Forget US, UK; you can study here too...

Students are looking at countries that offer a healthy post study environment, says Sumeet Jain When contemplating to study abroad, the first destination that comes to our minds is the United States of America. The country has remained the most favoured nation when considering a master's program in engineering studies by most students and parents alike. At one point, it was a matter of prestige for students to further their engineering studies from this country.

While the country still remains a favourite, recent trends have witnessed a good number of students exploring other countries as well. It is heartening to note that aspirants are looking at no so traditional countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and China as well. Students are weighing their options on long term benefits from studying in such universities and their career prospects.

With visa norms becoming an issue with many developed nations, it is important to consider and ponder over the destination before investing in it. Ere are some other student-friendly destinations you may consider

Canada
This country has a special place next only to the US as a favourite destination for engineering studies. The growth in the number of international students studying in Canada has seen a steady ascend. This can be accredited to the political changes in the US with its narrative around strict policies against migration to US.
Traditionally, Canada has some really good universities. Easy route to PR along with academically strong universities has pushed Canada as a favourite destination. Besides, it costs much less compared to the US. Companies such as Amazon, Uber are looking at expanding their hubs in Canada. With these developments, the country sure looks like a promising prospect for engineers. On the flip side, the weather could be harsh for Indians. With too many international students vying to study in Canada, it could well turn into a crowded job market.

Post study work visa
How long the post-graduation work permit is valid, depends on the length of the study program. If the program is less than eight months one cannot be eligible for a Post Study Work Permit. If it is more than eight months but less than two years, the work permit may be valid for up to the same length as the study program (for example, if the study period has been for nine months, a work permit may be issued for up to nine months). If the course is for two years or more a post study work permit may be issued for three years.
Approx cost: Around Rs 10 to 15 lakhs per year

Germany
Germany has been a favourite among the mechanical, automobile and chemical engineers since a long time. Most of the public universities provide education free of cost. This lures a lot of students into considering Germany as their destination. But this does come with a very important filtering; aspirants should have in the past performed very well academically to be eligible for the public universities. Knowing German is not mandatory for English taught courses but it always helps you to know the language. Especially when applying for jobs.

Post study work visa option
International students with a residence permit can extend their stay and can seek work for up to 18 months after graduating, provided that the job is related to their field of study.

Cost
Tuition can be free for public universities. Living cost will depend on the city you stay in but you can expect it to be around 200 to 400 Euros per month.

Australia
Australia has been getting students from non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Management) background, since it accepts 15 years of education, which most US universities do not. Many engineering students are now looking at Australia since the route to PR is easier for them. It has just 43 universities and most of them make it to the top universities of the world. Australia is one of the costliest education destinations. Students reduce the financial burden by working part time. Australian law allows students to work upto 20 hours per week during the course. Cost: Rs 20 to 25 lakh per year.

Post study visa options
To get a post-study work visa, students should have studied for at least two years in Australia. Temporary graduate visa helps one to work in Australia after their graduation. This is for the students who have recently graduated from an Australian university. It has two work streams: Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Visa. The Graduate work stream is for international students who graduate with skills and qualifications related to an occupation in demand in Australia. It gives you a visa extension of at least 18 months and may not be based on one's graduate degree. The post-study work stream offers extended options of two, three or four years depending on the degree that they have obtained.

- Sumeet Jain
Source: www.rediff.com