Compromise not, on quality

Dear Madam,

I have just completed my MTech in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from RV College of Engineering, Bangalore and am working as a faculty in an engineering college. Now I wish to pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering in the US. I plan to do it in 2015. I am fully aware of admission procedure in the US but still there are a few questions I am concerned about. Kindly address the following questions in best way possible.

-Being a non-IIT student, how easy will it be to get an admission in US considering that I don’t look for top class universities?

 -What are the funding opportunities? Is it that every student admitted to a PhD receives full funding?

-Can I get funding with i20? Or is it like MS that I have to pay fees and then only I will receive i20 and after completing 1st sem I will have to prove my worth to get funding?
Pankaj Yadav

Dear Pankaj,

Not being an IIT-ian will not be a great handicap since you have graduated from a prestigious college. With proper planning and execution, you can make your dream come true, because a good GRE score with an excellent academic record holds the key for admission.

Finding and entering a doctoral program with full funding, like the Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship (http://www.profellow.com/fellowships/hertz-foundation-graduate-fellowships) and http://www.profellow.com/fellowships/how-to-fully-fund-your-phd/ is worth trying.

The external fellowships are more competitive, but often they only fund when you are completing your dissertation research. Therefore, when considering a doctorate, research all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools in the US and do get in touch with the admissions office if they fully fund every admitted student. Alternatively as a PhD student you will get significant amounts of funding through assistantship schemes. This can include teaching, or helping with research. Though you are aware of admission procedure in USA following these Websites may clear a few of your doubts and bring in more clarity: For details on funding options: www.fundingusstudy.org, Fulbright Commission: www.iie.org/fulbright , Education USA: www.educationusa.info. http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html website will throw light on I-20 procedures.
Best wishes

Dear Madam,

I am currently in my 7th semester of mechanical engineering. I have an aggregate of 71%. I scored 8/9 in IELTS. I scored 313 in GRE. Extracurricular are decent. Can you please guide me from scratch on how to apply for quality institutions in Germany? Short listing universities, what and when should I send them? I am totally confused.
Arjun T A

Dear Arjun,

You do have a decent score in your engineering, IELTS and GRE. Do work towards bettering your aggregate in your final year. For many Master programs, the German universities ask for a grade of 2.5 or more equaling to 70% or better, especially in the case of English-taught graduate programs.

Some Universities see the track record till your graduation. But this really doesn’t imply that you’re off limits to apply for higher education if you’re below this benchmark. Some institutions may give weightage to SOP or resume, and recommendation letters, while some consider bachelor degree individual marks, work experience, language requirements and TOEFL/IELTS (you have an advantage due to your high IELTS score since some universities accept anything above 5.5 or 6.0).

There are still options for you, as long as you are flexible regarding the choice of program and institution. This does not mean that you have to compromise on the quality of education which is evenly high throughout Germany.

You need to do some research, for your future depends on the university you choose.
You may need to take the German language exam as well if required by the university you choose. Germany has extremely good mechanical engineering programs, so you will be able to find any subject you like at most universities.

The tuition fees in Germany are either non-existent or very low in global comparison. But getting admission is not easy in Germany. So, when you consider studying in Germany, do not think of the financial aspects alone.

You're best off just writing to several universities or researching their websites. The top mechanical engineering schools are TU Darmstadt, RWTH Aachen, and TU München.
Visit the following websites for further guidance and information MyCollegesAbroad.com/Study+Germany Shiksha.com/Germany_Scholarships EdulifeAbroad.com/Study+Europe Good luck

Dear Madam,

I have completed my BE in Electronics and Instrumentation with 77.12%. I have a GATE score card also. I have a job experience of 3+ years as Electronics Hardware Engineer. I want to do MSc in Electronics at NTU Singapore. Can you suggest me proper channel through which I can arrange right from requirements to get student visa, loan facilities etc. I would also like to know about other universities which give free and best education in countries like Germany and Australia, without GRE.
Ramya Jayagopal

Dear Ramya,

You can browse NTU official website to check your requirements, or meet any of the reputed consultants who would help you in this regard. Following website http://www.eee.ntu.edu.sg/ProspectiveStudents/MSc/Pages/EntryRequirements.aspx could sort out many of your doubts.

Bear in mind that GRE scores are necessary or are advantageous for admission to many of the universities. Please check with your chosen university whether they consider it essential.

For post graduation requirements in Germany browse http://www.daaddelhi.org/en/ and for Australia follow http://www.australianuniversities.com.au/directory/universities-in-australia.

Good Luck

Dear Madam,

I am presently studying in Class XII. I want to do BE in Biotechnology abroad. What are the exams I must write? Please help
Gayathri Gurumurthy

Dear Gayathri,

Become fully aware of your aptitude, match with your interest and passion, and also satisfy yourself as to why you choose to study abroad at the graduate level. Check if you are mature and independent enough to take care of yourself in a new country, and then plan well in advance to gain an admission in a good university abroad.

The most important eligibility condition for getting admitted to a good under-graduate school is to have 12 years of education from a reputed institution, having studied under an international board or ICSE board, and have obtained a good score (70%+). This will have to be backed with good IELTS (www.ielts.org) or TOEFL (www.toefl.org) score. Many universities in the USA look only at the SAT (www.collegeboard.org) score and hence other exams are not required. Good financial backup to sustain education abroad is also something which you need to be geared up with as it is quite huge.

Admission policies change frequently, so check with each school for the latest guidelines.
Studying abroad at graduation level is only an option. Even in India there are premier Institutes to study Engineering which provide excellent education and are recognised all over the world.

Dear Madam,

I am studying in Class XII and would like to pursue medicine in Australia. What are the eligibility criteria for getting admitted in the best medical college there and what's the percentage required to do so? Suggest me some good medical colleges in Australia and provide some information about their fee structure.

Ananth Kumar KC

Dear Ananth Kumar,

Please ensure first that you have aptitude for a Medical career and can rise up to the long and rigorous studies involved. Only then you should start the process of identifying the right medical college.

In Australia, Undergraduate-entry programs typically last 5–6 years. Admission is given to those who have completed 10+2 from a recognised Indian Board. Applicants are usually assessed by a combination of high grades in your school leaving certificate, UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) score, and interview.

Website http://www.themsag.com/medical-school-australia/cat_20.html will give you list of medical schools in Australia and the admission requirements in those schools. You can look up the book “MSAG Worldwide 2012-2013-Australia” for the exact cutoffs, selection formulae, admission statistics, university rankings, information for international applications, costs involved and interview requirements of each of the Graduate Entry Medicine programs in Australia. Indicative annual fee for 2014: AUD$ 11,000-16,000.
Best Wishes


Dr Malini works as a career counsellor and has a PhD in Human Development.

Send in your queries to Education, Deccan Herald, 75, MG Road, Bangalore-560001or email us at [e-mail]