Studying Abroad vs Studying in India – What are the differences?

Going to study in a foreign country and then settling there is the dream of many Indian students. India is only second to China in the number of students that enroll in international courses. This could be because more than 50% of the Indian population is younger than 25 and is mostly working towards building a career for themselves.

However, both students and parents face a big dilemma when it comes to making the decision of going thousands of miles away from the country. Apart from the drastic difference in cost, there are many other factors to be considered. The ultimate goal of a good education has to be fulfilled and for that, we must analyse all the factors.

Can I get a scholarship for this course?

Will studying abroad be beneficial for me or not?

How different is the admission process nationally and internationally?

And many more such questions will arise. We are here to tackle all of these and more. If you are planning to apply for a degree, here is a comparative run-through between studying nationally and studying abroad.

Let’s dive straight in.

COST

Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Studying abroad is undoubtedly more expensive as compared to studying in India. But it is NOT the course fee that burns a hole in the pocket. Every college has a different fee structure and some of them even match up to Indian universities.

It is the additional costs of housing, food, travel, etc., that run up the bill by many lacs. Paying for all the basic necessities and amenities turns out to be expensive. But don’t lose hope. If cost is your deciding factor, there are many education loans to study abroad which you can avail. Reach out to the nearest bank and the cost factor can be addressed easily.

CURRICULUM

With the National Education Policy 2020, there are many changes expected in Indian education. However, the curriculum is one area where India is not on its best foot currently.

Changes are not made in the curriculum very often and it leads to outdated education for students. On the other hand, universities abroad update their curriculum every few years basis the change in time and requirement.

The academic benefits of studying abroad are higher as compared to India.

EXPOSURE

The better universities in India do get students from across the world. However, there are very few of these and cracking the admission process for them could be a mountainous task. With the implementation of NEP 2020, the government hopes to create a more diverse group of students in more colleges.

However, if you choose to study abroad, most universities get students from every part of the world. It shapes your personality as you understand different cultures. The exposure to the world allows better exposure, better opportunities and a global perspective to any field.

ADMISSION PROCESS

If you have always been a topper in school and can study for long hours together, cracking the dreaded NEET, JEE or CAT will be easy for you. However, if you prefer a more holistic approach, exams to study abroad (IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc) may be better bets for you.

The admission process could be an important deciding factor as well. The admissions process in India is very intense in most cases. The best institutes have high cut-offs, lesser seats and many applicants.

Abroad too, getting a good score is important. However, the focus is also on your co-curricular activities, overall personality, interest, experience, etc.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

According to a recent report, there has been a drop in the number of students going to study abroad because of the lack of job opportunities. The number of jobs available has also gone down severely along with more stringency on the visa process. This is leading to many Indian students returning to India after they graduate.

While the job market in India is also not at its best, more so with COVID-19, there is a chance that you may get a decent job if you graduate from one of the better universities.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Getting scholarships to study abroad is one of the biggest concerns of students and parents. Paying a hefty fee requires either strong financial backing, an education loan or a scholarship. It could also be a combination of all three. While people do believe that getting a scholarship is tough, let us clarify that universities abroad have many different kinds of scholarships available.

On the contrary, it is difficult to get a scholarship for a university in India. There are limited options and the competition for them is very high.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

Whenever you decide upon a degree or postgraduate degree course, the biggest question is on the ROI it will provide.

Will it add to the portfolio?

Will I be able to recover the investment?

The answer to both these questions is yes but the onus lies on you. Between choosing to study abroad or in India, the most important factor should be your interest and skillset. Any education can only add to your personality. Taking up a course of your choice will motivate you to perform well, whether in India or abroad. In turn, you will outshine yourself and open up a world of opportunities for yourself.

For any reason, if you take up a course that does not interest you – it could be the cause of your dreams shattering and a drastic drop in ROI.

Put simply, if you give it your best shot, any degree can offer good ROI – nationally or internationally!

Making a choice for a degree program could be one of the more important decisions you make in your life because it will be the start of your career. The only way to do it right is to analyse your interests, weigh out the pros and cons, compare all factors and opt wisely.

Whether you choose to study in India or study abroad, there will always be a bunch of myths about both. Don’t let them mar your determination and inclination, go with facts and figures and we assure you – you will choose the right path.

Which course would you like to pursue and where? Tell us in the comments section.