What are the Most Popular Study Abroad Destinations for Indians?

An increasing number of Indian students are beginning to take a liking to abroad education. There are many popular destinations Indian students are choosing. Here we look at the most popular study abroad destinations for Indians who are looking to go abroad to study. 

1. USA

The USA has always been one of the popular countries for Indian students. There are over 1.3 lakh, Indian students in the USA  pursuing educational courses at the moment. In India, students prefer the USA over other countries owing to its standard of living among other factors. It is home to a group of top-tier universities. As far as diversity is concerned, nothing beats the multicultural nature of the USA, with people from all races and ethnicities coming together.

2. Canada

Canada is another emerging destination for Indian students who wish to undertake courses away from home. There are more than 35,000 Indian students who are studying in Canada. 

The main reason why Canada has grown into one of the top destinations for international students is quality education in addition to a safe, multicultural environment. Canada is home to the best universities for any course. Such opportunities help Indian students adapt to any kind of education and work cycle globally.  

3. United Kingdom

The UK is one of the highly preferred destinations amongst Indian students. The UK has around 25,000 Indian Students. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest and most popular universities, such as Cambridge and Oxford. Indian students can find a wide range of courses, varying from undergraduate to Post Graduate degrees across various domains.

The United Kingdom is well known for its educational system and the variety of courses and universities. Lectures, seminars, and workshops are some of the unique teaching methods in the UK. The UK’s academic qualifications are well recognized, determining whether multiple students prefer studying here. The main factor that attracts Indian students to pursue their higher education in the UK is the wide variety of scholarships offered by the universities in the country. 

4. Australia 

Australia has always been on the list to study abroad for Indian Students. The Australian education system has developed a strong reputation around the world. Apart from its educational facilities, Australia has been home to numerous students that settle here after their education. Universities in Australia follow research-based learning by executing innovative ideas in the classrooms.  

Australia is home to over 12,000 institutions for higher education. Indian students can undertake courses for English Language training and vocational training at both the undergraduate as well as graduate levels. The number of Indian students who are currently undertaking educational courses in the land down under exceeds 25,000.

5. Germany

As far as Europe is concerned, Germany is one of the popular destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education. One of the main reasons for Germany’s emerging as a top educational country is the public universities. These universities charge little or no tuition fees for international students too. Many students across the world are attracted by the prospect of attaining quality education at minimal costs. Germany is home to about 10,000 Indian students at the moment.

6. Ireland

Ireland is home to a good number of universities that continue to grow in popularity and rankings among some of the finest educational institutions on the planet. It also has a strong network of research institutes that focus on innovation. It is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, and its education system is considered the best globally.

Ireland has been attracting plenty of students from India in the past few years. More than 1000 Indian students have been studying in higher education institutions across the country. The number of Indian students in the country is steadily growing in population. 

7. France 

France is one of the favorite study abroad countries for Indian students. The country hosts 3500+ educational institutes that include public-funded universities and Grandes Écoles. Beyond its reputation as an art and music hub, France plays host to some institutions of higher education that are a draw for international students.

The cost of higher education in France’s public universities is affordable. The government also provides financial grants for students with good academic merits. Indian students can also apply for scholarships offered by the French government and universities. Low accommodation cost is available for international students.

We hope you enjoyed our article about the most popular study abroad destinations for Indians. Students looking to study abroad have a wide range of countries from which to choose. These countries are a great option for students who want to get out of their comfort zone, experience new cultures, and learn a new language. If you are interested in studying abroad, please contact us at Jeduka.com. We would be happy to help you find more information on studying abroad in any of these countries or any other country around the world.

Source:

https://studyinfrance.in/what-are-the-most-popular-study-abroad-destinations-for-indians/

India & UK Sign Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications

The UK and India have signed an agreement to mutually recognize each other’s post-secondary and higher education qualifications. The agreement was signed on July 21, 2022. This MOU would mean Indian senior secondary school or pre-university certificates will be accepted for entry into universities in UK, while UK’s A Levels and their equivalents and undergraduate and postgraduate degrees will be recognized in India.

Recognition of Academic Qualifications will Boost Student Mobility

In a press release, the UK government said the agreement will make universities in UK even more attractive to Indian students and will likely provide an economic boost. It will be beneficial to the UK of welcoming non-EU students is estimated by industry to be around 109,000 pounds per person.

The agreement will increase the potential for UK students to travel to India for studies and open the door for institutions to develop courses that can be offered in both countries. The agreement would also make a way for greater mobility for Indian students to opt for postgraduate courses in Britain.

More Job Opportunities 

The agreement will allow Indian students who graduate from UK universities to apply for postgraduate qualifications or undertake government careers that require university qualifications when coming back home. However, professional study degrees namely engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and architecture will not be included in the agreement.

The UK and India also signed MoUs executing Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP). This commits to creating a task force to provide opportunities for Indian nurses and nursing associates seeking to train and work in the NHS. Also, to renew a commitment for mutual recognition of the Seafarers’ Certificate of Competency.

It is a landmark, historic agreement that has been many years in the making. Qualifications received from both sides will be recognized on both sides, making it easier for students to advance in education and move into jobs.

Survey says Canada's Safety and Quality are Top Attractions for International Students

The latest survey from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by international students in Canada. These are “from pre-arrival planning through study and post-graduate phases.” The study shows that Canada’s perceived safety is a major draw for international students.

Highlights of the Survey

CBIE is Canada’s international education association which includes members from school boards, colleges, language schools, institutes, polytechnics, and universities. This time it was the 6th year CBIE has conducted its International Student Survey (ISS), and the highlights of it are:

• This year the survey involved the participation of 67 institutions across Canada. 
• Around 40,000 international students from multiple source countries participated in the survey between October & December 2021.
• It showed that most students are satisfied with their experience of studying in Canada.
• There are several competitive advantages for Canada in 2022, the most powerful being its reputation for being safe.
• Also, most would recommend Canada for abroad studies to other international students.

Top Reasons for Wanting to Study in Canada

The Survey disclosed several competitive advantages for Canada in 2022. The most influential is its reputation for being safe (79%). International students have ranked safety and tolerance higher even than those related to the work or immigration policies that have helped Canada to become a top tier of study abroad destinations in recent years, as illustrated in the following image.

Different levels of Significance of International Students 

CBIE has written broadly about the importance of building  Student-centered attractive university websites and results from this survey highlight that point. The different resources assume different levels of importance according to the country of origin. For example, Students from China are highly influenced by peer recommendations relative to Indian or French students, students from France are likely to consult a school’s website, and students from India are more likely to seek the advice of consultants.

Students generally satisfied with arrival services

Most international students were comfortable with their experience of arriving in Canada and comfortable with campus life. Not even the difficulty and strangeness of quarantining due to the pandemic became a real problem. At the same time, survey results reveal that Canadian universities could do more to welcome students at airports and on-campus, and help them move into the residence. 

Only about 3 students out of 10 said they were “very satisfied” with the arrival services of their student experience. First impressions count for a lot, so it is important to ensure that universities are putting their best foot forward during these initial moments by presenting themselves as an institution that can be fully trusted.

Many Experience Challenges in Finding Employment

The report notes that a substantial number of respondents attributed their difficulties finding work to their incapability to understand the expectations of Canadian employers and to their future employers being unfamiliar with regulations for hiring international students.

CBIE says, “These findings point to where institutions can play a more proactive role, which might include institutions providing expanded job readiness training for international students and ensuring a gender focus in this training” adding to that, it said, “ Institutions may also consider increased outreach to employers and community groups about how to hire international students or develop information products on hiring rules that international students can share with prospective employers.”

Post-Graduation Plans

Many International students carry long-term plans in their mind when they decide to study in Canada.

• More than four students in 10 want to work and then immigrate; 
• More than a quarter of students want to work, then continue to further studies; 
• 1 in 5 students plan to continue studying at their Canadian university; 
• 18% of students intend to work in Canada for 3 years before returning home.

Highlighting the huge importance of the Post-Graduate Work Permit(PGWP) to Canadian institutions’ recruitment arsenal, close to three-quarters of the more than 40,000 international students surveyed plan to apply for PGWP to allow them to look for employment in Canada for up to 3 years. Another 6 students out of 10 (59.4%) intend to apply for PR(Permanent Residency).

Source:

https://www.jeduka.com/articles-updates/canada/survey-says-canadas-safety-and-quality-are-top-attractions-for-international-students

Continued Recovery in Australia for Foreign Enrollment in the First Half of 2022

The Australian international education sector is recovering after two years of border closures. A recently released report from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs delivers some important information on the country’s student visa program. Around 230,000 student visas for Australia have been granted so far in 2021/22. 

Australian visa data indicates continued recovery through the first half of 2022

Around 230,000 Australian student visas have been given so far in 2021-22. Only under 40% have been issued to students from the 4 leading countries for students returning to Australia during the time of 22 November 2021 to 22 May 2022:

• India - 34,035
• China - 25,689
• Nepal - 18,889
• Vietnam - 7,172

More broadly, student visa applications reached a high of 473,415 in 2018-19 and then dropped to 262,633 in 2020-21. Visa application volumes drowned in 2021/22 to reach 314,388 as of 22 May 2022.

Visa Applicants for Australia

The important date to note here is that the Australian government’s fiscal year ends on 30 June. Australia’s borders were reopened for international students on 15 December 2021 after a long closure during the pandemic. In other words, the return volumes reflect the numbers of students traveling to the country between mid-December 2021 and May 2022.

• There were 91,296 visa applications from students of china in 2018/19, dropping to 52,041 in 2020/21, and then to 55,601 through 22 May 2022. This year up to now for 2021/22 signifies roughly 60% of the pre-pandemic number of Chinese student visa applications.
• Indian visa applicants have returned to 64% of pre-pandemic numbers which is 57,635 year-to-date for 2021-22 as opposed to 89,868 in 2018-19.
• Applications from Nepalese students have reached 90% of pre-COVID levels which is 39,066 year-to-date for 2021-22 compared to 43,190 in 2018-19.

Visas Granted for Australia

A parallel trend is witnessed regarding the total number of Australian visas granted. Starting from a high point of 405,742 in 2018-19, visa grants fell to 232,750 in 2020-21, and have now reached 56% of pre-pandemic levels with 228,150 visas granted year-to-date in 2021/22.

There were a total of 469,306 Australian student visa holders all around the world on 19 June 2022. Around 354,475 students were in Australia and 114,831 students are currently based outside of the country. The total number of active student visas for Australia has now rebounded to roughly 80% of pre-pandemic levels as of May 2022.

Reduced Visa Processing Time

The Department of Home Affairs acknowledges that it continues to struggle with a significant processing backlog. The current processing benchmarks for student visas are updated regularly on the department’s website, indicating that 75% of student visa applications are finalized within six to ten weeks, with some outliers requiring several months to process on average.

In response, the department outlines several measures it has taken in order to reduce processing times:

• Student visa staff also work over weekends and public holidays to process visas.
• The department has added new processing staff.
• Other staff resources have been diverted to boost the processing capacity in the student visa program.
• Home Affairs has also signaled that incomplete applications will now be finalized (i.e., rejected) without asking the applicants to provide further information.

So Applicants should ensure that they include all relevant documents when applying for their students. The application form in ImmiAccount has the list of documents to be attached for the visa application.