Wondering if you should pursue top study abroad programs? From India, about 508,174 students moved to different destinations in 2023 to study abroad. By 2024, the total number of Indian students abroad will be closer to 2 million! So, what motivates these huge numbers of students to study abroad? The study overseas consultants at Gradstar Global shortlist the top 8 benefits below.
8 Benefits of Studying Abroad for Students
Studying abroad is like a crash course in life. As you choose among top study abroad programs, you also set yourself on a fast track towards your future.
1. Global Learning at Top Destinations
When it comes to learning, nothing can beat top destinations like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. The world’s best universities – the best of the best out of the hundreds of thousands of universities out there – populate these countries.
World university rankings are one way of getting the total picture for this. According to the QS WUR 2024, there are a total of 198 universities in the USA alone. This includes QS’ #1 university in the world, MIT.
The UK is not far behind in this race. The #2 and #3 places go to the UK’s University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, respectively. And these are just two of the UK’s top universities! 90 of the more than 150 universities in the UK are globally ranking.
Meanwhile, the University of Toronto, the top candidate in Canada, comes in at #21, while the University of Melbourne in Australia comes in at #14. 38 of Australia's 41 universities rank among the best universities in the world.
In just the year 2023, these destinations saw huge numbers of international students from around the world. Below, we lay out the numbers for a few to give you an idea of how huge these destinations are for higher education aspirants.
Home Country Australia UK USA Canada
India 68 725 83,923 109,329 93,834
Nepal 32,999 2,071 10,929 705
Bangladesh 4,987 6,586 8,524 5,835
Pakistan 9,472 12,932 7,133 2,757
Sri Lanka 9,104 1,794 2,617 1,074
2. Diverse Study Options
Another solid benefit of studying abroad is the infinite amount of study options available. There are hundreds of thousands of programs at universities in top destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. And not only will you find any program you could possibly want to study, but you will find the best of the top study abroad programs in the world!
Better yet, you might be able to mix and match different modules at some universities. When you study in the USA and Canada, you can sign up for a variety of modules while completing a foundational year before you declare your major! This is a huge advantage if you’re not entirely sure what you want to pursue as a career yet. Flexible opportunities to try out a variety of programs and electives let you understand what you are passionate about before you commit to that pathway.
You can choose from a variety of options, from Mechatronics to Sociology, Veterinary Science to History, and Linguistics to Marine Biology. You are also confident that these modules are among the best programs in these fields globally!
This is especially true as the professors and alumni of these international universities include some of the most eminent authorities, leaders, and scholars in your field. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from the leaders in your subject area.
With this variety of specializations and niches, you can access a much wider range of career opportunities. Meanwhile, you will also access cutting-edge resources and facilities which may not be available in your country.
Here are a few of the best universities for some of the world’s top study abroad programs:
Subject Category (QS Subject Rankings) Programs Destinations Some Universities for Top Programs
Art & Humanities ● Linguistics ● Theology, Divinity, & Religious Studies ● Archaeology ● Architecture & Built Environment ● Art & Design ● Classics & Ancient History ● English Language & Literature ● History ● Art History ● Modern Languages ● Performing Arts ● Philosophy Australia · UNSW · Macquarie University Canada · York University · University of Calgary UK · University of St. Andrew’s · University of Leeds USA · Duke University · Northwestern University
Engineering & Technology Australia · UNSW · Monash University Canada · University of Toronto · University of Waterloo UK · University of Southampton · The University of Warwick
· Chemical Engineering · Civil and Structural Engineering · Computer Science and Information Systems · Electrical and Electronic Engineering · Petroleum Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Mineral and Mining Engineering · Data Science USA · Pennsylvania State University · University of Wisconsin-Madison
Life Sciences & Medicine
· Agriculture and Forestry · Anatomy and Physiology · Biological Sciences · Dentistry · Medicine · Nursing · Pharmacy and Pharmacology · Psychology · Veterinary Science Australia · The University of Queensland · The University of Western Australia Canada · McMaster University · University of Ottawa UK · The University of Manchester · The University of Edinburgh USA · University of Pennsylvania · Columbia University
Natural Sciences · Chemistry · Earth and Marine Sciences · Environmental Sciences · Geography · Geology · Geophysics · Materials Sciences · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy Australia · University of Tasmania · RMIT University Canada · University of Ottawa · Simon Fraser University UK · Durham University · University of Glasgow USA · University of Chicago · Cornell University
Social Sciences & Management · Marketing · Accounting and Finance · Anthropology · Business and Management Studies · Communication and Media Studies · Development Studies · Economics and Econometrics · Education and Training · Hospitality and Leisure Management · Law and Legal Studies Australia · University of Technology Sydney · Deakin University Canada · Western University · Carleton University UK · LSE · University of Glasgow USA · University of Chicago · University of Pennsylvania
3. Practical Experience in the Industry
Part of your learning abroad involves practical industry experience. Most international students aim to work in the global job market – hence seeking top study abroad programs. The opportunity to develop industry experience as a student brings you one step closer to achieving that goal!
Global universities offer practical work experience as part of your curriculum, whether it be through the UK's and Australia's work placement options, the USA's CPT opportunities, or Canada's co-op programs.
These international universities place a high value on producing graduates ready for the workforce. A vital part of this is adding practical knowledge to the classroom. This experience will lead you to your dream job.
Your faculty may assist you in setting up a placement, particularly if work experience is part of your curriculum. Even if it is not, you will typically have access to career services at your university. Make sure of these to find subject-specific work opportunities.
4. Employability Boost at the International Level
Study abroad opportunities help you develop a global perspective and cross-cultural communication abilities. Meanwhile, the top study abroad programs closely align their learning outcomes to industry demands and needs. It is not a coincidence that universities with the highest graduate employability also operate in some of the world’s booming industrial, economic, and business sectors.
These programs ensure you are job-ready with the relevant skills and knowledge by the time you graduate. Thus, you become a stronger candidate in today's global job market. These are the kinds of skills that go beyond the traditional classroom and give you the ability to function well in a variety of work settings.
The employability of graduates at the top universities in the world is proof. Many universities in popular study-abroad locations have graduate employability rates of 90% to 95% if not more! Many of these metrics take into account employer input. In other words, these numbers reflect how attractive employers find the graduates of top study abroad universities.
According to QS Graduate Employability:
· The USA ranks 90 universities in the top 550
· The UK ranks 54 universities in the top 550
· Australia ranks 20 universities in the top 550
· Canada ranks 18 universities in the top 550
5. Opportunity to Earn While Learning
Gradstar’s study overseas consultants can share many success stories about how the return on investment of studying abroad surpasses the costs. However, costs are definitely still a major concern for students looking to pursue top study abroad programs.
Fortunately, in most study abroad destinations you can work part-time as an international student with a valid student visa! Your work rights as an international student can help ease some of that financial burden.
Destination Part-Time Job Allowance as Student Visa Holder
Australia Subclass 500: 24 hours per week, max 48 hours per fortnight
Canada Study Permit: Up to 20 hours per week during ongoing semesters; full-time over holiday breaks
UK Student Visa: Up to 20 hours per week during ongoing semesters; full-time over holiday breaks
USA F1 Visa Part-time on campus, OPT with DSO authorization
While part-time work might not be relevant to your subject, it has great pros. For starters, the paychecks can help you cover some of your necessary expenses. Plus, these funds may also help you take full advantage of studying abroad by enjoying some student life perks through travel, social activities, and more.
Meanwhile, you’re developing soft skills that you can transfer to any workplace. Work experience is always a great advantage when you are applying for full-time positions. Part-time work in some of the world’s leading economics could be opening doors to future opportunities.
6. Immigration Options After Graduation
An international degree can pave the way for long-term work opportunities abroad. In places like Canada and Australia, university programs align with current industry needs. So, when you graduate with these industry-specific skills, these countries would want you to stay and contribute to their economies.
Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA are top choices for studying abroad. They also all offer chances to stay and work after you finish your studies.
● Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Australia
You can stay and work in the country for a period of 2 to 4 years. The duration depends on your degree and study level! Depending on your specialization and whether or not you graduated from specific regional universities, you may also be eligible for extensions.
● Graduate Visa – UK After your study in the UK, you can apply for the Graduate Route. With this opportunity, you can stay and work for up to 2 years (or 3 years for Ph.D. graduates) after completing your studies.
● Post-Completion OPT – USA
If you are considering the USA with an F1 visa, you can opt for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will allow you to work for up to 12 months after graduation. The duration of your OPT will depend on whether you completed CPT or OPT before graduation. If you are a graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), you are eligible for a 24-month extension!
● Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Canada
If your study abroad destination is Canada, you can apply for Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Depending on the duration of your degree and your qualification, you can live and work in Canada after graduation for up to 3 years.
While there is a time limit on these post-study opportunities, they are also great pathways into longer term work and permanent residency visas in these respective countries!
7. Experience the Best Quality of Life
Better quality of life benefits are part and parcel of the academic and career advantages of studying abroad. The countries we keep mentioning as the top study abroad destinations also have consistently high standards of living. With the top study abroad programs, you have the chance to live, study, and work in the world’s best student cities!
London continues to rank at #1 on QS Best Student Cities through the years. This list also includes many other cities including Sydney, Chicago, and Toronto, to name a few. These rankings take into account metrics like:
· Student inclusiveness
· Number of international students
· Graduate employability according to employers
· Degree of youth employment
In turn, the rankings speak to how great these cities are as places where international students will feel welcome and access great opportunities.
The quality of life at these destinations also includes its safety, security, and community engagement. According to the OECD, Australia is the safest study abroad destination among the top four destinations. It is also leading in terms of life satisfaction of its residents.
Meanwhile, Canada has the most balance in terms of satisfaction, work-life balance, safety, and community engagement. Have a look at some of the other OECD indicators for our top study abroad destinations:
Study Destination Life Satisfaction Work-Life Balance Safety Community
Australia 7.8 6.0 9.3 7.2
UK 6.4 5.6 8.6 7.3
USA 7.2 5.2 7.5 7.8
Canada 7.1 6.5 8.3 7.5
8. Personal Growth and Adaptability
When you study abroad, it's not just about rankings, academics, and a secure life. It's about growing as a person too. Imagine landing in a completely different place, adjusting to a new culture, and finding your way around. Growing independent as you adapt and aim to thrive in these conditions is where your personal development happens. Like your degree, this is learning that will last a lifetime.
Adapting to this new world is a learning curve, but it's also where you discover more about yourself. When you sit with your classmates from different parts of the world, you will find a broader and more diverse outlook that will bring you growth and adaptability.
Overcoming the obstacles, whether it's language, culture, or academics, is like a personal victory. It's not just about passing exams. It's about building resilience, solving problems, and becoming more open-minded. Studying abroad can truly take you closer to the best version of yourself!
Rounding Up
Studying abroad is an experience that shapes your academic, personal, and professional development. The top study abroad programs net you diverse study options, practical industry experience, and global opportunities. The benefits go beyond the classroom. You have the opportunity to experience different cultures firsthand, expand your global network, and develop skills that will improve your employability abroad. If you’re ready to explore your options, why not consult study overseas consultants like Gradstar to discover your ideal opportunity today?
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