Apply early for scholarships

Dear Madam,

I would like to pursue a PhD in Chemistry  (Organic Chemistry or Biotechnology)  at a university abroad. How do I go about getting a scholarship for a Science course such as the one I have chosen. What is the cut off score for GRE and TOEFL? Please help.

Divya

Dear Divya,

A few good universities in the US for a PhD in Organic Chemistry are University of Arizona, University of California, Los Angeles, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, etc. Good universities for a PhD in Biotechnology in the US are Tufts University, University of Alabama, etc.

There are several funding options when it comes to financing your study abroad. In addition to scholarships, you can apply for student loans, and also seek financial aid from the university that you apply for. While choosing your funding options, it’s important to remember that you need to start  early while seeking help through various resources.
First try the source at the university you have selected. Many colleges have schemes which provide scholarships to international students. Here are some of  websites which would give detailed information:

*ciee.org/study-abroad/scholarships/
*internationalscholarships.com/
*scholarshipsinindia.com/
*studies-overseas.com/
*studyabroaduniversities.com/study-abroad-scholarships.aspx

The scores that one has to get are different and fixed by the individual institution. However, a broad benchmark that one could rely on would be a 700 and above in GRE and  100 in TOEFL. Best wishes.

Dear Madam,

I am in the third year of a Civil engineering degree. I want to pursue an MBA degree abroad after completing my undergraduate in India. Which are the  eligibility tests that I need to appear for? Should I write the GRE or is GMAT sufficient?

Surabhi

Hello Surabhi,

For an MBA programme in countries like USA or Canada, it is necessary to get a good score in GMAT along with TOEFL/IELTS.  It will be helpful if you finish a few years of work experience in your chosen field as it gives you a better chance of landing a seat in a well-known business school abroad.  Good luck to you.

Dear Madam,

I have finished PUC II and I wish to study medicine in Canada. How do I go about applying for the same?
Vishwanath Bhargav

Dear Vishwanath Bhargav,
In Canada, you have to go through pre-med courses or a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and then spend three to four years in medical school and two years pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physician Assistant degrees. MD is technically considered an undergraduate degree in Canada while the Physician Assistant is either anundergraduate (Bachelor’s) or graduate (Master’s) degree.

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) publishes a detailed guide to admission requirements of Canadian faculties of medicine on a yearly basis. The 2012 guide is available at http://www.afmc.ca/pdf/2012_ad_bk.pdf
Admission offers are made by individual medical schools, generally on the basis of a personal statement, autobiographical sketch, undergraduate record (GPA), scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and interviews.

Keep in mind that an MBBS in India is acknowledged worldwide and gives very rigorous training in medicine. Which is why most students prefer to complete their basic degree here and then go abroad for specialisation. Best wishes.

Dear Madam,
I have just completed my Class 10 (CBSC) in Dubai and I want to pursue a BPharma degree. As I will be spending the next two years studying in Saudi Arabia, could you tell me how to prepare for a BPharma  degree at a university abroad? I am not interested in Math as a subject. Can I skip it during Class XI and XII?

Safa  Maryam

Dear Safa Maryam,

It is good that you are focused on studying BPharma after Class XII. A word of caution – are you choosing to make a career in this field because you don’t like Math? I would really like you to do some serious introspection as you should choose a career on what you like rather than what you do not like. 

To do B Pharma, which is a four-year undergraduate study, one has to study Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with or without Math (optional) at the 10+2 level of Indian education (including CBSE in Saudi Arabia). On the other hand, if you wish to do your B.Pharma abroad, then you need to go through the Pharmacy School Admission Requirements book, if you are planning to study in the US for example. Good luck.