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Global: All about Overseas Education

Updated: Mar 29, 2023

Introduction:

Studying abroad is a dream for many students as it opens up a world of opportunities, including personal growth, exposure to new cultures, and career advancement. It is an opportunity to expand one's knowledge, gain new perspectives, and develop skills that cannot be learned in a traditional classroom setting.

In this article, we will explore the top countries for studying abroad, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. Each country has its unique benefits, which make it an attractive destination for international students. We will also look at the cost of studying in these countries and compare the different options available for engineering, MBA, medical, design, and law schools.

Furthermore, we will provide exhaustive selection criteria for admission into engineering schools, MBA schools, medical schools, design schools, and law schools across these countries. This article aims to help international students make an informed decision about where to study abroad and to provide them with the necessary information to succeed in their academic journey.


II. Are study abroad worth it?


Studying abroad has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more students seeking international education opportunities. But are study abroad programs really worth it? Let's take a look at some of the benefits and challenges of studying abroad, as well as some successful study abroad experiences.

Benefits of studying abroad:

  1. Cultural immersion: Studying abroad allows students to experience different cultures and ways of life, broadening their perspectives and helping them develop a greater appreciation for diversity.

  2. Language skills: Living and studying in a foreign country provides an opportunity to improve language skills and become fluent in a new language.

  3. Career opportunities: Studying abroad can enhance a student's resume and increase job prospects, as employers often value international experience and cultural sensitivity.

  4. Personal growth: Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, helping students to develop independence, confidence, and a sense of global citizenship.

Challenges of studying abroad:

  1. Culture shock: Adjusting to a new culture can be difficult and overwhelming, with differences in language, customs, and social norms.

  2. Homesickness: Being away from family and friends can be emotionally challenging, especially for long periods of time.

  3. Financial burden: Studying abroad can be expensive, with costs including tuition, accommodation, travel, and other expenses.

  4. Academic challenges: Adapting to a new educational system can be challenging, and students may face language barriers and different teaching styles.

Examples of successful study abroad experiences:

  1. Alex, a student from the United States, studied abroad in Spain and became fluent in Spanish, which helped him land a job with an international company after graduation.

  2. Fatima, a student from Canada, studied abroad in Singapore and gained valuable cross-cultural communication skills, which she used in her job as a marketing manager for a multinational corporation.

  3. Tom, a student from Australia, studied abroad in the United States and developed a global network of contacts, which helped him start his own successful business after graduation.

In conclusion, while studying abroad can present challenges, the benefits far outweigh the costs for many students. Studying abroad can provide a transformative experience that enhances personal and professional growth, and opens up new opportunities and perspectives.

III. Scholarship Opportunities for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be an incredible opportunity to gain new perspectives, learn about different cultures, and advance your education. However, the cost of studying abroad can be a barrier for many students. Fortunately, there are a variety of scholarships available to help offset the cost.

Types of Scholarships Available There are various types of scholarships available for students who want to study abroad, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and program-specific scholarships.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic or athletic achievement, leadership skills, or community involvement. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic performance or standardized test scores. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can help cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses associated with studying abroad.

Program-specific scholarships are awarded by universities, study abroad programs, or other organizations. These scholarships may be based on a student's major, field of study, or destination country.

Where to Find Scholarships There are several resources available to help students find scholarships for studying abroad. The following are some examples:

  • Government agencies: Many governments offer scholarships to international students. For example, the US Department of State offers the Fulbright Scholarship, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and teaching abroad.

  • Non-profit organizations: Many non-profit organizations offer scholarships to students who want to study abroad. For example, the Gilman Scholarship provides funding for undergraduate students who want to study abroad in non-traditional locations.

  • Universities: Many universities offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit or financial need.

Examples of Scholarships for Each Country Here are some examples of scholarships available for each country covered in this article:

  • USA: Fulbright Scholarship, Gilman Scholarship, Boren Awards for International Study

  • UK: Chevening Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships

  • Canada: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarships, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

  • Australia: Australia Awards Scholarships, Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships, International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

  • Singapore: Singapore International Graduate Award, Nanyang President's Graduate Scholarship, A*STAR Graduate Scholarship

Applying for scholarships can be a time-consuming and competitive process, but it can be well worth the effort. Scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and open up opportunities that might not be otherwise available.

III. Selection Criteria for Engineering Schools

Engineering is a highly sought-after field of study, and many students from around the world aspire to enroll in top engineering schools. Each country has its own set of admission requirements and selection criteria for engineering programs. In this section, we will discuss the admission requirements and selection criteria for engineering programs in each country.

A. Admission Requirements for Engineering Programs in Each Country

  1. USA In the US, admission to engineering programs typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with strong performance in math and science courses. Some programs may also require SAT or ACT scores, as well as a minimum GPA. Students may also be required to submit letters of recommendation, personal essays, and transcripts from all previous schools attended.

  2. UK In the UK, students typically need to have completed their A-levels or equivalent with good grades in math and science subjects. Some universities may require students to have taken certain subjects at A-level, such as physics or chemistry. Students may also be required to submit personal statements, references, and additional entrance exams, such as the BMAT, LNAT or UKCAT, depending on the university and program.

  3. Canada In Canada, students typically need to have completed their high school diploma or equivalent, with strong grades in math and science courses. Some programs may also require students to have taken additional courses, such as physics or chemistry. Students may also need to provide letters of recommendation, personal statements, and transcripts.

  4. Australia In Australia, students typically need to have completed their high school diploma or equivalent, with good grades in math and science courses. Some programs may require additional courses in physics or chemistry, and some universities may also require students to take the UMAT or ISAT exams. Students may also be required to submit letters of recommendation, personal essays, and transcripts.

  5. Singapore In Singapore, admission to engineering programs typically requires completion of the GCE A-levels or equivalent, with good grades in math and science subjects. Some programs may also require students to take additional courses, such as physics or chemistry. Students may also be required to submit personal statements, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

B. Common Requirements Across Countries

Although each country has its own admission requirements and selection criteria for engineering programs, there are some common requirements that students can expect to encounter. For example, many programs require strong grades in math and science courses, as well as a minimum GPA. Additionally, many programs require students to submit transcripts from all previous schools attended, along with personal essays and letters of recommendation.

C. Unique Requirements for Each Country

In addition to the common requirements for engineering programs, each country also has unique requirements that students should be aware of. For example, in the UK, some universities require students to take additional entrance exams, such as the BMAT, LNAT, or UKCAT. In Australia, some programs require students to take the UMAT or ISAT exams. In Canada, some programs require students to have taken additional courses, such as physics or chemistry. In Singapore, admission to engineering programs typically requires completion of the GCE A-levels or equivalent.

Understanding the admission requirements and selection criteria for engineering programs in each country is an important step in the study abroad process. By researching the requirements ahead of time, students can ensure that they meet all the necessary qualifications and increase their chances of being accepted into their desired program.

IV. Selection Criteria for MBA Schools

MBA programs are highly competitive and require a rigorous application process. Below are the admission requirements for MBA programs in each of the countries covered in this article:

A. USA:

  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

  3. Competitive GMAT or GRE scores

  4. Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

  5. Letters of recommendation

  6. Personal essays or statements of purpose

  7. Interview (in some cases)

B. UK:

  1. Bachelor's degree (usually with honors) from a recognized institution

  2. Competitive GMAT or GRE scores

  3. Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

  4. English language proficiency test (such as TOEFL or IELTS)

  5. Letters of recommendation

  6. Personal essays or statements of purpose

  7. Interview (in some cases)

C. Canada:

  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

  3. Competitive GMAT or GRE scores

  4. Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

  5. English language proficiency test (such as TOEFL or IELTS)

  6. Letters of recommendation

  7. Personal essays or statements of purpose

  8. Interview (in some cases)

D. Australia:

  1. Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution

  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

  3. Competitive GMAT or GRE scores

  4. Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

  5. English language proficiency test (such as TOEFL or IELTS)

  6. Letters of recommendation

  7. Personal essays or statements of purpose

  8. Interview (in some cases)

E. Singapore:

  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

  3. Competitive GMAT or GRE scores

  4. Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

  5. English language proficiency test (such as TOEFL or IELTS)

  6. Letters of recommendation

  7. Personal essays or statements of purpose

  8. Interview (in some cases)

Common requirements across countries:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

  • Minimum GPA requirement (usually around 3.0)

  • Competitive GMAT or GRE scores

  • Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

  • English language proficiency test (such as TOEFL or IELTS)

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal essays or statements of purpose

  • Interview (in some cases)

Unique requirements for each country:

  • UK and Australia require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

  • UK requires a recognized Bachelor's degree with honors

  • Canada requires an English language proficiency test

  • Singapore requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience



III. Selection Criteria for Design Schools

Admission requirements for design programs in each country may vary depending on the country's education system and the school's reputation. However, there are some common requirements that most design schools require.

A. Admission Requirements for Design Programs in Each Country

  1. USA

Admission requirements for design programs in the USA may include the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Submission of a portfolio of previous work

  • SAT or ACT scores

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal essay

  1. UK

Admission requirements for design programs in the UK may include the following:

  • A-levels or equivalent qualifications

  • Submission of a portfolio of previous work

  • Personal statement

  • Letters of recommendation



  1. Canada

Admission requirements for design programs in Canada may include the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Submission of a portfolio of previous work

  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal essay

  1. Australia

Admission requirements for design programs in Australia may include the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Submission of a portfolio of previous work

  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal essay

  1. Singapore

Admission requirements for design programs in Singapore may include the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Submission of a portfolio of previous work

  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal essay


B. Common Requirements Across Countries

  • Portfolio of previous work: Most design schools require applicants to submit a portfolio of their previous work to showcase their skills and creativity.

  • English language proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to take an English proficiency test.

  • Letters of recommendation: Schools may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from teachers or employers.

  • Personal essay: Applicants may be asked to write an essay about their motivations for pursuing a career in design.

C. Unique Requirements for Each Country

Each country may have unique admission requirements for design schools. For example, some schools may require applicants to have a specific GPA or to have taken certain courses in high school. It's important for applicants to research the admission requirements for each school they are interested in to ensure they meet the criteria.



Selection Criteria for Medical Schools

Medical schools are highly competitive and selective in their admission process. Here are some of the admission requirements and selection criteria for medical programs in each country covered in this article:

USA:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

  • Completion of required pre-med courses

  • MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) score

  • Clinical or research experience

  • Personal statement and letters of recommendation

UK:

  • Completed application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)

  • Predicted or achieved grades in A-levels or equivalent qualifications

  • BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) or UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) score

  • Work experience in healthcare or related field

  • Personal statement and references

Canada:

  • Completion of a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies

  • MCAT score

  • Extracurricular activities and community involvement

  • Personal statement and references

Australia:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent

  • GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test) score

  • Interview with the university

  • Personal statement and references

Singapore:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent

  • MCAT score or BMAT score for certain programs

  • Interview with the university

  • Personal statement and references

Common Requirements:

  • Good academic standing and achievement

  • High GPA or equivalent academic performance

  • Demonstrated interest and commitment to the field of medicine

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Unique Requirements:

  • Some medical schools in certain countries may require language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS, for non-native speakers

  • Some medical schools may have specific prerequisite courses that applicants must complete

  • Some medical schools may require applicants to have work or volunteer experience in the healthcare field

It is important for students to research and understand the specific admission requirements and selection criteria for each medical program and country they are interested in applying to. By doing so, they can better prepare themselves and increase their chances of being accepted into their desired program.

IV. Selection Criteria for Law Schools

Admission requirements for law programs vary by country and institution. Here are some common and unique requirements for law schools in each of the countries covered in this article:

A. USA

Common Requirements:

  • Completed undergraduate degree

  • LSAT (Law School Admission Test) score

  • Personal statement or essay

  • Letters of recommendation

Unique Requirements:

  • Some law schools may require or recommend completion of specific undergraduate courses or majors

  • Some law schools may consider work experience in law or related fields


B. UK

Common Requirements:

  • Completed undergraduate degree

  • LSAT or LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) score

  • Personal statement or essay

  • Letters of recommendation

Unique Requirements:

  • Some universities may require a specific undergraduate degree or courses

  • Some universities may require or recommend completion of the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) before starting the law program

C. Canada

Common Requirements:

  • Completed undergraduate degree

  • LSAT score

  • Personal statement or essay

  • Letters of recommendation

Unique Requirements:

  • Some law schools may require or recommend completion of specific undergraduate courses or majors

  • Some law schools may require proficiency in French for admission

D. Australia

Common Requirements:

  • Completed undergraduate degree

  • LSAT score or equivalent (such as the Law School Admission Test - India)

  • Personal statement or essay

  • Letters of recommendation

Unique Requirements:

  • Some law schools may require or recommend completion of specific undergraduate courses or majors

  • Some law schools may require completion of the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) Diploma in Law

E. Singapore

Common Requirements:

  • Completed undergraduate degree

  • Law Admissions Test (LAT) score

  • Personal statement or essay

  • Letters of recommendation

Unique Requirements:

  • Some universities may require completion of a graduate preparatory course in law

  • Some universities may require or recommend completion of specific undergraduate courses or majors

IV. Cost Comparison for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be expensive, and cost is one of the major considerations for students and their families when deciding where to study. In this section, we will compare the costs of studying in different countries for various programs.

A. Cost of Tuition and Living Expenses for Each Country

The cost of tuition and living expenses varies widely between countries. Here is a brief overview of the costs for each of the countries covered in this article:

  1. USA: The cost of tuition for a four-year engineering degree in the US can range from $100,000 to $300,000. The average cost of living is around $10,000 to $15,000 per year.

  2. UK: Tuition fees for international students in the UK can range from £10,000 to £35,000 per year. The cost of living is around £12,000 to £15,000 per year.

  3. Canada: Tuition fees for international students in Canada can range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year. The cost of living is around CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year.

  4. Australia: Tuition fees for international students in Australia can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year. The cost of living is around AUD 18,000 to AUD 22,000 per year.

  5. Singapore: Tuition fees for international students in Singapore can range from SGD 30,000 to SGD 50,000 per year. The cost of living is around SGD 12,000 to SGD 15,000 per year.

B. Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

Scholarships and financial aid can help to offset the costs of studying abroad. Many universities offer scholarships to international students, and there are also external scholarship programs that students can apply for. Here are some examples of scholarship opportunities in each of the countries covered in this article:

  1. USA: Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, and Rotary Peace Fellowship.

  2. UK: Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Gates Cambridge Scholarships.

  3. Canada: Canada Graduate Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and Ontario Graduate Scholarships.

  4. Australia: Australia Awards Scholarships, Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships, and Research Training Program Stipend.

  5. Singapore: Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarship, National University of Singapore Scholarship, and Singapore International Graduate Award.

C. Examples of Cost Comparisons in Each Country

  1. Engineering Schools:

  • Canada: The University of Toronto offers a four-year engineering program for international students, with tuition fees ranging from CAD 47,800 to CAD 63,800 per year. The cost of living is estimated at CAD 15,000 per year.

  • USA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a four-year engineering program for international students, with tuition fees ranging from $54,450 to $58,240 per year. The cost of living is estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 per year.

  • UK: The University of Cambridge offers a four-year engineering program for international students, with tuition fees ranging from £33,825 to £40,491 per year. The cost of living is estimated at £12,000 to £15,000 per year.

  • Australia: The University of Melbourne offers a four-year engineering program for international students, with tuition fees ranging from AUD 40,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. The cost of living is estimated at AUD 18,000 to AUD 22,000 per year.

  • Singapore: The National University of Singapore offers a four-year engineering

IV. Visa and Job Environment Comparison

Studying abroad not only offers a unique academic experience but also the opportunity to build a career overseas. However, before deciding on a destination, it is important to understand the visa requirements and job opportunities available after graduation. In this section, we will provide a comparison of the visa requirements and job environment in each country.

A. Visa Requirements

  1. USA To study in the USA, students must obtain an F-1 visa. The requirements include:

    • Acceptance to a SEVP-approved school

    • Proof of financial support

    • English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

    • Application fee payment

    • SEVIS fee payment

  2. UK To study in the UK, students must obtain a Tier 4 (General) student visa. The requirements include:

    • Acceptance to a UK university

    • Proof of financial support

    • English proficiency test score (IELTS, etc.)

    • Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if applicable)

    • Application fee payment


  1. Canada To study in Canada, students must obtain a study permit. The requirements include:

    • Acceptance to a designated learning institution (DLI)

    • Proof of financial support

    • English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

    • Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)

    • Application fee payment

  2. Australia To study in Australia, students must obtain a student visa (subclass 500). The requirements include:

    • Acceptance to a registered course of study

    • Proof of financial support

    • English proficiency test score (IELTS, etc.)

    • Health examination (if applicable)

    • Application fee payment

  3. Singapore To study in Singapore, students must obtain a Student Pass. The requirements include:

    • Acceptance to a Singaporean institution

    • Proof of financial support

    • English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

    • Medical examination report

    • Application fee payment

B. Job Environment

  1. Engineering After graduation, engineers have a wide range of job opportunities available to them. In the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, the job market for engineers is relatively stable and expected to grow in the coming years. The average starting salary for engineering graduates in the USA is around $68,000, while in the UK, it is around £28,000. In Canada, the average starting salary for engineers is around CAD 62,000, while in Australia, it is around AUD 63,000. In Singapore, the average starting salary for engineers is around SGD 40,000.

  2. MBA MBA graduates have a high demand in the job market. In the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, the job market for MBA graduates is expected to grow in the coming years. The average starting salary for MBA graduates in the USA is around $105,000, while in the UK, it is around £41,000. In Canada, the average starting salary for MBA graduates is around CAD 85,000, while in Australia, it is around AUD 80,000. In Singapore, the average starting salary for MBA graduates is around SGD 60,000.

  3. Design Design graduates have opportunities in various fields such as advertising, graphic design, product design, etc. In the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, the job market for design graduates is expected to grow in the coming years. The average starting salary for design graduates in the USA is around $40,000, while in the UK, it is around £22,000. In Canada, the average starting salary for design graduates is around CAD 36,000, while in Australia, it is around AUD 47

In conclusion, studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for students seeking to broaden their horizons and gain new perspectives. The benefits of studying abroad include personal growth, cultural immersion, language acquisition, and the opportunity to develop a global network of contacts. However, studying abroad can also present challenges such as homesickness, culture shock, and navigating a foreign education system.

Scholarships are available for students who need financial assistance, and it is important to research and apply for them early on. The selection criteria for engineering, MBA, design, medical, and law schools vary by country, and students should carefully consider the admission requirements and unique aspects of each program.

Cost is another important factor to consider, as tuition and living expenses can vary significantly between countries. However, scholarships and financial aid can help offset the costs. Visa requirements and job opportunities after graduation should also be taken into consideration. It is important to research and understand the visa process for each country, as well as the job market and opportunities in the relevant field.

In conclusion, studying abroad can be an enriching and valuable experience, but requires careful planning and research. By considering the selection criteria, costs, visa requirements, and job opportunities for each country, students can make an informed decision about where to study and how to make the most of their experience.

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