When it comes to studying abroad, the number of options can make it a very daunting process! There are so many different types of programs to choose from, as well as different colleges and universities. Different countries may have slightly different education systems too. So how do you make a choice for your future?
Worry not! We’re answering more of your questions about how to study abroad, to help you make the right choice.
Difference between University and College
While looking for institutions to study abroad, you may come across both universities and colleges. This may be a little confusing.
What’s the Difference?
The differences have nothing to do with quality of education, but more to do with size and scope!
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College |
University |
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Smaller institutions, typically offering undergraduate degrees and/or foundation courses leading to uni degrees. Several colleges, especially in US or Canada offer graduate certificates and diplomas as well. Colleges may also offer a limited number of disciplines to study.
May be autonomous or affiliated: Colleges in the US and Canada may award certificates or diplomas in their own right. In the UK, universities often consist of many colleges. You may study in the college, but the university will issue your degree. |
Larger institutions, offering a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificate programs. Most universities will include a wide range of disciplines from Humanities and Social Sciences to Engineering and Technology.
Always autonomous: You will receive your degree, diploma or certificate directly from the university in which you've studied. |
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Fewer resources and infrastructure. |
More resources and better developed infrastructure. |
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Often cheaper to study |
More expensive tuition fees. |
P.S. Some universities may have ‘college’ in their name, but are actually universities – like King’s College London! Don’t let that confuse you.
So which is better: College or University?
It depends on what you want to study! You can do your undergraduate degree wherever you want, but if you want to do your Master’s in a particular specialization, you are more likely to find a program in a university.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for short-term graduate certificate programs or vocational programs, then there are plenty of colleges, especially in the US and Canada, which can offer you hundreds of options.
In either case, you will receive a good education, and you will earn a prestigious degree, diploma or certificate in the end!
Do University Rankings Matter?
When wondering how to study abroad, the different university ranking systems may make you feel a bit confused!
There are plenty of organisations that release university rankings – like QS and Times Higher Education. The rankings are based on scores for items like infrastructure, research, diversity etc.
Other than the top 5-10 colleges, like MIT or Oxford, the differences between most colleges are not as much as you might think. A place in the top 1% means the university is top-notch!
The rankings can give a good guide to which are the best colleges, globally and country-wise. You can also find out which are the best colleges for your subject!
You can use rankings to shortlist your target colleges. However, you should finally pick the college that offers you the subjects you want, where you meet the requirements, and where you might get a good scholarship.
Wondering how to apply to universities abroad and what to expect? Click to learn more!
Best International Universities for Indian Students
The key to how to study abroad is picking the right institute. There are plenty of options you can choose when you want to study abroad. But some universities around the world are favoured more by Indian students.
1. Cardiff University, UK
Located in Wales, Cardiff University is one of the most popular universities for Indian students. It ranks highly for subjects like Architecture, Civil Engineering, Communications and Media, among others. With a regional office in New Delhi, the university has close ties with India. With a high acceptance rate of 78%, Indian students have a high chance of acceptance.
2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
In the US, UIUC is favoured by Indian students, benefiting from its high acceptance rate of 62.2%. So strong is the Indian student presence, that UIUC has one of the largest Indian Student Associations of any US university – providing every incoming student with a support system. Its top subjects include Computer Science, Engineering and Architecture.
3. University of Toronto, Canada
Of all Canadian universities, U of T has the largest Indian student population, and is located in one of the country’s most diverse regions. This university has distinguished itself as a centre of innovation. Its acceptance rate of around 43% gives every qualified Indian student a strong chance of admission.
4. James Cook University, Australia
This young university is ranked among the global top 250 for teaching and research excellence – a fact that has attracted hundreds of Indian students. Its latest offerings are designed to appeal to Indian students, including the Master of Global Development and Master of Data Science. It also has great scholarships available for Indian students.
For many students, overseas education means going abroad for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or graduate diploma program. But you may be wondering how to study abroad if you’re already studying in India? There are other options you can explore as well! You may have heard about Student Exchange and University transfer programs - this is what they’re all about.
What is a Student Exchange program?
In a Student Exchange program, you can be enrolled in a university in your home country, but will go abroad temporarily to study in a partner university. It can be short term i.e. a few weeks, or long-term i.e. 6 months to 1 year.
Benefits of a Student Exchange program
1. Experience Studying Abroad, at a fraction of the cost
Studying abroad is an enriching experience for students – you can experience a new learning environment, a new culture and strengthen your language skills. But it is very expensive! An Exchange program can give you this experience at a far lesser cost.
2. Make memories and friendships for a lifetime
The experiences you will have and the people you will meet are things you will treasure forever!
3. Access new opportunities
A Student Exchange program is one of those things that look great on a CV when you start looking for a job. And it can even become a gateway to further education in a university abroad!
How to Enrol in a Student Exchange program
There are a number of organisations and companies that arrange Student Exchanges. Some of these offer grants and scholarships to fund your travel and tuition.
What are University Transfer Programs?
To complete a university degree, you need to gain the requisite number of ‘credits’ – each course you take gives you some credits.
In this system there is the possibility of ‘credit transfer’ – where you can earn credits in one institution and then transfer those credits to a different institution. Those credits will count towards your degree from the second institution.
Where can I get a Transfer program?
Credit transfer programs are most common in the US and Canada. The most common way is for students to join a college for 2 years, and then transfer their credits to a university where they will study for the next 2 years. In the end, they will get a university degree.
There are other systems in place as well! Some universities in India, like Manipal and LPU, have tie-ups with universities abroad – you can study in India for 1 year and then transfer to the university abroad to finish your degree.
What are the benefits of a Transfer program?
Many international students opt for transfer programs in the US or Canada.
US and Canadian colleges are smaller, with fewer students and smaller class sizes, and have lower tuition fees compared to universities. International students who join a college first get a chance to get used to the foreign academic system, improve their foundations including basic subjects and language, while paying lower fees. They can prepare to transfer to the university to study advanced courses – and in the end, earn a prestigious university degree!
Understanding the process of applying for overseas education is the first step. Watch this video to learn more.
Did you find this information on how to study abroad useful? You can learn much more about Overseas Education here. To find your options related to the country, programs, and everything that needs to be done for study abroad, book your free one-on-one counselling session with us today!
Hurray offers Study Abroad consultation, IELTS/PTE/OET, and Spoken English programs. Visit our website https://www.hurrayedutech.com/ for more information. You can also reach out to us at info@hurrayedutech.com or call us at 9900426501.
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