Education

For many students, funding education outside the country can be what separates one decision from another. Prodigy Finance is now offering a $5,000 scholarship to January 2025 intake students, so how great of an opportunity does this new scholarship provide for funding one student’s study? Here’s everything you need to know about this scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and how to apply. What is the Prodigy Finance $5,000 Scholarship? Prodigy Finance, an education loan provider specifically for international students, recently instituted a seasonal scholarship to assist high-potential students in cutting through financial barriers that precede higher education. One student entering the university in Spring 2025 will win a $5,000 scholarship, so long as he or she demonstrates academic brilliance with strong potential for positive change in his or her community. As reflected by Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Commercial Officer of Prodigy Finance: “By sponsoring this $5,000 scholarship award, we are proud to celebrate the students who will work hard to defeat financial obstacles and use their education for the greater good.” Eligibility criteria Prerequisites to avail the $5000 Prodigy Finance scholarship The applicant, to be eligible for the $5000 scholarship from Prodigy Finance, needs to fulfil all the criteria mentioned below.Having received an offer to join a Prodigy Finance-funded program: Students must have been offered admission to a higher education program that is being Prodigy Finance-backed and commencing in the Spring 2025 academic intake.Strong commitment to community impact: The scholarship is targeting committed applicants who will use their education to make a meaningful difference in their communities.Essay answers: An application fee is required with the submission of essay-type answers in which applicants demonstrate their vision for positive impact and how they will make this difference using their education. Important Dates and Application Process The Prodigy Finance $5,000 scholarship application is not complicated, but a thoughtful preparation will be needed. Here’s how you can apply: Application period: Applications are now open from September 2024.Application deadline: The deadline for submission of applications is September 30, 2024, by 8:00 AM EST.Selection process: Selection of the recipient will be done by a panel of judges who shall judge all entries submitted based on responses to essay questions from the applicants. One who shows the highest possibility of making a greater impact and has also achieved most academically related to the current waged struggle will be selected.Announcement date: The date for the announcement of the selected recipient is October 15, 2024. How to Maximise Your Chances To boost the chances of winning the $5,000 scholarship, here are some tips to follow: Be clear and specific: Clearly outline your vision for community impact with essay responses that explain how your education will help achieve this goal.Show cases of leadership: What leadership roles have you undertaken that reflect your commitment to making a positive difference in your community.emphasise academic achievements: while this scholarship is actually targeting community change, it is still a bonus because your application becomes stronger with good academic performance. Why Apply for the Prodigy Finance Scholarship? Winning that $5,000 Prodigy Finance scholarship not only implies financial aid but also recognises our potential to bring change to the world and allows us to highlight dedication to academic excellence. It further underlines Prodigy Finance’s aim of supporting students from all walks of life who have a passion for changing the world for the better. Conclusion If you are one of the students who are planning to go abroad to university in Spring 2025, the scholarship of $5,000 by Prodigy Finance may prove to be a lifeline that can help you to push through financial complications and help your academic and community-driven vision. Apply before 30th September 2024.

Academic integrity for international students is highly valued since one offence can entail severe consequences. In exam cheating, whether TOEFL or GRE, an exam that scores high marks in international university admissions and therefore proffers an academic, professional, and personal advantage it will bring may be cancelled accompanied by cancellation of a visa and other claims in future study and work prospects. Let’s first discuss among ourselves the deep pitfalls of cheating on your TOEFL or GRE test and what such consequences may be for your life to come. TOEFL Test Consequences: A Costly Error When students try to cheat while sitting their TOEFL test or even GRE test, it’s very much a risk bigger than their academic achievement. According to Country Manager for ETS India & South Asia, Sachin Jain, students caught cheating risk cancellation of their student visas. Acceptable at over 10,000 colleges and universities in more than 150 countries, the ETS-created TOEFL test stands the world’s most preferred English proficiency test after favorite countries for international study like the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They affect the disciplinary actions of the university against such a student, and on more serious charges, it may result in visa issues and deportation. Cheating does not only affect the students here. Such students are provided with long-term visa restrictions, which would render them unable to return to the country for further studies or work opportunities. This poses as a huge financial burden because of the amount of investment that the students and their families make by pursuing education abroad. Academic Integrity for International Students: Respect the Principles It is, therefore, very essential for any student who aspires to study in international universities to keep good academic integrity. While in some domestic institutions, only their students are suspended on such cases of academic dishonesty, the case is treated differently by international institutions as they do not take the matters lightly. Student cheating while taking the TOEFL or GRE may result in far more severe results than simply failing the test; they could be expelled from the university, the admission canceled, and visa cancellation may also occur. Additionally, scholars will be subjected to informing immigration of instances of cheating and the student may end up getting deported with chances of getting blacklisted from visiting such places in future. Academic integrity violation committed is very long-lasting and brings about major effects outside of their academic careers. Risks Involving GRE Test Cheating: More than Just Academic Consequences Students usually underrepresent the risk issues with cheating on the student’s GRE test. Cheating undermines the integrity of the whole system, and universities worldwide have tight controls to identify it. In such institutions as well that employ scores for admissions rely on this score representing a student’s true capabilities. If a student is caught cheating, they are deprived of an opportunity that will be lost for good, while committing other offenses like this can lead to being disqualified from attending classes in the institution and future institutions where they may be recommended. Apart from the academic risks, cheating risks at the GRE tests reach further. A deportation occasioned by the violation of academic integrity reduces professional prospects in that country dramatically. Denial of future visas and applications for permanent residency may follow; therefore, it is imperative that these tests should be taken properly. Securing Your Future: Ethics of Preparing for Tests and Recent Changes to TOEFL Thankfully, there are so many tools to prepare a student for such tricky exams as TOEFL and GRE without doing much harm ethically. ETS designed an AI-powered platform in the form of TOEFL Test Ready to make exam days easier for students in handling the complexities of the exam. Test durations have been shrunk to minimize stress, and free resources like the Official TOEFL Beginner’s Guide are available to familiarize students with the test structure. For those with time management and language proficiency skills, these tools make sure that students can reach their end without cheating. Preparing ethically without risking GRE test cheating or consequences from TOEFL exam cheating will prepare everything to go for a good future abroad. Conclusion: Stand Out as a Leader for Real Success Cheating on the TOEFL or GRE may bring some short-term gains, but long-term consequences lead to even worse effects. Be it cancellation of visa or damaged career prospects, the risks definitely are not worth it. With proper preparation and honesty, students will seal their future in higher education by not jeopardizing chances of living and working abroad.

Scholarships for international students are available along with other financing options that could easily make it possible to study abroad without putting a huge financial burden on the family. If you have good academic performance, then many scholarships are there to sponsor your dream. In this post, those scholarships, student loans, and all other funding options will be explained in detail and how you can avail them to achieve your dream to study abroad. Scholarships for International Students: The Golden Opportunity One of the golden financing options for students nowadays is a scholarship. Universally, universities offer a broad scope of scholarships and awards to meritorious international students, ranging from partial tuition fee waivers to wholly funded scholarships. For example, the university you would apply to can offer Dean’s awards, subject-based scholarships, or even an alumni-funded scholarship.Apart from the above university-specific awards, there are a large number of external scholarships as well for Indian students who want to pursue education abroad. Some of the prominent ones are: Commonwealth Scholarship Fulbright Foreign Student Program Chevening Scholarship Rotary Global Grant Scholarships Tata Scholarship Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Govt. Scholarships for Karnataka students of India—Karnataka Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme, The D Devaraj Urs Foreign Scholarship Scheme, National Overseas Scholarship for Minorities. These scholarships will be applied to help reduce the expenses of your education abroad. Student Loans for Study Abroad: A Feasible Funding Option Another great option for students who may not qualify for the scholarship or may need a little extra to cover up expenses is the student loan for studying abroad. Most of the major Indian banks, such as SBI, ICICI, Bank of Baroda, and HDFC Credila, offer loans specifically designed for students who are planning higher education overseas. There is usually a reasonable rate of interest along with flexible repayment modes. The student loans do not place a burden on the family savings. Most banks offer loans with no collateral and cosigner requirement for top-tier students. The process is thus much easier. One can use the loan to cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, among others, and even study materials. Pitfalls to Avoid When Taking Student Loans While student loans are a lifeline for funding your education, in the long term, it’s something about which one should think seriously. Missing one EMI payment on your loan can leave an ugly blot on your credit rating, which will then help you secure loans and credits later. Also, always borrow only as much as required. High borrowing can create gigantic interest payments over time, leaving you heavily burdened after graduation. Before applying for loans, an estimation of the total cost should be set, including maybe tuition fees, costs of housing, and travel. This might lead to a shortage of funds at the critical point, which may jeopardise academic output. Other criteria when applying for bank loans are to compare interest rates and terms of repayment of different banks in a bid to get a better deal. How to Mix Scholarships and Loans: The Smart Way to Finance Your Study The more scholarships available to international students that a student can apply for, the better. Another thing is that international students from most countries are allowed by law to work part-time while studying at the least to partly meet the stay requirements and have minimal dependence on loans. For example, most countries allow students to work up to 20 hours when school is in session but up to 40 hours when school is not in session. Conclusion: Wise Choices for the Bright Future Financing becomes easily accessible with so many different options for students who want to study abroad. Scholarships and student loans are the most easy and practical means of financing your dream to study overseas. Just make sure to plan, borrow only when necessary, and apply for scholarships to limit your loan intake.With proper financial planning, your international education journey is sure to be exciting and hassle-free

Student loans for International Education have gained prominence as a need of the hour because Indian students face constraining circumstances like visa caps, increasing costs of tuition fees, and changing policies in key destinations like the UK and Canada. Nevertheless, underwater postgraduate study still attracts its fair share if proper financial planning is done. Skill Development and New-Age Technologies: India’s Growing Potential India is transforming in ways that are all-encompassing. As the industry of industries anchored in AI, data science, and cloud computing expands, they are changing India’s status as a global leader in tech talent. Indian students stand uniquely to benefit from this increasingly burgeoning industry. Despite the fact that emerging technologies such as AI, big data science, and cloud computing continue to transform the nature of jobs, these developments ensure that fresh opportunities await students both in the domestic sphere and international space. For this reason, students must aim to be effective and efficient in the programs they select through the institutions they opt for so that they can face the needs and demands of the digital economy. An international degree does retain value, but the academic pursuit one undertakes also begins to appear to be of long-term value when held in tandem with the increasing potential of India in the tech sphere. UK visa caps: undergraduate and postgraduate applications The latest visa policies have begun to redefine UK international education options, especially for Indian students. Some forecast a 15-20% decline in the postgraduate applications based on new dependent visa restrictions in the UK. Of the Indian applicants for postgraduate studies, nearly about 40% shift with dependents. Therefore, this policy will be a decisive one that would define if Indian students are choosing the UK or moving elsewhere. For undergraduates, the squeeze is likely to be about 5-10%. However, other costs that add to student burden include a new increase in monthly so-called maintenance funds for UK visas—the new rates outside London stand at £1,715 and at £2,030 in London. This 28% increase in funds will discourage students from financially limited backgrounds and lower the applicant pool further. Post-study work visa uncertainty in the UK The Graduate Route visa, enabling two years of post-study work in the UK, has been a magnet for thousands of Indian students to come to the UK, but uncertainty looms with the current review of this visa. Further curtailment or even a cut altogether of the use of this visa may provide another 10-15% reduction in applications coming in from India, since scope for post-study work opportunities is absolutely critical when determining a destination to pursue education. Therefore, Indian students are going to switch more to secured options like the United States, Ireland, or Germany, where work visa policies are in their favour. Economic Effects: Student Debt Burden International education has become expensive in the UK and Canada because tuition fees and living expenses skyrocket. However, most Indian students still fall back on student loans without planning to repay the money safely. The cost-effectiveness of major loans must be considered in deciding to take major loans by enquiring whether the diploma will lead to job opportunities and income to repay the debt. Scholarships, grants, and part-time job opportunities must be looked into for cost-cutting and for financial protection after graduation. New Curbs in Canada: Student Permits Reduced by 35% Earlier, it was an attractive destination for Indian students, and now the country is tightening its visa policies. The government is planning to implement the reduction of student visa approvals by 35% for 2024, which will affect 80,500 Indian students in the following year. Next year, another 10% cut is planned, touching new skies of torture for students. This is not only an entry barrier to education but also has severe implications for long-term career plans, primarily related to post-study work permits and the route to permanent residency—an attractive feature for Indian students. Students who will struggle more to gain access to these opportunities are those applying to smaller, less recognised institutions, considering the increased scrutiny of financial documents and academic backgrounds. Considerations for Selecting an International Education Program When a student considers studying abroad, they have to consider a number of important things: Return on Investment (ROI): Does the degree pay off well in terms of job opportunities and salary?Cost of Living: Living costs vary greatly by location. Living in London or Toronto is very expensive indeed.Visa Rules: Check the possibilities for post-study work and pathways to residency in your destination country.Placements Records: Look at the placement records of an institution and the kind of industries that hire graduates from your program.Scholarships: Explore scholarship opportunities that can help save on some of the costs.Strong Alumni Network: This is always a good source of placements and mentorship.Word of Caution: Don’t Be Fooled by False GuaranteesIndian students need to be careful about excessively optimistic advertisements and promotional trumpeting over social media about placements and jobs abroad that pay more money. They need to cross-check such claims using authentic sources, and they also need to speak to students who are currently enrolled or alumni for the true reality of what to expect. Conclusion: Navigating Uncertainty with Smart Planning Now, the hour requires a shift in the learning atmosphere around the world, but with apt acumen, the Indian student can still pursue his dreams. Proper planning, skill building, and apt choice can help the student brave the challenges brought by the curtailment of visas as well as the increasing price. Excellent grounds for success sprawl all over India’s IT back into being a software superpower, and from tactical decision-making, students can further develop a worldwide career that thrives in this changing landscape of the digital economy.

It announced “Quad Scholarships,” under which India would provide fifty scholarships worth USD 500,000 to students in the Indo-Pacific. It was announced during the fourth in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. Under this scholarship program, the students can study for a four-year undergraduate engineering degree at any technical institution funded by the Government of India. These efforts help in cementing bilateral relations between the Indo-Pacific countries and also reflect brilliance in academics. The key initiative under the umbrella of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, involves nurturing the next generation of leaders in science, technology, and policy. The scholarships India is offering seek to foster educational cooperation while strengthening the relationships among Indo-Pacific nations, including Australia, Japan, and the United States—to do its part in building those enduring partnerships envisioned by the Quad. The Quad Fellowship will be a network of the future’s potentials who can contribute towards scientific and technological capacity building by being competitive in an increasingly globalised world for the Indo-Pacific region. New Opportunities for Students from the Indo-Pacific Region This kind of opportunity with the scholarships, announced in the Wilmington Declaration, brings open entrance for students from the Indo-Pacific region to tap into quality education in India. With this scholarship, expenses shall be completely covered for four years of undergraduate engineering study at premier technical institutions in India. This must attract meritorious students of the region to seize this great opportunity in order to build their academic and professional futures on a very excellent platform. Apart from these fellowships, the Quad governments also announced the second cohort of Quad Fellows under the Institute of International Education (IIE). Students from ASEAN countries will be included this time, which takes the scope of educational opportunities for students from all walks of life a notch higher. Japan and Private Sector SupportThe Japanese government has also favoured the Quad Fellowship program by affording students an opportunity to take studies in Japan. The program has also received deep pockets from private sector companies such as Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital. This comes as a result of concerted efforts among the Quad Nations and companies that exhibit mutual adherence to education as a tool for building innovation and leaders. Vision for a Shared Indo-Pacific Future Since its launch in 2017, the Quad has strongly sought to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This four-nation coalition, comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, goes beyond aggressive policies and actions threatening regional stability by asserting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Initiatives like the Quad scholarship seek to nurture collaboration beyond geopolitical interests—through education, technology, and policy leadership that ensures long-term progress for the region. A Farewell Summit for Biden and KishidaAs this meeting is the 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, it serves as both a farewell to US President Joe Biden and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as they depart. The loss of leadership, however, will not severely impact the Quad coalition since its common vision remains the same—the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, the group will remain firm in its efforts towards education and diplomacy. Conclusion India’s allocation of USD 500,000 in scholarships for students of the Indo-Pacific region is a step in building educational ties across the region. The Quad Fellowship offers meritorious students an opportunity to develop as future leaders in science, technology, and policy. It would consolidate academic cooperation even while furthering a larger aim in the Indo-Pacific: to be free from war, prosperous, and inclusive.

Dramatic turns are being taken in study abroad trends for Indian students as the destination countries—Canada, the UK, and Australia—start introducing new visa rules worrying international students. Last year alone, more than 1 million Indian students were studying abroad. These changes are forcing a rethinking among many students in the twin Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh about plans for 2024 and beyond. How Visa Regulation Changes Impact International Students Visa Regulation Changes for International Students In the last few months, some of the world’s popular destinations for studies have indicated that they would place visa restrictions, with most of these students expressing their fear and worrying about where else their education will continue. As the Canadian government capped international student admission at 35%, rather ominous uncertainty has settled among those like Danish Patel from Afzalgunj who are reconsidering studying there. “With increasing financial requirements and this new cap, I’m not sure if applying to Canada is a good option at all, especially with the unemployment rate rising among freshmen,” Patel rued. While the cap on international students is lately made by Canada one of the most sought changes, Australia has put in its strictest rule ever. The country has capped only 2.7 lakh new foreign students per year that have limited cross-acceptance rates. Similarly, the UK has hiked financial requirements that have piled pressure on Indian students seeking higher education abroad. The Impact of Visa Reforms in the International Study Plans While the United States has not made significant changes to its visa policies, countries such as Canada, Australia, and the UK have witnessed alarming dips in student applications. Quoting Chirandeep Patnaik of Lemma One Consulting, “while the student inflows continue to flow to the US, the more strict admission policies of Canada and the higher rates of rejection by Australia have kept application numbers lower for those destinations.”. Study abroad trends for Indian students Change has made many Indians, especially those from Telugu-speaking states, re-evaluate their choice of destination. While over 1.5 lakh students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had gone abroad last year, these new visa problems made many look for an alternative destination for higher studies. A lot of countries, such as Germany, Singapore, Ireland, and Italy, which previously did not witness much furore in terms of pursuing higher education, are now sprouting with flexibility of visas and emerging opportunities. New Emerging Study Destinations for Indian Students Whenever the visa scenario in the traditional study destination changes, many education consultants remind their students that all is not lost and that there are plenty of new emerging destinations. Saurabh Arora, the founder of University Living, claims that these new locations offer numerous opportunities in top-class education systems with fewer and more affordable tuition fees, besides relatively more user-friendly visa regulations. Countries like Germany, whose education quality is of a high standard with tuition fees almost or completely free, Ireland and opportunities to work after completing their studies, and Singapore, which has an excellent reputation for business and technology-related programs, are now emerging as better options for students who were previously planning on other options. Italy is picking up the pace for courses in design and arts, while New Zealand and Malta are newer hubs on the rise with good academic and post-study options. Alternative Study Abroad Destinations for Indian Students This is why the study abroad consultancies guide the students to put the queries much in advance so that they explore the many international study options before zeroing in on the destination. In this regard, the changes in visa policies are encouraging more students to expand their search to gain more stable and better accommodating countries where they can pursue higher education. Conclusion This is a change in the world education landscape because visa regulations in the key destinations are becoming more stringent, leaving the students in limbo and further contemplating their plans. Still, the favourite study hubs are the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, but new changes will give countries like Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Singapore an opportunity to tap an increasing number of Indian students for 2024. For the potential students, being updated and agile in such emerging alternative arrangements will secure their dream education abroad.

As the global scenario changes, the attractions of study in Germany for Indian students are increasing owing to what’s witnessed around leading destinations like Canada, Australia, and the UK, which are tightening visa policies. India’s students, who were looking to pursue higher education studies across the globe, were found majorly studying in Canada, Australia, and the UK universities. Observers claim that the Indian students to be admitted to the universities of Canada, Australia, and the UK in the 2025 academic year will see a drastic fall. Visa Restriction in Canada, Australia, and the UK: Impact of the Condition on Indian Students Canada Visa Policy for Indian Students An approximate figure of 730,000 Indian students studies in Canada. Not so long ago, the country announced a 35% cut in study visa approvals for 2024, with an additional 10% cut to be made for 2025. This massive reduction in visa approvals will be borne by more than 80,000 Indian students alone in 2024. Besides these cuts, Canada has attached its post-graduation work permits to the labour market needs, further compelling the students to think hard before choosing their courses. The caps on international students in Australia will further limit new student arrivals to 270,000 per year from 2025. The UK tightening the process for Indian students has tightened the visa requirements and eligibility criteria further. Restrictions imposed by the UK have also raised the minimum financial savings requirements for student visa applicants, who are barred from bringing dependents except those in postgraduate research programs. This will most likely result in a decrease of 15-20% in the number of postgraduate applications from India, especially from financially strained students. New Alternative Destinations for Studies Given that Canada, Australia, and the UK are becoming more selective, new destinations are gaining favour with students from India. Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and even Malta have emerged as tempting alternatives for students looking for top-notch education at relatively affordable tuition fees. Study in Germany for Indian Students Germany has picked up a 13% share of international student admission in the last couple of years, from 2021 to 2023. France and Spain also picked up in popularity, but Spain really made the jump by taking on 28% in international student admissions during the same period. Other European countries continue to attract attention due to open visa policies, academic excellence, and the vibrant cultural experience. International students also have been growing to New Zealand and Dubai, whose competitive programs offer flexible visa policies. In New Zealand, international student enrolment increased by 10% in 2021-2023; hence, this remains an attractive alternative choice for Indian students interested in avoiding Canada and the UK. While it indeed presents interesting opportunities by shifting to new study destinations, new challenges also come with it. This increase in demand for education in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain may not be enough to offset the decline expected to take place in Indian students travelling to Canada, Australia, or the UK. The three countries might see an estimate of 125,000 fewer Indian students, which could make the supply of European higher education small in comparison to the increasing demand. Study Destination for Indian Students: France France and Italy are, however, pursuing international students themselves. They offer scholarships, make the visa process easier, and have provisions for post-study work. The attractions for Indian students include a cheap tuition fee and also good education with diversity in the cultural environment. Future Inroads for Indian Students Current tight visa restrictions in traditional destinations lead to early consideration of alternative options. Application strategies need to be worked upon much in advance due to tightened visa restrictions. Experts say students consider visas, the working option post-graduation, and the availability of scholarships while choosing their destination for studies. Some of the countries like Germany, France, or Spain work out quite well as alternatives for Indian students, offering some robust academic programs, low expenditure on education, and rich cultural experience. As the further education landscape of the world is going to change, Indian students would need to understand and adjust to those changes to utilise new opportunities that are emerging in developing destinations of study. Conclusion Visa restrictions in Canada, Australia, and the UK would continue to be tightened in the coming years, which would badly hurt Indian students. However, these doors would remain open to countries like Germany, France, Spain, or Italy as these are more hopeful destinations for Indian students. New destinations hold promise of a good mix of affordability, academic excellence, and career opportunities to those Indian students eager to pursue higher education abroad. In this regard, one would eagerly await the nature of what challenges students by keeping informed and active.

Study in Europe is gaining momentum as global student mobility trends change with the changing costs of education, diverse opportunities, and shifting global preferences. Though regarded as a favourite destination earlier for international students, the US, Canada, and Australia are slowly making way for Europe, which has lately emerged as a favourite destination for students from South Asia. Europe is paying attention to their affordable education and liberal migration policies, among many other benefits. It thus becomes an attractive destination for people interested in studying abroad. Affordable International Education in Europe Affordability in education has been one of the major reasons why Europe has gained their position as the new destination for study destinations. From Ireland to Germany, France, and many more, there are world-class universities with recognition that are significantly more affordable than those in the US or Australia. Generally, living costs are often lower coupled with affordable education, which makes affordability easier to manage for students. For South Asian students, particularly, studying in Europe offers quality education free of the financial burden often associated with higher education in Western countries. The reason why such a huge cost of studying in Europe is a tremendous draw factor is that it allows students to complete their studies without exhausting their family’s savings. The lifestyle that Europe provides has become the main attraction seeking academic growth along with the quality of life. European countries are liberal in their policies, have peaceful environments, and are generally open to migrants. That makes the experience while being in school academically enriched and personal enriched. Europe is reportedly providing a mature lifestyle, which attracts South Asian students wanting to expand their international horizons, according to Bhargav Modi, Business Director at EduGo Abroad. Many countries in Europe have policies that allow international students to seek jobs after completing their graduation, hence increasing the attraction to the region for studying. Is it its rich history and culture, or perhaps looking to pursue a career after education? Europe has something for everyone. Flexibility of courses; low entry barriers There are a lot of diversified academic courses and entry barriers, which are considerable driving factors for student interest in Europe. Using their discretion, students can choose any variety of courses, either in subjects like technology and STEM fields or specialised ones that include luxury brand management. European universities tailor their curricula to keep in touch with the rest of the world, thereby making students’ academic experience more relevant and in tune with the realities in the labour market today. Relaxed requirements on language proficiency tests such as IELTS. Unlike other countries that compulsorily demand them, most of the universities in Europe do not make these tests compulsory, thus making it easier for the students to pursue higher education. Availability of scholarships and the benefit of having a Schengen Visa. The bursaries for college in Europe—countries like the Erasmus Scholarship, which welcomes international students—are very attractive higher education programs. This includes South Asian students from India, followed closely by their group in terms of successful recipients of such scholarship programs that could heavily reduce the cost of tuition and other expenses for education. A yet more significant benefit of studying in Europe is the Schengen visa. The student with this visa gets access to a number of European countries, making it easy to go around and look for job opportunities across the continent. The visa works not only towards student mobility but also to enhance the education being undertaken since the students get exposed to as wide a culture and professional environments as possible. Plan by Europe on Ways of Attracting More International Students Europeans realise this specific trend from South Asia, as well as every other region, very increasingly and thus have strategies in hand to adapt education policies for increased demands. The European universities are launching targeted hybrid and blended programs that ease learning and make it more accessible. Today, the chance lies ahead to combine online education with classroom experiences, thereby making it not a very painful transition for international students. Another strategy is pathway programs, short-term certificates, and non-degree courses that could suit students who need specialisation and want their skills enhanced. The focus is no longer just on obtaining a degree but gaining relevant industry-based skills that translate into better employability. Opportunities for South Asian Students in Europe For students from South Asia, studying in Europe has tremendous career as well as study-related implications. The immigrant-friendly European nations and the robust economies of these countries make it a haven to look for jobs or a perfect place to start a career after graduation. In some countries, work permits granted post-study even facilitate work experience that is of great benefit while working there. Europe is, therefore, creating itself as an excellent location for students seeking to study overseas, coupled with the guarantee of future employment ability across academic and professional areas. Conclusion It seems that the urge of students from around the world, especially South Asians, to migrate to Europe intensifies with every passing trend. Be it international education at affordable prices or a liberal and friendly attitude toward international students and scholars, there is enough from Europe to secure the love of all looking for higher education. Europe has been positioning itself as a top competitor in the global market of education with globally renowned universities, flexible courses, and skills for practical application. Europe, by catering to the aspirations of international students, fulfils their educational needs and contributes towards giving them a secure future. For those students who seek quality education as well as life-enriching experiences, Europe is turning out to be the destination of choice.

The cost of studying abroad has put many Indian families in a financial bind as they increasingly tap into their retirement savings to help their children get that elusive dream of overseas education. About 62% of Indian retirement savings goes into financing a child’s foreign education, says Aviral Bhatnagar, an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus who founded the AJVC Investment Firm. This sums up the side of the contentious debate about whether it is sensible enough for parents to imperil their financial security while searching for better educational opportunities for their children. Why Indian Parents Are Prioritising Foreign Education Education from abroad has been one of the most sought-after measures for Indian families in recent times. Highly regarded foreign degrees from institutions like those in the US, UK, Canada, or from other western nations are considered a step forward towards better job prospects, more lucrative packages, and acquaintance with the outside world. For many parents, an education for their child from such an institution is worth any amount of money that might be withdrawn from their retirement savings. According to Bhatnagar, Indian families who represent the top 0.5% among Indians are spending as much as ₹50 lakh to send abroad their children who, according to her, have a brighter future, even globally. He underlines the fact that education has now become the biggest worry in the lives of most Indian parents rather than buying a house. With soaring tuition fees, however, education abroad can no longer be afforded by most families. Is Foreign Education Worth the Financial Risk? The debate on whether Indian parents should spend such big amounts on their children’s foreign education has thrown up mixed reactions. The party against spending such huge sums feels that the return on investment, or ROI, for a foreign degree has gone down with these changing times, more specifically in the volatile world of jobs and uncertainty regarding work visas. Other respondents believe that the cultural appeal of schooling abroad and wishing to spend time in western nations is what sends families overspending. That is why “spending more than half of one’s net worth has become the norm.” As one user noted, “Indians are quite hyped with getting a lavish degree,” the logic of which may explain the overall trend when students and parents find studying abroad an investment in securing a better lifestyle as well as education. Close Alternatives at Home: Do You Really Need to Study Abroad? Perhaps the same quality education might be available to Indian students back home without weighing in with such a price tag. The cost of studying at a private Indian institution was as hefty as at foreign universities, offered a LinkedIn commenter. Therefore, the speaker asserted that most students who opt to travel abroad do not get admitted into their favourite courses back in India. This is also a possibility that Indian students spend on overseas education merely for the prestige and luxury involved in it. The Effect on Pension and Long-Term Planning Such financial outlays abroad have a greater significance than expenditure on present-day consumption. Most Indian parents would be vulnerable to undue pecuniary squeeze in their old age were they to spend retirement savings to pay for the education of their child abroad. That will only tend to put off their retirement or cause them to spend much less on consumption at retirement or even have to be kept by other relatives while they are old. Such an important issue is brought forward by Bhatnagar in this post on LinkedIn: Indian parents are now beginning to put their children’s education over their financial security. Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Education and Financial Security Such debate over a question so highly relevant in the modern Indian scheme of parenting—should parents splurge nearly all their retirement money to set up and nurture a foreign education seat for their children—will continue for long. Clearly, the door opener that is a degree from a foreign university does not come free. At the very bottom line, funding foreign education for a child must be balanced against what constitutes long-term financial returns for retirement. Most importantly, finding the right balance between securing a good education and safeguarding retirement savings is crucial to ensuring both the child’s success and the parents’ financial security.

Study abroad for Indian students can be truly challenging, especially on the grounds of the choice between the two biggest education systems, the U.S. and the UK. In both countries, there are esteemed institutions and generous academic opportunities. It becomes easier to make an informed decision by knowing the most distinct variations of these two educational systems. Find below the distinct features of studying in both the U.S. and the UK to assist you with your informed decision Why Study Abroad? Studying abroad gains numerous advantages, including a global perspective, opportunities for enhanced career prospects, and, most importantly, it fosters independence and cultural awareness. For an Indian student, world-class education and exposure to new cultures appear to be the attraction to these two countries in terms of higher education. Why Study in the US? The United States is always at the top as a destination country for international students and has many world-class universities. Just now, in early 2024, Indian students broke a new high with F-1 visas, and it is supposed to be much more soon. Key advantages of the US educational system : Diverse program options: The US offers an extensive range of academic programs, from science, engineering, and mathematical disciplines to liberal arts. This diversity makes it much easier for the students to find the program that will help them pursue their interests and future career goals in life.Cultural Experience: The US is considered a cultural melting pot, where students will find a lively environment. This diversity adds to the experience of a student by engaging them with a vast variety of customs and cultures.Increased job opportunities: Once students go about pursuing education in the US, they are exposed to many career opportunities. In addition, many institutions have internship programs and career fairs to equip students with practical experience and networking around the professional world.State-of-the-art facilities and resources in American universities provide an opportunity for all-round development both professionally and academically. Overview of the US Education System The US education system comprises Community colleges: providing two-year associate’s degrees.Colleges and Universities: Reaching up to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies with extensive research work opportunities. USA Colleges and UniversitiesAmong Indians, the most preferred choices include Northeastern University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Arizona. Why Study in the UK? The UK has a history of academic excellence and a high standard of education. It ranks among the top globally ranking worldwide due to the fact that several other institutions rank in world rankings.Key Benefits of the UK Education System: State-of-the-Art Research: The UK is at the forefront of innovative research, so students can participate in radical projects and acquire immense knowledge.Shorter and more flexible programs: In fact, the academic programs there are shorter than elsewhere. Thus, to acquire a bachelor’s degree, students may take only three years; to acquire a master’s degree, they take only one year, thus making education not only timely but less expensive as well.High standard of living: The UK offers the best of living worldwide. Equipped with world-class health care, sound infrastructure, and the highest historical and cultural background, it completes an experience for education altogether.Gateway to Europe: Studying in the UK easily affords you the opportunity to visit various countries and cultures in Europe when on break from academic activities. Explanation of the UK Education System Further Education (FE): It is equivalent to the last years of high school; that is, academic and vocational qualifications.Higher Education: This constitutes undergraduate and postgraduate education. The duration of the three-year undergraduate programs is known as the bachelor’s degree and one-year master’s degree.Among the very few UK institutions known, the following are the notable ones: Coventry University, University of Law, Bournemouth University. Conclusion The US and UK share some great opportunities for higher education, both with specific characteristics. US: Known for diversity in course choices and high-level industry contacts; UK: Famous for a shorter duration of study and more flexible course options. Between these two educational powerhouses, you’ll need to weigh in aspects such as duration of the programs, cost of living, and cultural environment, among others. However, in either case, learning abroad would eventually prove to be a rewarding and enriching experience.