UNITED KINGDOM
As an international student staying in UK, what are the benefits?
There are two main benefits, NHS and National Union of Students. NHS stands for National Health Service. Through NHS, all international students residing in the United Kingdom for more than six months are eligible to receive free health care.
All students are eligible to receive a free NUS membership. Being a member gives you a lot of potential to save money as the NUS negotiates with suppliers so as to get you discounts for various things like books, stationery, food, clothes and even travel and entertainment.
If my VISA is refused, will I get a refund?
If you have deposited some money to your institution as part of your tuition fees but are refused a visa, a refund of the deposit can be availed if you send a copy of you visa refusal letter to the institution from the High Commission. Some institutions deduct a small amount (about £100) for refund payment processing.
Is there any kind of deposit to be paid in advance?
There are a few universities which insist the students pay a part of their fees so as to reserve a place in the university. However, we recommend that you always pay a small amount as deposit as this helps us in getting you a student visa.
What are the ways with which I can finance my studies?
Comparing the cost of studying in India with the costs of studying abroad, it is easy to come to the conclusion that studying abroad is over expensive. Better returns such as quality of education, higher earning potential and international exposure needs to be considered while deciding on overseas education. Sources like family funds, scholarships, bank loans, sponsorships etc. can be resorted to, to raise the necessary funds to go abroad.
Education loan is a priority sector lending in many nationalized banks in India with long payment holiday period. This will help many students in their quest for higher education abroad. A collateral security has to be pledged in order to be eligible for these loans. A possibility of international loans can also be considered. Your EOA (is that correct?) counselor will be able to help you with the finer points.
Educational trusts or institutes can help a student with his/her aspirations of studies abroad.
Sponsorships are viable ways to fund your education. Generally, a blood relative is preferred as a sponsor. However, others can also fund your education in the UK as long as he/she provides a logical explanation as to why he/she is interested in helping you.
How do I find out the standing of a University?
British Universities do not have a formal ranking system but the government does take the responsibility to monitor and control the quality of education provided by each university through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. The Government conducts a Research Assessment Exercise once in every 5 yrs. which determines the level of research activity in a university department. The departments are graded as high as 5* and as low as 1. General League Tables Prepared by newspapers like the Sunday Times and Financial Times can also be checked.
There is no formal ranking system for British Universities. However, the Government has the responsibility for the quality of education imparted in the Universities. Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education takes care of this. A Research Assessment Exercise is conducted every five years to determine the research activity in a department. The grades range from 1 to 5, 5 being the highest. Papers like the Sunday Times and Financial Times prepare General League Tables which also give good information.
USA
Is it best to apply only the top ten Universities?
The ratio of acceptance in these Universities range from 1% to 4%. In order to improve your chances of admission, other Universities which offer good programs must also be applied to. It is imperative to remember that ranking can be world wide, region based or subject based. Thus it is better to apply to a higher number of Universities. However, if one is only looking for a ranked University, the search should be based on subjects.
What is meant by a ‘transfer student’?
You become a transfer student if you finish a minimum of two years of a Bachelor/Diploma program in a country and then apply for a transfer to a University that you want to attend in the USA. The years waived off your courses in USA due to your transfer status depend upon the courses and grades in India. Getting an exact transfer of credits is rare.
Is it possible to get admission for MBA directly in USA, having completed 15 years of education?
There are but few American Universities that accept students with 15 years of education. Most of them insist on having 16 years of education for admission to MBA or another Graduate program. Completing M.Com/MA or completing at least one year of a Masters Degree before applying for admission is advisable. In a few top ranked universities, admission is possible with 15 years of education as long as you have 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
Can I receive financial assistance?
Yes, it is possible, but getting financial aid in the first semester is extremely difficult as there is a lot of competition. An extremely good academic record and test scores are necessary to be qualified. If you have an educational background fitting this criteria, we will do our best to help you.
Can I shift my school once I get admitted in a University?
Once you are enrolled in an American University, you come under the USCIS rule. According to this rule, changing schools before completing one semester at the school is not possible. Therefore you have to make your choice very carefully to avoid problems at a later stage.
At what time should I start applying for Universities, and what are the available start dates?
Usually, students need to apply one year in advance. This increases the potential for students looking for scholarships. The Fall Session (August/September) and the Spring session (January/ February) contain the most commonly available start dates.
Is only TOEFL accepted in USA, or is IELTS viable too?
Taking IELTS instead of TOEFL is a perfectly viable option. 1500 Universities are accepting IELTS. These are the top Universities.
What are the work opportunities while studying?
Students are allowed a 20 hour week on-campus during the term. Students have the option to work full time during vacations.
AUSTRALIA
GMAT and GRE are not required in all Australian Institutions. Why?
GMAT and GRE are exams set to American Standards. Due to a mutual recognition of degrees between India and Australia, GMAT and GRE is not needed most of the times. However, some Universities may ask for a GMAT/GRE score to asses the overall capabilities of a student.
Can my credits be transferred?
The Australian Government recognizes Indian Universities. So, credit transfers are possible. The students have to submit their course syllabus to the University to be applicable for credit transfer. A minimum of sic months is required for credits to be granted.
What is the time range for the visa application procedure?
The Australian High Commission takes about eight to twelve weeks to issue a visa. It takes into account the individual’s background. Since it takes some time for the visa to get issued, students have to apply for their visas about 3 months before the courses commence.
What are my job opportunities after course completion?
Using a student’s visa, a student can work for 20 hours per week part time during the semester. He/she can work full time during the semester break. Though a student is expected to leave the country on completion of the course, the Australian Student visa gives a clear way to migrate to the country. Overseas students can make use of this provided they obtain the required credits points for Permanent Residency in Australia. A work permit for up to four years can be obtained by the student.
How do I find out if I am eligible for Permanent Residency (PR)?
A student needs to cover up to 120 points to be able to apply for PR. These points are obtained by a combination of various factors like age, course, English proficiency, region, work specifics etc. More details can be had here. http://www.immi.gov.au/
What would be the average starting salary once I start working in Australia?
The average starting salary is between $2500 and $4000 This varies from job to job.
NEW ZEALAND
What are the residential facilities?
Before student visa can be granted, a written guarantee of accommodation is required. There are some institutions which arrange accommodation for students. If you wish to arrange accommodation for yourself (for example, at the house of a relative) you have to indicate the fact when to apply to the institution.
What about my dependents? Are they allowed to come along with me?
A spouse, de facto spouse, fiancé(e) and children may accompany you or join you later in New Zealand. They have to go through the regular procedures and meet requirements for the visa(s) required (visitor, work, student). Dependents who are school aged have to pay the full fees for primary and secondary education.
I have a student visa. My spouse has to accompany me. Can he/she apply for a work visa?
It is possible, but only if you a doing a Post Graduate course or a course that will qualify you in Long term Skill Shortage List.
What if I want to get myself transferred to another Institution?
An application to the New Zealand Immigration Service to get a variation to your student permit is necessary to transfer to another course/institution. The new student permit will have the details of your new course and institution and if appropriate, the extended validity of the permit.
Please note: An International student will get his/permit revoked if he/she withdraws from a course of study at an institution.
What is the fee amount that I have to pay? What is the refund policy?
The Institution determines the fees. A year’s fee (or the total fee for courses of less than one year) has to be paid to issue a visa or extend a permit. The fees have to be paid in internationally acceptable and convertible currency. An institution may refund fees to students who withdraw from a course. The total amount paid and the cost of course up to time of withdrawal never exceeds the refund amount. In private training institutions, every prospective student is given a written statement of the total course cost and other financial commitments. This has to be done before the institution accepts the student’s enrollment. Students may withdraw at any time from the course within seven days after the first day of the course. In such cases, students receive a partial fee refund.
It has been a few weeks since I arrived in New Zealand. Can I change my course of study?
This will make your immigration status problematic as you were granted a student visa to study a particular course. A request for change of course of study would lead to re-assessment of the application.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. Subject to certain restrictions. Further details can be had here and in this website: www.immigration.gov.nz.
I have the job search visa. What will be my next visa status?
A job in your area of study will allow you to convert your visa status to Work Permit or Permanent Residency. PR is based on your Eligibility based on the points in the Skilled Migrant Category.
What about my six month job search work permit? What is the deadline for application?
The deadline is three months after the date of completion of the course. The course needs to get points in under the Skilled Migrant Category. |
