Carefully consider the immigration options of the country that the university that you are considering is in. This is more important when you intend to stay back in the country after the completion of your course.         

Also, review the placement history of the university as well.

The first step is to list your preferences. By listing your preferences and strengths, describe your course of preference. Extensive research on the modules, software and its length for your preferred subject is necessary.

Take into account the countries that have optimum avenues for your preferred course for students to pursue. Check the strength of the destination in your industry base and the availability of any degree of industrial training. Identify your course of preference by listing down your interests and strengths. Research extensively on the modules, program and its duration offered for your preferred subject. And while you’re at it, ensure to explore employment prospects and long-term benefits as well.

By listing your preferences and strengths, describe your course of preference. Extensive research on the modules, software and length for your preferred subject. And while you’re at it, make sure your career opportunities and long-term benefits are discussed as well.

Take into account the countries that have optimum avenues for your preferred course for students to pursue. Check the strength of the destination in your industry base and the availability of any degree of industrial training.

The entry requirements vary between countries and even universities. Read the prospectus of your shortlisted universities to know the requirements.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you must prove that you have complete your secondary education and have the required grades as indicated by the university.

If you are a non-native English speaker and want to study in an English-speaking country, you will need to take some prescribed English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL and get the required grades.

Apart from this, countries have different eligibility requirements but fret not there are more similarities than differences.

Countries such as the UK, U.S, Canada, Australia and Germany require proof that you have enough funds to pay for the course that you want to study. This can be your bank statements or copies of your income tax returns. You should have the required band scores in your IELTS exams to get a student visa to study in the UK, US, Canada, Australia or Germany.

Focus your search by specifying what you actually need, perhaps you want to do the course in a country that is not very far from home, or you may be looking at a course that is taught in a particular university or country or you may be particular to do the course at a high-ranking university or are looking at a course within a specific budget. Whatever your requirements, write it down so that you can do your search appropriately.

Know the subject you want to study

You are lucky if you are clear about what you want to study because popular courses are offered at most universities across the world and you can make a choice based on the course and curriculum. You can further filter your choice by considering the international rankings or the university rankings.

But if you are not sure about what you want to study, consider choosing your subject based on the following criteria:

• Subjects you enjoy learning
• Skills you want to gain through the course

University fairs can be a great place to get more information about universities or countries that you have zeroed on. This will give you a chance to speak to university representatives and get first-hand information.

Compare your choices

Once you have narrowed down your list and selected the universities/courses based on the geographical areas or the subject you can see how far they match with the criteria you have decided. This will also help you make a comparison between your choices.

Look for the following information to make an informed comparison between colleges:

• University ranking
• Start dates of available programs
• Content of the course
• Teaching methodology
• Career prospects for the course
• Campus life and activities
• Accommodation options
• Admission requirements
• Course affordability

Carefully consider the immigration options of the country that the university that you are considering is in. This is more important when you intend staying back in the country after the completion of your course.

Also, review the placement history of the university as well.

Every program has different requirements. You will have to carefully analyze the individual requirements of the universities and colleges that you might be considering.

Apart from the requirements of the university and the program you have selected, you should also consider the requirements of the country you have selected to get a student visa. If you wish to study in the US you must have proof that you have finished your secondary school education and have evidence of financial support. For Germany you must first have a confirmation letter from the university before you apply for a student visa.

As for Australia, apart from the mandatory requirements of English language proficiency and proof of funds, you should submit the following documents for a student visa:

1. Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate

2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

3. Australian approved health insurance cover

4. Verification of your criminal records

For the UK you will need a sponsor for your Tier 4 student visa. And for Canada you need to submit clear medical records to be eligible for admission.

Completing higher studies abroad usually ensures that you get paid more as compared to your Indian counterparts.

Studying abroad paves way to improved career opportunities through enhanced knowledge, wider experience and varied skills which are well respected all over the world. Your chances of getting jobs that pay handsome salaries is always high.

Individuals with an international outlook and global exposure are in high demand. Going abroad would expand your people network. As you have connections with people from different places of the world, there is a great chance of exposure to new opportunities.

Study abroad equips you with better soft skills and academic development.When you are in a foreign country, you have no other choice than to speak in a common language. This would obviously improve your speaking and communication skills.

The tuition fees vary from program to program, and from university to university. The cost is also affected by the country that you select. The cost of living in that country, the visa fees that you will need to pay and other expenses during your course will determine your total cost if you want to study overseas.

If you are thinking of working part-time during your course to meet your expenses, ensure you are aware of the rules regarding this in your selected university.

Major factors which cover the study abroad costs

Tuition fees: Tuition fees are the first and foremost cost of studying abroad. It depends, however on the university and the curriculum, as well as the country where you are going to study. Public universities receive funding from governments, so they charge nominal student fees but provide world-class education.

Accommodation/housing cost: The greatest problem for anyone going to study abroad is the accommodation or housing. Various study programs provide lodging fees. But not every student receives university accommodation and they need to pay out more to stay in rented areas.

Living cost: This cost varies depending on the place you are staying and also your standard of living. A student’s day to day costs is included in it. The majority of students strive to offset this expense by working part-time, along with their studies, whenever possible. Part-time work has its drawbacks, however. Food is a big contributor to living expenses as well.

The cheapest way of studying abroad is by doing good research and selecting the ideal place for you. Select a country, university and course that is most suitable for your budget. Look out for scholarship options in the universities you have selected in order to reduce your costs.

When you pick your dreams’ study abroad package, be sure to inquire if they give program participants some kind of scholarship opportunities.

In order to take courses abroad, your college or university can offer its own study abroad programs or provide direct exchange opportunities abroad where you only have to pay your home school tuition.

Always check to see what’s included in the program costs and what extra costs there may be, so you can compare programs equally. A program fee that only includes tuition may seem like the best way to study abroad cheaply, when in reality a slightly more

expensive study abroad program may provide housing, meals, health insurance, and field trips, that add up to less costs.

While a good entrance test is an important consideration for getting a scholarship, a good score will not get you a scholarship automatically. 

Scour the website of your selected university to find out if they offer any scholarships. You can also find out about external scholarships such as those offered by the government. Do some research on the scholarship offered by the government in your home country as well as those offered by the government in the country you have selected. Search for funding options offered by external organizations related to your field of study.

Other factors that are analyzed for the award of a scholarship include – the candidate’s academic history, financial background, statement of purpose (SOP) submitted, and extra-curricular activity record and ensure you meet the criteria to be eligible for a scholarship.

You can try for a scholarship from the university or college to cover part of your course fees. Getting a scholarship depends on several factors- your academic record, performance in the entrance test or financial background. It can also depend on the quality of your SOP or even your extra-curricular activity record.

It is better to start as early as possible. Do your research to find universities and courses that match your academic goals and aspirations. When selecting universities or courses, you should follow criteria such as location, course duration, tuition costs, accommodation costs etc.  Start planning at least one year in advance to get into the university of your choice.

Different countries have different eligibility requirements but fret not there are more similarities than differences.

Countries such as UK, U.S, Canada, Australia and Germany require proof that you have enough funds to pay for the course that you want to study. This can be your bank statements, or copies of your income tax returns. You should have the required band scores in your IELTS exams to get a student visa to study in the UK, US, Canada, Australia or Germany.

Check if you meet the eligibility requirements before making an application.

While a good entrance test is an important consideration for getting a scholarship, a good score will not get you a scholarship automatically.

Scour the website of your selected university to find out if they offer any scholarships. You can also find out about external scholarships such as those offered by the government. Do some research on the scholarship offered by the government in your home country as well as those offered by the government in the country you have selected. Search for funding options offered by external organizations related to your field of study.

Other factors that are analyzed for the award of a scholarship include – the candidate’s academic history, financial background, statement of purpose (SOP) submitted, and extra-curricular activity record and ensure you meet the criteria to be eligible for a scholarship.

You can try for a scholarship from the university or college to cover part of your course fees. Getting a scholarship depends on several factors- your academic record, performance in the entrance test or financial background. It can also depend on the quality of your SOP or even your extra-curricular activity record.

There are numerous government and university-specific scholarships designed to attract students with high achievement as well as those hoping to work after graduation in the country. Many of these scholarships provide a large bulk payment, tuition subsidies, or living allowances intended to make life simpler for those who wish to study abroad.

In addition, student programs planning to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. studies abroad are available as well.