If you have good scores, work, and come from a safe country, getting a student visa isn’t difficult. However, there can be times when your student visa can get rejected.
And trust me, there is nothing more disappointing than the rejection. You have to be very cautious during the entire process. Build a good rapport with the interviewer and be very confident while answering them.
Here are four reasons why your student visa can get rejected:
1. Strong intention to stay back in the foreign country
Even though you have all intentions to start working in the country after getting higher education, you must show strong roots in India.
Your words should reflect you are going to the country only for educational purposes and nothing out of greed of staying there and becoming a citizen.
2. No being capable enough financially
Unfortunately, only good grades aren’t enough to get you through the interview. You should show that you can support your finances for the tenure of your education in that particular country.
And this means you should have a minimum amount as advised by the country’s government in your bank account.
3. Being too casual and lousy during the interview
The student visa interview is nothing less than a formal interview. You have to be on your best behavior and very courteous.
Being too casual, laughing a lot, making jokes, acting lousy, or being clumsy is nothing going to get you anywhere. Be on time, wear simple colors, dress formally, and carry yourself well.
4. Giving away false information
Do not even dare to give single false information. These interviewers have years of experience and resources to find out if you are lying or not.
Also, they can inform about it to all other country embassies, keeping your desire to study a dream forever.
So, if you are applying for a student visa anytime soon, keep all these points in mind, or else you might face rejection too.
Are you planning to complete your further education? Are you planning to do it in your home country or from somewhere abroad? That’s a great decision.
If you think you can handle staying away from your family, love to travel and explore new places, and want to make it big in your career, consider going abroad for your master’s.
Here are three reasons you should complete your master’s from abroad:
1. International experience add value to your resume
There’s nothing more valuable to add to your resume than a master’s degree at a renowned university. If you belong to a country where the education system is good enough or what you do isn’t available, going to a foreign country is your only choice.
There are endless opportunities for a postgraduate in countries like the UK, the US, and Australia as compared to India.
2. Take advantage of scholarships
There are a lot of scholarships and financial aids for postgraduate students from your country’s government and universities. One of the most used ones is Commonwealth Scholarship.
If you belong to a Commonwealth country and want to study in the United Kingdom, you will get the scholarship. Many universities waiver off a part of fees for self-funded students.
3. Discover new possibilities
There’s a lot that a new place will offer you. You might find a best friend that you never had all your life or meet the love of your life. You might also start your own company.
It won’t be easy in the beginning because you have to adjust to a new place. Once you’ve settled, money isn’t a big issue because you earn through part-time work.
Let’s be honest. The easiest way to settle in a foreign country is to study there. You have put in money in the beginning for studying, but you only reap benefits after getting employed.
So, make better choices, plan your future ahead. Check universities abroad.
If you are a traveler, then here’s something that might interest you. It has become a trend among many graduates to stay in a foreign country for a year, work, and move to another one.
That way, you are being productive, reaching your life goals, and also ticking things off your checklist. If you are an Indian, you should start with Asian countries.
These countries are easier to adjust to for you, and there is a large Indian community to support you.
Here are the three most affordable Asian countries to live in:
The Philippines is a country that comprises 7 107 islands. This means numerous beaches, tasty seafood, and so much to travel. Also, Filipinos are the most friendly and hospitable people in the world.
Living here is so cheap that you can make your own house and stay. Monthly rent costs around Rs 20,000, and your daily expenses can go as high as Rs 1800.
When you travel to Vietnam, you have to live like a local. The country has a lot to offer, but only if you act like a local. Groceries for a week are as cheap as Rs 2000 and stay costs less than Rs 8000.
The daily expenses that include travel and food will cost you only Rs 1100. Again, you don’t need a part-time job in Vietnam. If you are a freelancer, then there’s nothing like it.
Thailand is every backpacker’s dream country. With beautiful destinations and friendly people, Thailand is one of the most affordable Asian countries.
You don’t even need to work a 9 to 5 job in Thailand. Work from home as a freelancer or do business related to international tourism. The monthly rent in Thailand is around Rs 8000, and the average daily cost is Rs 1000.
So, these were the most affordable countries in Asia. Now, if you want to be more specific, like look for South Asian countries, then we have that as well.
Take a look.
If you would’ve asked anyone 10 years back that if they lived in any Asian country, they would’ve directly said no. Well, the statistics are changing now.
Asian countries like China, India, and Singapore have grown tremendously in the past couple of decades. And, they are very pretty with varied geography and widespread culture.
Here are the top three Southeast Asian Countries to Live in:
South Korea is a well-planned country. The country has low crime rates, low unemployment, a stable economy, and friendly locals.
You don’t even need to cook at home in South Korea because fast food is cheap and healthy. The country has one of the highest-speed internet connections in Asia. There are many types of public transport available and abundant jobs as well.
2. The Philippines
Filipinos are one of the friendliest people on earth and very supportive. In simple words, the Philippines is a paradise. It is an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean.
Since it was under Spanish rule, many Philippines speak good Spanish and English. You won’t be lost during your initial days in the country.
They have a great education system in place as well. You can go to the beaches and eat street food in your free time.
Japan is the best country to live in for techies and chemical engineers. It has the lowest crime rates in Asia and very high employment rates. Also, Japan is a very safe country to live in because it has impartial rules and regulations in place.
Japanese are also amiable people. Again, even though Japan is tiny, it is a natural treasure. Japan looks different every season, which sets it apart from other countries in the world.
If relocating is in your mind, consider these beautiful Southeast Asian countries.
As an international student from India, adjusting to the American culture will be quite tricky initially. The culture and lifestyle are very different, but you will adjust soon. People are amicable because there are a lot of ethnic groups living together peacefully.
Here are some essential things you need to know before studying in the United States of America:
1. How are you is a greeting
“Hey, how are you?” is a greeting and not a question. Tell them that you are good, but don’t ask the question back if an American asks you so. They are cool people and don’t get too formal.
2. Be respectful to women
Yes, American men and boys know well how to treat women. If a known or unknown woman is behind you or traveling with her, make sure you open the car doors or entry doors for her. If you are a girl, be ready to feel like a princess.
3. Don’t stay in dorm rooms
Dorm life and rooms only look good in the photos. Please don’t stay in dorm rooms because they are too small for a high price and full of bed bugs. Rent an apartment with three-four people from your country instead.
4. Elevator talks
Americans are inquisitive people, and if they spot someone different from them, they will try getting to know you. That’s perfectly fine, and you’ll thoroughly enjoy their questions and the conversation as well.
5. Food and gym
The United States of America is the mecca of fast food. Americans eat a lot of food, and you’ll take time to get used to the amount they eat. But they go hardcore at the gym too.
After eating tons of food, they sweat it out at the gym, and that’s perfectly fine, according to them.
Now that you know what you need to keep in mind before studying in the US, let’s see how your life will change after studying in the US.
The United States of America is a global power and one of the most developed countries globally. It attracts hundreds and thousands of students every year.
Do you plan to study in the US? Well, with sheer hard work and determination, you will get selected in your preferred university. But be prepared because the US will change a lot about you.
Here are five ways life changes after studying in the US:
1. Accent
You slowly start catching the accent, and you secretly love it. But your friends back home start teasing you for becoming like that. It is okay, though, isn’t it? Stay in America, be like the Americans.
2. You stop converting currency value
Remember those earlier days when you would convert USD into INR. Those days are over for good, aren’t they? Spending a few extra bucks isn’t a problem because you get fantastic variety, which is absent back home.
3. You fall in love with food portions
American food portions are huge. A small coke there is large coke in India. Even the average portion size is twice the portion size in the US. After all, what more would you want? Some warm filling food for such a dollar or two.
4. Cultural shocks are no more shocks for you
You would feel ashamed seeing people in skimpy clothes and same-sex relationships in your earlier days, but that’s not the case anymore. You have friends of all kinds, and you love them for who they are and not for their choices.
5. American festivals replace your Indian festivals
You have transformed into a true blue American when you start enjoying American festivals and sports more than Indian. Nothing’s wrong with it because you get to celebrate double the amount of everything.
So, that’s how your life will change once you start studying in America and truly embrace the place.
Scotland stands tall today because of its royal history and impeccable education system. Scotland is one of the most affordable countries to live in Europe.
Scotland is ideal for higher education like Ph.D. and doing masters after a single master’s degree. If you are an EU or EEA student, you still won’t be charged any fees at some universities in Scotland. International students have to pay significantly fewer costs, and the Scottish government awards many bursaries and scholarships.
The University of St Andrews ranks first in Scotland and third in the United Kingdom. It has the highest student satisfaction ratio in the UK, and most students pass out with a 2:1 score. It is on the Fife coast.
The University of St Andrews has many beautiful beaches around it. Famous graduates from the university are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, and Catherine.
It stands second in Scotland and 23rd in the UK. Some graduates from this university have found Ivy League colleges. It is over 400 years old and famous for its research-based studies. JK Rowling, Charles Darwin, and Alexander Graham Bell are from this university.
In 2017, the University of Glasgow became the second-best university for graduate prospects. The university started in 1451. It has done breakthrough research in gravitational waves, Albert Einstein’s last unproven theory. Famous graduates from this university are Adam Smith, Gerard Butler, and William Hunter.
Along with education, Heriot-Watt University gives great importance to sports. The university campus has two rugby pitches, five outdoor football pitches, and 12 court halls.
The university has two campuses out of the UK in Malaysia and Dubai. Using its Go Global program, students of Heriot-Watt University can switch campuses at no extra cost.
So, these were the top universities in Scotland that you can apply to.
Getting a master’s in Business Administration from a foreign university is every Indian graduate’s dream. Getting an MBA degree is a stepping stone in every graduate’s career. Student visa processes and study loans have become very easy to get.
Students no longer want to limit themselves to India, and they want to explore what the world has to offer them.’
Here are the three best countries for Indians to pursue MBA:
United Kingdom offers one-year MBA courses that are exhaustive and effective. These courses are much cheaper than those in the USA.
Top business schools in the UK are London Business School, Imperial College Business School, and Alliance Manchester Business School. You will have to apply for Tier 4 General Student visa to pursue MBA in the UK.
2. Australia
Australia follows the British education system just like India. The education rules and method of teaching are very similar and, thus, easy to adjust to. Also, Australian universities accept students twice a year.
Apply for the Australian Student Visa to pursue MBA in the country.
3. New Zealand
Over the years, New Zealand has become a famous country among Indian business students. New Zealand is a beautiful country and affordable education, living, and public transport.
New Zealand universities are a perfect blend of practical knowledge and theoretical training. You will have to apply for the New Zealand Student visa to pursue an MBA course in the country.
You need to pass either a TOEFL or IELTS proficiency test for all these countries. GMAT isn’t mandatory in any of these country, so that’s a lot of stress when it comes to getting into one of the business schools.
Prepare well for your proficiency tests and plan everything ahead. These countries will provide you with the best business education you can receive.
Studying abroad is not an easy deal as it takes a lot of money. From study materials to tuition fees and accommodation, it indeed is a challenge, especially with the discrepancies in currency.
But if you choose your study location wisely, it can significantly cut your costs down and make studying much more affordable. According to a recently published 2016 Student Living Index, which has been calculated by an organization called Natwest, we present to you the cheapest study destinations if you want to study in the UK.
This study targeted a total of 2500 students currently studying in the UK and asked students how they manage their expenses- rent, groceries, bills, and entertainment- and how their part-time jobs supplement it.
On average, a student loan will cover them for £161.14 a week, significantly contributing to their expenses, along with money sent by parents and kin. The third-largest income source is, of course, part-time jobs.
Here is a list of the 4 cheapest study destinations in the UK, considering all these factors.
4 Cheapest Cities in the UK for International Education
1. Portsmouth:
Portsmouth is a small port located in Hampshire, and students here generate an average income of £1,516.98, with rent making up for £101.61 per week and bills amounting to £12.93 per week.
Moreover, if you tend to go out every weekend, you will be spending a total of £7.42 on an average every time.
2. Liverpool:
Liverpool too is a coastal city and has a fantastic tourism sector brimming with innovation and urbanization. You can make an average of £1,425.01 while studying here with rents amounting to £99.35, bills making up for £8.90, and you can still spend around £6.81 for that weekend outing.
3. Newcastle:
Newcastle was a major shipbuilding center during the Industrial Revolution but is now a haven for arts, sciences, and business. It is also known as a university city, establishing itself as a lucrative market for international students.
With an average earning of £1,421.36, students spend a total of £101.55 on their weekly rent, £9.05 on their bills, and £7.81 on their outings.
4. Belfast:
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is one of the biggest, industrially vibrant, and well-developed cities in the UK. The students here make an average of £1,171.86 while spending £73.81 and £10.77 on rent and bills respectively every week.
Now that you know the cheapest cities in the UK let us dive into the top reasons you should study in the UK.
Reason to study in the UK:
Many people dream of completing higher education in the United Kingdom. British universities come in the top 10 rankings all across the globe. Even though the cost of living is higher than in any other country, you receive a lot more in the United Kingdom than just theoretical education.
Are you still looking for reasons to study in the UK? Here are some that will most definitely convince you:
1. High standards of teaching
All universities have to follow the rules and standards set by the government to ensure quality education. The United Kingdom is known for its high standards of teaching, which is crucial for a successful future.
Since India follows the British education system, Indian students have no difficulty adjusting to the method and style of teaching.
2. Shorter duration of courses
Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK are of a shorter duration than anywhere else in the world. This cuts down the tuition fees and living costs. Undergraduate courses are three years long, and postgraduate courses are one year long.
In countries like the USA and Canada, courses are four years long.
3. Flexible working hours
International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours a week during school and full time during holidays. This takes off the financial pressure from students. A student can also assist a professor in the research and earn through that.
4. Travel goals
The United Kingdom is a part of Europe, one of the most beautiful continents on earth. It is made up of many tiny nations. Traveling from the UK to these nations is comparatively easy because of lower costs.
So when it is holiday time, you can go travel with your friends and tick all those places off your bucket list.
The United Kingdom also has a large Indian community, so you will not feel homesick or lonely.
Now that you know why you should go to the UK for your higher studies, and you also know some of the cheapest places in the UK, what are you waiting for?
As a student, you might be confused about which Australian state you should study in. Australia has world-class universities that have excellent teaching staff and good quality education.
There are many states in Australia, but you have to decide which one is for you. Before finalizing the state, you have to weigh job opportunities and how much you will earn.
Here is a list of the four best student-friendly states in Australia:
Sydney is Australia’s largest city and the country’s financial and economic studies. It has a high employer score and a very low unemployment rate. It is ideal for management and business students because there are endless job opportunities.
Adelaide is opposite Sydney, with open parks, wide boulevards, and wildlife. However, it is equally good in terms of education and employment opportunities. While you are not studying or on vacation, you can go hiking, cycling, and swimming.
If you love beaches, you are going to love Gold Coast. It has 300 days of summer, perfect for spending time at the beach. Gold Coast is a beautiful blend of high-rise buildings near the coast and a peaceful suburban neighborhood on the other side.
Healthcare and business are top fields in Gold Coast. The best universities in Gold Coast are Bond University and Southern Cross University.
Now that you know the states you should go for in Australia, let us look at a few things to be aware of before studying in Australia.
Australia is a laid-back country. Also, it is a favorite among Indian students. The number of Indian international students going to Australia for studies has increased in the past decade. The cost of living is low, while the standard of living is relatively high. It is one of the biggest countries in the world, and that allows you to explore things around.
Before going to the country, here are a few things that you should be aware of:
1. Beware of birds
There are so many birds in Australia that you won’t need an alarm. They are cute and all but truly dangerous. They’ll wake you up in the morning, beg you for food, and won’t let you sleep in the night.
2. Every weekend will be beach weekend
If you go to one of the coastal cities of Australia, you and your friends will always end up at the beach. Why? It’s beautiful, and there’s plenty of food too.
3. You will probably join a surfing school
It is all about learning. Surfing is fun, and you are going to enjoy it thoroughly. Take classes only during the weekends or holidays because you will fall so often that you won’t go to college the next day.
4. Try kangaroo meat
They are cute and adorable, and they taste good too. Kangaroo meat is usually eaten during the winters because the temperature drops low and the meat is hot. You might like it or not, but give it a chance.
5. Fall in love with Tim Tams
Tim Tams is the national snack of Australia. And it tastes so good that it will take you to heaven. They taste delicious with hot chocolate.
In Australia, you don’t just study, but enjoy yourself a lot. You won’t get that type of experience anywhere else.
So, just your state, choose your university, and get set rolling!!
PhD-s can be a tough battle to win. But as soon as you navigate the process and map your goals, you can create for yourself a fulfilling career with ample credentials and intellectual superiority.
For doing so, choosing the institution that matches your requirements and research criteria is the way to go. Here is a list of the premier institutions in the UK that provide you with the required Ph.D. disciplines for your career path ahead in science.
Best University in the UK for Ph.D. in Science:
1. Nottingham University
Founded in 1881, Nottingham University ranks high on the most sought-after universities for placements in the UK.
It offers you state-of-the-art infrastructure and thorough education in a sprawling campus with an enviable reputation. It has 50 disciplines to choose from and a well-structured research facility.
2. University of Exeter, Doctorate colleges
With a sterling reputation for being among the elite universities of the United Kingdom, the University of Exeter also offers fully-funded research programs for its doctoral college.
With more than 70 research centers under its wing, this university provides Ph.D. courses in fields like metamaterials, translational medicine, genome, climate change, extrasolar planets, and medical history, to name a few.
3. Coventry University
This university was destroyed in World War II and has rebuilt itself since then. It has developed a reputation by offering advanced research programs with scholarships and funding in various disciplines like Engineering, Healthcare, Environmental studies. It is known for its new-age pedagogy and international exposure.
4. University of Manchester
Considered the second-largest university in the UK, this university is more recently formed but has a top-class student engagement process and reputation. It offers research programs in many disciplines- ranging from Animal Biology to Dental Sciences.
So in case you are a Science student who wants to pursue their post-doctorate program in the United Kingdom, do apply to these universities!
If you are not up for Ph.D. yet, another course you can pursue in the United Kingdom is Nutrition.
Food science and nutrition science are slowly yet steadily making their mark worldwide. Until now, nutrition was considered a field used to cure the diseased, but with people growing conscious about their health, nutrition has seen a steady increase.
Some growing fields in nutrition are sports nutrition, exercise and fitness nutrition, pediatric nutrition, genomic nutrition, and food processing and preservation.
Let’s take a look at the four best universities in the UK for studying nutrition:
4 Best Universities in the UK for Nutrition:
1. Nottingham Trent University
One of the esteemed universities for studying nutrition, Nottingham Trent University, has two bachelor’s degrees in nutrition.
The teaching staff personally helps students understand the subjects and has in-campus placements. Career opportunities are plenty, and you can also go for a master’s in sports science at the university.
2. University of Roehampton
Nutrition and psychology are closely related and, when together, become the perfect formula for helping an individual stay fit. The nutrition courses at Roehampton are finely tuned to accommodate psychology as a part of the course.
Even it doesn’t have in-campus placement, and the career counseling department helps you find the best suitable system for you.
3. Ulster University
Located in Northern Ireland, Ulster University also has two courses in nutrition. They have excellent job prospects and a highly interactive career department.
All professors are actively involved in ensuring that the students understand the matter well and apply it in their life. The university also polishes you in transferable skills like leadership and time management.
4. King’s College London
With over 17,600 undergraduate students enrolling in the college every year, King’s College London is a favorite among nutrition students. It is ideal for postgraduate studies if you want to increase your medical, clinical, or pediatric nutrition knowledge.
Even though the education fees are comparatively higher than other universities, students from this college often get very high-paying jobs.
Now that you’ve cleared the visa application process and your IELTS proficiency test, there’s another hurdle that you need to jump through – what to pack for the UK.
If you are from India and especially from the South, you will know that the climate is very different in the UK. Now that you are going to a completely different nation, you need to be well-prepared.
Here are five things you need to pack for studying in the UK:
Carry all your essential documents with you. These include your passport, visa, copy of your acceptance letter from the university, prescription for any medical illness or anything in general, driver’s license, debit cards, credit cards, birth certificate, education certificates, immunization certificate, and current academic transcripts of tertiary studies.
Always have a small first aid kit in your bag wherever you travel. No one ever hopes to be cut or bruised, but just in case, you have to be prepared.
Convenience stores in the UK aren’t open all day long as in India, and you might not even find one near you.
5. Hoodies and light jackets
Pack only a couple of hoodies and lightweight jackets. Avoid buying heavy winter jackets in India because they are expensive and you need different kinds there.
Winter jackets are pretty cheap in the UK and of good quality.
So, with these 5 things to pack you are all good to go to the UK to study.
