Overseas education

1. Education
Abroad
Guiding Students to their Dream Colleges!

2. The Indian
Context

3. Indians Studying Abroad
Current Trends
Many countries have seen Indian enrollments
grow at a fast clip
China, Russia, Germany,
Singapore, Hong Kong,
Netherlands, and some
others saw an increase
05
UK –
14 to 7%04
US saw their share of
Indian students fall from
55% to 47%, though
numbers rose from
about 75,000 to 140,000
01
Australia –
17 to 13%03
Canada saw an increase
from 5 to 17% (in numbers
6.5 times growth from
approx. 7500 to 48500 in a
decade)
02
Over the period
2005 to 2015

4. Currently – 300 million Indians under the age of 15
Every month till 2030, one million Indians will turn 18
years old.
Education system already crumbling under pressure
Rising affordability – one of the world’s fastest
growing economies
Why the Lure?
A combination of demographics and
economic growth trajectory:

5. Overview
- USA

6. Why an American
undergraduate degree?
Quality of Education
Four year degree allows for flexibility to explore options,
specialise and get a well-balanced education.
Huge variety of streams and majors
Many opportunities to apply theory, do research,
interface with industry and develop critical career skills
Even #200 to #400 have good resources and great
faculty
At the very top - 1% to 2% versus 4% to 15%
Highly employable or qualified for excellent PG
programs.

7. Factors in
Admissions

8. Vis-à-vis
US Colleges

9. Academic
Record

10. Standardized
Tests

11. About the
SAT / ACT
Both are accepted by all US Universities
Length: 3 ½ to 4 hours
Sections:
§ SAT – Reading, Language, Math,
optional essay
§ ACT – English, Math, Reading, Science,
optional essay
Score Range:
§ SAT 200–800 per section, 400–1600 overall
§ ACT: 1 – 36 per section, four sections averaged
into a composite score out of 36

12. Other
Tests
Subject Tests cover content
knowledge in:
Advanced
Placements
Literature
Math Level 1
Math Level 2
U.S. History
World History
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Languages
02
03 TOEFL /
IELTS / PTE
01

13. Extra Curricular
Activity

14. Essays &
Personal Statements

15. Letters of
Recommendation

16. Interview
(some Colleges)

17. In Summary …
What US Colleges
Consider
Primary Factors
Quality/Rigor of
Academic Courses
Academic Performance/
Grades/Rank in Class
Test Scores (SAT, SAT
Subject Tests, etc.)
Additional Factors
Extracurricular Activities
Essay(s)
Letters of Recommendation

18. Overview
- UK

19. About 160
Universities
16 in QS top 100

20. 01
02
03
03
Research
TrackApply
The UCAS
a p p l i c a n t j o u rn e y
Course
University or college
Entry requirements
Fees and finances
The UCAS process
Personal detail
Personal statement
Deadlines
Keeping in touch
Offers
Replies
Confirmation

21. Undergraduate
Admissions
Academic Record
o Class 10 Board achievement
o Post-16 achievement and Predicted Grades
o Subject Combinations
UCAS Personal Statement
UCAS Teacher’s Reference
Admission Tests / Written Work (where required)
Interview (where required)

22. Common Online Application
system for UK Universities
Maximum of 5 degree course
choices allowed
One personal statement
600K
More than 600,000
applications are
handled through UCAS
The UCAS
One Teacher’s reference
Same application goes to all
choices
Can track status of application
post submission

23. The Personal
Statement
Most UK Universities will
not interview as part of the
process
Important for the student
to show their ability,
personality, and enthusiasm
Strict limit of 4000 characters or 47 lines,
whichever is lower
Primarily an academic statement
Why do you want to study the subject
Also covers relevant activities, skills, and
abilities

24. The Personal
Statement
50 – 80% Academic
Additional Experience and Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Summarise why you will be a
good choice
Why do you want to study
the subject?
What skills do you possess
that will make you a good
student of the subject?

25. UK
Postgraduate
Duration is
typically
1 year
Huge variety
of areas to
specialise in
Most MBA
degrees prefer
work experience
The MIM –
gaining
popularity
Application
normally
requires an SOP

26. AUSTRALIA
40 institutions
Mainly in urban areas, attached
to a state or a city
20,000 to 50,000 students

27. Undergraduate
Degrees
Like in the UK and Australia UG degrees
are mostly 3 years
If a student does very well in their first 3
years they are recognised for this by
being invited for a 4th year.
The student undertakes a research
project in the year and will submit a
dissertation on this work
Student can work for 2 years after
bachelors degree

28. Post-graduate
Duration is 1 – 2 years
o If student has done a Bachelors with
Honours, can be done in 1 year
The student can work 2-3 years after
completing graduate degree
Most MBA degrees prefer work experience

29. Overview
- Canada

30. The Rising
Popularity!
2005 to 2015
rise in Indian students
from 7500 to about 48500
Colleges are normally
two year diploma/
certificate institutions
providing pathways to the 4 year
degree granting universities
Admission/
Cost Advantages
#1 in the world
for quality of life
2021
Projected 450,000
international students

31. Undergraduate
Admission
Requirements
Typically not required, but a few exceptions
Recommendation Letters
May be required- eg: personal profile, video
responses, essays, portfolio, etc.
Supplementary Information
The most important fact, especially recent results
Academic Performance

32. 05
Decisions between
January to April
Merit awards available,
some need based as well
Open about 11 months
before program start date
Universities in Ontario use the
common portal called OUAC. In
other provinces, use individual
university systems
Almost all applications are
online, but sometimes physical
docs may be required to be sent
01
02
03
04
Application Process

33. Other countries which attract Indian students :
Other Countries
Singapore
Hong KongNetherlands
Germany

34. Comparing Post-
study/Immigration
Policies of Popular
Destinations for
Indian students
Cost
National
Marketing
Strategy
Path to
Immigration
Work Permits
High
Yes
“International Education
Global Growth Prosperity”
No
§ 20 hrs/week during study
if you are in a degree
program or above at a
higher education
institution
§ Post-study work permit
canceled in April, 2012
§ Doctorate graduates get
one year extension
High
Yes
“International Education
Strategy”
Yes
Extra points for immigration
applicants with Canadian
credential
§ Work permit not required
during study for up to
20hrs/week
§ Post-study work permit
for up to 3 years
Highest
No
No
§ On-campus work for up
to 20hrs/week; 12-month
total curricular practical
training (CPT) during
study
§ Post-study: 12-month
optional practical training
(OPT); STEM majors can
extend the pefiodto36
months
U.KU.S CANADA

35. Comparing Post-
study/Immigration
Policies of Popular
Destinations for
Indian students
Cost
National
Marketing
Strategy
Path to
Immigration
Work Permits
Low
Yes
"Strategy DAAD 2020"
No
§ 90 days/year on student
visa
§ 18-month visa extension
post- study
Moderate
Yes
"Draft International
Education Strategy for New
Zealand to 2025"
Yes
Extra points for immigration
applicants with New
Zealand credential
§ 20 hrs/week during study
§ Post-study: 12-months
permit
GERMANYAUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Moderate
Yes
“National Strategy for
International Education
2025”
Yes
Extra points for immigration
applicants with Australian
credential
§ 20 hrs/week during
study; unlimited hours
during breaks
§ Graduates with a
minimum of 2 years in
Australia can get a post-
study work visa for 2
years

36. Now that you know what colleges are
looking for, it’s time to think about
WHAT YOU (OR YOUR
STUDENTS) WANT in a
college!!!!
Which colleges
do they best fit
into??

37. What to
Consider
Size and diversity of student body
Location (weather, proximity to relatives, city or not)
Academic programs (as they relate to the student)
Campus life — athletics, activities, housing
Graduation and retention rates
Student job prospects (employability) or success in being
admitted to good PG programs
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Do you want a BIG NAME or a
Best Fit College?

38. Get to Know
a College
Research from
other sources,
alumni, etc
Find out about
financial aid
opportunities
Speak with /
Email an admission
counselor
Check out the
website in detail
Take a campus
tour if you are
visiting the
country
Visit them at
College Fairs if
and when they
visit

39. Your Roles &
Responsibilities

40. Help in developing overall profile of student
Advice on selection of colleges
Guidance on and Review of Essays and
Personal Statements
Submission of Official Transcripts (Report
Cards) & Predicted Grades
Submission of School Profile
The GC Overall Letter of Recommendation
Coordinating LOR’s from other teachers
The Guidance
Counsellor

41. Who Writes The LOR
Guidance Counsellor
Teachers
Others
(Coach, Music Teacher, Dance Guru, NGO Head, Work
supervisor)

42. Purpose of
The LOR
Offers evidence of
an applicant's
potential for college
and beyond
Shows intellectual
curiosity, creativity,
and love of learning
Illuminates such
personal qualities as
character and
leadership
Presents a full,
holistic picture of an
applicant
Helps to see well
beyond test scores,
grades and other
credentials

43. Impressive personal
qualities, and
potential for future
success
What Makes a Great LOR
Includes activities
and other
involvement
Covers academic
skills and
achievements
Mutli-dimensional
view of the
applicant

44. Do’s
Say how the applicant stacks up in the
class or in your teaching career
Use Anecdotes
Be Specific. Qualify your Adjectives
Say what the student is like outside of
class, based on your observations
Make the recommendation more
evaluative than descriptive

45. Do’s
Relay their involvement in class discussions
and what role they play — do they take
discussions to the next level? Do they play
devil’s advocate?
Give a reason why the college should admit
the student
Include a couple of minor weaknesses (to
make the student sound real!)
Maintain your credibility by not going
overboard
Take the time to write at least a page

46. Dont’s
Merely report the applicant’s
activities, since we know them
already from the application
Merely provide a list of
adjectives
Include sweeping generalizations
— they don’t help as much
Mention the physical
appearance or attractiveness of
the student
Spend half the letter telling us
about your course or your
credentials
Send the same letter for many
kids

47. But What
about the COSTS?

48. Common
Myths
I have my own business and won’t be eligible
for financial aid
My child needs to be an A+ student to
get aid
There is no aid for international students
I shall have to sell all my retirement assets
to pay for a college education for my child
I cannot afford to pay for college

49. Cost of
Attendance
(COA)
Other expenses
depending upon
specific needs
Health
Insurance
Personal
Expenses
Books and
Supplies
Room and
Board
Tuition and
Student Fees

50. 02
Based upon the parent
income, student income,
and assets
01
The total contribution
that is expected from
the family
Estimated
Family Contribution
(EFC)

51. Financial
Need
COA – EFC
Difference between the Total Cost
of Attendance and the Estimated
Family Contribution. Need =
Eligibility for Need
based Financial Aid

52. How does Need
Affect Admissions
Need Aware vs Need
Blind Admissions
Almost all colleges
are need aware for
international
students as funds are
limited for non-US
citizens
Depends on the
college

53. Types of
Financial
Aid Loans
(International Students not
eligible for federal loans)
Grants
Work Study
Merit Based Scholarships

54. External Sources
of Financial Aid
External Bank Loans are also
available from various banks
like HSBC, SBI, among others
In addition, may research
on outside scholarships that
you may be eligible for
www.finaid.org
www.cappex.com
www.scholarshipexperts.com
www.fastweb.com
www.zinch.com

55. Forms used of
Financial Aid
College specific forms in
some cases
Important to research the
college requirement, as well
as the deadlines
Other documents required
– Income Tax Returns
FAFSA – Free Application for
Federal Student Assistance (Only
for US Citizens, International
Students not eligible)
CSS PROFILE – administered by
College Board
ISFAA (International Student
Financial Aid Application)

56. Thank You