Dear Sir,
Can you give me an insight into the prospects of studying abroad as a electrical and communication engineer? I wish to do a Masters course in a science subject which could help me get an opening in NASA?
A student

Dear student,
After studying Computer Science and Engineering you can do your masters in US in the same subject as the first step. You need to clear GRE and TOEFL with high scores and achieve academic excellence, in order to get admitted in a good university for the MS course in USA. Getting in to NASA is the second step. First and foremost focus on achieving academic excellence in your Engineering course here in India. NASA will have its own employment criteria and perhaps would be looking for excellent academic records, including the MS, in the related field. While doing your MS course you can try for job openings in NASA depending on the available opportunities.

Dear Sir,
I am in I PUC (Science) PCMB. I am going to study PUC II in Dubai. I want to take up BE in Electronics and Communication or any other such course. Is it good to continue my education in Dubai? Which institution in Dubai offering this course would you recommend?
Abdul Mutaal

Dear Abdul,
I appreciate your thoughtfulness about the future course of action regarding your education. Dubai has progressed in the field of education tremendously. The number of foreigners staying to work in Dubai on long term basis, because of the high earning rate, is also very high. As a result a good number of foreign Universities have opened educational institutions in that country. You need have no apprehensions about you pursuing your engineering education there. Once you are there you have ample time to explore the Universities available. One among many foreign Universities, Manipal Academy of Higher Education has its base, which has engineering branch offering quite a few streams.

Dear Sir,
I am in my final semester (8th) of my BE course. My academic record is bad. My aggregate is 55% in the branch of chemical engineering. I have had 11 arrears subjects which I have cleared with each passing semester. I now have to clear just one 6th semester subject. I have never lost a year in my course. Can you please tell me how much my GRE and TOEFL scores must be in order to apply to universities? My percentages in my tenth (ICSE) and PUC are 69% and 70% respectively. Am I eligible to apply for further studies abroad?
Worried student

Dear Worried Student,
Despite you having so many back logs of subjects you have managed to clear every semester. It indicates your zest to study and willingness to put in hard work. Keep up this spirit in future also. Your good percentage in 10th and 12th also count and if you have a justifiable explanation for your poor performance it will help you to explain should there be a query regarding that. You can definitely apply for further studies as this will not hamper your growth. Your good performance in the final semester counts a lot. A TOEFL score of 570 in paper based and 230 in computerised and above is what most Universities look for. When it comes to GRE different Universities look at it differently. A minimum of 60 percentile and above is what most universities want. GRE score in itself does not make you eligible. Admissions are done considering your academic performance records, GRE and TOEFL scores, and recommendation letters by your professors here and your statement of purpose. Hence, have confidence in your abilities and faith in your hard work and do the best from now onwards.

Dear Sir,
I am working in a communication company in Bangalore and I have 2 years work experience. I want to take MBA from abroad and my first option is UCD, Ireland. My other options are USA and Canada. When is the next course starting and what is the last date for applying? What are the other things I need for admission? What about scholarships? Can I do a part time job there?
Tom V O

Dear Tom,
It is not clear whether you have 15 years or 16 years of University education. All the countries short listed by you require a 16 year education and a minimum of 2 to 3 years work experience. If you qualify for this condition then you are definitely eligible to seek admission for an MBA programme. The exception is in Ireland. They may allow students with 15 years education however work experience is a must. It would be better if you appear for GMAT and TOEFL, the scores of which decide the University that gives you the seat. All courses in Ireland start in September where as in USA and Canada they start both in January and August. You need a minimum of about a year for preparation to appear for the tests and for the application process. Availability of scholarships for Management Studies is almost non existent. Even if they do exist they will be very highly competitive. However, financial institutions in India are open to giving soft loans for higher education. You have the option to work for 20 hours in a week in all the three countries.

Dear Sir,
I am a student of 3rd year Engineering (CS). Till now I have only been able to get an aggregate of 53% due to some health issues. I am working hard to increase my aggregate. I wish to pursue an MS (USA) and have taken up GRE and TOEFL. Will I be able to get into good universities based on my GRE and TOEFL scores and my profile? Will the 'year back' from an academic year matter a lot in the profile? Will any bank sanction a loan? I am very worried because I have had a year back.
Meghana 

Dear Meghana,
As you have a valid reason for your year back and poor performance it should not really matter. However what matters is how you perform from now onwards and your final scores. See that the performance is kept high. Doing well in your GRE and TOEFL also adds to your credibility for award of a seat. Since admissions are made based on several criteria in addition to all this the recommendation letters by your professors and your statement of purpose in the application matters. Once you get admitted to any one of the listed Universities then banks may not look in to your academic performance or your year back. But your collateral security helps in raising a study loan. Right now believe in yourself and your abilities and focus on performing well in the forth coming examinations and the GRE and TOEFL.