With the drastic dip in the value of the rupee, studying in countries with less expensive tuition and living costs could burn a smaller hole in your pocket
CHINA
Overview
An MEA report suggests there are around 9,200 Indian students studying in China this year, implying 15% increase from 2012. With China steadily overcoming the English language barrier, there has been a greater influx of Indian and international students in the country.
Popular courses
China has emerged as a popular destination for medical students in recent year as the tuition costs are considerably lower than those charged by Indian universities for an MBBS degree. Engineering and business students are courses opted for by Indian students.
Top universities
Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Liaoning Medical University
Average cost
Tuition fees: Ranges between Rs. 1,27,800 and Rs. 2,55,700 depending on the course and university.
Accommodation: Between Rs. 16,000 and Rs. 20,000 a month.
Monthly expenses: Ranges from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 30,000 depending on the city you are living in.
Tip: The Huawei Maitree Scholarship offers grants to Indian students enrolled in an undergraduate, postgraduate or research programmes in China.
HONG KONG
Overview
Hong Kong, which dominates Asia as a study destination, is now attracting students from all over the world. Quality education, high standard of living and emerging work opportunities are some of the benefits that lure international students.
Popular courses
Hong Kong recetly adopted the four-year programme for undergraduate degrees instead of the three-year programme. Management studies, social sciences and humanities are popular course choices. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as well as the University of Hong Kong featured among the top business schools in the world in the Youth Incorporated, DNA and Rediff.com Global Business School Rankings 2012 at rank 15 and rank 31 respectively.
Top universities
The University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Average costs
Tuition fees: Ranges between Rs.6,20,100 and Rs. 9,84,000 depending on the course and university.
Accommodation: Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,30,000 per academic year
Monthly expenses: Rs. 37,000 per month
Tip: As a student, you can take up part-time work (up to 20 hours). There is no limit on the number of hours for summer jobs. The Hinrich Foundation scholarship is available for Indian students.
GERMANY
Overview
HSBC Studying Aboard Research carried out in October 2012 listed Germany as the least expensive country for foreign students. With low tuition fees and an 18-month permit to look for a job after graduation, pursuing a degree in Germany is a wise option for Indian students.
Popular courses
Research based courses and PhDs. Medicine is taught only in German, so it is imperative for students interested in this stream to be comfortable with the language. You can find other courses where the language of instruction is English, however a basic knowledge of German is recommended.
Top universities
Technical University Munich, University of Heidelberg, University of Munich, University of Freiburg
Average costs
Tuition fees: Public universities in Germany generally waive any tuition fees for undergraduate courses (they may charge around $4,400 as semester contribution). For other courses and universities, the tuition fees ranges between Rs. 43,800 and Rs. 1,05,200.
Accommodation: Between Rs. 19,300 and Rs. 29,800 per month
Monthly expenses: Rs. 43,800 per month
Tip: The International Student Identity Card will help you benefit from student discounts (costs Rs. 1050). The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a variety of scholarships for Indian students.
RUSSIA
Overview
There was a 60% rise in the number of Indians studying in Russia in 2012. This is still not a large number (4,286 in 2012) but is expected to rise swiftly in the coming years. Low tuition costs are encouraging students to overlook the harsh climate and language barrier and enroll for courses in Russian institutes. A number of courses are taught in English; however a basic in Russian is required for ease in interacting with locals and for internships.
Popular courses
Science and research programs (particularly medical and engineering courses) are of repute in Russia. Majority of Indian students choose Russian institutes primarily for courses in medicine and dentistry. Most management and humanities courses are not offered in the English Language.
Top Universities
Moscow Medical Academy, People’ Friendship University of Russai (RUDN), Moscow Energy Institute (MEI) and the St. Petersburg State Medical University
Average costs
Tuition fees: Ranges between Rs. 2,50,000 and Rs. 5,00,000 depending on the course and university (fees for medical and engineering degrees fall closer to the upper limit)
Accommodation: Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 6,000 per month
Monthly expenses: Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 15,700 per month
Tip: The Government of Russian offers around 3,000 scholarships for overseas students every year. You will find details on the official website www.en.russia.edu.ru.
SPAIN
Overview
With only 155 Indian studying in Spain in 2012, Spain does not rank high as a study destination for Indian students. The country might not have too many universities of repute to boast of bus low tuition and living costs make studying here more affordable than other European countries.
Popular courses
Spain does have some quality business schools such as IE Business School. Therefore management and business studies are preferred course choices. Apart from that, students also choose Spain to study architecture and humanities.
Top universities
IE Business School, Universitat de Barcelona, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Average costs
Tuition fees: Rs. 81,000 and Rs. 150,000 for a master’s programme. Tuition fees are considerably higher at private universities (around € 6,000)
Accommodation: Rs. 16,800 to Rs. 30,000 a month (Madrid and Barcelona are the more expensive cities)
Monthly expenses: Rs. 58,000 to Rs. 75,000 a month (Madrid and Barcelona are the more expensive cities)
Tip: The cost of living is lower in cities such as Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela and Granada. The Erasmu Mundus programme offers scholarships to various European universities.
COUNSELLOR ADVICE
“Poluar destinations for Indian seeking to study abroad are not just the USA and UK, but also Australia, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Germany and France. Indians usually plan to study abroad when the programme of choice isn’t available in India or the curriculum abroad is better. At this point, the rupee puts Indian students at a disadvantage against the currencies of all countries popular with Indians. The increased cost must, however, be viewed in perspective. Are you willing to give up the educational experience and impact of your education abroad? Just opting for study anywhere abroad should not be the priority, it should be in a country/university which is well-known across the world so that you have recognition for employment or further studies and research. Instead of looking for cheaper alternatives, students could defer applying till they have more credits and/or related work experience in the field so that there is potential for partial funding/fee waiver or related part-time employment that can help buffer the cost.” – Jayanti Ghose, Education Counsellor
Volume 3 Issue 4
