Education

This year, too, the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust (KCMET) has granted the most esteemed K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies Abroad to 90 exceptional students, totaling ₹337 lakh. The late K.C. Mahindra put up this scholarship in 1953, reasoning that, on the crux of constraint or the financial difficulty experienced by our nation, it is crucial to support the promise of the future—our talented, bright-minded, and ambitious students and youngsters who are meant to pursue their dreams of blowing up in life. What is the KC Mahindra Scholarship for Abroad Education? One of India’s most sought-after scholarships, the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Abroad Education, extends monetary assistance to those students in India who have already obtained admission to some of the best university and college campuses around the world. Designed to assist such students in furthering their academic activities in any discipline, this scholarship aims to encourage total development within the individual, both as a person and as a professional. Scholarship Awards Details This year’s scholarships were given in three categories:Three students received ₹10 lakh each. Fifty-five students received ₹5 lakh each. Thirty-two students received ₹1 lakh each. The other top three include Raj Patel, who is currently doing his finance course at Princeton University; Asmita Sood, who is currently pursuing biomedical data science at Stanford University; and Savalee Tikle, who is pursuing architecture at Harvard University. The KCMET year 2020–21 AD For the first time in history, this record will show that all students who appeared for the interview are awarded, which goes on to prove that the quality and talent in this year’s cohort appear to be nothing less than exceptional. Out of 2,354 applications, 90 candidates were shortlisted for interviews, and the members of the selection panel included Anand Mahindra—Chairman, Mahindra Group—along with other esteemed members. The Selection Panel and Candidates Anand Mahindra: Chairman, Mahindra Group Ranjan Pant, Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Rucha Nanavati, Group CIO, Mahindra Group Bharat Doshi, Trustee, K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Ulhas Yargop, Trustee, K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Dr. Indu Shahani, President and Chancellor, ATLAS SkillTech University The candidates included students from premier institutes such as IITs, SRCCs, LSRs, and NITs. Many of these meritorious students had also secured admissions to top-ranked universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, MIT, and Yale. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, responded, “Engaging with some of India’s brightest young minds through the KCMET Post Graduate Studies Abroad Scholarship was an enriching experience. My heartiest congratulations to all the students!” About the Mahindra Group The Mahindra Group was founded in 1945 and is a federation of companies that are leading global enterprises with 260,000 employees across more than 100 countries. It leads in sectors like farm equipment, utility vehicles, IT, and financial services. The group is committed to driving positive change through its focus on ESG, rural prosperity, and urban living. About K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Established in 1953 by K.C. Mahindra, the Trust aims to transform lives through education by providing financial assistance and recognition across age groups and income strata. KCMET has been a positive influence on over 1.37 million students by giving over USD 136.30 million in scholarships, livelihood training programmes, after-school tuition support, and financial aid. The K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Education Abroad would, thus, be a ray of hope for Indian students pursuing higher education overseas. The scholarship contributes not only economically but also adds credibility to extraordinary talent and, hence, paves the path to a brighter future. For further information on K.C. Mahindra Scholarships, log onto www.kcmet.org

Even as Russia is going through a conflict in Ukraine, it has emerged as the first choice for Indian nationals to pursue their MBBS studies. The scenario began reaching a crescendo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia recently. “Recently, it has more than tripled in comparison to previous years,” revealed Dr. Ashok Patel, a student representative of Indian students studying at Orenburg State Medical University. This shift therefore represents an increasing affinity towardsng Russia as a destination for medical education among Indian students. The shift from China and Ukraine to Russia Traditionally, China, Ukraine, and some other countries were the study destinations for Indian medical students who wanted to study medicine at a lower cost. However, the recent geopolitical issues and the pandemic have moved the focus to Russia, said Dr. Patel, adding that an estimated 15,000 Indian students are currently studying in Russia for their medical degree. The reasons are cited as a simplified process through which Russia grants its visas, English-medium teaching, and a high pass-out ratio. In addition, minimal racism adds to the factor for Russia. Indo-Russian educational relations strengthened. Educational ties between the two nations are an old practice, as stated by Oleg Osipov, Director of the Russian House, New Delhi. He mentioned that there are around 25,000 to 30,000 Indian students who are currently pursuing different courses in Russia. The students who have passed out of the Russian institutions have effectively contributed to the Indian economy, medicine, and the education system, besides other sectors. Besides pursuing medicine courses, these students also pursue education in the fields of physics, chemistry, psychology, philology, and aerospace technology in Russia. Student Views on Opting for Russia “The pandemic and other conflicts discouraged my parents from entering into look-up arrangements with China and Ukraine,” said Ritesh Dubey, a sixth-year MBBS student at Oryol State Medical University. For him, therefore, Russia was the most obvious choice with its safe atmosphere, good universities, and low cost of living. For Dubey, almost 60% of FMGs opt for Russia every year.Likewise, Sachin Katara from Crimea State Medical University said the high competition for government seats and costly private colleges in India deterred him from pursuing studies in his homeland. He mentioned the system of NEET UG was not transparent, making him wary of the scenario, but the good relations between India and Russia comforted him. For Anubhav Arya, who transferred to Samara State Medical University from Ukraine, budget was the main reason for coming to Russia. Cost and financial considerations A huge factor in the decision to study medicine in Russia is finance. Admissions processes are almost always conducted through agents or consultants. One has to be very careful when selecting authentic individuals or organisations to prevent spurious fees. The genuine agents charge a nominal fee, which would be the university fee and a bit more for the admission procedure. Tuition fees range from Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs 6 lakhs a year, depending on the institution. It will also include food and other personal expenses, which are going to cost around Rs 30–50 lakh for the entire six years. Future Prospects of Indian MBBS Passouts in Russia Most Indian students in Russia have the objective of returning to India to practice medicine. For that, passing the FMG exam is considered compulsory. Good career prospects exist in Russia, but the language is a problem as one must be proficient in Russian. The quality of life is wonderful in Russia, and it is possible for the graduate to stay and work in Russia since his degree is considered valid all over the territory of Russia, or apply to universities in other countries for postgraduate studies. Conclusion The reasons for the sudden interest of Indian MBBS students in Russia include a more simplified visa process, English-medium teaching, low tuition fees, and finally, last but not least, the historic relationship that exists between India and Russia. Irrespective of the geopolitical turmoil, it has always emerged as the preferred destination for studying abroad due to strong educational ties coupled with a secure environment.

Canberra, the capital of Australia, has become one of the most popular cities for international students, particularly from India. A recent statistic shows that in 2023, there were 1,362 Indian students in Canberra, and this number has doubled in the last five years. This increase reflects the city’s promotion of study due to quality education, student life, and adequate support for international students’ needs. This is evidenced by the over 17,500 inhabitants of Indian origin that live in Canberra today. As stated in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index published in May 2024, Canberra offers the second highest quality of life globally. Moreover, according to QS, Canberra ranked 29th among the best student cities in the world. All these achievements make Canberra a favorable place for study.  Top universities in Canberra  1. Australian National University (ANU):QS World Ranking: 30Special Features: Can confirm that all first-year students are provided with a place to live, recognized as one of the best educational institutions in the field of engineering, science, and cultural disciplines. 2. University of Canberra (UC):QS World Ranking: 403Impact Rankings: 125th globally for addressing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings, 2023)Graduate Employment: Canberra: Australia’s Number 1 university for graduate employmentSpecial Features: First year student booking guarantee, the premier institution for health, education and management programs. 3. Australian Catholic University (ACU):QS World Ranking: 901-950Special Features: Committed to providing education for skilled teachers for children with special needs, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers. 4. University of New South Wales (UNSW):QS World Ranking: 19Special Features: Linked with the Australian Defence Force Academy regarding the undergraduate intake, they envisage a fresh billion-dollar campus in Canberra by 2025. 5. Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT):Special Features: Provider of technical & vocational education and training in Canberra, 95% satisfaction level among employers & graduates, a new campus to be built at a cost of $250M to be completed by 2025, offers technical & vocational education in allied health, aquatics & fitness, trades & technical, business & finance, graphic & digital, information & communication technology, renewable energy & sustainability, teaching & education. Post-Graduation Stay and Employment On completion of their courses, graduates may be able to secure the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) to allow them live and work in Canberra. As a regional city, Graduates working Canberra have the opportunity of an additional one year to their Temporary Graduate Visa. The city is home to the Canberra Innovation Network which provides incubation, acceleration, personal development and financial assistance to start-ups. Internships and Job Opportunities Canberra internships offer relevant local employment experience and can be seen as initial steps in a career trajectory. They do not guarantee employment but those with them experience a boost in job prospects. Welcoming Cities Network It’s an important member of the Welcoming Cities Network and is determined to make all residents of the city feel welcome. The city affiliated in the network in 2019 and attained ‘Advanced’ certification in the year 2023. To assist international students, especially in their transition to the University, Canberra offers orientation programs, linguistic assistance, cultural activities, and community involvement. Conclusion India students can build a career in international education, gain effective employment opportunities and a pleasant environment while studying in Canberra. Coming to Canberra will open a door to the great higher education system combined with multicultural learning environment and endless opportunities.

As we all are aware, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, well endowed with fantastic geographic features and human worth, with the highest standard of living in the world, it also has some of the best standard educational institutions in the world. Education in Switzerland could be a door to a more comprehensive experience for Indian students in terms of academic or career prospects. As a result, this blog is to explain how one can study in Switzerland as well as outline universities in Switzerland that every Indian student should know. Why Study in Switzerland? Switzerland in particular has a broad academic program and vast cultural opportunities along with an innovative research atmosphere. Swiss universities are particularly well-known for research and development; therefore, many of them are included in the list of the world’s best universities. Switzerland as an Education Destination for Indian Students Switzerland as a study destination is gaining popularity among Indian students because of favorable reasons like, more emphasis on academics, racially diverse, and English medium programs. Studying at a Swiss university can help one gain a global perspective on careers and encompasses the richness of cultures.Switzerland is a popular destination for international students due to the quality of its academic institutions, the variety of programs offered, and the friendly atmosphere that students encounter while in the country. 1. Research and Choose a University:Several steps should be taken first to assess the available options, starting with identifying the best universities in Switzerland and the programs they provide. When rating different faculties, consider the importance of the subjects that are taught, the professors, the research experience, and campus and classroom amenities. 2. Check Eligibility Requirements:As for the eligibility criteria, each university may have its own rules and regulation. In general, there are prerequisites and those include academic performance, language proficiency in English/German/French/Italian depending on the program and sometimes the candidate must have had work experience. 3. Prepare Your Application:If applicable prepare all required documents including: official transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and proof of language proficient. Make sure that the initiation of your application emphasizes academic performance, as well as your desire to pursue education in Switzerland. 4. Apply for a Student Visa:In the case you get an acceptance letter, proceed and apply for a student visa at the Swiss Embassy or a Consulate in India. Finally, as a student, you will be expected to show that you have adequate funds for the course, medical insurance, and accommodation. 5. Plan Your Finances:They live in an environment that is rather expensive compared to other countries, specifically in Europe. Take time and adequately plan for your finances and look for scholarships given out by Swiss universities and other institutions. Best Universities in Switzerland S No University Names Work Ranking 1 ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology 7 2 EPFL 26 3 University of Zurich 109 4 University of Basel 131 5 University of Geneva 155 6 University of Bern 161 7 University of Lausanne 224 8 USI – Università della Svizzera italiana 405 9 Université de Fribourg 539 10 Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) 781-790 Conclusion Education in Switzerland is one of the best and studying in Switzerland can be one of the greatest experiences an Indian student can ever have. Thus, if you follow the steps listed above, and choose one of the best Swiss universities, you will be able to start an academic experience that will lead to future success.

Many of the top universities in the world are situated in Europe, and these universities always feature in the QS world university rankings. These attributes stem from the continent’s academic history, research development, and student enrollment within the institutions. Now let it be our concern to discuss why European universities occupy the largest share in the QS rankings and how they differ. Academic Excellence European universities are well recognised for the quality and standards of their universities. It provides a wide array of programmes in different fields to provide students with a balanced education. These institutions offer quality teaching and quality assessment, a factor that has placed them in high ranks in the international system. Research and innovation Another factor that can be attributed to the high QS ranking of universities in Europe is the focus on research and innovation. Many of these universities are premier research institutions that contribute valuable research work in different areas. This cooperation also encourages innovation in teaching and learning processes, thus boosting their reputation on an international level. International Student Community International students find European universities quite appealing and welcoming. The diversity of the students from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds enhances the learning process and also complements the vitality of the universities. This diversity plays a major role in the QS ranking performance of these universities. World-Class Faculty Faculties in European universities are renowned academicians and scholars of international repute in their areas of specialization. The knowledge possessed by these professors and researchers ensures that the students get the best education possible. This exposes students to various research opportunities initiated by the faculty, which offers the chance to participate in innovative and advanced work. State-of-the-Art Facilities The third factor that explains the high position of European universities and their presence in the top QS rankings is the presence of modern educational infrastructure. These include teaching hospitals with modern laboratories and research centres, mega-comprehensive libraries, as well as excellent technological facilities for enabling students to achieve educational and career success. Strong alumni networks These European higher learning institutions score well in QS rankings, the outcome of tight-knit alumni formations. Students who graduate from these institutions are privileged to secure excellent positions in their careers, which consequently promotes the universities’ reputation across the world. Other factors are the support and connection offered by the various networks for students. QS Ranking Criteria Some of the parameters for ranking the universities used by QS World University Rankings include: Academic reputation: this ranks the institution based on the opinions of peers; employer reputation: this ranks the institution according to the opinions of employers; student-faculty ratio; citation per faculty; international faculty ratio; and international student ratio. European universities have proven their worth in these areas, thus ensuring that European universities offer the best standard of education. Conclusion This fact proves European universities leadership on the QS World University Rankings list thanks to their high quality, scientific advancements, and students’ related diversification. These institutions provide one of the best educational platforms, which many students from around the world flock to join. Whether you are looking for the newest research experience, an active and multicultural atmosphere, or a stimulating academic environment, European universities will suit you the best.