India is one of the biggest markets for the international education industry worldwide. Even though the pandemic presented an immense challenge for study-abroad aspirants from the country, it could not stand in the way of their dreams for a better future. As countries opened their borders in the mid of 2021, students made a beeline for destinations of their choice for the fall academic session.
The pace of India’s vaccination programme worked as a shot in the arm as 17 member nations of the EU decided to lift travel bans for people who had completed both doses of Covishield. Likewise, the US embassy and its consulates had to work overtime for processing a record number of student visa applications. Over 55,000 students got their visas to go ahead with the American dream. Seeing the big picture, it is clear that international education is an aspiration for thousands of Indian students.
WHY EVERYONE WANTS TO STUDY ABROAD?
Almost every Indian student with adequate resources wants to explore the opportunity to study abroad. Experts believe that there are four main reasons why international education is an alluring option for Indians:
- Studying abroad enables them to access unmatched infrastructure in foreign universities, far better than the ones they can get back home.
- International HEIs have flexibility in their systems, with students having the option to switch majors without worrying about completing graduation on time.
- They also provide practical experience and research opportunities as an integral part of their curricula.
- Students can connect with a diverse international community that empowers them with broad learning and innovation.
Apart from these benefits, Indian students have myriad choices at leading study abroad destinations like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK. These countries have reputed universities offering a gold standard of education with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible academic programmes, and opportunities to gain practical training.
BEYOND ACADEMICS
Studying at a top overseas university delivers more than academic benefits to Indian students. The other significant reason for the study-abroad trend in the country is that students can build strong professional networks and open the path to settle abroad. Countries like Canada and Australia have government-run immigration programmes that empower Indian students with long-term residency options. They can make a transition from student visa to work permits and eventually find the road leading to a PR and citizenship. Not surprisingly, countless Indian students have this long-term vision in mind while they study abroad.
GETTING THERE
The quality of experience in an international university and thereafter depends on the immigration laws and residency rights of the country. For example, students planning to study abroad in the US, have a lot to deal with when they opt for conventional routes like the F-1 visa for study followed by an H-1B work visa. They are greatly dependent on the universities and employers sponsoring these visas. Moreover, these are only temporary visas, so staying back may become tough down the line. However, affluent families have more alternatives.
The US lets parents explore investment opportunities to acquire either a permanent residency permit or citizenship by switching to an investor role. America’s EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme is a popular alternative for well-heeled Indian families that aspire to settle their children abroad. They need not worry about temporary visas ending their dreams after completing education in a US university. EB5 scheme lets investors, their spouses, and children secure US green cards within a few years by investing $500,000 in an American project that generates at least ten jobs in the country.
Green cards open many benefits for international students, including getting admission to an HEI of their choice. Additionally, they can access loans and scholarships easily and even secure eligibility for lower tuition fees just like their American counterparts. They have better career prospects after completing college because they do not have to depend on an employer for visa sponsorship. They can even take up an entrepreneurial venture straight after college.
Likewise, European countries such as Portugal and Greece have Golden Visa Programs that let applicants get European permanent residency on investment. Investors also have a path to citizenship after a few years. It enables their children to avail themselves of education, employment, and lifestyle opportunities eventually. More and more Indian students are accessing opportunities abroad, whether through conventional routes or investment programmes. The future looks promising as the number of Indians studying and settling abroad is poised to break all records in the coming years.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
