STEM courses have umpteen opportunities for students aspiring to study in developed countries, says Dr TP Sethumadhavan
Over the years, a lot of transformations have been taking place in Education and career sectors across the globe. Students have more choices.
Recent changes in visa and immigration policy have raised concerns regarding mobility of international students and study abroad programmes. Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Ireland and China are emerging as the destinations for students aspiring for study abroad programmes.
The growing middle class can now access education abroad programmes. Students get ample choices to select the country for higher education, based on external funding sources, technology, talent, envisaged skills and English proficiency.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses have umpteen opportunities in developed countries. Opportunities for multi-disciplinary research are emerging.
Recently more number of students from India are interested to pursue for undergraduate programmes after writing Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and English proficiency tests like Test of English as Foreign language (TOEFl), Business English Certificate (BEC) or International English language Testing System (IElTS). Customised programmes are available across the globe catering the needs of the students.
Recent developments reveal that opportunity for STEM graduates to get H1B Visa is bright in US.
However, some restrictions had been put on skilled worker visa, l1 and l4 visas. France decided to double the enrollment of students by 2020. Japan currently requires two lakh skilled workers.
The UK curtailed post study visa five years back which affected their universities through reduction in number of international student admissions. But all the European countries are providing post study work visa up to three years.
Taking in to account the emerging crisis, UK is in the process of granting one-year post study work visa in the forthcoming education and skill policy.
Skill development is emerging as one of the cardinals of getting successful career. Structured skilling programmes facilitate to reduce the gap between available and required skills.
American President Donald Trump’s recent reforms motivate international students to intensively pursue for higher education and career in Canada and Australia. large number of students from India are in the process of applying Canada immigration. Recently, Australia and Singapore made control over 457 temporary employment Visa.
French President David Macron’s recent India visit facilitated to sign MOU between India and France in several sectors like science, technology, engineering, management, defence and other sectors.
Non-English speaking countries like China, Russia, Georgia, Ukaraine, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, Srilanka etc are offering undergraduate medical courses. But according to recent Medical Council of India guidelines, Indian students must qualify NEET before applying the courses.
It had been forecasted that overseas education will exhibit spectacular growth in the coming years. It has been estimated that by 2025, International student enrollment will cross 7.2 lakh in Australia, 4.7 lakh in France, 6.5 lakh in Canada, 6 lakh in Germany, 1.43 lakh in New Zealand and 2.5 lakh in Malaysia.
Students aspiring for education and career could select their country of choice, universities and courses based on interest and envisaged skills. Academic merit and better scores in proficiency examinations will facilitate to get funding. Select country and institutions based on affordability of students. Aspiring students must try to apply for scholarships and fellowships well in advance.
Overseas admission is not a difficult task. Anyone can access to overseas institutions. Biodata must be prepared based on the strength of the students. Application components include test score reports, transcripts, academic certificates, reference letters from two academicians, statement of purpose and proof of funding resources. Select five best educational institutions and apply directly.
Based on chances of getting admission and funding appropriate institutions can be selected. For a beginner, falls semester will be ideal than winter semester admissions. One-year home work is essential for successfully pursuing education abroad.
The writer is an education and career consultant