Nov 06, 2024
A significant shift in international education preferences has emerged in recent years, with Europe becoming a top choice of study abroad aspirants. Especially, South Asian students are choosing European countries over traditional destinations like the USA, Canada, or Australia for pursuing higher education.
European Countries like Ireland, Germany, France are increasingly attracting South Asian students, thereby emerging as top Countries to study in Europe. These countries are mostly preferred due to their global reputation, quality education and low tuition fees. Additionally, European countries offer great prospects for permanent residency, which continues to draw international students to this ‘Old Continent’. Let’s delve into further aspects of this shift in inclination.
Europe presents a wealth of advantages that contribute to its status as a leading choice for South Asian students. Here are some of the most prominent factors:
Universities in Europe offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across popular and emerging disciplines, which allows students to choose from a range of courses.
Some of the most-preferred study fields at the European Universities include:
These European Universities also offer courses in emerging fields such as Luxury Brand Management, Environmental Sciences, Liberal Arts, Design and more.
European institutions recognize the fast-paced changes in the global industries, realizing the need for graduates to be well equipped with relevant skillsets and knowledge. As such these institutions are continuously updating their programs and offer industry-aligned course curriculum.
According to a new research report released by the British Council and Studyportals, European Institutions offer a wide array of English-taught degree programmes. Universities in Ireland, Netherlands and Germany lead the way by providing over 2,000 English-taught programs followed by France, Italy and Spain with over 1,000 programs. This emphasis on the English-taught courses makes education accessible to a broader range of international students.
Many European Universities located in Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, do not require students to appear for the standardized tests like IELTS Exam which is a mandatory requirement in other Western countries like the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Instead, these universities ask for the proof of English language proficiency such as degree or qualification from an English-Speaking institution or a Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI).
The tuition fees of European institutions are generally lower than those of other study overseas destinations like the USA, Australia, and the UK. Some countries like Germany, Norway, and Sweden even provide zero or extremely low-cost higher education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This makes Europe an attractive study-abroad destination where students can pursue quality education without incurring significant debt.
European scholarships, such as Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, provide vital financial support for international students. It covers the tuition fee and living expenses while studying in Europe. Students have an opportunity to explore a variety of other government and university specific scholarships that would significantly reduce the overall cost of their education. While these scholarships are highly competitive, students with a strong academic record and a well-rounded profile can surely try.
Many European countries have implemented policies that streamline visa processes, facilitate work permits and provide pathways to permanent residency. These policies are adopted to support international students. Such initiatives seem more accessible and appealing to the South Asian students and encourage them to study in Europe.
The Schengen visa allows international students to travel across 29 European countries, which gives them a chance to explore opportunities beyond their host countries. This prospect also contributes to enhancing the overall student experiences.
So, with a multitude of attractive offerings, European countries are poised to see a surge in South Asian student numbers seeking high-quality education. So let us explore the strategies European Universities are set to implement to meet this rising demand.
To successfully address the sustained interest in international education, European Universities are preparing to introduce targeted hybrid and blended courses. Furthermore, pathway programs, short-term certificates and non-degree programmes are expected to gain traction as students increasingly seek to acquire new skillsets and enhance their academic performance. This proactive approach will ensure that the universities remain responsive to the evolving needs for the international students.
So, if you are a study abroad aspirant keen to pursue higher education in Europe and looking for assistance, do reach out to our KC Europe experts. They will provide comprehensive assistance at every stage. Right from resolving your queries to helping you secure an offer letter from your dream European University. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free counseling session today at any of your branches located across the Tier 1 or Tier 2 cities in India.