Why Indian

Students should
go abroad for
higher
education?
PRATHAP BALASUBRAMANIAN
 Current trend

The higher education and research sector (in India) is over-

regulated and under-funded. It has been falling steadily behind
the world average. – “The Hindu, March 22, 2012)
Current trend
 Post-graduate students from India are increasingly choosing to study abroad.
 The U.S. Council of Graduate Schools’ new statistics show that offers
of admission to Indian post-graduate students are up 25 per cent for
2013-14 from the previous year, compared to a 9 per cent increase for
all countries. – “The Hindu”, Sept 4, 2014.
 According to a study by IIM Bangalore, there is a 256% increase in
Indian students going abroad in the last decade. – Times of India, Sept
9. 2012
Current trend
 Very few top quality programmes in India!
 In the social sciences and humanities, there are a small number of respectable departments, but
absolutely none that are considered by international experts as in the top class of academic
programmes.
 For science fields such as biotechnology, we have reputed institutions such as the IITs, AIIMS, TIFR,
but they are highly competitive so only limited number of students can benefit by these institutions.
 Thus, if a bright student aspires to pursue a top class PG or PhD programme, he/she is forced to study
overseas.
 While Master’s degree may be expensive, almost all Phd programmes are funded with
scholarships or assistantships especially in the US.
Benefits of overseas education for indian
students
For academic/career development
 More research funding compared to Indian universities. Also neglect of quality original
research in India.
 Top notch facilities and laboratories and a more favourable research culture.
 Quality of higher education, top ranked universities in the US
 Degrees more globally recognized.
 Lower student to faculty ratio => more personal attention.
 Chances to emigrate – survey shows that more than 80% of doctoral degree holders
remain in the US!
Benefits of overseas education for indian
students (cont’d)
For academic/career development
 Access to advanced technologies (even overseas Indians hold most patents compared to Indians
in India – in the scale of 1:30000 according to reports!)
 Focus on skill building – Makes you more marketable and employment-ready upon graduation!
 Skills and knowledge acquired are transferrable to the working world!
 University-Industry tie ups!
 Programmes are well suited to cater to the industry requirements and standards.
 Career development programmes offered to students and alumni.
Benefits of overseas education for indian
students (cont’d)
For personality development
 Exposure in a fast-paced, competitive work culture.
 Global networking - opportunity to learn to be able to socialize better in a multicultural
environment.
 Knowledge of different cultures – getting used to foreign cultures will help you develop overall
as an individual, as one understands different perceptions, values, and beliefs of the people (how
different people view the world in different ways)
 Helps you to learn to adapt and live your life as an independent individual, managing your
finances, accommodation, food, and much more, alongside your academics.
  Top ranked, well funded research programmes.
 Unparalleled choice in terms of types of
institutions, academic and social environments,
entry requirements, degree programs, and fields
of study that are available.
 More than 4500 accredited institutions in the US,
and among them over 1000 offering graduate
degrees
 Variety of academic areas, from the humanities to
STEM fields.
 Affordability – theres always an institution and a
programme suitable for your budget owing to the
wide range of tuition, fees and living costs.
Advantage USA  Choice of places based on climate!

– most preferred destination

Advantage USA
- Flexibility
o Variety and diversity in terms of types of universities
o Most universities offer more flexibility in time plan and
course contents – students can focus more on what they
like, and pace their study on their own.
o Options of dual “major”, “minor”, and “free electives” –
i.e., studies in more than one subject and chances to
explore other topics of interest.
- Options for funding
o Scholarships and other financial aid from university grants
for meritorious students.
o Research/teaching assistantships from department funds.
o Number of on-campus part time jobs available on an
hourly-wage basis.
- COURSE METHODOLOGY
o Variety of assessment – students are assessed and grades on various ways, not just
on memory based on scores on exams. Credits earned add towards the final degree.
o Wide range of activities in the classroom or for homework. Instructors are not just
teachers but facilitators!
Online References
 Why Indian students want to study abroad?
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/why-do-indians-want-to-study-abroad/article111
20213.ece1
 https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/india/why-study-abroad/all-about-studying-abroad/
 http://www.studysmart.co.in/blog/study-india-vs-study-abroad/
 https://educationusa.state.gov/
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