Top Questions for Study Abroad Programs: 22 FAQs You Must Know

Charges usually vary for study-abroad consultants in the country. On average, they may charge anywhere from around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000, based on estimates. It all depends on the country the aspirant chooses and several other factors.

After doing your homework, you can choose a country with affordable living costs. You may also choose a country where public universities offer free education to even international students, such as Germany. You can also finish a work-study program, wherever applicable. You may also find a diploma or short-term program at a relatively affordable cost while striving to win grants and scholarships that cover tuition fees and living costs.

A middle-class Indian aspirant can certainly study abroad. A Leap-Ipsos Strategy3, Study Abroad Outlook Report, indicated how 62% of middle-class aspirants wished to study abroad. These were people with household incomes between Rs. 3-10 lakh on average. At the same time, 62% of them also had trust in getting education loans for their studies. So, this is one primary source of funding for studying abroad, along with scholarships and grants that cover a major chunk of educational costs. 

Some top countries for Indian students include the US and UK, with prestigious institutions, excellent career opportunities, and sizable Indian populations. The same goes for Canada, Australia, and Germany. Other preferred destinations for Indian students include France and Singapore.

The costs of studying abroad vary based on several factors. These include the country, institution, course type, duration, etc. Even living expenses (accommodation, meals, books, utilities, recreation, etc.) vary across countries. On average, one can budget around Rs.25-32 lakh per year abroad, including tuition fees and living costs.

If you wish to study abroad, you will require guidance on the best available programs within your budget based on your career interests and aptitude. At the same time, a consultant will help you choose the best programs, complete all the application procedures, documentation, and other formalities, help you with your language training and different needs, and the visa formalities and other essential tasks. Hence, a good consultant is a must for studying abroad.

Most Indians studying abroad usually opt for countries with a student-friendly reputation and are known for their quality infrastructure, welcoming communities, and manageable education systems. These countries include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Free education is available in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Denmark. Norway offers free education for everyone, regardless of nationality or the level of study. Germany also has several public universities providing free education to domestic and international students. The latter only have to pay semester fees and other minor costs. Some free education opportunities for international students may also be available in the Czech Republic, Spain, Belgium, and Brazil.

Some of the best countries for Indians to settle in are Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Singapore and Sweden are also considered good options for Indians looking to settle abroad. All these countries have easier PR and migration guidelines and high quality of life.

Yes, consultants play a vital role in enabling students to study abroad, giving them guidance and help related to choosing the right universities and programs in sync with their interests, helping them complete the application procedures and documentation, and helping them prepare for admissions in every way, helping them complete visa procedures, and so on. Consultants are one-stop solutions for students, helping them achieve their study abroad dreams.

It is not too late at all. You can pursue any bachelor's or master's degree abroad at 28. If you are applying for an MBA, you should have 2-3 years of work experience, as many institutions require.

Yes, you can study in the United Kingdom (UK) even if you are 35. The UK student visa has no upper limit in terms of age. You only have to meet the entry requirements at your chosen institution.

The best age to study abroad is between 19-25. This is the period when most people pursue their higher education through bachelor's and master's programs. This also helps aspirants prepare themselves for global careers.

Yes, you can study abroad after the age of 30. There are no upper age limits to pursuing higher education abroad (undergraduate/master's programs). You should only adhere to the entry requirements of the institution in question.

Yes, you can study abroad after a gap of 10 years. Educational institutions in several countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada accept gaps of up to 10 years. At the same time, some countries may have institutions accepting gaps of only up to 7 years. Check the policies of the respective country and educational institution before applying.  

A gap year does not always have an impact on a student visa. In the USA, for instance, students may apply for admissions even with gaps of 7-8 years, provided there are genuine reasons for the same. Canadian immigration laws also permit gap years, depending on the reasons and type of visa. Even the UK allows 8-10 years in this regard, while Australia allows a gap year for a professional experience with suitable proof.

You may get a permit to study in the country even with a gap of 10 years in your educational journey. However, you may have to furnish valid reasons and proof of funds for your living costs and tuition fees while studying in the country. Study gaps of up to 10 years are accepted in Canada.

The money required to study in Canada varies per institution, program, location, and other factors. Tuition fees are approximately between C$5,542 - C$21,717 per year. It depends on the course, institution, and many other factors. Living costs may touch around C$800 -C$2000 per year for students, depending upon which city they live in and their personal life choices.

Permissible educational gaps differ across countries. It can be 5 years for some, while some allow 7-8 years gaps. Some nations also allow gaps of 10-12 years for educational aspirants.

You should prove that you have sufficient funds to support your living and study costs. This requirement is £1,334 each month (for up to nine months) if you are studying in London and £1,023 per month (for up to nine months) if you are studying outside London. You should have these funds for at least 28 days consecutively. The conclusion of this 28-day timeline should be within a period of 31 days of applying for your visa.