How to decide whether you should study in India or abroad after class 12

The question that lingers in every Indian students' mind is usually that Is it better to study in India or abroad after 12th? The answer to how to decide whether you should study in India or abroad after class 12, is suppose to be subjective and thought through by the students themselves.

Compared to the past, very few students who completed their high school in India would venture to go abroad for studies but today students have the option of either studying in India or abroad after 12th in countries such as US or Australia. Earlier students had limited access to overseas education due to the expenses involved, but now students are exploring options to study abroad and which country is best for study after 12th grade.

Students today are faced with the question of whether it is better to study in India or abroad after class 12. As a student, this is a major decision since it will not only affect your educational qualifications but also your career trajectory. However, the decision to study abroad after 12th or graduation depends solely upon on the student's academic as well as financial background which will be reflected in their application.

Questions to ask before taking a decision

• Do you intend to study in abroad universities and stay abroad for a short time, a long time, or forever?

• Are you interested in pursuing a three-year or a four-year undergraduate degree?

• Are you more interested in a one-year, or two-year master’s degree program?

• Are you emotionally and financially prepared to take the plunge to study in abroad colleges?

• Which country is best for study after 12th or graduation?

There are a few factors to take into account before you decide whether to study in India or abroad after class 12.

TOP EXAMS: IELTS | TOEFL | GRE | GMAT

Country Guide: UK | Ireland | Australia | Canada

Consider your long-term goals

Before you begin looking for a course for studying abroad, you must have a clear idea of what you want. Choosing from so many universities, programs, and countries is a daunting process. With so many options, making informed decisions becomes even more important. If you are interested in settling abroad in the long run, you should enroll in a course that is compatible with the job market in the country you hope to move to.

Identify your field of study

When it comes to deciding between studying in India vs. abroad, there is a wide range of options available to Indian students studying abroad at international colleges or universities and you must choose the right course based on your aptitude and interests.

Even though studying abroad can give you an edge in many fields, there are some fields that are best to study in India so you should decide whether it is better to an undergraduate course in India or abroad. Some courses have limited options abroad, for instance, law (if you intend to practice law in India), politics, and government administration. It's therefore important to have a firm idea of what field you're interested in, so you can maximize your educational experience.

Some of the popular undergraduate courses to study abroad are natural sciences, engineering & technology, business administration, art & design, social sciences, etc. In such cases the question arises on field of education basis like, which country is best for study after 12th science or options to study abroad after 12th commerce, etc.

Consider the costs & finances involved

Indian students studying abroad can find it expensive whether it is tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health and insurance or other expenses. So when you are considering the question can i study abroad after 12th, the costs involved are an important factor to consider, but do not make it the only factor.

Investing in a graduate or postgraduate degree may seem expensive, but you should also consider the potential return on your investment from career opportunities that will open up once you finish your course. If you decide on pursuing a course that is less expensive, you might save money upfront but you won't benefit in the long run. So you have to decide whether it is better to study in India or abroad after 12th class.

See also:

• Living expenses for international students

Identify scholarship opportunities

If you decide to study in India or abroad, you must also consider how you would be financing your education. There are numerous scholarships available, depending on the degree, subjects taken, course selected, and economic background of the applicant. There are scholarships available from organizations, colleges, universities, and the government.

Although there are only a few scholarships that cover tuition in full, partial scholarships are also available. You can also consider taking student loans if you are unable to receive a scholarship. Some countries allow international students to work part-time during their course to cover the costs, such as working as a student assistant, research assistant, tutor, or freelancer, etc.

Research on what jobs would be available after the course

Getting an education from a noted foreign university or college does not guarantee employment in certain situations. And thus, it becomes important to determine if foreign degrees will make one qualified for employment in the home country or another country of choice.

You should accordingly search for courses that will let you work in a foreign country or be recognized by employers in the home country so that you have a successful career once you finish your studies. This is one of the benefits of study in India vs. abroad that you should also consider.

See also:

Study abroad Education loan: How it works to your advantage

Top education loan providers in India

Adaptation to a new country and its culture

It's easy to think we are highly adaptable people and will be able to cope with whatever situation we face, but the truth is that change can sometimes become overwhelming for Indian students studying abroad. You should realistically consider the change of environment you will face when deciding where to study. Traveling and new experiences are exciting, but they can be stressful if you end up staying in a foreign environment for a prolonged period while studying.

So, it's essential to think carefully before considering studying abroad, as education methods, teaching styles, and admission procedures are all likely to be quite different from what you are used to. Climate, language, food, costs, and culture are also likely to differ from what you are used to.

Know if your degree will be recognized or accredited worldwide

The world may have become a 'global village', but all degrees are not recognized by all countries. Depending on whether you study in universities abroad or work abroad later in your career, the difference in education systems impacts your career in the long run as well. There are many aspects you should consider in the debate between is it better to study in India or abroad after 12th .

For example, a basic graduation degree when opting to study in India is generally completed in three years, while a similar degree in the United States is completed in four years. As a result, if you want to qualify for a postgraduate degree in the U.S after your study in India, you should have completed a 4-year honors degree. Likewise, India and the US do not recognize the 1-year Master's degree offered by the UK. However many countries have relaxed these rules to admit more international students.

The decision to study in India or abroad is a major one and should be made carefully. Therefore students must consider their budget and other key requirements while choosing the best option. Make sure to do thorough research on university programs as well as their courses. You can also ask your family, friends, and mentors for advice, but ultimately the decision has to be made by you based on your personal goals.

Best countries to study abroad

Benefits of studying in India vs. Abroad

When it comes to the benefits of studying in India vs, abroad, there is certainly a difference in the quality of education and overall learning experience offered by top international institutions compared to those in India. With many funding and scholarship opportunities available, going abroad for university is definitely a better option. In short, international education offers many benefits and helps you build a secure future and career.

On the flip side, there are reputed universities in India today that offer excellent education at a much lower cost. Choosing to study in India will be less expensive, spare students the rigours of immigration and settling down in a foreign land and help them study in their own comfort zone.

A student has to weigh the options of study in India or abroad after 12th before making a decision that can be life-altering.