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Parents go above and beyond for their child’s dreams. They spend a significant amount of money on their upbringing to ensure their child does not lose out on any opportunity. But, while looking at short-term goals like buying a laptop or a phone, parents forget to save for long-term goals like their college.   Making early savings plans for your child's further education is important because:  The cost of education is rising fast  A student loan may not be the best choice for your child’s future  Expansion of career options  The rise in competition and aspirations  Increase in options for foreign education  Source: pexels How you can save to send your child to Yale University in the US? Costs to send your child to Yale University Over the past few decades, the expense of attending college has been steadily rising, and few institutions are immune.  Private, non-profit four-year institutions graduate some of the best-earning students and have some of the highest four-year graduation rates.  During the 2019–2020 academic year, the average tuition fees at Yale University were rough ₹44 lacks, housing cost ₹7.4 lacks, and boarding cost ₹6 lacks for a total of ₹57.5 lacks. The school also calculates that students spend around ₹3 lacks annually on books and other personal expenses. It lists a ₹10,000 annual student activities fee, bringing the whole cost of attendance to about ₹60 lacks.  The cost of attendance also included options like senior class dues (₹9,500) and health insurance (₹2 lacks).   Fast forward to 2020-2021, the average cost of attendance given by the university itself rose to ₹61 lakh, which includes fees, textbooks, room, and boarding. But that’s not the price you’ll pay 18 years from now, this ₹61 lakh will increase by 3% every year growing to more than ₹1 crore annually by the time your child is ready to head off for college. And if your child gets a 4-year degree, that means you’ll be on the hook for over ₹4 crores. Now that you know the cost of studying at Yale University, it is easier to start saving for it. Get Education Loans to Study Abroad Now let’s see how much you’ll need to save To fully fund your child’s education at Yale University, you’ll need to save about ₹1.5 lahks a month or more than ₹17 lahks a year every year until they turn 18. That’s more than ₹3 crores out of your pocket.   Now, the whole idea is that these numbers are nearly impossible to manage along with all other expenses of raising your child.  Hence, you need to understand that you need long-term investment plans to fulfill your child’s educational dreams. The only way to make these dreams a reality is by planning your finances and investing in plans like mutual funds via SIPs, investing in US Markets, and much more.  Let’s assume you are ready to start investing for your child’s future studies and start putting money in a SIP right away for the next 18 years – assuming that's when your child goes off to college.  Through our cost college calculator, can find out the future cost and how much you need to save up when that time arrives. By investing ₹11,000 every month in SIP for the next 18 years, you will be able to collect ₹3 crores* by February 2040, or you can use the lump sum method and invest about ₹5.4 lacks right now to earn up ₹2 crores by June 2040. Depending upon your time horizon, fund collection as well as market fluctuations, your returns will differ.   Long-term investing options are great for parents who are looking at college for 8-10 years or more. But if your child wants to go to Yale University in 1-2 years, then no worries, you can approach a financial expert to figure out the best course of action. Your child can apply for scholarships and grants or you can also explore the options that Yale University offers for financial aid. There is always an option for education loans that offer attractive interest rates.  Whether it's Yale or Harvard, saving early and establishing a good strategy for your children's educational goals is the key to success. Delaying the journey even by a year could cost you dearly! In the times we live in, education is expensive and cannot be compromised at any cost! Talk to an expert FAQs How can SIPs and lump sum investments help save for Yale University education? Investing ₹11,000 monthly for 18 years through SIP can yield ₹3 crores by February 2040. Alternatively, a lump sum investment of ₹5.4 lacks now can grow to ₹2 crores by June 2040. Why is early saving and strategy important for educational goals? Early savings and a well-thought-out strategy are crucial due to the high cost of education. Delaying the savings journey can lead to significant financial implications. What's the takeaway for parents? Plan ahead, explore funding options, and start saving early to secure your child's educational dreams, even for elite institutions like Yale University.

Indians flock to top universities in the UK like Oxford University, Cambridge University, University College London, Edinburg University, King’s College London, etc. Over 84 UK universities are listed in the QS World University Rankings 2021, each providing a distinctive experience with committed teachers, vast facilities, and practical resources. It's no wonder, the UK is one of the most sought-after destinations for studying abroad for Indian students. Let’s find out how you can plan your child’s masters in the UK with them. What is the cost of studying in the UK?  It's crucial to be realistic about the costs of studying in the UK, especially if you're going to pay for it. You'll need to factor in their living expenses and tuition.  As of 2022-2023, the cost of a master's degree in any field in the UK can cost somewhere between ₹40-90 lakh. For instance, Oxford University costs about ₹50-60 lakh, Cambridge University ₹60-65 lakh, and Manchester University costs around ₹40-45 lakh.   There are options for outside funding options like grants and scholarships. Also, keep an eye on deadlines because your child might need to submit a personal statement or a sample of their work for some scholarships, which require an early application. These options may lessen the expense but may not be enough to cover the entire cost of attendance such as living expenses and accommodation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-xEGg3N0Os Talk to an Expert Living expenses in the UK  Living expenses are a very relative number, it depends on the kind of lifestyle and expenses one wants to have, whether they want to live luxuriously or on a budget. This also depends on the affordability of the student as well as their parents.   Now, the average living expense of a Master’s student in the UK is somewhere around ₹30-40 lakh throughout the degree.   Your child can cover part of the fees by working part-time jobs while attending school. But be mindful of their visa limitations that will cap the number of hours they can work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRiktJ_KLmo How to save for these costs?  There are a few long-term as well as short-term ways to help you save for your child’s Master's in the UK.   One simple way is to divide the total amount, which supposes is ₹1 crore, and put aside around ₹40,000 per month or about ₹4.5 lacks every year for 18 years and start saving when your child is young. Invest your money, either for 18 full years or even a shorter time. SIPs can bring you incredible returns in 18 years if you keep investing for the future.  The last and tougher option is to take an education loan at the time of application and pay it back after. Now that’s not an ideal option because of the high-interest rates. Source: pexels The application process for the UK  1. Solid undergraduate degree or related work experience  UK universities prefer candidates for master's programs to have a strong undergraduate degree, ideally in a related or relevant field. However, some courses, especially those that are more artistic, like art, may call for the submission of a portfolio. Others might need to be interviewed.   Because of the pandemic's impact on university operations, interviews are now far more likely to take place online, which is extremely cost-effective for international students.  2. English proficiency test  A solid command of the English language is another prerequisite for master's studies in the UK. Your child will need to pass an English language exam, such as the TOEFL or the IELTS. Check which exams and at what level the universities accept.  3. The application procedure differs for each university  Every university in the UK has a very different application procedure for master's degrees. The deadlines for applications may vary greatly. For more information on the deadlines for the universities, your child is applying to, visit their websites or consult an expert to help them shortlist or understand the different requirements of studying abroad.  Some of the most prestigious universities will need applications to be submitted fairly early in November, while others may accept applications through the summer if there are still openings. Some applications might not even have a deadline, but it's best to submit them early because the course may fill up.   4. Recommendations are integral   Most colleges will want recommendations. These will often be two professors or other academic advisors from your child's prior course. You might also want to provide a reference for your job. You must ensure that the people you are proposing are willing to do so and can do so by any deadlines.  5. Customize your statement of purpose for every university   Make sure your child's statement of purpose has been customized for each institution they are applying to. Make them justify why their experience is perfect for the particular course the institution is offering.  6. Emphasize any prior relevant experience  It is important to emphasize in the application, any work experience that is relevant to the course or they should emphasize their transferable skills if the master's program they are applying for is entirely unrelated to their prior education or professional experience.  Home to some of the best universities in the world coupled with its new post-study work visa, the UK is fast becoming one number country for higher education. While you can’t reduce the cost of studying for a master's in the UK, you help your child pay for it when the right arrives! Start saving to give wings to your child’s masters!  FAQs Why do many Indians choose the UK for higher education? The UK offers top-ranked universities, committed faculty, comprehensive resources, and a diverse learning experience. Over 84 UK universities are listed in the QS World University Rankings. What is the application process for UK universities? The application process varies by university. It generally includes a strong undergraduate degree, English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS), recommendations, customized statements of purpose, and relevant work experience. What's the key takeaway for parents? Planning and saving early is crucial for financing your child's Master's education in the UK. Consider various funding options and prepare well for the application process to secure your child's educational dreams. TALK TO AN EXPERT

A bond is a debt instrument that an investor purchases from the issuer and receives interest on it periodically. Financial institutions, companies, banks, non-banking financial companies, and the government provide bonds. Bond is one of the financial instruments that help companies finance themselves; it acts as a loan for these companies that raise money directly from investors.   Bonds are ideal for investors seeking low-risk investments, and they carry lower risk than equities and help diversify the portfolio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYJzL-H5sds What are some primary differences between bonds and stocks? Bonds Stocks In bonds, you provide an amount to the lender to invest in an organization/ government In a share, you own a portion of the company equity by investing. The person who invests in a bond receives a fixed interest over time from the issuer. An individual dealing in stocks sells the shares once the price rise.    These are a debt. The long-investment bonds are riskier. These investments are long-term and short-term. Long-term offers the potential to the investor. Safer investment option than stocks Profitable investment option than bonds   However, bonds are not entirely free from risks. If the company goes bankrupt, the investors stop receiving interest payments. In many cases, individuals do not get the principal amount as well. It is thus advisable to invest in bonds in India carefully. Analyze the growth and issuer’s creditworthiness. Companies with AAA ratings like HDFC Bank Limited or Infosys are considered the best bond issuer.   How to Invest in Index Funds? Read More What are the 5 types of bonds to invest in India?   Here are the top 5 bond types of investing in India:  Government security bonds   The Government of India issues this debt instrument. These are one of the safest bonds in India, and they do not carry any credit risk and pay interest semi-annually.  Corporate Bonds   Firms provide these bonds to individuals for a fixed period, and the account holder earns consistent interest over time. However, companies use the money to fund their business requirements; hence, these are highly risky.   Zero Coupon Bond  A Zero-Coupon Bond is a pure discount bond. In this, individuals do not receive interest or any benefit until the bond’s maturity.  Convertible Bond  It is a hybrid bond that acts both as equity and bond. However, it does not happen simultaneously, allowing the investor to convert a bond into equity and qualify for shareholder benefits.  RBI Bonds  It is also known as a Floating Rate Savings Bond (RBI). Released in 2020, the government pays interest every six months on the bond, and one has to repay the bond post 7 years of expiry.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vd24QDztRo Is Investing in a Bond beneficial?   Here are some popular benefits of investing in a bond:   Provides investors with a steady income source  Flexibility to receive interest income or receive both cumulative interest and principal on maturity  Some bonds offer tax benefits on returns and interests  Investors receive benefits from preserving or increasing the investments  Investors share a higher priority claim to assets in comparison to stockholders  7 Tips to Choosing the right bond  Individuals often dwindle between the right bond and a profitable bond. Here is how you must pick the bond:  Define your investment objectives  Analyze your risk-taking abilities  Identify the bond provider rating  Expected yield on the bond  Research the bond’s strengths, weaknesses, and future scope  Read the terms in fine print carefully  Decide whether a long-term investment is ideal for you.   How to invest in bonds in India?  One can invest in bonds through a primary or secondary market. In the primary market, an investor can invest in bonds issued by big companies. In this, the companies provide bonds to build capital. They release IPO (Initial Public Offering) to raise funds for generating capital. When a company raises capital from the market to expand its business or growth, it is termed an IPO.  In contrast, a secondary market exchange refers to organizations like NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange). Investors buy and sell stocks by operating in any of these organizations independently.  If you need a pre-mature exit, you can view a secondary market.  In the primary market, an individual has to undergo a documentation process to invest in bonds in the DEMAT account.   Purchasing a bond in the primary market is subjected to strict screening. The company offering securities reviews it and creates a prospectus outlining the details of the securities. In opposition, the secondary market offers more flexibility in trading.   Ways to invest:  By Connecting with a Bond Broker  Connecting with an authentic broker is one of the ways to choose and invest in the right bonds. Fees may vary from broker to broker.   Invest through Institutional Investors   In this, investors bids on government securities. The yield on the bond is less than the interest rate one receives. But a higher bid rate makes it profitable.  Purchasing Mutual Funds and ETFs   It is among the best and fastest methods for bond investing. The provider provides the best ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) on your behalf.   Buying Bonds through RBI retail   If you are seeking government securities to invest in, you can do so through RBI retail. Register for a GILT security account under RBI. An investor needs to update the dashboard post-logging:  An investor must update details like- issue size, date of bidding, price per security, and bid value range  Place the bid by mentioning the investment value and security  Complete the payment  TALK TO AN EXPERT

Previously we discussed 5 things to consider before sending your child abroad for education. In this article, we will discuss how to plan your child's bachelors in Australia. Are you planning your child's bachelor's in Australia? Why wouldn’t you? Australia's excellent educational system, laid-back nature, with high living standards make it a perfect choice for parents and students alike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwQWKYxxJ8o How prospective is Australia in pursuing a bachelor's education?  The unique opportunities of studying bachelor's in Australia extend beyond the classroom program. It is about getting an excellent culture for study and work. There are great placement opportunities with average to good salary packages. There is also the flexibility of part or full-time study programs.   Given the job opportunities and thriving conditions in sectors like finance, tourism, education, agriculture, and construction in Australia, students have ample options to choose from for jobs.    The post-pandemic reforms introduced by the Australian government like extending student work hours, offering students to return to Australia to find work on their work permits as well as increasing the tenure of post-work visa has made Australia can an excellent place to not only study but to build a career.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew2MC3RCo68 Let's look at some prominent reasons to choose Australia for undergraduate studies. University offers academic excellence   Australia has some of the best universities, offering top education systems for international students. The quality of education and commitment of faculty is evident in the international ranking that the universities get.     Internships and placements are advantageous   Most study programs in Australia offer internships or placement opportunities. With unique options, students get a chance to have better experiences and discover advanced jobs or career opportunities. It gives way to better understanding skills and improves communication among aspirants.   The study program with scop for an internship is beneficial as it gives students a work experience with practical experience. From this, students get an understanding of work-life culture. They can learn how to implement their study of course program into the practical field. Therefore, internships are golden scopes for students to acquire knowledge, apply it in-field, and eventually hone their skills.   That being said, choosing a bachelor's program that offers either an internship or good placement opportunities for students is better. Discover a welcoming university life   Australia is the right place to provide adequate support to international students. Be it about getting a job, finding accommodation, networking, and others, it has plenty of options.   Therefore, Australia has a welcoming environment for international students, helping them adjust to the new education system. In addition, it helps students organize and get accommodation easily.   The universities focus on a problem-based learning approach, helping students become independent learners. The class patterns are flexible, and the study approach makes it easy for the students to cope with the educational system.   source: pixabay What is the cost of living in Australia?  Before packing your child’s bags, make sure you are aware of the study program packages in Australia and the cost of living. Top-class education isn’t cheap and so check its scholarship options available for international students. There are eligibility criteria to avail of scholarships, and one should check them before applying.   1. Tuition fees   The Australian universities’ tuition fees are among the highest in the world. For a bachelor’s degree, it is 20000 and 45000 AUD yearly. The private ones are more costly and may not offer scholarship benefits.   2. Accommodation fees   The on-campus accommodation is affordable, which starts at around 440 AUD monthly than any other accommodation in Australia. The rent of a place may take around 1300 AUD to 1750 AUD. Even the monthly grocery costs are around 300 to 600 AUD. So, the overall living costs are approximately 1200 AUD monthly in some cities, which can rise to 1500 AUD in other cities.   Plan your expenses, and make sure you have some money left for monthly savings. When planning to send your child for a bachelor’s in Australia, it is important to have this in mind.   The Hidden Cost of Education in Australia Read More How do financially plan for your child’s bachelor's?  Whether you pick Australia or any other country for your child’s bachelor's, you need to start saving. The average cost of education is rising at an unprecedented rate and the only way to meet this cost is to start saving aggressively!   Today, the yearly expense to support your child in Australia can be anywhere between Rs. 10-20 lakhs. This cost greatly varies based on your child’s needs and lifestyle, however, it’s important to remember that your child may have to pay double this amount when it’s their time to study in the country due to education inflation.   So, calculate in advance how much you need to send your child to Australia, create a financial plan with the help of an expert, and start saving via SIPs to ensure you have the funds you need when it’s time to send your child to the land of opportunity!  FAQs How do I start planning my child's bachelor's degree in Australia? Start by researching universities and courses in Australia. Consider factors such as reputation, rankings, course offerings, and tuition fees. Look into admission requirements, including English language proficiency tests. Plan for accommodation, student visas, and finances. Seek guidance from education consultants or online resources. What are the steps to apply to universities in Australia? Check application deadlines and gather required documents, including academic transcripts, English language test scores, and recommendation letters. Submit online applications through the university's admission portal. Pay the application fees and monitor communication from the university regarding the application status and any additional requirements. How can I support my child's transition to studying in Australia? Help your child with pre-departure preparations, such as obtaining a student visa, booking flights, and organizing travel insurance. Familiarise them with Australian culture, lifestyle, and local customs. Connect with university orientation programs and student support services. Encourage open communication and emotional support throughout their journey. TALK TO AN EXPERT

‘Har Rishta Bola, Mere Naam Ki Coca-Cola' - is one of the most successful marketing strategies and ads India has ever seen. Every Indian has had Coca-Cola in his life and gone back for more!   This MNC has been present worldwide and has been doing great business since its inception and launch on 29th January 1892. The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is the most valuable soft drink brand in the world, with worldwide revenues touching 38.66 billion US dollars!  Coca-Cola is also available in nearly every country on the earth. Primarily due to its broad and comprehensive distribution system that ensures that the company's products reach their end customers quickly and efficiently.   It is also a brand with a high level of worldwide brand awareness. Customers worldwide trust the company and are more likely to choose it over its competitors like Pepsi, Keurig Dr. Pepper, or Red Bull. A highly successful marketing campaign has bolstered Coca-Cola.  While Coca-Cola continues to be the most common choice, the company also owns other well-known products and brands such as Sprite, Fanta, and Minute Maid which have been a huge success in the Indian subcontinent.   The company has experimented with minimal sugar and nil sugar products like Coke-Zero, and created beverages like iced teas and flavored water, in response to the rising demand for healthier beverages.  The Coca-Cola Company's shares (KO) are available for investment on the New York Stock Exchange, with all values in US dollars. Let's first look at some basic stuff associated with the company.  Latest market close$62.5752-week range50.17 - 63.02Dividend yield 2.81%Earnings per share$2.25Beta0.66Market Capitalization$ 272 billionAverage Volume (3m)19,665,333PE ratio 27.75 There are three ways in which you can invest in Coca-Cola from India  1. The direct way  You can trade in Coca-Cola from India by registering on a US brokerage account using apps that offer US stocks or foreign investment opportunities. You can either invest directly through its apps through a minimal brokerage or zero brokerage. All you need is a bank account, your Aadhar card/proof of address and your PAN card to get started.    2. The ETF way  Investing via ETFs in Coca-Cola is another way to invest in the company from India. ETF stands for Exchange-traded fund. It is a group of stocks and bonds compiled by ETF managers to help you invest more efficiently.    ETFs are similar to Mutual Funds and they are managed differently. ETFs are traded on a stock exchange like stocks and are a more efficient way to buy shares of big companies and an affordable way to enter a highly competitive market.   Some ETFs like Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF, contain Coca-Cola as one of its top holdings. The ETF's holdings include food & essentials, retail, household items, food products, and other industries. You can easily invest in these through different investment platforms from the comfort of your home with no physical paperwork.    Another option for investing in Coca-Cola through investing in S&P 500. For instance, Coca-Cola is a part of the Motilal Oswal S&P 500 Index Fund; by investing in this fund, you can be a shareholder of Coca-Cola!  An exciting fact is that in order to invest in the above ETFs, you don’t need to create a US account! However, if you are planning on investing in MNCs, there are some benefits of creating a USA brokerage account so that you can track errors that directly affect your returns.   3. The Mutual Fund way  Mutual Fund is the third way to invest in Coca-Cola from India! There are various mutual funds that invest in a large set of companies. You can choose the kind you wish to profit from. There are no caps on investment in Indian rupees, there is no investment restriction.   Coca-Cola is included in several mutual funds, such as the ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund but the exposure to this company is largely limited and the expense ratio can affect your returns.  The expense ratio is problematic because investors have to pay an additional expense charged by core global schemes in addition to the administration fee charged by Indian fund houses.      These are some ways to invest in Coca-Cola from India! The company is a global mammoth and being an investor with them comes with its own highs and lows. So, before you start investing your money, understand the risks involved before jumping the gun. FAQs How can I stay updated on Coca-Cola's performance and financial news? To stay updated on Coca-Cola's performance and financial news, you can utilize various sources. These include official company announcements, investor relations websites, financial news portals, business news channels, and reputable financial publications. Regularly monitoring these sources will provide you with valuable insights into Coca-Cola's financial health, strategic developments, and market trends, allowing you to make informed investment decisions. Are there any risks associated with investing in Coca-Cola from India? Like any investment, investing in Coca-Cola from India carries certain risks. These risks include fluctuations in the stock market, changes in consumer preferences, competitive pressures, currency exchange rate risks, and geopolitical factors. It's important to conduct thorough research, diversify your investment portfolio, and consider your risk tolerance before investing in any company, including Coca-Cola. Can I directly purchase Coca-Cola stocks on the Indian stock market? No, you cannot directly purchase Coca-Cola stocks on the Indian stock market. Coca-Cola is a multinational company, and its stocks are listed on foreign stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). However, you can invest in Coca-Cola indirectly through mutual funds or ETFs that include Coca-Cola stocks or by considering international investment platforms like EduFund that allow Indian investors to trade in foreign markets.

If you’re up for an adventure that not only is going to be adventurous and fun but is also going to add immense value to your future, education abroad is right up your alley. And while there are plenty of options with countries and universities, we wanted to list down our top picks to make your job considerably easier. Here are our top picks for the best places to study overseas! 1. France  Known for its rich cultural heritage and the ever-glowing Eifel, France is also one of the top picks for Indian students wanting to study abroad. The attraction isn’t limited to the glorious scapes that the country has to offer but also universities like the European International University, INSEAD Paris, and HEC Paris.  Photo by Pixabay from Pexels 2. Spain  Everyone in India was wowed by the Spanish nostalgia that ZNMD and Zoya Akhtar brought us. While Spain is a great country to relax and explore on your vacation, it is also growing in popularity in terms of higher education for international students. Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels The country is home to some world-renowned universities like the University of Barcelona which was established in the 15th century, the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics, IE Business School in Madrid, and more!  3. Australia  The world-down-under welcomes hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world to its major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. The culture is welcoming toward the student community with exciting experiences to offer.  Photo by Patrick McLachlan from Pexels The popular universities include the University of Melbourne which has a populous Indian student community, RMIT University that’s famous for its journalism and media offerings, Monash University which finds its place consistently among the top 100 universities in the world, and many more!  4. Germany  As one of the most attractive education destinations in the world, Germany brags about International students from all over the world. From the public transportation system to the healthcare facilities, everything is made pleasant and convenient for students.  Photo by Leon from Pexels The universities that attract the most students from abroad are public universities like the University of Cologne, Technical University of Berlin, and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich which date back to the 15th century! 5. Canada  Canadian cities find themselves ranked among the most desirable cities in the world for students for their hearty communities as well as scholastic offerings. A progressive culture, plenty to explore, and internationally ranked universities are the reasons why Canada is on the wishlist of most students.  Photo by Burst from Pexels The University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta are counted among the best universities that Canada has to offer.  6. The United States  The home of the brave is also home to some of the best universities in the world. The USA is home to top-ranking colleges like Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and the entire Ivy League. What the US offers is not restricted to just education but the enormous opportunities that come with it. You can see yourself working your way up to Wall Street or establishing your own business in the business hub of the world.  Photo by Michal Marek from Pexels Each one of the 50 states has a distinguished university to offer and a culture that would enhance your own understanding of the world. One thing is for certain, when there is a break between classes, you’ll always find plenty to explore.  7. The United Kingdom The United Kingdom is home to football, cricket, and brilliant universities that are centuries old and still extremely relevant. University towns adorn the map of England, Wales, and Ireland. The top names include Oxford University, London School of Economics, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, and more!  Photo by Pixabay from Pexels While the UK might seemingly be more expensive than the rest of the world, you always can count on affordable education loans because a UK education is an experience that’s well worth it and can set you up for a promising career.  Conclusion  That was our list of the best places to study overseas and you’ve hopefully found a favorite or two from our list. The next steps are important once you’ve narrowed down a country, you’d need counseling to consider your options and choose your best-fit university and more.  EduFund helps students fund their dream education with affordable education loans that do not burden them in the long term. You can fill in this simple form to get a free counseling session from some of the top experts in India to get started on your overseas education dream! TALK TO OUR EXPERTS! FAQs What are some affordable options for countries to study abroad? Some of the cheapest countries to study abroad are Germany, Mexico, Poland, Argentina, South Africa, Malaysia, etc. Which is the best country to study abroad for Indian students? Each student has their preference when it comes to studying abroad. So, one answer or country can't be the choice of all students. However, if we go by data, the top preference for Indian students is usually the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, etc. What are some best countries to study abroad and settle in? Some of the top options to study abroad and settle after that are New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, Canada, etc.

University admission interviews can often seem daunting and intimidating as a young student that’s about to enroll.”What questions will they ask?” “What if I answer wrong?” Don’t worry, university interviews are often not half as bad as you imagine. In fact, they’re a great way for you to touch base with those already working at the university and set expectations for what you will get out of the course, in terms of growth and future prospects.  To help you navigate these questions and come out on top, here are some of the most common interview questions asked during university admissions -  1. Why have you chosen this university? This isn’t a trick question or an opportunity for the candidate to appease the interviewers. Instead, it’s a genuine chance to explain why you chose the specific university you’re interviewing for, and what makes it special as compared to the other choices out there. It could be as simple as the fact that it is relatively close to where you reside, or because they offer a specific program that you’re looking for. Either way, make sure to be open and honest about the reason why you have chosen this particular university, and you should be good to go! 2. How did you enjoy high school? Interviewers ask this question for many reasons. Firstly, they would like to get to know a little background about you and how you fared during high school, from your point of view. Secondly, they are looking to hear about your general perception of educational institutions to get an idea of how you might perceive universities in the future. Remember to be careful about your criticism, and definitely avoid bad-mouthing your high school, as these are red flags to university admission interviewers. 3. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses This is an interesting question that can reveal a lot about you. Avoid the worn-out, “I’m a perfectionist” and “I work too hard”, answers that the interviewers have heard before. Instead, choose, to be honest about your weaknesses and come forward with a truthful answer like, “I struggle with deadlines”. They will appreciate it much more, and you won’t feel like you’ve had to lie in an interview. 4. Do you have a role model? Here’s an interesting question that will allow you to speak more about the people you look up to. Maybe you’re pursuing a literature course and greatly look up to a renowned author. This is your chance to show the interviewer that you have role models in line with your aspirations, making it far more likely that you will complete the course and pursue a career in your chosen field. 5. What are your goals? This is your chance to be open and honest with the university about what you aim to achieve with your time there. Remember to leave nothing on the table and be clear about your dreams and goals, no matter how outlandish they may be. You never know how many candidates before you might have shared similar goals as you have now. You might even hear interesting accounts of past alumni that have already achieved the goals that you currently aspire to. 6. Where do you see yourself on completion of this course? This a very important question that you can definitely expect to be asked during your interview. With this question, interviewers are looking to find out what your endgame is, and how you plan to progress after you’ve graduated from the university. This is where they will get a chance to set your expectations straight if needed and find out how motivated to complete the course you are. Also, they’re looking to understand whether or not you are trying to pursue a career in a field related to the course of your study. 7. How do you wish to expand your skills with this course? This question might be a little more challenging to answer, considering you are likely a candidate that is just starting with the university. However, it is an opportunity for the interviewer to understand how you wish to grow and learn during your university study. Feel free, to be honest, and speak about the things that you would like to improve about yourself, and try and tie this into any weaknesses you might have mentioned about yourself earlier as a way to negate them. Conclusion While Universities don’t expect you to have all the answers upfront, make sure you do your due diligence by researching topics related to these questions. You want to come across as someone who is well prepared and informed about the university and their own goals and aspirations about the course you’re enrolling into. The more knowledgeable you appear, the more likely you are to ace the interview and land a seat in the university of your dreams. And to get you better prepared, EduFund is here to bring you the best education counselors in the country. They do their best to get you confident about the interview along with helping you with all the insider knowledge to give you an edge. FAQs What are some good questions that I can ask a university during admissions? You can ask questions about the diversity on the college campus; its achievements in sports, science, or any other field of your interest; the number of graduates attending the college, the school rating, their anti-ragging policies, etc. How can I impress a university during admissions? To impress a university during admissions, you have to be prepared. Research your course and school well; compile all the relevant documents well; show your previous work/ internship/ volunteering experience; have a sound statement of purpose; show originality in your application; add or improve on your relevant skills, etc. What do universities look for in a student? The answer varies from university to university. However, there are a few characteristics that every university wants in its students. Universities want students who either excel or show signs of excelling in their fields. They look for students who are dedicated to their field of education and show great promise. For a detailed answer, it would be a good idea to ask this question to your interviewer at the end of the interview.

Stressed about going abroad to study at your dream college? Wondering how to better plan your education abroad? Then, take a deep breath and let all the negativity flow out. Next, formulate a plan to go about the whole process in the most systematic way possible. There are a few intrinsic steps involved in this journey. We have made a list right here that can help you set your goals right and achieve them one at a time.   Top 10 Ways to plan your education abroad 1. A Basic plan  Every journey begins with a basic course of action. Sometimes journeys appear more difficult than they are and this is often the case with education abroad. Charting out what you want to do demystifies the complications, it offers you clarity on what you must do next and how much time you have to do it. When global education is involved, usually the course of action starts with deciding which part of the world you want to study. The following points can help you form a well-structured plan before you get started.  2. Looking up universities  Once you decide which places you are interested in, the next step is to make a list of universities and colleges. Make sure to put down the names of institutions that have crossed your mind. In fact, you can prepare separate priority lists - one for your dream colleges and another for institutions that can offer your desired course or potential research supervisor. This way, through newer shortlists you can reach the final list as you do more research on each college.  3. Time management  While noting down the names of the universities and colleges, make sure to also look up their application deadlines. Knowing the deadlines for submitting applications is what will give an ultimate edge to your course of action. Now you will have an idea about the approximate number of days you have in your hands to prep yourself. Usually, the date for submission of applications comes under the same month. Not knowing the deadlines is what creates all the stress and confusion. But once you are aware of them, you can be confident and focus on making optimum use of it in gathering resources, and money and developing your skills.   4. Savings  Going abroad is a costly affair. Knowing how much time you have on your hands also lets you calculate how much money you can save. The income-expenditure ratio also becomes important in deciding how much money you can put away as savings. Start saving as soon as you can. Even if you are not sure about going abroad for your higher education, it is still advisable to put away money in general for education. On deciding to pursue a global education, make note of the tuition fee, cost of living, and other miscellaneous expenses that might be incurred during your stay there. This gives you clarity on how much you will need to save.  5. Investment  Be it education or any other significant event in your life, investing is always an improvement upon saving money. Savings do not generate more wealth, investments do. You can look up different mutual fund schemes to know which one will be the best for you. Fixed deposits have a certain rate of interest, but mutual fund schemes usually offer more than that. You are also advised to start investing in foreign exchange stocks like US stocks to make up for the depreciating value of the Indian currency and the subsequent rise in the cost of pursuing education abroad.   6. Building Credit  Another financial aspect that is quite understated is the importance of building credit. Building and maintaining a good credit score can go a long way in availing you of the best deals in loans with negotiable rates of interest. It is also crucial to start young and early, for example, with education loans or simply with credit cards. When the time comes to go abroad, your impressive credit score will make you qualified for the student loan that can support your global education.    7. Scholarships  An important thing you are required to look up while checking out different institutions is the scholarships that apply to you. In a lot of cases, deserving candidates can avail themselves of different scholarships that pay their tuition fee or at least a considerable part of it. In the case of research, you might enjoy deductions on the tuition fee from the institution itself, alongside receiving a stipend. Read up thoroughly about these international scholarships and the criteria or qualifications required to avail of them.  8. Building Contacts  The process of building contacts is something you should ideally get started with while you are in the stage of planning the basic course of action. Taking the advice of peers or seniors who have already been through this process can offer perspective and useful information to ease up the journey for you. Later, you might have to build contacts with the faculty member(s) of certain institutions that you are aiming to get into. This is usually the case for research scholars and falls under the application procedure.  9. Skill Development  Skill Development takes into account prepping for the final application submission as well as becoming sharper at the subject you are going to pursue. Deciding to pursue global education is sometimes synonymous with entering tough competition. Make sure you are doing your best in presenting yourself to the world as a deserving candidate. Skill development also takes into account clearing the examinations that are often recommended or mandated by some institutions as proof of your worthiness. These include SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and so on.    10. Preparing for Applications & Interviews  Last comes the main procedure - that of submitting applications and attending interviews. As scary as it sounds, once you are done with all of the above, you will find yourself to be more at peace and confident to brave it all. Institutions might require you to submit essays or answer questions alongside the submission of the SOP and the main application. There might be interviews on a group or individual basis. Find out about these things beforehand so that you can be well-prepared when the time comes.    Conclusion The correct way to simplify a complicated procedure is to break it down into small parts and set short-term goals that make it look doable. The thought of pursuing global education can make you anxious at first but with the right plan, you can ace it.  EduFund is your partner through and through, whether it is guidance that you need or student loans, we're here for you. FAQs How can I make my application better for studying abroad? Start early. Be honest with your details, especially with your SOP. Show your involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, and work experience. Add letters of recommendation from your teachers, counselors, employers, etc. How do I motivate myself to work on a better plan for education abroad? You can motivate yourself by constantly reminding yourself of the great educational and career opportunities that await you after you complete your studies. You'll have a whole new experience of living in a different country, miles away from home. You'll be able to learn great things about different cultures, share your culture with others, make new friends, learn a new language, and find great employment opportunities. What skills do I need to develop to study abroad? In order to not only get admission abroad but also successfully manage to thrive there, you must develop the following skills - Independence, adaptability, communication skills, cultural awareness, budgeting, time management, networking, flexibility, etc.