Every student struggles with the question of whether to study in India or abroad at some point in their life. Is Indian education good or overseas education? This question is connected with the expenditure involved in studying at the two places. Most people think that overseas education is more expensive than Indian education. Here we discuss some points to find the real truth.
To address these questions, we must first raise some of our own: Is Indian education affordable? Does it equip students with the skills needed for future employment? Is it accessible to all? By exploring these issues, we can ultimately determine which education system is superior—Indian or overseas.
Saying the least, the Indian education system is much more competitive than any other in the world. The stress of building our career starts when we get into Class 9, as the next step will be the board exam, and we are pushed to be serious towards our studies. Our future depends on how well we perform in our Class 10 board exam. The same scenario arises when we shift our focus to the Class 12 board exams.
The struggle to find a job begins after graduation. In most cases, starting with a minimum wage job of around 10,000 rupees is the reality. This is the standard minimum wage across many states, regardless of whether you are a graduate or have just completed Class 12—you are entitled to earn at least this amount.
The Long Struggle For Taking Admission in India
Now, let’s consider another scenario. A student enrols in a reputable institution, where they face intense competition. It’s not just about academic studies; they must excel in various other areas to secure admission. While preparing for school exams, students are also expected to prepare for competitive exams, adding another layer of pressure and effort. All this not only involved hours of hard work for students and their parents but also included a lot of expenditure. Taking coaching classes to prepare for competitive exams is not cheap in the Indian scenario.
When we consider both the financial costs and the hours of hard work involved, the total expenditure equals or even exceeds the amount we would spend on pursuing education at an overseas university. A proper analysis and calculation will bring us to the conclusion that pursuing education in top destinations such as Canada, Australia, the US, or the UK involves as much expenditure as is incurred in pursuing education in India.
In many cases pursuing education overseas will cost a lot less as compared to India. Students who have scored 70% or above in their school exams can avail up to 50% reduction in their scholarship. Looking at the Indian scenario, no institution will allow you to bypass the queue just because you have good grades. It will be better for students with good grades to pursue education overseas where they will be awarded scholarships and will not be required to appear for any competitive exams.
Policies That Aptly Reward Capable Students
Overseas universities offer scholarships not only based on academic achievement but also on good language skills. Countries such as Germany offer free education provided you have a good command of the German language. Many institutions offer vice-chancellor scholarships, which are awarded based on the academic history and status of the students. Scholarships worth up to 100% are awarded to students who present their academic profile showing immense potential.
The route to overseas education is much more promising when we consider the entire scenario. We must not overlook the fact that many individuals resort to improper means to bypass the usual admission process and gain entry into top institutions, despite their grades and potential not aligning with the required standards. On the other hand, students who follow the standard admission route and sit for competitive exams are taking a calculated risk with their careers to some extent.
While examining the ease of pursuing education overseas, it’s important to note that in developed economies like the UK, Canada, and various European countries, scholarships are often offered for students pursuing education in specific fields. The goal is to stimulate population growth in these areas, and as a result, governments actively encourage international students to pursue higher education in these sectors.
Early Preparation Gives Ample Time to Pick the Best
Students who want to study in India start their preparation as they move to Class 11. In the same way, preparation for studying overseas should start early, and one should begin looking for scholarship opportunities. Many times it happens that expensive things can be bought at marked-down prices. Often, expensive opportunities can be accessed at significantly reduced prices. Many students pursue education at prestigious institutions such as the Group of Eight universities in Australia, Russell Group universities in the UK, and other top universities worldwide. Studying at these renowned universities can be surprisingly affordable, as they offer substantial scholarships to attract talented students.
The first step we need to take is to find overseas education consultants in Chandigarh who have good knowledge of the different scholarships that are offered globally. Proper guidance is the need of the hour. The crux of the matter here is whether you pursue your education in India or abroad, you can do it at nominal expenditure provided you go with the right approach and mindset.
Also Read: Maximise Your Financial Resources for Overseas Studies with Proper Planning
The Takeaway
A common myth surrounding overseas education is that it is prohibitively expensive. However, with careful planning and sufficient preparation, and provided you have a solid academic background, studying abroad can actually be much more affordable than expected. It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced advisor before beginning your preparations to ensure you’re making the most cost-effective choices.
