Demand for higher education abroad soars

The buzz among students at the IPC International Education Fair at the Hyatt Regency on October 29 buttressed the data submitted by Union minister of state for education, Subhash Sarkar, in the parliament in February this year, which pointed to a 68% rise in number of students going abroad in 2022 compared to 2021. 

Better academic opportunities, job security, exposure, better career prospects and also employment opportunities are among the reasons why many opt for foreign universities.  

“In India, there is less emphasis on the practical part of education whereas in foreign universities, they focus mainly on that. Although it is expensive, it gives us better return. For example, even if we spend lakhs in getting a bachelor’s degree in India, we have no security of job or promise of any return. However, with your skills you can get better return abroad,” said a female student, who had come for enquiry with her friend, to Patriot. 

“The environment is also good there,” she added.  

Both the girls are studying forensic science in Noida and are looking to attain their Masters’ degree in UK.

“Also, since this is a new course, there are fewer job opportunities here. Forensic science has a lot of scope but there are no opportunities yet,” said the other. 

According to the ministry, the number of students going overseas for higher education recorded a six-year high in 2022 at 7,50,365 from 4,44,553 students in 2021.

Students are going abroad not only on scholarships but are spending money too and willing to do part-time work.  

A parent who came with his daughter said, “My son is also in Germany. Before going there, he had worked here for two years but got only Rs 30-35,000 per month. But there, he is earning well even in part-time job.”

A student, who has completed bachelors’ programme in political science and economics from IP College, is looking forward to completing masters in political science in a UK university.

“There is lot of research, internship and skills in the course curriculum abroad. You can develop your skills. I am looking for scholarship too. So, I think it is a good investment because you are more employable after that,” she told Patriot.

Another aspirant, who is looking forward to completing masters in finance abroad, also accepted that returns after completing the course abroad are very good. 

“Investment in education abroad promises better returns and also provides high exposure,” he added. 

His son has completed graduation from Christ College in Bengaluru. 

Not just professional courses and those related to science and finance, there seems to be immense demand for courses in fine arts since there aren’t many opportunities in India. 

“My daughter has completed graduation in fine arts. Now I want her to complete masters’ programme abroad. There is no opportunity in fine arts here. There are only 20 seats in a university, half of which are reserved. Even after completing the course, there is limited scope. You can only teach in a college. But even there, the opportunities are limited. I have not seen an open teaching vacancy in fine arts in Delhi over the last decade. Yahaan to kucchh hai hi nahi (There is nothing here),” said a man who came from Uttam Nagar with his daughter. 

“Besides, the system is not good here, there is corruption everywhere. That is why the number of students going abroad is increasing every year. The quality of education is also not up to standard.” 

UK dependant visa will be shut down

In May this year, the UK government changed visa rules for international students. That will also have an impact on Indian students.

Sukanya S, conversion specialist (digital marketing specialist) of University of Derby, told Patriot, “The dependent visa in UK will be shut down in January which will have a big impact on students because a lot of students use them [to bring their dependents].”