Latest news with #RitikaGupta
Hans India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Indian students turning to Oz as US tightens visa norms
Hyderabad: A growing number of Indian students aspiring to go abroad for higher studies are now choosing Australia over the United States (US) for their higher education, marking a significant shift in academic preferences of foreign-bound students. Education consultants attribute this trend to a combination of practical factors, including tightening of visa norms by the US and Canada. Growing uncertainty in the North American market is also playing a key role. Further, hassle-free visa policies, extended post-study work rights, lower tuition fees, quicker return on investment, and a safer, more affordable lifestyle in Australia, are turning the tide in Oz's favour. While the US has traditionally been the first choice for Indian students, they now say that visa uncertainties and limited work rights under the present Trump dispensation are pushing them to look elsewhere. In contrast, Australia's streamlined visa process and clear pathways to permanent residency are making it an increasingly attractive option. Students aspiring to go to the US have seen rising visa rejections, long delays, and uncertainty surrounding post-study work options, especially under the present dispensation. In contrast, those bound for Australia are seeing a relatively smoother visa process, access to world-renowned institutions, and attractive post-study work opportunities. 'Indian students are increasingly choosing Australia over the US due to several practical reasons. The US has seen rising visa rejections, long delays, and uncertainty surrounding post-study work options—especially under Trump. In contrast, Australia offers a smoother visa process, world-renowned institutions, and attractive post-study opportunities,' says Ritika Gupta, CEO of AAera Consultants Rathan Yarlagadda, CEO of Ascent Consulting Abroad Studies LLP, says 'Two of the most significant reasons are: the abundance of work opportunities during and after studies in Australia, and growing concerns over the possible removal of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US, along with the current atmosphere of confusion and misinformation from the US government.' Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students to stay and work for 2 to 6 years after graduation, depending on their field and location of study. This is a major draw compared to the US OPT programme, which offers just 1 to 3 years of work authorization, often followed by the complex and competitive H-1B process. According to Dilip Kumar N, Australian Migration Agent at Future in Australia, 'The shift is clear. Australia offers open work rights, faster ROI (return on investment) due to lower tuition fees, and fewer immigration hurdles. It's safer, especially for female students, and recent policy updates—like reduced work visa requirements and new scholarship schemes—are making it even more accessible.' Cost is another critical factor. Australian universities offer relatively lower tuition fees and require lower living expenses compared to US institutions. Students can also work part-time, which helps them manage finances more effectively. Shailandra, Director and Founder of ProgeoN Overseas Education, highlighted the growing appeal: 'Australia's globally ranked universities, multicultural environment, and strong research and career prospects make it the ideal choice. Students find the experience both enriching and financially manageable.' Renu Pandey, Managing Director of SRH Global Edu, summed it up: 'Australia offers academic excellence, career growth, and long-term settlement opportunities in one package. It's a balanced and forward-looking choice for students'.
India Today
17-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
A complete guide to studying abroad for Indian students
Studying abroad implies pursuing academic study in a foreign nation. Studying abroad provides numerous advantages, which assist one in personal development as well as professional development. A degree is evidence that an individual has finished a particular level of schooling. Dreams are a sequence of events or images that take place in your head when you're is a country-by-country overview of popular destinations for studying abroad, with an emphasis on their main characteristics, strengths, and typical programs they're famous for, with input from Ritika Gupta, CEO, Aaera Consultants:advertisementUNITED STATESLeading Features: The US offers state-of-the-art research facilities, varied opportunities, and high research Programs: Its popular programmes are: Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Life Universities: MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC Opportunities: International students enjoy many opportunities with Optional Practical Training and the H-1B visaCANADAPrime Features: It possesses quality education, friendly immigration policies, and is Programs: Its popular programs are: IT, Healthcare, Business, Engineering, Universities: University of Toronto, UBC, McGill Opportunities: Software developers, data analysts, healthcare, civil engineers, KINGDOMTop Features: It has shorter degree lengths, historic institutions, and a worldwide Programs: Law, Management, Arts, Engineering, Universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, to Work: Healthcare professionals, software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts have great opportunities to work in the Features: It has a great climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and quality Courses: Nursing, Environmental Science, Accounting, IT, Institutions: University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Opportunities: Temporary Graduate from a Visa. Healthcare, cybersecurity, and nursing. Medicines, etc, are numerous Aspects: Low or zero tuition fees in public universities, good engineering Courses: Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Renewable Institutions: TU Munich, Heidelberg, RWTH Opportunities: 18-month job-seeking visa after Aspects: Low-cost education, rich cultural heritage, high in the arts and Programs: Fashion, Art, Culinary, Business, Universities: Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, HEC Opportunities: Stay-back options after Master's that last up to 2 Features: Many English-taught programs, international Programs: Business, Engineering, Psychology, Environmental Universities: Delft University of Technology, University of Opportunities: The Netherlands also provides options for international students to become self-employed after graduation. The self-employed residence permit provides graduates with the ability to start their own ZEALANDTop Features: Secure, picturesque, small class size, and high student Programs: Agriculture, IT, Tourism, Universities: University of Auckland, University of Opportunities: Post-study work visas are offered to Features: Convenient location, technologically advanced innovation, international business Programs: Business, Finance, Engineering, Life Universities: NUS, NTU, Opportunities: The passes have been made available based on Features: Technological advancement, scholarships for foreign Programs: Robotics, Engineering, Literature, Cultural Universities: University of Tokyo, Kyoto Opportunities: There are lots of opportunities, primarily in the tech KOREATop Features: It has a technology-oriented, dynamic young culture and cheap Programs: Media, Game Design, Technology, Korean Universities: Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei Opportunities: It has expanding opportunities in the tech sector as well as study is an invaluable experience that has much more to do than simply academic progress. It gives students access to the best education and international exposure, enabling students to learn from various sources. Aside from academics, it creates substantial career prospects, as employers frequently place a high value on adaptability, self-reliance, and cross-cultural awareness that may prove to be useful when a person has foreign experience.
India Today
15-05-2025
- India Today
Study Abroad: 6 hacks for cheap flights, student discounts and smart savings
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can also become costly if you're not careful. From airfare and accommodation to daily expenses, the costs can add up quickly. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can save a lot without missing out on your experience. Whether you're booking your first international flight or navigating life in a new country, these six travel hacks—ranging from finding cheap flights and student discounts to clever money-saving tips—will help you stretch your budget while maximising your time abroad opens up unparalleled academic and cultural opportunities, and with careful planning, you can create unforgettable travel experiences as well. However, between flights, hotels, and tours, expenses can accumulate rapidly. Thankfully, there are smart, student-friendly tips that can help you go further for less, inputs from Ritika Gupta, Counsellor at AAera are the best travel tips every study abroad student needs to know. 1. Fly cheap and book smartAirfare is one of the largest expenses, but it doesn't have to cost an arm and a fares using tools such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Hopper to monitor price midweek or off-peak hours whenever possible—this tends to be flying in and out of secondary airports if the primary hubs cost too shop incognito to prevent cookie-based price Student Universe and STA Travel provide special student and youth discounts—sign up and compare!2. Access student discounts everywhereBeing a student has its benefits—make the most of an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for international student enquire if a museum, gallery, store, or restaurant has student prices—it's usually not advantage of various discount Most public transportation systems have youth or student passes—purchase them ahead of time to save a bundle on commuting.3. Pack light, travel easilySkip the high baggage fees and make things easy by packing in a carry-on backpack to save time and money at the essentials that can be layered and forget such essentials as a universal power adaptor, a refillable water bottle, and a compact first-aid Space-maximising compression packing cubes keep your bag tidy.4. Opt for budget-friendly transportationDitch expensive taxis—venture out and discover local transport and regional travel Europe, purchase a Eurail or Interrail pass for free-form train travel between overnight buses or trains to save on both transport and accommodation.5. Sleep cheap and safeHotels can be pricey—opt for budget alternatives with hostels via Hostel World or and read the reviews university housing boards for affordable sublets or short-term student Airbnb for group accommodations or couch-surfing for local, free experiences (just be careful and consider safety first).6. Take advantage of free and low-cost activitiesNot all things memorable are costly—some of the best are free walking tours in big cities (just tip your tour guide).Go to museums on free-admission days or with your student through local markets, parks, and cultural at Meetup or Facebook events for free local events.
