It is a dream for many students to pursue their undergraduate studies in a foreign country. Studying abroad and earning a degree from international colleges is as advantageous as it is exciting.
When you decide to study abroad, it is more than just earning a degree. It gives you a holistic experience, global exposure, skillsets, and the confidence to begin your professional career on the right note.
One of the huge advantages is the variety of options one gets in terms of course selection. Many foreign universities offer a large number of undergraduate degrees in not just the traditional fields but also the unconventional fields like Astrobiology, Motorsports Management, Bakery Science and Management, and Comic Art.
Year-round, a huge number of students head to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany to pursue their undergraduate studies. There is a plethora of reasons why these countries top the list of best countries to pursue higher studies in. Other than quality education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, internships, and lucrative job prospects, these countries also offer an excellent quality of life and exponential professional growth. Moreover, with many countries changing their post-graduation work permit and application process for residency, the possibility of settling abroad has widened.
Let us now look at some of the core benefits of studying abroad
Once you have decided to study abroad, you need to research well and consider some crucial factors to zero in. Below is a list of some important factors that you should consider.
The US is a hub of innovation and diverse opportunities. American universities are known for their vibrant campus life, opportunities for internships, and access to cutting-edge research. However, it is important to consider the higher cost of education and living when choosing the US.
Harvard University: This is situated in Cambridge and is one of the Ivy League research universities. It offers myriad courses in STEM, business, and humanities stream.
Some of the popular undergraduate programs offered are:
Popular graduate programs offered by Harvard:
Stanford University: It is a private research university situated in California. It offers a variety of programs in the fields of
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: It is a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers programs in
When it comes to job prospects, the United States has many opportunities for software engineers, cybersecurity analysts, software developers, and healthcare and marketing professionals.
The United Kingdom offers quality education and top-notch facilities that help students to learn and grow in a conducive environment. Moreover, it has many immigrants from Asian countries, and thus, is a pot-pouri of different cultures and cuisines.
Imperial College London: It is a public research university in London. It has a greater proportion of world-leading research than any other university in the UK.
Popular programs offered are:
The University of Cambridge: This is a public collegiate research university in Cambridge. It has more than 20,000 students from 140 countries. There are 31 Colleges and 6 Schools, and over 150 Faculties and Departments.
Popular programs offered are:
University of Oxford: It is a collegiate research university and one of the oldest in the UK.
Popular programs offered are:
A graduate visa allows international students to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing their course in the UK. You must be in the UK when you apply and your current visa should be a student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa. You can apply online and the process usually takes 8 weeks. Your visa starts from the day your application is approved.
Canada stands out for its high-quality education system, especially known for research-intensive universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University. What makes Canada particularly appealing is its multicultural environment, friendly immigration policies, and opportunities for post-graduation employment.
It offers a good quality of life to international students and is one of the safest countries.
University of Toronto: This is a globally top-ranked public research university in Ontario.
Popular programs offered are:
McGill University: It is a public research university located in Quebec. It has produced 12 Nobel laureates and 145 Rhodes Scholars.
Popular programs offered are:
University of British Columbia: UBC is ranked the third-best university in Canada.
Popular programs offered are:
A PGWP is an excellent opportunity for international students to stay and work in Canada. With PGWP, students who have completed their degree, diploma, or certificate program from a Canadian post-graduate institution can gain valuable work experience in Canada.
Though the duration of PGWP depends on the study program, the maximum duration is three years for programs having a duration of more than two years.
– International students can now complete their entire program online from outside of Canada and still be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit Canada.
– The new extended time frame for international students to apply for a PGWP after completing their program is 180 days compared to the earlier timeframe of 90 days.
Australia: With its sunny beaches and dynamic cities, Australia offers a lifestyle that is hard to beat. Universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne are recognized globally for their research facilities and student satisfaction. Moreover, Australia’s post-study work visa options offer students a pathway to employment after graduation.
Germany: Germany offers a robust education system with a special emphasis on engineering and technology. The country is known for its practically free tuition at public universities and low cost of living. Cities like Berlin and Munich provide a rich cultural experience and a vibrant student life.
Studying abroad is a life-changing decision that opens a world of opportunities. Whether you are drawn to the innovative campuses of the United States, the affordable and high-quality education in Germany, or the vibrant cultures of Canada or Australia, there is a world of possibilities waiting for you. It is crucial to select the right country that meets your course preference as well as your budget requirements.
Navigating the application process and planning your finances can prove to be tedious. Starting early and seeking guidance from professionals can help ensure that your journey is as smooth and rewarding as possible. This is where Manya Princeton can help you.
Book your Free Counselling Session now!These countries are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their education systems, including the quality of their universities, the diversity and inclusivity of their campuses, affordability in terms of tuition and living costs, and the opportunities they offer for work and cultural experiences post-graduation.
When choosing a country for your undergraduate studies, consider factors such as the quality of education in your field of interest, language barriers, cultural fit, cost of living and tuition fees, safety, and the availability of scholarships or financial aid. You should also check post-graduation opportunities, such as work visas and employment prospects.
Financing options vary by country and institution but may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and part-time employment opportunities. Many universities offer financial aid packages specifically for international students, and there are also government-sponsored scholarships in some of these top countries.
Visa requirements for international students vary from country to country. Generally, you need to provide proof of acceptance into a recognized university, demonstrate financial stability to cover tuition and living expenses, and sometimes show proficiency in the language of instruction.
Most of these countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies, subject to certain restrictions regarding the number of hours. Post-graduation work prospects vary, with some countries offering post-study work visas that allow graduates to stay and work for a period after completing their degree.
