Masters in India vs Abroad: What is the Difference and Which is a Better Option

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students who want to access high-quality education and research opportunities. According to Tribune India, more than 7.5 lakh students went abroad in 2022. Many of these students went to pursue their Master’s abroad after completing their bachelors in India. Moreover, studying abroad offers better employment opportunities. For this reason, several Indian students consider studying abroad. However, studying in India also has several benefits such as being able to stay in the home country, low tuition fees and cost of living. Students who are confused about pursuing masters in India vs abroad can read this article for more information, and to make the right decision for themselves. 

Masters in India vs Abroad

Pursuing masters abroad can be very different from studying in India. After all, it’s a whole different country. Here is a list of things that students need to consider before deciding to continue their studies in India or abroad.

Cost of Education

One of the main concerns for students who want to study abroad is the cost of education. Pursuing masters in countries such as the US, Singapore, Switzerland,  Australia, and Norway can be expensive. However, countries such as Ireland, Canada, Nepal, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina can be pocket friendly.  Students who cannot afford education can apply for financial aid. Several scholarships and grants are provided by universities and governments to assist students. In fact, some students can study for free in countries such as Germany with scholarships.

On the contrary, studying in India is not expensive. Expenses are the main difference between studying in India vs abroad. An MTech in India will only cost a student INR 2 lakh. That too, from the top IITs. However, MS abroad can cost INR 15 lakh and can even go up to INR 30 lakh without including the living expenses. 

Also read: The Benefits of Studying Abroad

Quality of Education

The main difference between masters in India vs abroad is the quality of education. Education abroad focuses on the practical application of skills.  Some of the best universities in the world are from popular countries such as the UK and US. The research facilities offered in the school are excellent. Universities abroad receive the required funding. Hence, research facilities are always top-notch. Moreover, the education system abroad offers a variety of courses that are not available in India.

Comparatively, the Indian education system focuses more on theoretical understanding of concepts. There is a lack of development of skills required for practical application. As a result, many Indian students struggle to get job placements after completing their education. However, Indian education from top institutes is at par with the abroad education system when it comes to programs that do not require research.

Work Opportunities 

Work opportunities after completion of a master’s is another key difference between a master’s in India vs abroad. Pursuing a master’s from abroad is a high-risk-high return game. Hence, it is best to research the work opportunities of the course in the country the student wants to study. For example, the US is known for Silicon Valley. As a result, ample opportunities are available in the tech sector for students. However, the same is not the case with the core engineering fields. To gain better work opportunities students should take admitted to good universities.

On the other hand, pursuing a master’s in India is a low-risk game. Students don’t have to invest much in a university education. After the completion of postgraduate studies, they can get placed in companies or can apply for a job. Students who are from top universities in India such as IITs can get excellent work opportunities in India itself.

Also read- Top Reasons to Pursue Masters Abroad

Adaptability 

Adaptability is another important factor that needs to be considered by students who want to study abroad. This is another key difference between masters in India vs abroad. Students need to be crystal clear about their goals. Particularly, where they want to settle. Pursuing masters abroad is a good option for students who want to settle abroad. Exposure to a new environment can result in enriching the personality of students.

However, not many benefits can be reaped by students who want to study abroad and then come back to India. The reason is that they would not get an increase in pay even after completing their education abroad. Unless the student has studied at top-notch universities such as Harvard or Stanford. Students who want to study in India don’t have to worry about adaptability as they are already familiar with the social, political, and cultural aspects of the country.

Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad 

To help you decide regarding masters in India vs abroad we have listed the pros and cons of studying abroad. Students can check the benefits and disadvantages of pursuing masters abroad based on the list.

Pros	Cons
Higher salaries after the completion of the course	Educational expenses
Exposure to the international community	Harsh climatic conditions (depends on the country)
Ease of immigration in the country of choice	Homesickness
Great work-life balance	Language and cultural hindrances

Pros and Cons of Studying in India

Here is a list of the benefits and disadvantages of completing studies in India. The stark difference between pursuing master’s in India vs abroad can be accessed by the students on the basis of the points given below.

Pros	Cons
Less expensive education	Highly competitive
The comfort of staying in the home country	Comparatively Optimum Pay
Good quality of education	No exposure to other cultures and nationalities
Excellent work opportunities	Less work-life balance

Also Read- Study Abroad Challenges for International Students

FAQs

Pursuing masters in India vs abroad can be a challenging decision for students. Hence, it is always wise to go through the pros and cons of studying abroad and in India. Studying abroad comes with a lot of benefits. It includes better quality of education, work opportunities, and exposure to the international community. However, studying abroad can be quite expensive.  Students who want a high standard of living, want to earn in International currency, and who can do household chores by themselves should consider studying abroad. While students who want to stay in the comfort of their home country can choose to stay in India and continue their education. To discover more articles like this visit the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.