Why Indian Students Go Abroad to Study?

As per the report by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), 1,33,135 students have gone abroad for higher studies in 2022 alone. The same report indicated that the US, UK, and Canada are the top study abroad destinations. Another study by RedSeer Strategy Consultants forecasts that there will be 1.8 million Indian students studying abroad by 2024 and the total spending forecast is between US$75-US$85 billion, taking into account the tuition fees inflation and living expenses. What is driving students to go abroad for higher studies? What are the popular scholarships for students wishing to study abroad? Read this post to know this answer and more.

Five Reasons Why Studying Abroad is Good for Indian Students

There are multiple reasons why a student chooses to study abroad. However, the below given reasons inspire Indian students year after year to apply to foreign universities.

1. Quality of Education: This is one of the key factors why students prefer going abroad for their higher education. The universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and other countries are known to offer courses that stay relevant at all times and offer experiences to equip students with the skills necessary to survive in highly competitive career fields. These countries allow students to choose courses based on their interests and allow them to take part-time jobs while pursuing their education. The education in these countries is regulated by governments through different acts and frameworks.

USA: The Higher Education Act Under Chapter 28, U.S. Code supports institutions and programs through federal assistance and grants, which helps maintain education standards. In addition, these study institutions are accredited by accreditation agencies that are members of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and recognized by the US Department of Education. These accreditation agencies help institutes to maintain minimum standards of quality regarding administration, academics, and related services.

Australia: The education system complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which specifies education standards at all levels.

New Zealand: All study programs in the country are regulated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

2. Improved Employment Opportunities: Increased employment opportunities across countries is one of the reasons for students opting for the study abroad education pathway. Post-study work visas or post-graduate work permit programs enable graduates to work for a few years before returning to their home country. The following are some popular countries assuring improved employment opportunities for international students working there.

Canada: The students who graduate from a designated learning institution in Canada can apply for the Post Graduate Work Permit Program (PWGPP). In 2020, more than 70,000 Indian students benefited from this program, and almost 98% of Indian applicants received PWGPP.

Australia: Indian students can stay up to 18 months on Graduate Work Visa and 2-4 years on Post Study Work visa. Recently, the Australian government has announced an extension of post-study work rights to mitigate the labor shortages across industries. As per the new extension, students with few select bachelor’s degrees can live in the country for four years and master’s degrees for five years. Students with PhD degrees can live in the country for six years.

In addition to the above, the Study Australia Industry Experience Program (SAIEP) assure immersive experiences to international students currently enrolled in Australian universities and pursuing courses from campuses in the country or their home countries or online. By participating in this program, the students can engage in real world industry projects to boost their employment prospects post studies.

New Zealand: The students are issued post-study work visas for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on their degrees. The students pursuing short-term tailored courses in the country can enjoy the same post-study work rights as students pursuing degrees. The only requirement is their credential must match any occupation on the Green List of in-demand labor skills.

United States: The students can stay up to 1 year after the course completion. This duration may be only 6 months for M-1 vocational visa holders. There are ample of post-graduate work opportunities for students graduating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In 2022, the White House announced a new policy that would allow foreign professionals with STEM specializations to stay in the country for a long time. The F-1 students with a STEM degree can hold OPT authorization for up to 3 years.  This OPT authorization now recognizes 22 new STEM fields, which would allow more students to gain post-graduate work opportunities.

UK: The Post Study Work (PSW) visa graduate route was introduced in 2020. It allows students to stay up to 2 years. The PhD graduates can extend it up to 3 years. The government introduced a new Scale-up Visa in August 2022 to attract highly talented individuals to work in the country. The visa must be sponsored by a qualified scale-up business. This visa is granted for two years,  with the sponsorship standing valid for the first six months.  An individual can apply for three years unsponsored extension after completing two years.

Ireland: The country has extended the stay-back option to 24 months for students pursuing PhD and masters in the country. Earlier, it was only 12 months. This extended period will help students to capitalize on different work opportunities.

3. Access to Research Facilities: Most foreign universities invest in research facilities. Students can participate in structured or unstructured research programs. The structured program progresses through an established path, whereas the unstructured research program may involve independent or faculty research.

4. Immigration Opportunities: Seeking permanent residency is one of the key reasons to study abroad for many Indian students. In Canada, students can apply for permanent residency after working for 3 years. In the US, students with F1 visas can apply for a green card provided they are sponsored by their employer. In Australia, students can apply for permanent residency after working with the same employer for three years or more. They can apply for citizenship after lawfully residing in the country for four years as a permanent resident.

5. High Standard of Living: The US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries assure high standards of living, which appeals to students. The Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index measures the standard of living on eight indices – health care, safety, purchasing power, cost of living, property price to income ratio, pollution, traffic commute time, and climate. Adding to this, all these countries have been friendly and welcoming students for several years now. They have developed a student-friendly and cosmopolitan attitude, which allows students from India and various other Asian countries to enjoy the same benefits of high living standards as the students of these countries.

Despite the above-discussed benefits, many students are reluctant to choose the study abroad pathway due to the high fees and living costs involved. However, these costs can be mitigated through fellowships and scholarships. In recent years, many popular study-abroad countries have announced scholarships to attract international students. For instance, in 2022, the UK has partnered with some leading Indian companies to offer 75 fully-funded scholarships to students who wish to study in leading UK universities. Similarly, the Australian government has announced $11.2 Million Maitri Scholarships Program to attract high-achieving students to the country. Aside from this, the government of Australia also introduced $3.5 million Maitri Grants and Fellowships Program that aims to support mid-career professionals from both countries. In addition to these, there are several government and non-government study abroad scholarships for different countries that students can benefit from. The following section features some popular scholarships that students planning their study abroad journey can consider.

Government and Non-Government Study Abroad Scholarships 2023

Studying abroad is a costly affair and students rely on loans and scholarships to meet their tuition costs and living costs. The following are a few popular government and non-government study abroad scholarships 2023.

USA

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: It covers one-way travel, tuition fees, and living expenses. Students can use the scholarships to pursue all courses except business, computer science, medicine, engineering, music and film animation, and public health.
• Fulbright Nehru Research Scholarship: These are master’s fellowships awarded to Indian students with three years of work experience.
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students: Funded by Reliance Industries, this scholarship is awarded to five students wishing to pursue 2-year MBA at Stanford.
• The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing non-graduate courses in few disciplines.
• Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship: Awarded by the Tobaccowala Foundation of India, the students wishing to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business can apply for this scholarship.
• Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship: Funded by the Rotary Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue studies in six areas with high impact and sustainable outcomes.
• Tata Scholarships for Cornell University: This scholarship is mainly awarded to undergraduate students wishing to pursue graduate programs at the Cornell University.
• AAUW International Fellowship Program: These fellowships are awarded to women wishing to pursue graduate and postgraduate programs across the US universities.

Canada

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program: Awarded to 37 deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence  by the University of Toronto.
• Education Future International Scholarship: Awarded by many universities to students who demonstrate academic excellence.
• Ambedkar Overseas Vidyanidhi Scholarship: It is community-based scholarship, which is fully funded by the Social Welfare Department.
• Scotiabank International Partner Entrance Scholarships: This is a Partially-funded scholarship by Scotiabank , which is offered to all students of George Brown College of Applied Arts & Technology.
• Global Citizen Scholarship: This fully funded scholarship by MPOWER Financing is offered to students studying in Bachelor’s disciplines.
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship: Awarded by Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation to students who demonstrate excellent academic excellence.
• International Peace Scholarship for Women: Awarded by P.E.O Sisterhood, female students across all Canadian universities can apply to this scholarship.
• Shastri Research Student Fellowship: This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in bachelors, masters, and M. Phil courses.

UK

• Chevening Scholarship: This scholarship program is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organizations.
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship: This scholarship program is funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT): This scholarship is awarded by the Charles Wallace India Trust, with the support of British Council. The CWIT favors candidates who wish to study in any city in Britain other than London.
• British Council Scholarships for women in STEM: This scholarship is awarded by the British Council to women from India and other countries in the Indian subcontinent.
• GREAT Scholarships: This scholarship is funded by the British Council and the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign.

Ireland

• The Government of Ireland International Educational Scholarships: Instituted by the Government of Ireland and handled by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), these scholarships are awarded to international students wishing to pursue their bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Ireland. The scholarship amount includes EUR €10,000 stipend for a year of study as well as fully funded tuition and registration costs of a study organization chosen.
• Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship: Instituted by the Government of Ireland and funded by the Department of Education and Skills, and managed by the Council, these scholarships are awarded to international students wishing to pursue their master’s and Ph.D. programs in Ireland. The scholarship amount includes EUR €16,000 stipend for a year of study, non-EU fees up to EUR €5,750, and direct research expenses of EUR €2,250 for a year.
• The Walsh Fellowship: This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue MSc and PhD programs in Ireland, especially at the Teagasc Research Centre. Every year 30 fellowships are given with a grant of EUR €22,000 per student.
• Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students: The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has introduced a scholarship program for students who want to pursue their career at the bank, as well as complete their education. The CBI will provide a four-year employment contract and three-year part-time study contract to study business, accounting and finance, and business studies from any prestigious university in Ireland. The scholarship amount includes EUR €29,500 annual salary, 24 days of annual leave, educational assistance, and paid leave.

Australia

• Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP): This scholarship is funded by the Government of Australia and covers health insurance and tuition fee. The scholarship amount includes AUD $28,587.
• John Allwright Fellowship (JAF): Instituted and handled by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), this fellowship allows international students to pursue a master’s and PhD course in agriculture from any recognized tertiary institution in Australia. The scholarship amounts vary across courses.
• Destination Australia: This scholarship is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and is awarded to students wishing to pursue courses from any regional universities or study institutions in Australia. The scholarship amount is AUD$15,000.
• Australia Awards Scholarships: These scholarships are instituted and administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The scholarships are awarded to students from India and other developing countries to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate courses in any of the participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The scholarship amount covers full tuition fees, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), return air travel, etc.

New Zealand

• New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship: Indian students who wish to pursue master’s and Ph.D. in New Zealand can apply for this Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. This scholarship covers living expenses, tuition fees, health insurance, travel expenses, and start-up expense.
• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS): These scholarships are awarded to Indian students who wish to enroll in PhD programs in New Zealand. The scholarships are established by the government of New Zealand and cover university tuition fee, living stipend (up to NZ$25,000) and health insurance coverage up to NZ$600 annually. The scholarships are awarded for three years.
• New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship (NZIUFS): This scholarship is established by the government of New Zealand and awarded to Indian students wishing to pursue undergraduate courses in New Zealand from the following eight universities
  • University of AUT
  • University of Lincoln
  • University of Massey
  • Auckland University
  • Canterbury University
  • Otago University
  • Waikato University
  • Wellington University of Victoria

This scholarship doesn’t cover disciplines like aeronautics, dental surgery, medicine, optometric, and veterinary sciences. The scholarship amounts would differ across countries.

• NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship: Introduced by the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Green House Emissions, this scholarship is awarded to Indian students who wish to enroll for PhD program in agricultural emission science. The scholarship value is NZ$47,200 and covers tuition fees, annual stipend, medical insurance, visa application fee, airfare, research allowance, and so on.

France

• Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence: This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to study for master’s and PhD in selected institutions in France by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
• Erasmus +: This scholarship is provided by the European Commission to students wishing to pursue courses in EU. It offers grants towards living costs while participating in the exchange programs in the country.
• The Charpak Scholarship Programme: This scholarship is provided to Indian students by the Embassy of France in India. Named after a French Physicist – Georges Charpak, the scholarship is awarded at four levels – license programmes, master’s degree programmes, research internships, and exchange programmes.
• Raman Charpak Fellowship (PhD): This fellowship is jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in India, the Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs, Government of France, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India to support students who want to perform research in a research institute/university and development institute based in India/France. Any French or Indian citizen residing in France or India, and has registered for a PhD in a recognized university or institution in their country can apply.
• La Fémis: This is a fully funded scholarship program designed by La Fémis and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development to support Indian students who want to improve their theoretical and practical experience of documentary film production or filmmaking. The duration of this program is 9 weeks, with classes being conducted 5 days a week. Every year 15 Indian students are chosen for this scholarship. The awardee receives a stipend, medical insurance, and a return ticket to France.
• Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA): This scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) as well as the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) to Indian students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in a specific area of study.
• Shikhar Thales Scholarship Program: This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in engineering disciplines like aerospace, communication and control systems, and AI at one of the higher education institutions in France.
• UGAM Legrand Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded by Legrand Group in association with the Franco-Indian Education Trust with the support of the French Embassy in India. It is awarded to students wishing to pursue their studies in management and engineering disciplines.
• Sciences PO: This scholarship is jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in India and Sciences PO university to students wishing to pursue their higher studies at Sciences PO Paris, an international research university known for promoting research in social sciences and humanities.
• The Neemrana Music Foundation: This scholarship is jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in India and the Neemrana Music Foundation in Delhi to students who want to pursue higher education in western classical music at any of the prestigious music schools in France.

Germany

• DAAD WISE: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers these scholarships to students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in Germany
• Erasmus+: This scholarship is awarded by the European Commission and covers living costs when participating in an exchange program.
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships in Germany: The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards approximately 1200 scholarships annually to students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Germany. Non-EU students receive € 850 per month for tuition fees and additional charges. PhD students may receive €1200 per month for tuition fees and mobility allowances.
• DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Programme: This scholarship program provides financial support to high-achieving students from India and other countries. The scholarship is modelled on the principle of public-private partnership. Businesses, private individuals, and foundations sponsor €150 per month and the Federal Government provides €150. In total, €300 per month is offered to top-class talent. Students are awarded these scholarships by universities.
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships: Students interested in politics can apply for these scholarships. This scholarship is offered to students who want to complete undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the country.
• The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship: This scholarship is provided to students who are pursuing a doctorate at a state-funded or recognized university of applied sciences. Excellent German language skills is one of the key eligibility requirements for this scholarship.

Netherlands

• Holland Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and many universities of applied sciences and Dutch research universities to international students outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue their master’s and bachelor’s in the country. This scholarship doesn’t cover a full tuition fee, and an amount of € 5,000 is awarded to a student in the first year. Based on merit, the student may receive up to three Holland scholarships to the maximum of € 15,000.
• Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP): This is the Netherlands government-funded scholarship program awarded to female students wishing to pursue a short course, Ph.D., or master’s in the country.
• Orange Knowledge Programme in The Netherlands: This Netherlands government-funded scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue short or master’s programs in Dutch organizations that offer OKP-qualified courses or programs.
• Orange Tulip Scholarship Program: This scholarship program is managed by the Netherlands Education Support Offices (Nesos) and is awarded to students from India and Indonesia.

With many countries easing their immigration, visa, and permanent residency policies, announcing new scholarships, and introducing new work permit policies, the year 2023 seems to be remarkable for Indian students planning to go abroad for higher studies. Having said that, the study abroad journey must be carefully planned to be able to capitalize on the opportunities and benefits that new changed policies offer.

So, if you have been planning to study abroad and unsure how and where to begin with, our counselors can help. They are equipped with exhaustive knowledge and technology, and will assist you in actualizing your study abroad dream. You can Book a FREE 1-1 counselling session with our experts today to begin your study abroad journey.