Studying abroad vs studying in India – Which will you go for?

Are you facing a dilemma about whether it is better to study in India or abroad?

You're not alone. This is a question faced by many students and their families. On one hand, you have the comfort of living and studying in your native country and not having to leave behind your family and friends. On the other, the chance of a foreign degree, global exposure, excellent research opportunities and the associated career benefits are equally attractive. Let us look at the pros and cons of studying abroad vs studying in India. You’ll learn some important reasons why your peers consider studying abroad and the benefits that it offers. If you want to learn more about the opportunities at universities abroad, get in touch with our counsellors.

Pros of studying abroad

Career Benefits

An MBA from a prestigious institution like the Kellogg School of Management or Harvard Business School is definitely a great advantage when compared to an MBA from an Indian institution. This is not belittling the MBA program offered by Indian institutions. However, employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a degree abroad with relevant academic scores and work experience over a student who has completed the same degree and has similar work experience in India.

Additionally, studying abroad will also offer students a chance to secure a relevant job in that country. Countries like New Zealand allows international students to remain in the country for up to 3 years if they have the relevant qualification. After completing your degree and getting work experience, you can definitely expect a better pay package back home.

A chance to realise your dream

You won't be on this page if you have not been dreaming of studying abroad. It is no longer a distant dream that only a few chosen people can afford. Today with the number of education loans and scholarships on offer, international higher education is much more accessible. If you can submit proper documents, have a good academic track record and meet the eligibility criteria set by the bank, an education loan is guaranteed.

Scholarships

Scholarships open a whole wide world of possibilities. From private scholarships offered by companies and philanthropists to scholarships offered by various governments and educational institutions to boost research output, you have quite a number of scholarships to find and apply for. Some of the popular scholarships and fellowships are the Rhodes Scholarship Program, Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowships and Huawei Maitree Scholarship for studying in China. A lot of institutions offer scholarships. Speak to our counsellors and learn more about the options you have when applying to universities abroad.

Research Opportunities

It is no secret that the research opportunities available in countries like the USA and the UK are more sophisticated than the facilities offered by Indian institutions. This is the primary reason for the migration of Indian students abroad. A majority of the students complete their research and stay on as faculty members. Some students return to India and take up teaching assignments or find relevant jobs. They have the benefit of having a resume that can impress prospective employers.

A Global Outlook

When you study abroad, your exposure to a new culture and lifestyle will definitely dazzle you. As a student in a foreign land, the first few days may cause you to feel home-sick and lonely. But rest assured that after this initial phase you will transform into an independent and responsible individual.

Living in a student residence hall fosters a sense of community-living and gives you a chance to meet students from other countries and understand their culture and lifestyle. This is when bonds of friendship are formed, which last a lifetime. Who knows, the experience might positively influence your outlook on life itself!

Cons of studying abroad

All that said, there are some cons of studying abroad too. However, when you look at the bigger picture and also take a call on what your priorities for life are, making a decision should be easy.

The bank loan

Ask yourself whether you can afford the course fees.
Bank loans have to be repaid and for a larger loan value a guarantor is required. You should have a transparent discussion with your family and weigh the pros and cons of opting for an education loan. If you feel confident that your family can manage it without the finances being badly affected, you can apply for a loan. It is a matter of a couple of years, after which you have greater chances of landing a high-paying job.

Remember to check with multiple banks to get the best deal on your education loan. Even a difference of 0.25% in the rate of interest or an extra year of waiting before you begin to repay your loan can make a considerable difference.

Quality of Education

It is a valid argument that premier Indian institutions like the IITs and IIMs offer excellent courses and also have scope for doctoral research. A number of these institutions offer merit scholarships as well. You can always attempt as many exams as possible and consider higher education opportunities in India as well.

Studying abroad and staying away from your family is a very important decision that you need to make. If you are committed to achieving your academic goals, get admission to a course and institution of your choice and secure funding; go ahead take a leap of faith and fulfil your study abroad dreams!

Conclusion

There is definitely a difference in the quality of education and the whole university experience offered by India’s premier educational institutions and reputed international institutions. With the various funding and scholarship opportunities available, it is definitely a better option to go abroad for higher studies.

You may also choose to complete your basic undergraduate degree in India, secure a job, work for three to four years, save money and fund your postgraduate study abroad. To conclude, the benefits of international education are many and help you build a secure future and career. You can browse through our institution listings to find a course and institution that matches your requirements. Alternatively, you can try our Course Matcher tool and find a course that is the right one for you. Our academic counsellors can help you make a wise choice. If you make up your mind to study abroad, you can contact us for free guidance.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in March 2016. We have included up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.