Having a plethora of reasons for abroad study programs becoming quite popular, for most international students the appeal is likely to be a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing immersion in a new culture, gaining a global mindset, and expanding future employment prospects.

For some, the prospect of leaving home and heading off into the unknown is daunting but studying abroad is also an exciting challenge that often leads to improved career opportunities and a broader understanding of the way the world works.

The type of experience one has during their time abroad will vary hugely depending on where they go, so it is imperative to state that one should choose the study destination based on their own personal interest as well as the country’s academic reputation, in order to keep a healthy work/play balance.

While this decision is a herculean task, one also needs to keep in mind the practicalities such as the incurring cost of studying (tuition) & living expenses in the country, graduate career prospects & employability, overall safety, and welfare, and the countries immigration guidelines.

Students who are looking for a scholarship should plan their steps way in advance. Students planning for Undergraduate programs abroad from India should start planning when they are in class 9th. Most abroad universities offer you scholarships after evaluating an applicant’s application based on various parameters. Scholarships for Undergraduate students are mostly granted based on academic, profile, and need-based parameters. For Example, The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto provide an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities.

The scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. A special emphasis is placed on the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community. Similar scholarships are also offered by various universities across the world. Most Canadian, American European, and Australian Universities have multiple allotments of scholarships for International Students who have shown excellence in leadership, community, and extracurricular activities along with a great academic profile.

Postgraduate Applicants should also start focusing on building a profile that should be beyond academics by gaining Internships, writing and publishing research papers, completing unique projects along with a good GMAT/ GRE score where applicable.

Every student who is thinking of studying abroad should start planning at least 3 years in advance. Getting an offer letter from a University is easy if you have strong academics but getting a decent scholarship is where all the effort is.

About the author- Mr. Ankit Kapoor, Co-founder & Director, Pratham Test Prep