Facts and figures of studying abroad
If you thought studying abroad was limited to post graduate and research students only, then you are wrong. The fact is that now, a larger number of students are exploring study options abroad for undergraduate courses across the world and in some cases, even schooling. With international schools encouraging its kids to give international exams such as the IB, students belonging to these schools are now beginning to seek a global education from a young age. 
While admission to the reputed universities abroad is not easy, the eligibility criteria is not as rigid as it is in India. Most countries are welcoming of international students. Even if a student misses the eligibility criteria, there can undertake ‘Pathway’ programmes, thus giving them the opportunity to do well and move up to higher-ranked institutions. Here is list of countries, their well-known universities and the admission pre-requisites.
United States of America
US education at the undergraduate level is an expensive affair. However, a little research and understanding of the US system can help a great deal.
USA supports a large number of international applicants interested in studying in America at the undergraduate level. The financial assistance policy of American universities and colleges can be broadly categorised into two main categories:
* Merit-based scholarships
* Need-based financial assistance
There are various avenues of financial support as described below:
Merit-based scholarships: Out of more than 3,800 colleges and universities offering under graduate programmes, around 950 universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students. The range of merit-based scholarship is quite wide and can vary from 500 USD to the full cost of tuition.
SAT scores (out of 2400) play a huge role in determining whether a student will receive scholarship or not. In general, most universities require a score of more than 2200.
Need-based financial assistance is granted according to the need demonstrated by you and your parents to the College Board’s Foreign Student Financial Aid Application Form (FSFAAF). The required application form can be obtained from The College Board Scholarship Service (CSS) of the Educational Testing Services (ETS), NJ, USA. The range of need-based financial assistance can be as high as the full cost of attendance, including return airfare sometimes.
Germany
While Germany is becoming an increasingly popular destination in Europe for higher education, not all subjects at the undergraduate level are taught or conducted in English.
Schiller Int’l University (SIU) has a campus in Heidelberg and classes are held in English, although tuition fee is on par with America.
These colleges also offer only a limited choice of majors. For more information, log onto www.schiller.edu/cms/front_content.php
United Kingdom
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, together form the United Kingdom and have some very prestigious and respected universities. The UK offers Honors degree courses (three-year duration) and Master’s degrees that can be completed in one year, rather than two years.
The UK has been one of the most attractive destinations for students internationally and offers an opportunity to network with students from more than 120 countries in most institutions.
The average tuition fees for an undergraduate programme in the UK will range from 9,000-15,000 British pounds and post graduate programmes cost anywhere between 12,000 - 16,000 pounds.
Living expense will cost students an average of 7,200 (for 9 months) outside London and 9,000 (for 9 months) in London. Popular courses in the UK include Business, Engineering, Computer science, Bio Medical Sciences, Law, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Journalism and Media.
(The author is managing director of The Chopras.)
(Part II of the article will be published in the next edition of Education.)
