Once upon a time, around five years ago, if you were to ask an Indian student to name one dream student place, you would come up with the same answers like America, UK, Canada, and Australia. These countries had a big monopoly over the Indian student market. But things have changed. An increasing number of students are now going for a less known, non-conventional destination.
Is it Indian students’ new-found adventurous spirit that has prompted this shift, or are deeper reasons prompting this change? Let us explain the same.
Rising Inflation in Traditional Study Destinations
Tuition fees and living costs in the US, UK, and Canada have simply gone through the roof.
Universities in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and even South Korea offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost.
Public universities in Germany, for example, charge little to no tuition fees, making them an attractive alternative.
Reality nag: Why pay $50,000 a year in the US when you could be getting the same quality education for almost free in Germany?
Visa Nightmares and Immigration Barriers
US visa processes are all about patience, with rejection rates increasing.
Canada is toughening its student visa policy because the number of applicants seeking student visas has significantly increased.
France, Ireland, and even Japan have made streamlined student visa processes more attractive.
Easier visas = happier students.
Volatile Competition in Traditional Countries
Everyone and their uncle studies in the US or the UK, thus inviting serious competition.
Acceptance rates at some of the top universities are declining, pushing students to go to fresh new destinations.
Countries like Italy and Spain have Smith named universities with a high number of entrances.
Less competition means more opportunities, it is a win-win situation.
Job Opportunities and Post-Study Work Benefits
The UK and US require students to jump through hoops to obtain a post-study work visa.
Germany, the UAE, and Singapore offer students better job opportunities after graduation.
Booming job markets are putting countries such as Ireland and South Korea on the radar.
Better job prospects = smarter career moves.
Quality Education Without the Ivy League Price Tag
Many of the universities in Europe and Asia rank among the best globally and charge nowhere near the prices of an Ivy League school.
It is no longer uncommon for universities in China, South Korea, and Singapore to compete with top-tier universities in the West.
More and more students are realizing that a good education doesn’t have to cost them six figures.
Prestige is nice, but affordability is nicer.
Diverse Course Options and Specializations
Non-traditional destinations offer one-of-a-kind courses think of Artificial Intelligence in Finland or Fashion Technology in Italy.
Sweden and Denmark have innovative programs tailored for future job markets.
Specialized courses being offered in Asian universities (like Robotics in Japan) attract tech-savvy Indian students.
Niche programs = an edge in the job market.
Cultural Experience and Global Exposure
To be fair, a study abroad experience is also an experience in itself.
Students now valuing cultural diversity and global networking more than just academic degrees.
Japan, South Korea, and even South America offer rich cultural experiences, all with a solid educational foundation.
Why get a degree when one can also get a cultural experience?
What Will the Future Hold for Indian Students?
One thing is clear an Indian student no longer wants to go to only the US, UK, or Canada. With the promise of better opportunities, reasonable costs of living, and easier to get visas, countries like Germany, Ireland, Singapore, and South Korea have emerged as top choices.
For students wishing to study abroad, to think beyond the obvious is the message. The geographical reach goes beyond the Ivy League, and an excellent future is not possible only in a few countries.
What do you think? Would you consider studying in a non-traditional destination?