back with the Open Work Permit for up to 3 years.

Upon completion of their courses in the USA, students are permitted to work for a year known as the Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students with certain degrees in the STEM field are permitted to work for 36 months. Upon the completion of their OPT, students can apply on an H1B visa which is also known as the work permit visa, for work.

Indian students are especially drawn to the prospect of attaining an education abroad. Statistically, expenditure on education by Indian students has risen. Moreover, India is one of the largest sources of international aspirants who look to undertake overseas education.