More Women And Students From Tier 2 & 3 Cities Are Going To Study Abroad: Overseas ConsultancyStudying abroad has been a dream of many to get global exposure, better living conditions, excellent employment opportunities, and a high educational status. To follow their dreams thousands of students flock abroad to get admission into prestigious universities. However, the high tuition fees and maintenance cost hinder their movement. The picture is looking to change now as new trends are emerging concerning the number of students going abroad.
Data from some of the study abroad consultants such as Infinite Group and Oxford International Group shows that a sharp rise was observed in the number of students pursuing education abroad. A prominent feature of these students was a significant number of women and students from tier 2 and 3 cities among them. As per the data showed by the select consultancies, a nearly 20-30 percent rise in women enrolment was seen in recent years.
The more women are opting for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to study, the data revealed. Apart from the rise in the number of students, the preference of countries to study has made a distinguished mark. Reportedly, in 2023, three countries Germany, US, and UK have been on the priority list of students to get a visa issued.
Reasons behind the recent trend
More students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 are finding more ways to go abroad. As per the consultancies, more freedom for women is empowering them to choose their career paths. It is noticed that their independence and confidence building drive this trend.
The easy availability of education loans is also considered a contributing factor to the upward trend. There are plenty of overseas education loans and scholarships specially designed for female students.
Enhanced technological infusion in the consultancies is also providing more options to students to search for more options based on their education qualifications and financial status. For instance, GrandRight is an AI (artificial intelligence) platform that has been helping and guiding students to build their study plans abroad. The platform connects students directly with the lending institutions. Students from towns and villages in India visited the platform and were successful in securing loans without collaterals via using the platforms.
Some fintech also provide collateral-free loans to students in India. Propelled is one such startup that has been giving loans for Rs 100 crore this year to students from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Scholarships availability
Governments, institutions non-profits and similar organizations have been providing scholarships to the students.
- The GREAT scholarship of the British Council helps Indian Students avail scholarships for PG courses.
- Erasmus Mundus scholarship offers master’s degree programs, and joint Ph.D. programme to students who desire to get global scholarly exposure.
- Fullbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships Programme (link: org.in/Fulbright-Nehru-Fellowships.aspx)
- Chevening Scholarships Programme (link: chevening.org/scholarship/india/)
- JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (link: jntataendowment.org/loan-scholarship-process/)
- Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) Programme (link: scholarship-fellowship.com)
- New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) (link: auckland.ac.nz/en/study/international-students/meet-our-international-students/scholarship-student-stories/nzea-scholarships.html)
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Programme (link: studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarship)
- Australia Awards Scholarship Programme (link: dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships)
- Mahindra Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (link: kcmet.org)
- Narotam Sekhsari Scholarship Programme (link: https://pg.nsfoundation.co.in/)