A Guide to Study Abroad – Must Knows
Must Knows For those aspiring to study abroad
Must Know #1
Make an informed choice
Here are a few important dos and don’ts that students must keep in mind when choosing a postgraduate degree.
Sabrina Collier
If you’re looking to study a postgraduate degree, deciding on a programme isn’t always easy. There are numerous factors to consider, from the university and its location, to the costs and funding involved, to what career your postgraduate degree could lead to, and that’s barely scraping the surface. To help make your decision a little easier, here are some suggestions of dos and don’ts to consider while you’re choosing a degree.
DO
Think about what you want, and why:
What do you want to get out of your postgraduate degree? You should consider your options with your career goals in mind: Are you looking to change careers, or do you need the degree for your preferred career? will your proposed degree provide you with a big boost to your career prospects and salary potential? is it worth the cost?
Another aspect is deciding which type of postgraduate degree you want (research or taught) – taught degrees follow a similar format to undergraduate degrees, while research Master’s are far more independent, with few set teaching hours. Once you’ve got a clearer idea of your goals, you’ll be able to more accurately research the universities and courses that match them.
Attend university event days:
University events like the QS World Grad School Tour are extremely useful in helping you choose a postgraduate degree: you can meet official representatives from the universities you’re interested in to get personalised answers to your questions, allowing you to find out more about the course, including information on the entry requirements and how you can increase your chances of being accepted, YOU should also try to attend your prospective university’s own open days, which will give you a feel of what being on campus is like, including what facilities the university offers.
Postgraduate degrees can be expensive as well as time-consuming. So, take a step back and evaluate what your wants and needs are from your postgraduate degree.
Talk to past students:
This will give you an honest view of how students have found the course, what they’re doing now, and how they funded it. Or, if you’re unable to find a past student to speak to, try and research the career outcomes of past students to give you an idea of how their careers have progressed since graduating.
DON’T
Rush into any decisions:
Depending on where you study, postgraduate degrees can be expensive as well as time-consuming. So, take a step back, and as mentioned earlier, evaluate what your wants and needs are from your postgraduate degree.
Just rely on university rankings:
Although university rankings can be really helpful for getting an idea of the most prestigious universities both overall and for your subject, it’s best to not place too much importance on rankings when choosing a degree. Ideally, you want to be as sure as possible that the course, student ethos, location and lifestyle are all a great match for you.
Forget to think about funding:
Another factor in the process of choosing a degree is how you’re going to afford it. Grad school can set you back a lot of money, so you need to be absolutely sure your course is right for you before you make the investment. While choosing a degree, you should try to consider how you’re going to fund your prospective course. A good place to start is your prospective university’s official website, as it may offer its own scholarships, grants, fellowships, bursaries, awards, or assistantships. It’s also worth checking home-and-host-country government websites, charities, trusts and other external scholarship sources, student loans and employer sponsorships. You should also research the typical living costs in your host country, so you can get an idea of how much you should budget (there may also be a minimum amount yoy need to meet the country’s student visa requirements).
Underestimate the effort required for your postgraduate degree:
You’ve probably heard about how challenging master’s and PhDs are compared to undergraduate programs, but many students are surprised by just how intense their course is. So, when you’re choosing a postgraduate degree, be sure it’s one you can commit to without losing interest, even when the work gets really tough.
WORLD’S BEST STUDENT CITY BY THE BEACH
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most beautiful cities. With over 25,000 international students choosing to study here every year, it’s an ideal place to live and study.
1. Excellent international student experience
The Gold Coast is a multifaceted city with a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures, which can help international students to feel at home. Our education providers and support networks are well-equipped to help international students make the most of their experience. Our Student Hub also provides dedicated assistance for all domestic and international students on the Gold Coast where visitors can find help, including independent student counselling, useful workshops and new arrivals support.
2. Emerging health and innovation hub
The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct is a unique global business location for research collaboration with medical professionals, scientists and students working together. Students engaged in health programs will have the opportunity to participate in hands- on clinical placements, world leading simulation training, supported by clinical practice academics across all disciplines.
3. Diverse career opportunities
The Gold Coast is committed to supporting student career paths through Australia’s largest city-wide student employability program that helps to facilitate stronger connections between students and industry leaders across public and private sectors.
4. Amazing location to inspire learning
Famous for its stunning natural beauty, world-class educational standards and vibrant multicultural lifestyle, the Gold Coast was ranked number one for world’s best student city by the beach.
5. Access to the very best in sports education and training
For those looking to study sport or undertake athlete-level training, many of our education and training providers offer programs and research opportunities within the newly built Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games facilities and supported by leading academics and coaches.
6. World-class education and training choices
With three world-class universities – Bond University, Griffith University and Southern Cross University, a large institute of technology provider, TAFE Queensland – Gold Coast Region, and a large number of private training organisations, the Gold Coast offers the greatest educational choice of any city its size.
7. Study alongside internationally recognised researchers
The Gold Coast has a growing reputation for cutting edge research and innovation – from drug discovery to global health issues. In collaboration with Bond University, Griffith University and Southern Cross University the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct facilities, research and development are drawing global attention for advances in biomedical research, Glycomics,
Micro and Nanotechnologies.
8. Affordable experience
The Gold Coast has over 200 education and training providers offering globally recognised courses and qualifications that suit all levels of affordability. Whether studying a Bachelor’s degree or certificate training course, there is an education option to suit every student’s budget. Studying on the Gold Coast has the added benefit of being more affordable in terms of day- to-day living when compared to other major Australian cities.
9. Vibrant Cultural Precinct
The Gold Coast’s Cultural Precinct is located at the heart of the city’s arts and cultural community. International students are spoilt for choice with the city offering a wide range of activities such as festivals, concerts, markets, outdoor performances, exhibitions and film and theater screenings.
Cover Story
Are you set to take-off?
Leaving for a foreign country and an unknown destination almost always n results in stress. International education counsellor Karan Gupta decodes all you need to keep in mind before you take-off as a student to a foreign land.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND INSURANCE
Many institutes require and some recommend that you take vaccinations such as the MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella), if you have not already taken the MMR, you can do so now and get your doctor to certify your university health form. It is highly recommended that you take vaccinations such as Tetanus, Meningitis and Hepatitis B although most universities don’t ask for them. The Mantoux skin test will test you for Tuberculosis although you may be required to repeat this test at your university campus.
Always check the medical requirements at the university you plan to attend to and fill in their health form or get a doctor’s note certifying that you have taken these vaccinations. You can get a certificate from any registered doctor or hospital, it is mandatory to have student insurance when you are studying at universities in the US and Canada. Buying insurance policies from university approved providers is always a good idea as although they may be more expensive, they are comprehensive and cashless which means you don’t have to go through pesky insurance claims and wait for reimbursement. Do keep in mind that university insurance policies kick in after classes start and hence, it is a good idea to buy travel insurance from the time you arrive in the foreign country till the time classes actually start. These travel insurance policies are not expensive. Students who plan to study in the UK for a course greater than 6 months may not need to purchase additional insurance policies as they qualify to receive subsidised medical treatment. Be sure to check the latest information on the national insurance websites of these countries before deciding on whether or not you want to purchase an additional insurance policy.
Insurance regulations in countries such as Australia and New Zealand are very strict and studgnts must purchase insurance from accredited insurance providers in these countries. In either case, remember that medical treatment outside of India is very expensive and you should not be frugal in purchasing the best policy for yourself.
As soon as you arrive on campus, be sure to cheek in to the international student office. They will inform the immigration authorities that you have arrived at the university campus.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The RBI allows you to take up to US $250,000 for your education abroad per financial year.
No university in the world will cost that much and hence, you will have no issue getting foreign exchange for your education abroad, it is prudent to wire transfer your tuition fees to your foreign university before you arrive on campus, if you are living on campus, you can wire transfer your living expenses as well. However, if you are living off campus, it is best to carry your funds in the form of a forex card issued by banks. Such forex cards are very easy to use and you can withdraw cash in several currencies with iittle or no transaction fees. You can even use the forex card as a credit or debit card and in case you misplace the card, it can be replaced with iittle effort. Remember, RBI rules do not allow you to carry more than US $3000 in cash.
FLIGHTS AND IMMIGRATION
In general, students flying to North America are allowed to carry 2 bags of 23 Kgs each and some airlines give students an extra bag of 23 Kgs, making your total allowance 69 Kgs. Do keep in mind that your checked-in bag for most airlines cannot exceed 157 cms (the total bag dimensions). Choose your airline wisely as certain North American carriers allow only one bag on flights from India to the US. Be particularly careful about transit visa requirements when you book your flight. For example, if you wish to study in Spain and are flying British Airways through London, you will need a transit visa for London in addition to your Spain study visa.
When departing India, you will not need to have ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) on your passport and neither will you be asked any questions about your finances. You may, however, be asked where you are going and your reasons to travel abroad, when you land at your destination, you will be asked by immigration officers your reasons to arrive in the country, where you plan to study and for how long you will live there. Be truthful and direct in your answers and have documents to prove anything that you say. Do not put important documents such as your passport, 1-20, or currency in your checked-in bags. At customs, you may be asked to declare foreign currency greater than US $10,000 as well as any food that you may be carrying. Again, be sure to be honest and clear in your answers to avoid any problems.
SHOPPING
The dress code on most campuses abroad is informal and a t-shirt with jeans is pretty much accepted as a universal dress code for both men and women. You most likely will not need any formal clothes, but if you are a graduate or MBA student and are likely to attend interviews for internships or jobs, it’s a good idea to carry at least two pairs of formal clothes with you.
Most universities will have an Indian association on campus and will have an annual Diwali celebration and hence, it might be a good idea to carry one pair of Indian clothes with you. It is wise to divide your shopping in such a way that you buy half the clothes you need in India itself and the remaining half in the country where you plan to study – this way you get to wear the latest fashion trends and would find it easier to blend in. And if you are studying in a country where the winters are harsh, it is best to buy the real winter clothes and jackets in that country itself.
THE FIRST FEW WEEKS
As soon as you arrive on campus, be sure to check in to the international student office. They will make a copy of your passport and visa and inform the immigration authorities that you have arrived at the university campus. Some countries such as the US do not permit you to enter the country more than 30 days prior to your course start date. Once you have checked in, visit the health centre and submit your health form and make a trip to the bursar’s office to make sure that your tuition fees are paid in full. Finally, you can meet with your academic advisor and register for classes. You can buy a prepaid sim card and call home and give your contact information to your friends and family.
Must Know #2
Seeking the best
What do the world’s top business schools seek in MBA candidates? Here’s a lowdown from some renowned business schools from across the globe.
Seb Murray
Secuting a place on the world’s top MBA programmes is no easy feat. The first challenge for would-be business school candidates is a myriad of online application forms, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), essays, recommendations and in¬person or Skype interviews at their target schools.
So, what are schools looking for in MBA students and what are the admissions trends of the 2017 application cycle that you should know about?
David Simpson, MBAAdmissions Director at London Business School, says he wants to recruit people who aspire to use their skills to make a positive “social impact” on society. “The strongest applicants want to build on their skills and experience to advance in a sector they love or change direction,” he adds. “It’s not enough to want to do an MBA just to secure a great job.”
At NYU Stern School of Business, isser Gallogly, Associate Dean of MBA admissions, says, “We are looking for people with emotional intelligence – the ability to communicate, inspire and lead teams.”
Tino Elgner, Admissions Director for IE Business School, reports a notable increase in international applications from countries such as Mexico, the UK, India and the UAE. “The percentage of female candidates has remained steady,” she adds.
The first challenge for would-be business school candidates is a myriad of online application forms, the GMAT, essays, recommendations and interviews at their target schools.
David Simpson, MBA Admissions Director at London Business School, UK
We are searching for candidates who value the power of diversity. Not every student will join us with extensive international experience, but everyone must have a global mindset and a desire to learn how things work in different regions and cultures.
We also want active students, who wili contribute to the education of others and in broader student life – whether it be planning the next Women In Business Conference or organising a sailing trip to Greece.
We have quite a high demand for candidates who show us that they can succeed in intense quantitative study whether through test scores, their education or through their work.
Self-awareness is important, too. We want weil-rounded personalities which balance drive and ambition with humility and team skills. Recognition that even after being the best in your class or work, you are now just one of many super-bright high-achievers, is important.
Kurt Ahlm, Associate Dean of full-time MBA admissions at University of Chicago Booth School of Business, US
For the Class of 2020, we’re looking to draw future leaders who demonstrate an inherent need to make their lives matter and have an impact on the world. We seek students who are not only intellectually curious, but resilient enough to take advantage of the risks and opportunities, by going outside of their comfort zones.
We seek students that will maximise every moment of their two years to connect their unique background with their future goals and aspirations. If you look at our current students, you can see their passions and career goals are just as diverse as the students themselves.
Ultimately, Chicago Booth seeks students who are looking for something beyond a two-year MBA experience; an education that continues to provide a framework to turn insight into action for the entirety of their career.
Tino Elgner, Admissions Director for IE Business School, Spain
At IE Business School, we believe that unconventional thinking should be embraced. Sticking to the same old patterns will only lead to the same old results. Hence, for our IMBA programme, we look for students that embrace this mindset, by using their own unique talent to generate a ripple effect that creates knowledge. Our goal is to push our students to explore, thrive, exchange and experiment.
Before we redesigned our IMBA programme, we asked our students and alumni how they would describe themselves, and what they think defines an IE IMBA student. They said, “Despite our diverse academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds, what makes us unique is our motivation to question the status quo and to embrace different points of views; it is our courage to dare to be different and focus on an inner transformation; it is our desire to expand and act outside our comfort zones to discover the limits of our abilities; and it is our wish to see other people succeed.”
ATTITUDE MATTERS
Self-awareness is important, too. We want well-rounded personalities which balance drive and ambition with humility and team skills. Recognition that even after being the best in your class or work, you are now just one of r super-bright high-achievers, is important.
Must Know #3
Have you prepared for your career post MBA?
With competition for places at top employers intense, what should MBAs do to set themselves apart from the crowd?
Seb Murray
The start of the business school semester is an ideal time to think about your post-MBA career path, but how do you choose the right job opportunity? With competition for places at top employers intense, what should MBAs do to set themselves apart from the crowd?
MBA students often see the degree as a way to career change, although many also have a strong idea of what they want to do. Sean Meehan, incoming MBA Dean at IMD in Switzerland, says candidates should think about what fields interest them and use their alumni network to meet people working at companies in the relevant sector. “Educate yourself about what a career is really like in that industry,” Meehan says.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BEGIN YOUR SEARCH?
Recruiting season begins earlier each year, with many companies now courting candidates in the summer before they begin formal classes. Jonas Jafari began preparing to apply for job opportunities at Google in May 2016 by talking to an alumnus of the MBA programme at IMD, which he began in January 2017, who talked him through the rigorous application process.
“He also mentored me for positions by offering advice and feedback on my CV,” says Jafari, who will join Google in January 2018 as an online sales account manager.
Starting early can help MBA students sniff out good opportunities and get ahead of the pack. In the US, careers’ events such as Forte Foundation’s annual MBA Women’s Leadership Conference, and a careers fair held as part of a conference for the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, are a good way to meet recruiters in the summer. Some employers, such as McKinsey & Company, also hold individual pre- MBA events that enable students to get a feel of life at the firm.
However, some careers’ teams warn that MBAs should not be rushed into making an ill-informed decision, “it’s nice to start the MBA with an offer in-hand and focus on the academic experience, but for the student who is uncertain about what his or her interests are, those opportunities can introduce further stress into the equation,” says Sheryle Dirks, Senior Associate Dean for career management at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Its nice to start the MBA with an offer in-hand and focus on the academic experience, but for the student who is uncertain about his/her interests, those opportunities can be more stressful.
EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGY
The earlier recruitment season has prompted business school career departments to change how they support MBA students. Many are turning to new technology which MBA candidates access before the start of term.
One example is VMock, a CV feedback platform that uses machine learning, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence techniques to help MBA students compose better resumes. VMock’s algorithms compare students’ CVs with others in their database, provide a score and suggest possible improvements. While VMock is helpful to students in providing them with feedback relative to format, word choice and overall presentation, it should not replace having a more in-depth conversation with a career advisor, says Julie Papp, Senior Associate Director of MBA career education and advising at MIT Sloan School of Management. MIT Sloan offers a comprehensive suite of programmes and career services to MBAs.
THE POWER OF INTERNSHIP
At US schools, which prefer the two-year MBA format, a summer internship is often the key to a full-time job offer. “Many firms only recruit first-year MBA students and source their full-time hires from the pool of interns,” says Jeff McNish, Director of the Career Development Centre at University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
He says that an internship is a great opportunity for employers to see students’ ability and skills, and also for MBAs to get comfortable with their potential future employer. “The internship leads to greater satisfaction and productivity, as the hired interns are a better fit with the company.”
Darden MBA candidate Mike Burke will join consumer goods company Proctor & Gamble on a full-time basis as a marketing brand manager, after completing an internship this summer. To prepare, he contacted alumni who worked at the company and received advice from second-year MBA students in Darden’s marketing club, who helped him with mock interviews. While working the internship, Burke continued to seek advice from MBAs at the firm who gave him feedback on important presentations. “You should do a tonne of networking,” he says.
When it comes to securing a full-time job offer, Lisa Umenyiora, Director of Careers for Imperial College Business School in London, says candidates should show potential employers that they can ‘think outside of the box’. “When we talk to employers, they say they value the fact that MBAs can think creatively, and come up with new ideas and solutions in different ways,” she says. While MBAs are prized by many firms, without adequate and early preparation, a job offer may remain elusive.
Must Know #4
Good days on the anvil
Here’s a look at the recruitment and salary trends by industry for 2018
Phil Cottrell
There are positive stories wherever you look when breaking down data gathered from the QS TopMBA.com Jobs & Salary Trends Report 2018 by industry. While the average growth in hiring across all industries in 2017 has been very positive (13%), and the average basic salary continues to grow both in the US and Canada (US$98,900) and Western Europe (US$85,500), what are the job prospects and salary levels like in your industry?
TECHNOLOGY
Out of the three big (finance, consulting and technology) industries for MBA hires, it was technology that saw the biggest increase in hiring levels in 2017 (13%). With the tech industry growing apace and the attractiveness of the industry to candidates, perhaps this growth isn’t that surprising. However, employers within the industry aren’t overly confident that this trend will continue in future years, predicting smaller growth in 2018 (5%) and 2019 (2%). In terms of basic salary, the average in the industry (US$89,633) is pretty much consistent with all other industries (finance being the exception).
FINANCE
Even though we haven’t seen the double¬digit growth in hiring across the finance in the way we have with other industries, we are seeing steady growth nonetheless (5%), with a slightly more optimistic (7%) prediction for the next two years. While hiring growth might not have been as strong in 2017, it won’t come as a shock to many that if you’re looking for the top salaries the finance industry is still the place to go. if you’re looking for a basic salary pushing six figures then the safe bet is finance, averaging of US$97,100.
CONSULTING
Consulting saw impressive hiring growth in 2017 (11%), with expectations for 2018 higher than any other industry (14%). However, after next year’s spike employers expect growth in hiring to slow down considerably (3%) in 2019 – though predictions are somewhat less solid the further into the future we go.
OTHER
Talking of the ‘other’ industries, this is one of the key, and most positive, takeaways from the report. As suggested by the name, the ‘other’ industries include pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, industry retail, engineering and everything else that doesn’t fit into the broad categories above. The fact that MBA hiring in these industries has s^en substantial growth in 2017 (15%) serves to highlight the increasingly diverse career paths open to MBAs.
The basic salaries available across the ‘other’ category are broadly in line with technology and consulting, suggesting the industries synonymous with the MBA no longer have a monopoly over the hiring of MBAs. With competition for top talent coming from more sources, this could feasibly see salaries increase across the board.
*AII salaries are US and Canada and Western Europe only
Must Know #5
Does the right SOP exist?
Pratibha Jain, international education counsellor decodes what an ideal Statement of Purpose (SOP) should look like.
The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an important part of the application for admission to many universities around the world. This is the one place where you may ‘tell your story’, or the qualities of personality that are not reflected in transcripts, reference letters and resume. The subjectivity of this autobiographical essay makes it difficult for anyone to articulate the exact format or code which makes for the perfect answer. Many feel-that the ideal SOP does not exist, so just be yourself, don’t fret or worry too much about what the admission panel would like to read.
The primary mistake is to super analyse another human being’s expectations. Just as every applicant is different, each admission officer comes with a different background, so It is impossible to prejudge what he/she would “like or not tike”. Most admission panellists are unbiased and read applications with an open mind. They would like to read something interesting, yet truthful which gives an idea about qualities that make the applicant relevant for their programme.
The word ‘relevant’ is the key. Rambling stories from childhood or glorification of families and ancestors don’t make sense. Pathos and details of hardships should be used only when they show how you have coped with situations and overcome barriers in life. Another person’s struggle (even a family member) with illness does not necessarily look good on YOUR application, unless it is the motivation for your career. Use humour and wit with great cam as it requires a master storyteller and stellar writer to carry the genre through, while showcasing qualities appropriate for higher education. Keep extreme positions on politics and religion for more appropriate forums, unless it is hugely relevant to your course of study.
In fact, the SOP differs with each country, so don’t use the same content or story for applications to universities in all countries. For example, American universities would like to know more about personality traits beyond academic skills. Hence, details of nonacademic experiences, learning through extracurricular events are appropriate.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is the one place where you may ‘tell your story’, or the qualities of personality that are not reflected in transcripts, reference letters and resume.
However, admission officers at universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Britain, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and some of Canada would like to read more about your academic background to include courses, research, internships, projects and other experiences which lay a good foundation for you to succeed at the selected program. The word ‘purpose’ becomes most important in these essays, as the entire format must be geared to answer questions like, “what has influenced your career choice; what do you seek to learn from the programme; why do you think you will cope with it; and how will the education prepare you for the future career.”
BE GENUINE
Most admission officers are trained to identify any fake or exaggerated experiences. Hence, the best advice while writing a SOP is to be as genuine as possible, while highlighting the strengths of your personality that make you a good fit for the programme and the campus.
It would be safe to say, that you must use the statement of purpose and other essay-like parts of the applications to show the learning behind the experiences of the past three to four years of your life. Do not clutter the SOP with everything you have ever done. It is not a paraphrase of the resume. Do NOT try to squeeze in every activity or project. Be judicious in your selection of academic and non-academic achievements, it is better to use the SOP to show quality rather than quantity, as there are other parts of the application that allow you to document all you have done. The reader is more keen to know what you have taken away from a few experiences, i.e. the challenges you have taken, the learning thereon and the impact of your actions on you and your environment. Showing the courage to explore new experiential opportunities is always welcome. However, sometimes students go overboard in focusing on their failures rather than their success^tories. while there is no perfect guideline on this, keep the stories positive, show the impact of failure in how you have risen to run again, rather than leaving an image of negativity.
Most admission officers are trained to identify any fake or exaggerated experiences. In many cases, alum interviews follow the application, where the main task is to verify the truth of the statement. Hence, the best advice is to be as genuine as possible, while highlighting the strengths of your personality that make you a good fit for the programme and the campus.
Must Know #6
9 approaches to grad school funding
It’s easy to become discouraged when paying high tuition fees, plus living expenses, but fortunately there are many ways to find grad school funding.
Mathilde Frot
You’ve examined your personal motivations for attending grad school, outlined what you hope to achieve from the course and drafted a list of departments you’d die to be a part of, but one major issue still remains, money (or lack thereof).
It’s easy to become discouraged when paying high tuition fees, plus living expenses, but there are many ways to find grad school funding. Here are nine to get you started:
1. ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS BURSARIES AND GRANTS
Scholarships, bursaries and grants are financial awards given to you by your institution, the government, private donors or agencies. Unlike loans, you do not need to pay them back. For these, consult your chosen university’s website, as well as government sites and national scholarship listings.
2. ASSISTANSHIPS/STUDENTSHIPS
Many universities provide grad school funding is through assistantships, also known as studentships. This means your university will grant you a modest salary and/or fees waiver in exchange for a specific number of hours working each week. Assistantships are often a requirement in PhD programmes and especially common in STEM subjects, but are relatively rare in MBAs, MDs or JDs.
3. EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP
Some employers have a tuition assistance programme in place to support staff in their professional development. If this isn’t the case, you may still be able to gain some graduate school funding from your employer. Put together a case detailing your contribution to the company and how your chosen programme will increase your value. Then set up a meeting with your line manager and HR representative to discuss this possibility.
4. RESEARCH COUNCILS
Research councils are public sector investors in research, including research conducted by postgraduate students. They provide funding across a wide variety of disciplines, usually via universities. Eligibility criteria may require residency in the country where the council is based, as well as a strong and relevant academic record. This kind of grad school funding may cover tuition fees fully or partially, and perhaps a stipend for living expenses.
5. CHARITIES, TRUSTS, LEARNED SOCIETIES AND INTEREST GROUPS
Charities, trusts, learned societies and interest groups often allocate a portion of their budgets to awards for graduate school funding. Some organisations target by demographic or specific interests, while others focus on helping meritorious students from lower income families. Apply for as many relevant opportunities as you can find, focusing on k those which closely match your interests.
6. STUDENT JOBS AND PART-TIME STUDY
A fairly common option for Master’s students, part-time study means you will take a longer time to complete your course, spreading out both, coursework and fees over several years.
Having a part-time job in grad school can also be a good way to build up your work experience and network with people outside of your course. If you’re already working, speak to your employer about the possibility of reduced and/or flexible hours during the time it will take to complete your course.
7. STUDENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LOANS
Dedicated student loans typically offer lower repayment rates than regular loans. These are fairly common for graduate applicants in countries such as the US, and the UK has also recently introduced postgraduate loans for master’s students. Some UK Panks offer Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDLs), available for students who intend to work in the UK, EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland upon graduation. A PCDL will cover up to two years of study, course fees and some living costs.
8. PEER-TO-PEER LENDING (P2P)
A form of crowd-sourcing, P2P lending refers to private loans given to an individual independently of a financial institution. There are a number of specialised websites designed to facilitate the process for students in particular, including StudentFunder.com and GraduRates.com.
While the lending is unsecured and would require you to have a solid credit history, P2P could provide you and your family and friends with a formal structure through which to turn favours into official business transactions.
9. QS SCHOLARSHIPS
Finally, you could apply to the QS Scholarships scheme, which offers a total of US$1.7 million each year. To be eligible, you’ll need to attend a QS World Grad School Tour event, and will then be able to apply online for current opportunities.
WHY STUDY ABROAD?
Imagine, you spend a considerable amount of your time, energy and resources to reach an amusement park. However, once there, the rides don’t make your heart sing. You can live with a not-so- rocking park visit for the rest of your life. However, a similar experience in a university where ’round’ rides don’t fit your ‘square’ persona, or vice versa, could have life-long consequences. Every university has unique ‘rides’ and ‘caves’. So, if you wish to study abroad, then take the time to first understand the ‘rides’, that is, what a university values and offers.
— Martin Walsh, College Counsellor, The Harker School and Former Assistant Dean of admissions, Stanford University, US
Seeking the right degree that allows you to pursue a fulfilling career is crucial, and might be easier than you think. I asked several students who had completed niche degrees overseas about their experiences, and found that their return to India had been professionally exciting and rewarding. A unifying trend in all of these graduates’ stories is their decision to pursue niche qualifications in areas of increasing demand in India, as well as globally. So, do your research, think outside the square, and choose a course that ^interests you but is also in growth area.
— NonieTuxen, PhD Candidate at the Australian National University
The most attractive feature of studying abroad is the choice of options available, the flexibility and opportunities to explore and research. There is no ‘labelling’ done on the choice of a particular field. This independence allures many youngster today, who don’t mind taking the risk and finding their own way. They are looking at creating avenues for themselves rather than just ‘fit in’.
Sometimes, the lack of specialised courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, compels the youth to consider the options abroad. The confidence in one’s passion, the readiness to not accept anything but pursue what their dream is – pushes the young aspirants to explore unknown territories.
— Suchitra Surve, Study Abroad Counsellor
While choosing which university to go to, it is important to know what you want from the college. Students should not just focus on getting into the best college, but should also consider the weather, courses, extracurricular activities, etc. I was looking for an institution that would grant me research opportunities at an undergraduate level. Another contributing factor in the college selection process is the finance. Public colleges are usually cheaper than private colleges and scholarships vary from institutions to institutions.
– Subhrajyoti Pradhan, sophomore undergraduate, Computer Science Engineering, University of South Florida