Category Archives: Degree

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

Your children have completed their bachelor's and are now thinking of pursuing a management course. MBA or PGDM? Is that the question they've been looking for an answer to? Then let us help you figure out the best option for your child. Difference between MBA and PGDM Every student has certain preferences with respect to the duration they want to invest in that particular course, location, future prospects, etc. Here are some characteristics of both MBA and PGDM which will help you understand how they're both different. By going through these differences, you can help your child choose the option that works best for them. Categories PGDMMBADuration 1 year2 yearsQualification Diploma CourseDegree CourseRequired Entrance ExamsATMA, SNAP, CAT, XAT, NMATMAT, CAT, XAT, MAT, GMATCourse Fees (Range)INR 5 - INR 24 LakhsINR 2 - 35 LakhsSyllabus Your child will get exposure to a more hands-on approach to workplace situations. The curricula at autonomous institutes frequently get updated to keep up with the changing business environment.Compared to PGDM, MBA is more theoretical. It also depends on the university your child is applying to. Top Job RolesProject Manager, Consultant, Data Scientist, Auditor, Tax Specialist, etc.HR Manager, Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Finance Advisor, Investment Banker, etcInitial Salary OfferedUp to INR 30 LPA or moreUp to INR 60 LPA or more MBA vs PGDM - Reasons to Consider Reasons to choose MBA MBA is a prestigious degree that propels students toward management careers. It offers early professionals opportunities for senior roles with more responsibilities. The typical duration for a full-time MBA program is around 2 years. Candidates pursue an MBA to enhance their skills and become business leaders. The degree is not limited by one's prior field of study. What matters is the desire for a management career in a specific area. Careful consideration of key factors is essential before choosing an MBA program. Reasons to choose PGDM Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) suits recent college graduates and professionals with around two years of experience seeking career advancement. It's highly beneficial for business-focused, innovative, and sustainability-oriented individuals. PGDM offers extensive exposure to management concepts across functional areas. The program aims to integrate learning and boost awareness. Innovative curricula aligned with industry trends are a key feature. Mandatory internships provide valuable industry exposure. The PGDM program's ultimate goal is to prepare well-rounded professionals for the demanding business world. MBA vs PGDM - Which is More Expensive? Although it varies from university to university, if we talk about the affordability of both courses, an MBA is usually more economical than a PGDM.  While your child can get an MBA for about 2 lakhs or a little over, a PGDM usually begins at 5 lakhs.  In either case, you can find out the exact cost of your child’s education through our College Cost Calculator. Once you find out the cost, you can plan your savings for their education accordingly. Start Investing in Mutual Funds for Child Education MBA vs PGDM - Impact on Career In both India and abroad, both MBA and PGDM programs hold equal weight in terms of career opportunities. Possessing a postgraduate diploma rather than a degree is not viewed as a limitation. What truly counts is the standing of your university or institution and, more significantly, your professional competencies. With a clearer grasp of the distinctions between MBA and PGDM courses, take the time to assess both options and make your choice based on your academic and professional inclinations. Your educational journey should align with your personal aspirations and career objectives, considering the flexibility and equivalency of these programs in shaping a successful future. Studying MBA in the USA or PGDM in Canada? Thinking of a study abroad plan for your child? Maybe an MBA from the US or a PGDM course from Canada? Well then here's what you need to know to help them decide. Pros of getting an MBA in the USA Increased possibility for lifelong income.  Increased likelihood of employment and employability.  Professionally connect with the top talent in the field.  Become more knowledgeable and broaden your horizons.  Develop strategic leadership abilities for large corporations.  Expenses: For premier colleges, Indian students' MBA tuition in the USA can range from 50,000 to 1,000,000 INR.  Cons of getting an MBA in the USA Studying for an MBA abroad has various drawbacks, such as the expense of being unable to apply for employment. Students may find it more difficult than they anticipated to get visas or work permits for their studies abroad, which might force them to leave the nation quickly after graduation with little time for adjustment. Masters vs PGDM in Canada Read More Pros of Getting a PGDM in Canada  In Canada, PGDM programs are less focused on research and more job-oriented. Many MNCs are headquartered in Canada, which also has a low unemployment rate of 6.5 percent. While doing the course, students might complete an internship to get experience in the real world. Canada promotes the option of staying behind after graduation. To add to this, getting a student VISA for Indian students is much easier in Canada compared to the USA.  Cons of Getting a PGDM in Canada Comparatively speaking, Canadian PGDM courses are less costly than those offered in the US and other nations. PGDM programs typically cost between 15,000 and 17,000 CAD (INR 8,00,000 - INR 9,05,000 approx.)  Create Goal for Post Graduation Study Abroad Programs Conclusion  Be it an MBA or PGDM; be it in India, the USA, or Canada, what's important for you as a parent is to be prepared for the educational expenses. Download the EduFund App today and take the first step to fuel your child's dreams. FAQs What is the difference between a PGDM and an MBA? MBA is a 2-year-long degree program whereas, PGDM is a one-year-long diploma course. For senior positions, should one get an MBA or a PGDM? Although both hold great importance if issued by prestigious institutions, the degree is sometimes preferred over the diploma. Which is more expensive - an MBA or a PGDM? The answer completely depends on the institute one has applied to. However, in general, the diploma program is more expensive than the degree. Do MBA and PGDM have equal career prospects? Yes, both programs hold equal weight in career opportunities, with the institution's standing and your skills matter most.

In the previous article, we discussed, how to plan for your child's bachelor's in Australia. In this article, we will discuss how to plan your child's bachelor's in engineering Raising a child involves both, financial and emotional considerations. Along with retail inflation, education inflation is constantly rising.   Once you've determined the potential cost of Engineering education and which university to enroll in, the next question is how much you'll have to pay each semester.  You may relieve your concerns about your children's academic expenditures by taking a few simple actions like -  Being specific with your goals,   Calculating the cost of a bachelor's in Engineering across universities, and  Choosing an investment option.  Now, let’s explore them in detail.  Why is it necessary to have an early financial plan for education?  Per an ASSOCHAM analysis, the cost of primary education has increased by 150% in the past 10 years. Regarding professional education, the average rise in tuition costs at the top three IIMs has been roughly 242% in the past 5 years. Parenthood in the twenty-first century is not an easy task. Education inflation is constantly increasing by more than 10% each year. Consequently, managing educational fees for children is becoming a huge financial concern for parents.   Therefore, if parents plan and take the appropriate measures slightly earlier in a child's life, covering his or her higher education expenditures will not be a difficult challenge.  How to calculate the future potential engineering course cost?  It is definitely required to calculate the future potential cost of the present Engineering tuition fees.   The compound interest method computes the future rate of the present educational tuition expenses. For example, suppose the present course price for a Bachelor in Engineering degree is Rs 10 lakh and the inflation rate is 10%.   In that case, the prospective cost after 15 years may be calculated as Target so, you can concentrate on savings accordingly. Here’s how you can calculate -  Current Amount * (1 + inflation rate) Tenure = 10,00,000*(1+0.10) ^15 = 55,00, 000 (approximately).   Now that the target amount has been established, it is easy to select the types of financial products that would assist you in building a repository of Rs 55 lakh.  Infographic to show calculations of future potential education costs. Estimate future education costs   Today, diverse educational websites assist in calculating or categorizing the cost of a bachelor's in Engineering degree. Create a record of the current cost of the Bachelor in Engineering degree. At this phase, it is important to pick whether the child will study in their home country or abroad.  As a result, when estimating the Bachelor's in Engineering degree fees, one must also consider the currency component. Only after the present cost is known, determining the probable future cost of the degree on the projected timeline will be easy. This will assist in determining an acceptable savings goal.   Another factor to consider at this stage is inflation. This is because, with education inflation growing at a rate of 10% or higher, inflation is likely to eat into your funds. First-year total course expenses at the world's top engineering colleges. World's Top Engineering Colleges City/ State Course expenses  Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Cambridge, USA  $ 69,000 Stanford University  Stanford, USA  $ 63,000 University of California - Berkeley Campus  Berkeley, USA  $ 48,000 University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK  $ 68,000 National University of Singapore  Singapore $ 30,000 Nanyang Technological University  Singapore $ 33,000 The University of Melbourne  Melbourne, Australia  $ 50,000 University of Toronto  Toronto, Canada  $ 57,000 McGill University Montreal, Canada  $ 32,000 HECTOR School of Engineering and Management, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe, Germany  $ 20,000   Course expenses at India’s top engineering colleges: India’s Top Engineering Colleges Course expenses  IIT Kanpur  Rs 8.38 lakh IIT Kharagpur Rs 10.46 lakh IIT Roorkee  Rs 8.58 lakh IIT Guwahati  Rs 8.56 lakh IIT Madras  Rs 8.19 lakh IIT Delhi  Rs 8.66 lakh IIT Bombay  Rs 11.51 lakh IIT Indore  Rs 8.75 lakh IIT Varanasi  Rs 10.41 lakh VIT Vellore Rs 7.83 lakh   Plan an early investment option  According to anyone's financial product expertise and risk tolerance, one can choose equities, borrowing, or a combination of products, including a diversified portfolio, which includes both equity and debt elements.  A child's education requires a minimum of 15 years to invest. And, for extensive goals, equities are the ideal asset type to concentrate on. If you started saving early, in about 15 years, the multiplier impact in the power of compounding kicks in; the longer the planning range, the greater the multiplier advantage. To combat excessive inflation, it is critical to employ a multi-asset financial strategy as education expenses have soared.  Education costs have gone up during the previous ten years: How to plan your child's Bachelor in Engineering?  Going by the increase in education costs might be alarming. After all, they are not insignificant quantities. The goal should be to participate in a proper instrument regularly and in the appropriate amount, and then you'll be capable of building this portfolio.  Traditional products, such as fixed deposits, may not be sufficient to cover your child's educational needs. Other products, such as equities funds, stocks, and balanced funds, should be considered. You can pick the investing programs based on your investment horizon and timelines. Before establishing an education fund, you should carefully consider the characteristics, dangers, and terms and conditions.  The number of students enrolled for various disciplines of Bachelors In Engineering is increasing every year. It's becoming a definite need for the parent to start an early investment strategy.  Number of undergraduate engineering students enrolled in India in 2020, by discipline (in 1,000s) Conclusion  Education expenses are rising, and if you don't start saving early, supporting your child's Bachelor's in Engineering education may become difficult. You must begin by outlining specific goals, like the child's desired schooling and the associated fees.   This can assist you in determining how much you can set aside for savings after paying all of your monthly expenses. As the objective financial approach, it is prudent to limit your stock exposure to mitigate the risk of adverse market fluctuations. TALK TO AN EXPERT

The cost of education increases every year but this cost is not uniform; there are some degrees that cost more than others. Some expensive degrees like MBBS, MBA, Psychology, Law, and Dental cost up to a crore; this includes tuition costs, living expenses as well as miscellaneous costs. This is because of the popularity, high competition, limited seats, university ranking and location as well as the tremendous ROI attached to the courses. Pursuing these degrees from top-tier universities and countries like the US or the UK can cost you almost a crore of rupees!   So how should you as parents plan to fund these expensive degrees? Here are a few financial planning tips that will help you take charge of your funds and help your child pursue her dream career without any stress! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Financial planning tips Tip 1. Start early! While a corpus of Rs. 1 Cr. can sound daunting, it is achievable if you have 15 to 18 years in hand. That’s right. If you have big professional career dreams for your children, you must start saving for their education as soon as they are born. Some couples start even before the child arrives. After all, the earlier you start, the easier it will be to put the funds together.   Investment Plan for Girl Child Read More Tip 2. Define your corpus  Always work on your goals on the higher side. The cost of education is going up by almost 10-12% a year, so allow for these growth rates, and for fluctuations in currency rates. It is difficult to predict international situations two decades from now, so you must prepare for the worst, and work with higher numbers. This will save you from having to dip into your retirement savings at the time of your child’s education.   Tip 3. Do the number-crunching  This is part that most people who are uncomfortable with finance dislike. Once you have fixed the financial goal, break it down into years and months. That is the only way you will be able to build that corpus. Define how much money you will need and explore the returns options like equities that can over time give you up to 15% returns. Also, understand the risks involved. Be warned: stay away from get-rich-quick schemes, most people lose even their capital in such experiments.   Source: pixabay Tip 4: Be consistent  Remember, Rome was not built in a day. It took centuries. Luckily, you will have to work consistently only for a couple of decades. Just set up your SIPs in mutual funds, and equities, and start putting money away in Provident Funds and Bonds. While the returns on the latter are lower, these investments add stability to your portfolio. And do it month after month for the entire duration. Do not stop, do not opt out, and do not withdraw these funds for unplanned expenses like a foreign trip or a big-ticket vehicle. Stay focused on your corpus goal.   Tip 5. Go for high-return investments  The longer your investment horizon, the greater the risk appetite you can have. You can consider a 65/35 mix or even a 70/30 mix with a higher percentage being invested in equities and other high-return instruments. Do keep in mind that higher returns are usually coupled with high risk, and you must regularly balance your portfolio to avoid losing your capital.   Tip 6. Monitor your investments  All investments must be regularly monitored. Anything that is underperforming, you must get rid of and replace it with a better-performing option. But don’t try to time the market, keep your parameters clearly defined when you start your investments. This will keep you from making unnecessary mistakes in the market.   Source: pixabay Tip 7. Seek help with your investments   As the time for your child’s college admission comes closer, there are a lot of decisions you have to make to secure your child’s funds. Like turning your high-risk, high-return investment into safer options to protect your investments and corpus from any sudden market downturns, closer to the time of admission. This is an important aspect to consider as you cannot shift the time of admission. Though before taking any of these decisions, it is wise to consult a financial planner to safeguard your interests.  What we have shared here is a broad roadmap that will enable you to build the Rs. 1 Cr. corpus and fund any of the 5 expensive degrees your child may choose to pursue. While doing your initial calculations, also keep in mind that most of these courses also have entrance exams.   Preparation for these exams can start 2-3 years in advance and the coaching for the same is also expensive. You must consider having access to your funds well in time, to avoid financial stress at the last minute.   With planning, discipline, and consistency, you will be able to achieve almost any financial goal that you set for yourself. The key is to get your plans down on paper/on the computer and start working on them. So go ahead and start planning today! FAQs How can I start financial planning as a parent? Start by setting financial goals, creating a budget, and tracking expenses. Build an emergency fund and prioritize saving for your child's education and future expenses. Consider life and health insurance coverage. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance. How can I teach my child about money management? Introduce age-appropriate financial concepts. Encourage saving, budgeting, and goal-setting. Involve them in family financial discussions and let them earn and manage their own money. Model responsible financial behaviors and provide guidance along the way. What are some ways for me to save for my child's education? Explore education-specific investment options like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for girls, 529 plans, and education loans. Start early, contribute regularly, and consider inflation. Research scholarships and grants. Consult a financial advisor for tailored strategies. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you  TALK TO AN EXPERT

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.

Millions of Indians travel to study abroad but only a few have impacted the world order in an irrevocable way. Famous Indians who excelled after studying abroad have not only contributed to the pride of our nation but also changed the world order. If you look around, you won’t be surprised to find an Indian at the helm of affairs – in nearly every industry or field. Without a doubt, these Indians have earned their success by persevering and putting in the efforts to excel in their academics too. Let’s be clear – a degree doesn’t define you or guarantee success. But a good education is an important ingredient of success. Looking beyond academics, a global education teaches you much more. For an Indian student, the benefits of studying abroad are multi-fold. What’s one common factor amongst some Indians who rule the world? An excellent global education. Let us look at four powerful Indian personalities who went abroad for their higher studies. Famous Indians who excelled globally 1. Indira Nooyi Chennai-born Indira Nooyi went on to conquer the world as the former CEO of PepsiCo. She received her undergraduate degree from the Madras Christian College and her PGP Diploma from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C). Indira took a leap of faith and applied to the prestigious Yale School of Management and her parents never expected that she would bag a huge scholarship! The Ironwoman had her fair share of struggles as her mother said - “No single woman is going to go to the United States.” In fact, there was a family meeting organized to decide if Indira Nooyi could pursue her foreign education without being married. With the support of her father and the financial aid offered by Yale, Indira’s dream became a reality. Moral of the story? No matter how big the tuition fees seem, taking an education loan is not the only way to fund your higher studies. Many foreign Universities grant scholarships to meritorious students. 2. Raghuram Rajan Meet the game-changer. Raghuram Rajan was the only RBI Governor who enjoyed the reputation of a celebrity! He was nicknamed ‘Rockstar Rajan’. All over the world, Dr. Rajan has been lauded for his economic analysis and his no-nonsense attitude in politics. He has a wealth of knowledge and that can be credited to the world-class education he received. He went to MIT for his Ph.D. and among the many accomplishments to his name, Dr. Rajan served as the Chief Economist at the IMF. In his capacity, Dr. Raghuram Rajan promotes quality education as a global B-school Professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. 3. Sara Ali Khan Beauty with brains. Sara Ali Khan has won hearts as a Bollywood actress. But there is more to her background than most people know. She holds a degree from the world-renowned Columbia University in New York. In an interview, Sara Ali Khan said: “I have an education, even though I am a heroine... so many people are baffled at that and I am so proud of that.” When you live miles away from home, you have the chance to be fiercely independent. A foreign education can shape your personality and this star is an example of it. 4. Sundar Pichai Chennai-born Sundar Pichai leads by example. Currently, Sundar Pichai is the face of Google. He comes from a lower middle-class family but that did not stop this Indian student from going to Stanford University, for his Master's. Sundar Pichai also holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. Sundar Pichai inspired students across the world as he shared, “My father spent the equivalent of a year's salary on my plane ticket to the US so I could attend Stanford. It was my first time ever on a plane.” It wouldn’t have been possible for Sundar Pichai, or anyone for that matter, to touch such great heights without relentless hard work, gaining knowledge, and honing one’s skills. A wise man once said, “Life is like a puzzle. Only if you fit the pieces into the right places, you will see the beauty of it.” Education is that piece of the puzzle that one should not miss. Famous Indians who studied abroad 1. Mahatma Gandhi We all know about him and his achievements. He’s known as ‘The father of the nation’. He went to the UK for studying law at The University College in London.  He returned to India later to work as a barrister.  2. Dr. Manmohan Singh He was India’s 13th prime minister of independent India. He has done his Bachelor’s in economics with honors from The University of Cambridge. Later he completed his D.Phil in economics from the University of Oxford.  3. Shashi Tharoor He is a politician and former international diplomat. He is also famous for his extraordinary English vocabulary skills. He has completed his MA in international relations from Tufts University in the USA. He also completed MA in law and Diplomacy and a Ph.D. in international relations and affairs from the same institution.   4. Kiran Desai She is an author. She has completed her two master’s degrees in fine arts, one from Hollins University and another one from Columbia University. She also studied creative writing at Bennington College.  5. Ratan Tata He’s India’s leading industry stalwart. He has studied at Cornell University and Harvard University. He studied architecture and advanced management programs at these universities respectively.  FAQs Where do most Indians go for higher studies?  Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany.  Which country is the safest for girls to live in?  Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, etc.   Which is the safest country for Indian students?  New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, etc.