STUDY ABROAD

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International Student Guide to USA: Being a diverse country, the United States is the safest place for students, particularly from India, and there is no need for any fear of racism. So in that sense, the US is a safe country for Indian students. According to USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), 1,99,812 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2022. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 19% in 2022. Of the admitted number of students, around 37% of Indian students were females. According to the 2021 Open Doors report, the US remains the top study destination with more than 9,00,000 students from over 200 places of origin. 

 If you have decided to study in the US, your choice of destination country needs no validation as the US is considered the best study abroad destination. In this study guide to the USA for international students, we will inform you of everything you need to know for studying in the USA. From popular universities to lifestyle tips, and accommodations, to the admission process. Not to justify your choice but to further strengthen your decision, we have compiled a few reasons why considering the US as your study abroad destination is a wise decision 

 Lakhs of international students choose to study in Canada every year. A large portion of these students are Indian. With a strong economy, world-class universities, and abundant job opportunities, Canada is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. Recently, the federal government of Canada has announced some new orders directly related to international students coming to Canada for higher studies in 2024. 

Study in Canada: A developed economy, top-ranked universities and job opportunities for foreign nationals are the top reasons to choose Canada for higher studies. Canada, the largest country in North America and the second largest in the world consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Ottawa is the national capital of Canada.

As per the official estimates, international students’ annual contribution to the Canadian economy is approximately $15.3 bn. This data reflects the attractiveness of Canada as an academic destination. Students need to fulfil the eligibility for getting enrolled into the courses offered by Canadian universities. This comprehensive guide article will be helpful for all those Indian students who are going to study in Canada and have less information.

 Study Guide to Australia: Planning to study in Australia soon? Here's your guide to understanding everything about studying in Australia. You will get everything about the education system, universities, best student cities, admission process, part-time jobs, scholarships and other information through this guide. So check it out and begin your preparation from here to study in Australia as an international student

 Australia is the largest country, geographically, and is a continent in itself. It lies in the southern hemisphere so the weather changes are opposite to India's. Australia has five of the 30 best cities in the world for students to live in based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employment opportunities. The capital of Australia is Canberra. More than 30 universities in Australia are globally ranked for their academics, placements, prospects and curricula. Known to attract over a million international students annually, Australia is among other top countries like the USA, Canada and the UK which is a favourite study abroad destination.   

• Discover what it's like to study in Australia.

 Study in the UK: The United Kingdom consists of four countries united under one government. The countries are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has a distinct culture and feel of its own. At the higher education level, students have a wide range of options when they choose a college or university. 

Although there are agencies that attempt to rank colleges and universities, the concept of “fit” is also important. The GPA* of admitted students is important, but majors offered, location, number of students enrolled, and campus culture are all factors influencing a prospective student’s decision. Some colleges and universities are publicly funded, while others are privately supported.

*GPA means grade point average. It is the average of all grades received.

 Study in Ireland Guide: Education in Ireland is free at all levels for Irish nationals and residents of the European Union. This includes university education as well. However, this benefit is not applicable to international students. Entry into undergraduate courses (ordinary and honours degree courses) is generally done through the Central Applications Office (CAO). This way, prospective students apply through the CAO rather than applying individually to each university. The autumn intake in Ireland starts in September and the spring intake begins in February. Some universities may have enrollments throughout the year as well. 

Popular Student Destinations: The top universities in Ireland are Trinity College, National College of Ireland, University College Dublin, Griffith College, National University of Ireland Galway, Waterford Institute of Technology, IBAT College Dublin, Maynooth University, Cork Institute of Technology, and Dublin City University in no particular order. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Dublin, Limerick, and Galway. Language and Literature, Business Studies, Medical Courses, Nursing, and Social Sciences are the popular courses Indian students pursue in Ireland.

Safety in Ireland: Travelling through Ireland is not dangerous at all. The biggest danger you might face could be pickpockets which would simply snatch your bag, which is a risk anywhere in the world. Other than that the country is safe for people of Indian origin, as "racist-hate" crimes are uncommon.

 Dreaming of studying in Europe and launching a successful career? Germany invites international students with its free education, booming job market, and a post-study work visa to gain valuable experience and land a permanent position. 

 The German education system is different from the American one in a few ways. The German education system also has a focus on creativity and innovation, which makes it a great place for students to learn. There are three types of schools in Germany- public schools (free), private schools (not free), and vocational schools (employers pay for). Public schools are mandatory for children aged six to 16 and it’s the state that pays for them. Private schools are not mandatory, but they do offer better education opportunities. Vocational school is an alternative to university that can be paid for by employers as well as through loans or scholarships. 

 Guide to Study in France: Have you ever dreamt of strolling through the charming streets of Paris, croissants in hand, with the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance? Or maybe you envision yourself nestled in a cosy café in Lyon, sipping coffee and soaking up the vibrant culture. Well, studying in France can make these dreams a reality! Read this article for a complete student guide to study in France.  

 France, with its rich history, renowned educational institutions, and captivating culture, offers an unparalleled international student experience. This article presents a complete guide on studying in France in 2024 for international students.  

Study in the Netherlands: The Netherlands, also informally known as Holland, is the country home to over 17 million people. The Netherlands is a developed and diverse country. It’s a very popular destination for students to study abroad. Studying in the Netherlands is the preferred choice among International students. Every year, the country hosts international students from over 150 countries worldwide and offers them quality education with many job opportunities.

In 2024, Netherlands admitted around 3,504 Indian students. Let us look at all the aspects of studying in the Netherlands from the perspective of international students.

Every year hundreds of thousands of students go to Europe for higher education. Among the major countries of Europe, Sweden is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations among international students for higher education. Sweden offers world-class infrastructure for research and professional training and quality of education. The QS world university rankings for 2025 have put eight universities from Sweden under 200 top universities in the world. The QS rankings for 2025 ranked KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University 74th and 75th in the world, respectively.

Sweden is located on the Scandinavian peninsula in northern Europe. Thousands of students from India apply to Swedish universities. There are more than 50,000 Indians in Sweden. Sweden has become one of the most popular destinations for higher education among Indian students. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, in the year 2024, the estimated data for Indian students studying in Sweden were 1,500.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised test conducted for assessing English proficiency of candidates who wants to study or work abroad. The IELTS test assesses your listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. It is world's most popular exam and serve as key admission requirement for many top universities abroad. The IELTS exam is required for getting admission in top universities in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and 140+ more. This IELTS test has two versions: IELTS Academic to study abroad and IELTS General Training for work visas.

The IELTS Academic or General Training test are available on both paper or computer. Candidates can also take IELTS Online seating at their home depending on where they live. The IELTS exam dates are available all year round. One can attempt the IELTS computer-based test on all seven days of the month excluding national holidays and major festivals. The IELTS Paper-delivered test dates are available for booking up to 4 times a month. The IELTS exam fees in India is INR 17,000. Remember, a good IELTS score can strengthen your application to top universities in world. It's your chance to demonstrate your English abilities and take a significant step towards your international education goals.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a popular standardized test to measure the English language ability of candidates from non-native English speaking countries. Students who wants to study abroad, looking for immigration and more can take TOEFL tests in India. TOEFL iBT is among the most popular English proficiency exams accepted at all universities in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and many more. The ETS TOEFL exam measures all four academic English skills - reading, listening, speaking and writing in a university setting. Candidates eligible to appear for the TOEFL examination can take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) or the TOEFL Home Edition depending on their convenience.

The TOEFL exam dates are available in every month of the year at various test centres across the country. The TOEFL iBT is conducted more than 170 times a year at a test center. The TOEFL exam dates at home are available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week. Candidates should select and book the TOEFL exam at least two to three months before their earliest admission deadline to avoid anykind of inconnveninece. The TOEFL exam fees in India 2025 is INR 16,900. The TOEFL scores will be available in your ETS login account after 4-8 days of your test date.

Duolingo English Test is an affordable and convenient digital-first, high-stakes English proficiency test that is accepted by thousands of universities and millions of students around the world. The Duolingo test is an online proficiency exam that assesses a candidate's ability to use the English language. The USP of the Duolingo English Test is the DET test takes an hour to complete, with results delivered within 48 hours. The test can be taken remotely on a computer with a stable internet connection, and it can be accessed from anywhere in the world, as long as the test taker meets the technical requirements to take the exam. Duolingo English Test fee is USD 65 (INR 5,442) for Indians.

The total test duration is one hour. It is divided into two sections. The first one is the Adaptive Section and the second is the Speaking and Writing Section. The former lasts 45 minutes, whereas the latter takes 10 minutes to complete. To improve the testing experience for test takers, the Duolingo English Test (DET) introduced new question types in this popular English proficiency exam. The new changes introduced by DET are to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of student's English language proficiency. This article serves as a comprehensive guide about everything related to the Duolingo English Test. You can also download this detailed guide provided by Duolingo English Test for students.

Universities that use English as their primary medium of teaching and training require standardised English test scores to screen the applications received from students around the world. Conducted by the Pearson PLC Group, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (commonly known as PTE Academic, PTE-A or simply the PTE exam) is one of the most trusted English tests among Indian students looking to study at the top universities abroad.

One of the shortest test formats known, the PTE test can be taken in a single sitting of 2 hours at a candidate's preferred test centre. The PTE test consists of 3 different sections that assess different aspects of the candidate's communication skills such as reading, listening, and speaking & writing.  

Apart from getting accepted for admission by over 3,500+ universities and other higher education institutions around the world, the Pearson PTE Academic exam scores are also accepted for work, professional registration and migration visa applications to Australia and New Zealand. The PTE exam can be accessed using the "My PTE" portal at https://mypte.pearsonpte.com/.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a worldwide accepted standard test for candidates planning to complete their post-graduation from abroad (MS or MBA). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the conducting body of the GRE. This multiple-choice, computer-based exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills.  

The GRE tests basic math, data analysis, and college-level vocabulary. ETS conducts the GRE Exam in two formats: the General Test and the Subject Test. GRE Exam fee for Indians varies based on the test format. The General Test takes 1 hour 58 minutes and costs Indian test-takers 22,550 INR. Subject Tests last 2-2.5 hours (Depending on the subject) and cost Indian test-takers 14,500 INR.

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam for graduates to assess their business aptitude based on - problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking skills. Conducted for over 50 years now by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), GMAT 11th Edition which is also the latest version, tests applicants in three sections - QR, VR and DI. These sections of the GMAT together test applicants' proficiency in quantitative reasoning, logical reasoning, critical thinking and data analysis skills. The GMAT test is popularly taken by applicants not just aspiring for an MBA abroad but also courses like MIM, MS in Management and other business-related courses.

The GMAC conducts the Graduate Management Aptitude Test both at home and at an exam centre. The GMAT Exam fee in India is USD 275 for the GMAT at a test centre whereas, USD 300 is charged for taking the GMAT exam at home. The GMAT exam dates are available around the year and registrations are open 24 hours before each GMAT exam date.  The GMAT 11th Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and is a more flexible, efficient and condensed format of the exam. New changes have not negatively impacted the GMAT exam. We will discuss more about the GMAT exam and its 11th Edition here.  

 SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board in a multiple-choice question format and a few student-produced responses (SPR) type of questions. The Scholastic Assessment Test is taken by high school students who wish to pursue undergraduate courses in countries like the US, Canada, UK and others. The SATs have been developed to evaluate the applicants' written, verbal and mathematical skills. The SAT exam was initially a pencil-paper test, but the College Board scrapped this format last year and introduced the SAT Digital Exam. With the introduction of the SAT online exam, the SAT exam is also categorised as a computer-adaptive test. The SAT exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes long with an additional 10-minute break. Also, there is no negative marking for wrong and unattempted questions on SAT exams. Check out everything about the SAT exam 2025 in this article.  

 IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: English proficiency exams are an important admission requirement for Indian students looking to study abroad. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo are popular English language tests that can be taken by candidates looking to study abroad to prove their English reading, listening, speaking and writing language skills.  

Being the universal language, English is a compulsion for students who aspire to study abroad. Universities abroad follow the rules of the global education system, which judges based on your score in standardised tests designed to test your language fluency. There are predominantly four standardised English language tests that are widely accepted in most foreign universities i.e. IELTS (International English Language Testing Service), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE (Pearson Test of English), and Duolingo English Test.

While all four of them evaluate your English language skills based on four parameters of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, the ongoing debate of which test to take has become a moot point amongst aspirants. Before landing on any conclusion, we must consider our requirements or preferences. 

 The most important difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is that IELTS Academic is for students looking to pursue higher education across universities abroad. The IELTS General Training Exam is for candidates looking to immigrate or work in countries that use English as their primary language of communication.  

The IELTS exam is one of the most sought-after English proficiency tests for candidates looking to study abroad. The full form of the IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Conducted by IDP IELTS India, the IELTS exam is currently available in two formats that focus on different individual purposes. The IELTS Academic exam is for students looking to pursue higher education across countries abroad. The IELTS General Training Exam is for candidates who are looking to migrate to countries abroad. This is the basic difference between the two.

The IELTS test assesses the English language skills of candidates who wish to study or work in countries where English is the principal language of communication. The IELTS examination categories test-takers on a nine-band scale to accurately identify levels of proficiency, from non-users (band score 1) through to experts (band score 9). In this article, we will provide information about IELTS academic vs general. This comprehensive guide deciphers the intricacies of the IELTS Academic and General Training tests, empowering test takers to choose the right path for their academic or professional aspirations abroad.

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