Studying abroad exposes students to new people, cultures, languages and environments. It also brings along new learnings and opportunities, leading to overall personal and professional development. However, finding the right study programme for overseas education can be a challenge. So, here’s everything about the study abroad courses you must know.
Key highlights:
- Why do students prefer study abroad programmes?
- Popular countries for overseas education
- Best study abroad programmes
- STEM programmes
- MBA
- How do you select the right course?
Why do students prefer study abroad programmes?
Did you know that 13,00,000+ Indian students are studying abroad in 2024? There are several reasons why students prefer international education. You can access quality education comprising a perfect blend of theoretical and practical training, group study sessions, and projects. This will challenge you academically so you can utilise your skills to build a successful career. Adding your study abroad experience to your CV will enable a smooth transition from your academics to your career.
Also, you can absorb new cultures and learn new languages, making you culturally intelligent, a quality that can come in handy when chasing global careers. Furthermore, your university will be buzzing with the vibrant student community, giving you a chance to build your network. Rigorous academic life and new experiences will encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and thrive.
Also Read: How to Select the Right University for Your Study Abroad Journey.
Popular countries for overseas education
The US, the UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia are some mainstream countries. Ireland, Dubai, the Netherlands, and New Zealand are also gaining popularity among the student community. On the other hand, France, Poland, Spain, Singapore, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland are some off-beat study destinations. When selecting the country, you must give preference to the coursework that aligns with your interests and also the career opportunities available in your host country post-completion of your studies.
Best study abroad programmes
STEM programmes
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM courses) are in demand due to Industry 4.0, which is constantly undergoing a transformation that has led to several innovations and inventions. STEM is an interdisciplinary field that involves practical coursework and hands-on training, preparing you for real-world scenarios.
In addition to the technical knowledge, you will also gain skills such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and digital literacy. Master’s degree courses can range from 2-4 years.
Some popular STEM study abroad programmes for college students
| Digital Communication and Media | Computer Science | Information Technology |
| Artificial Intelligence | Dairy Science | Machine Learning |
| Computer Systems Analysis | Cloud Computing | Food Technology and Processing |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | Environmental Science | Network and System Administration |
| Bioengineering | Architectural Engineering | Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
| Civil Engineering | Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | Engineering Science |
| Mechanical Engineering | Nuclear Engineering | Telecommunications Technology |
| Data Science | Cybersecurity | Automobile Engineering |
Top universities for STEM programmes
| Universities | Countries |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | The US |
| Stanford University | The US |
| Harvard University | The US |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | The US |
| University of Cambridge | The UK |
| Imperial College London | The UK |
| University of Oxford | The UK |
| Imperial College London | The UK |
| University of Toronto | Canada |
| McGill University | Canada |
| University of Alberta | Canada |
| University of British Columbia | Canada |
| University of Melbourne | Australia |
| The University of Sydney | Australia |
| Monash University | Australia |
| University of Queensland | Australia |
MBA
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) curriculum includes advanced principles of business, leadership and management. Not only students but working professionals also opt for an MBA to grab lucrative career opportunities. Depending on your interest area, you can select from a wide range of specialisations, right from General Management to Supply-chain Management. The duration of the full-time course can be 1-2 years, and part-time can be 2-3 years.
Some popular MBA specialisations
| Finance | Human Resource | Information Technology |
| Global MBA | Operations | Entrepreneurship |
Top business schools
| B-schools | Countries |
|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | The US |
| The Wharton School (Penn) | The US |
| Harvard Business School | The US |
| London Business School | The UK |
| Cambridge Judge Business School | The UK |
| Imperial College Business School | The UK |
| Oxford Said Business School | The UK |
| Rotman - University of Toronto | Canada |
| McGill Desautels Faculty of Management | Canada |
| Melbourne Business School | Australia |
| AGSM Business School - UNSW Sydney | Australia |
Also Read: Top Universities in Italy Study Abroad Aspirants Must Know
How do you select the right course?
When planning your overseas education, your study abroad programme is of utmost importance. Whether you select engineering programmes to study abroad or business studies, the course should align with your previous academic background and future career plans.
So, with this information, you can plan your academic journey. If costs are keeping you from achieving your academic dreams, you can opt for a loan for education. To find suitable EMIs to repay your student loan, you can use an Education Loan EMI Calculator, a free online tool. If you have any questions about your journey planning or student loans, please share them with us. We will be glad to assist you.
