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Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Planning post-grad abroad? Put strategy over sentiment to make the right choice.
For thousands of Indian students considering postgraduate (PG) education abroad, the dream often comes with a hefty price tag and a complicated set of decisions. Whether you're aiming for a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree in the US or a management course in Germany, understanding the total cost of education—including tuition, living expenses, and other less obvious factors—is essential for making a smart financial and academic choice. Here's how to go about it. US is the most expensive The United States remains one of the most expensive destinations for a PG education. A two-year STEM degree in the US averages $100,000, factoring in tuition ($32,000 a year) and living expenses ($18,000 a year). Management courses are even pricier at about $116,000 for the same duration. Students heading to the United Kingdom can expect to pay around $58,500 for a an 18-month PG course in either STEM or management, while in Australia the total cost ranges from $58,500 for STEM to $63,000 for management degrees of a similar duration. Germany is the most budget-friendly option. With near-zero tuition (around $600 a year) and modest living costs of $12,200 a year, a two-year PG course costs roughly $25,600. Singapore offers one-year programs, with costs ranging from $33,500 for STEM to $38,500 for management. Also read | Should you fund your child's foreign education with savings, a loan, or both? 'Families need to think beyond just tuition," said Mayuresh Kini, co-founder of Zinc Money, a fintech company focused on providing financial solutions for families planning overseas education for their children. 'You have to account for living costs, travel, visa, insurance, and potential exchange-rate fluctuations. That's where smart financial planning—like investing in USD assets or UCITS funds—can help hedge against rupee depreciation." UCITS funds are mutual funds that adhere to the European Union's Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities framework. How to choose the right college Choosing the right college involves more than just where you want to live. 'Don't choose a country first; that's often misguided," said Dr Christopher Abraham, professor and head of campus at SP Jain Global School of Management. 'Start by identifying your field of interest, then evaluate the academic fit. Dive into course content, faculty profiles, and research outputs. Reputation alone isn't enough." Abraham emphasised evaluating the potential return on investment (ROI)—not just through tuition and living expenses, but through job placement opportunities, expected starting salaries, internship support, and alumni success. 'ROI isn't just about cost; it's about the financial and career trajectory your degree offers," he said. Kini agreed, saying, 'Start with your field of study, then shortlist top institutions globally. From there, weigh in location preferences, visa rules, job prospects, and overall costs." Oft-overlooked factors An often-overlooked factor is the strength of the local industry. A country that supports your chosen field with a vibrant job market, internships, and potential startup opportunities can drastically influence post-graduate outcomes. 'Studying in Germany for engineering or biotech makes sense because their industry supports it," said Abraham. 'Likewise, Dubai offers excellent opportunities in business and fintech, and is significantly cheaper than Singapore or the US when it comes to daily living expenses." Abraham also highlighted the importance of checking immigration rules and work rights. 'Visa policies can change quickly. The US may seem attractive, but it's legally unpredictable. Countries in Europe and Asia often offer clearer, more achievable paths to long-term residency." Also read: Studying abroad? How prepaid forex cards help manage student expenses Cultural compatibility is another key factor. 'You may love the idea of studying in Germany, but not speaking German could limit integration and even job prospects," said Abraham. 'Understanding social norms such as punctuality, and having access to psychological counselling or cultural integration programmes is crucial." Many Indian families default to US institutions because of a relative's past success, Abraham noted. 'The global education landscape is changing rapidly," Kini said. 'Regulations, costs and job markets evolve. Flexibility and research are your best allies. Planning your finances with the mindset of investing—perhaps even creating a non-rupee portfolio early—can be more effective than scrambling for last-minute education loans." How to compare costs Abraham recommended comparing the cost of a McDonald's burger or Coca-Cola across cities to evaluate affordability. 'It's a surprisingly accurate way to gauge daily living costs," he said. Abraham also cautioned students not to be swayed by higher salaries in countries such as the United States. 'While US salaries might appear more attractive on paper, you need to account for deductions such as taxes, healthcare premiums, and rent," he said. 'Someone earning 20,000 dirhams (about $5,500) tax-free in Dubai—which is common for our MBA graduates—can actually save more than someone earning $10,000 in the US." He added that employers in Dubai often cover essential costs such as health insurance, visa fees, and sometimes even accommodation and transportation. This reduces the individual's financial burden and allows for higher savings—something that's often overlooked in the rush to pursue the 'American dream'. Also read | Study abroad: How to prepare your class 9 kid for Harvard and Yale 'Many people underestimate the hidden costs that come with studying and working in the US," said Abraham. 'It's important to compare the complete picture, not just salaries or university rankings. A more affordable city with better financial support and job prospects may offer a higher return on investment in the long run." Bottom line Studying abroad isn't just an academic decision—it's a strategic life choice that blends personal goals with financial planning. Start by matching your field of study with a country's strengths. Choose courses which offer skills that will remain relevant long in the future, and plan your finances early to manage currency risks and rising costs. Also, avoid picking a country before choosing your field study. Don't blindly chase prestige or follow someone else's path – focus on what aligns with your own goals and strengths.
Mint
22-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Planning for Your Child's Foreign Education?Join Our Expert Webinar to Figure How
The aspiration for an international education has become increasingly prevalent among Indian families. However, planning financially for this significant investment often presents challenges, uncertainties, and requires strategic foresight. Recognising this need, Mint presents an exclusive webinar titled 'Costs of Foreign Education & Building a Corpus for It', scheduled for May 30th, at 4:00 PM. This is part of the newly launched platform Mint Money Forums. To join the webinar, register here. The session will be hosted by Neil Borate, Editor at Mint Money, and Mayuresh Kini, Co-Founder of Zinc Money - a platform for smart financial planning that grows with your child's aspirations. Our experts will delve deep into understanding the financial landscape associated with foreign education, guiding parents and professionals on how to effectively build and manage the required financial corpus. 'Which university, which country & how much does it cost? Once you have a rough idea, you can work backwards and figure out how much to save for higher education. We will decode this question in the inaugural Mint Forum, a knowledge-sharing series brought to you by team Mint Money,' said Neil Borate. Added Mayuresh Kini, 'Sending a child for higher studies abroad is a key event in one's life - similar to buying a house, retirement or marriage, it deserves due financial care and planning. Taking expert advice is the first step in making your child's global dreams come true.' During this interactive webinar, participants will gain insights on, Accurately estimating the total cost of education abroad, including hidden and ancillary expenses. Exploring various investment options suitable for building an education corpus. Understanding currency fluctuations and managing foreign exchange risks. Leveraging education loans, scholarships, and other financial aids strategically. Given the rising inflation and unpredictable economic factors globally, early and informed financial planning is crucial. This webinar is designed specifically to equip Indian parents and aspiring students with practical strategies and actionable advice to navigate the financial intricacies of studying abroad. To participate and secure your financial future for overseas education, register now for this informative session. Date: May 30, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM IST Hosts: Neil Borate (Deputy Editor, Mint) & Mayuresh Kini (Co-Founder, Zinc Money) Join us to ensure your child's academic dreams turn into reality without financial stress.
