Dear Sir,
My friend has done BSc. in Pure Science from Mumbai. Now he wants to pursue his career in Astronomy from a recognised university abroad that can also provide some sort of scholarship to him for his study. What is the criterion for Indian students to get admission in foreign universities with some sort of scholarships? Does one need GRE/TOEFL scores?
Shweta Sharma
Dear Shweta,
First of all it is not clear if your friend has taken Physics and Mathematics in the BSc degree as these subjects are the foundation to study astronomy. Since this subject is in the pure sciences area it requires above average intelligence in Math-logical, sequential, analytical and imaginative areas in addition to curiosity, enthusiasm and persistence. Let him make sure that he has all these abilities. Since he has done only 15 years of education another year of University education is necessary by obtaining a Hons. Degree or an MSc in these subjects to be eligible for a Masters programme abroad. Alternatively, one can do an Hons course and then get into a Masters programme. A GRE score definitely helps, but it is not a must, if he wants to study in the UK and it is a must if he wants to study in the USA. TOEFL score is a must. Very few scholarships are available and those are bagged by those who have high academic achievements. However at the Doctoral level there may be a possibility but again, as said earlier, one has to have extraordinary capabilities in the field. Many Universities in both countries offer master's degree as well as Doctorates in this subject. He can log on to the following web sites to get more information: for USA www.gradschools.com to select University and also www.aas.org, which is American Astronomical Society's website and for UK www.postgrad.hobsons.com and also www.ras.org which is Royal Astronomical Society's website.
Dear Sir,
I am studying in Std X. I would like to pursue my further studies abroad. Kindly suggest some English speaking countries especially USA or UK with complete information like cost of education, possibilities of earning while studying, e-mail addresses of institutions.
Siddartha
Dear Siddartha,
I appreciate your deep interest to study abroad. Since you are only in 10th standard, which is equivalent to 'O' level, I am not sure whether you want to go abroad to do the 'A' level, only after which you can enter a University. Cost of any form of education at this level in either of the countries comes to around Rs 7 to 8 lakh per year. There is no possibility of working while you are studying at this level other than doing some petty jobs of a short duration in summer months, that too when you are above 18 years of age. Instead, depending on your ability and goal that you want to achieve, completing your 16 years of education here in India and then planning to go for a Master's degree would be a more viable option. Alternatively, depending on how much you can  afford you can go for an undergraduate programme after you complete the 12th standard. In the UK and USA 'A' level requires 13 years of education hence first you have to register for a bridge course of six months to one year duration in related subjects and only then will you be eligible to seek admission to an undergraduate course. This would cost you about 10 to 15 lakh per year depending on the subject you choose. If you plan to go for an undergraduate degree in the USA you need to appear for SAT and TOEFL where as for UK only TOEFL or IELTS would do.
Dear Sir,
My daughter has taken PCBH in her 1st PUC in Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. She is interested in doing her Medicine or Dental in UK. Could you give me details about the UKCAT exams, coaching classes in Bangalore and where she can write these exams in Bangalore?
Mary Jayanthi
Dear Mary Jayanthi,
If your daughter is interested in doing her Medicine or Dentistry in the UK first of all she has to seek admission to a Bachelors degree in science in that country. Biology as a subject is a must at this level. After 3 years of Bachelors she can appear for the Medical entrance in UK. Since she is completing only 12 years of education it will not be equivalent to 'A' levels there, which is achieved after 13 years of education. She may have to follow a bridge course of 6 months to 1 year duration before she can get admitted to a Bachelors programme. For more detailed information visit the British Council office housed in The British Library, 39, St Mark's Road, Bangalore – 560001, Tel: (080) 2213485.
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