After U.S. Visa Crackdown: These 5 Countries Are Now Top Picks for Indian Students

For Indian students that were looking to study in the U.S. the present visa issue has created a great deal of uncertainty and disruption. We are seeing delayed interview appointments and F-1 visa rejections at a rate not seen in 10 years which in turn is presenting last minute problems for students trying to get into their choice schools. Also the U.S. is not looking so good as a long term destination due to the put forth idea to do away with the OPT program which is very important for post study work. Also what we are seeing is that the U.S. policy stability has broken down by the sudden withdrawal of student enrollment certification at top schools like Harvard. Because of this thousands of Indian students are now putting their focus on countries like Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland and the Netherlands which are presenting more certain paths for education, work and permanent residence.

Canada

Why is Canada Gaining Attention?

Canada is a popular choice among international students which contributes to the excellent education system and world recognized degrees. Canada also provides large post study work permits and have clear routes to permanent residence which makes us very attractive for long term plans. The cities are known for their safety, multicultural atmosphere and strong support systems for students. Canada has the Student Direct Stream (SDS) which is made for fast easy visa processing with few requirements. With no mandatory interviews and very high approval rates the authorities are able to provide a very smooth and reliable experience for Indian students.

• Education and Rankings

Canada has top universities which is the major destination of the students. Courses in business, engineering, computer science and majorly certificate programs draw many applicants. The top universities are:  

QS World Ranking	University	Location
25	University of Toronto	Toronto, Canada
29	McGill University	Montreal, Canada
38	University of British Columbia	Vancouver, Canada
96	University of Alberta	Edmonton, Canada
115	University of Waterloo	Waterloo, Canada
=120	Western University	London, Canada
=159	Université de Montréal	Montreal, Canada
=176	McMaster University	Hamilton, Canada
189	University of Ottawa	Ottawa, Canada
193	Queen's University at Kingston	Kingston, Canada

• Post-Study Work and Immigration

After completing studies students can work in Canada for 2 years. Also they have an easy Express Entry system which in turn makes permanent residency application a piece of cake. That is a big factor which puts Canada on the map for many.

Australia

• Benefits and Reforms

Australia is a popular choice for Indian students which we attribute to our high visa approval rates and easy application process. We also see the draw of our generous post study work rights up to 4 years that allow graduates to get that international experience. Our universities are also a draw card, they are world ranked and known for their top notch programs in IT, business, health and engineering. Also with our points based immigration system international students are given a clear path to permanent residency. Also the Australian government is very much into the international education space, which means we have fast visa processing and pro student policies.

• Education Quality

Australia's top universities which are now becoming favorites between the students. They focus on research and industry-ready skills.  The top universities are:

QS World Ranking	University	Location
13	The University of Melbourne	Parkville, Australia
18	The University of Sydney	Sydney, Australia
19	The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	Sydney, Australia
30	Australian National University (ANU)	Canberra, Australia
37	Monash University	Melbourne, Australia
40	The University of Queensland	Brisbane City, Australia
77	The University of Western Australia	Perth, Australia
=82	The University of Adelaide	Adelaide, Australia
88	University of Technology Sydney	Haymarket, Australia
=123	RMIT University	Melbourne, Australia

• Post study Visa Rights and Settlement

During the course of their studies students also may work part time. Post graduation we see that paths to permanent residency open up. This in turn helps Indian students to settle in Australia if they wish.

United Kingdom

• Why is the UK Gaining Attention?

The UK is a top choice for Indian students which is a result of its world class universities, wide range of course options, and short degree programs. We see high visa approval rates for Indian applicants which has also improved in recent years. The Graduate Route visa which allows students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (three for those with a PhD) post graduation. In sectors like finance, health care and technology we see very good job opportunities for Indian graduates. Also the fact that we have a large Indian emigration makes integration and adaptation to life in the UK easy.

• Education Prestige

Universities in the UK come under the top choice of the students around the world. Most of the universities are known for research and career opportunities. Many courses are also highly specialised. The top universities are:  

QS World Ranking	University	Location
2	Imperial College London	London, United Kingdom
3	University of Oxford	Oxford, United Kingdom
5	University of Cambridge	Cambridge, United Kingdom
9	UCL	London, United Kingdom
27	The University of Edinburgh	Edinburgh, United Kingdom
=34	The University of Manchester	Manchester, United Kingdom
=40	King's College London	London, United Kingdom
=50	The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	London, United Kingdom
54	University of Bristol	Bristol, United Kingdom
=69	The University of Warwick	Coventry, United Kingdom

• Cultural and Career Perks

The UK has a lot of great networking opportunities. We see that industry partnerships and support services which put students in touch with future employers. Also studying in the UK is a chance to experience a new culture.

Germany

• Why Students Choose Germany?

Germany is a great choice for Indian students who have world class public universities which also do not charge low to no tuition fees at all for international students. Also we see that the visa approval rate for Indians is high which in addition is very high for those enrolled in recognized programs and present proper financial info. Also the economy in Germany is strong and there is a great need for skilled professionals in fields like engineering, IT and research which makes it a perfect environment for a career. Also the 18 month post study job seeker visa is very beneficial for graduates which in turn gives them enough time to get into the job market and to transition to a work visa or EU Blue Card. Also the cost of living is low and easy access to Schengen travel adds to the great overall student experience.

• Education and top universities

Universities in Germany are now the top choice of the students who wish to study abroad. Germany offers so many scholarships. The top universities are:

Rank	University	Location
28	Technical University of Munich	Munich, Germany
59	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Munich, Germany
=84	Universität Heidelberg	Heidelberg, Germany
97	Freie Universitaet Berlin	Berlin, Germany
99	RWTH Aachen University	Aachen, Germany
102	KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	Karlsruhe, Germany
=126	Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin	Berlin, Germany
147	Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)	Berlin, Germany
191	Universität Hamburg	Hamburg, Germany
212	Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg	Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

• Visa and Work Options

Germany reports simple visa requirements. Students are also able to work while enrolled in their program. After graduation they have more time to look for a job. Many Indian students note that there is a great balance of quality and price. Living costs in Europe are higher than in other countries. Students have a safe and inclusive setting which also provides a great deal of culture.  

5. Ireland

• Why Students Choose Germany?

  Ireland is a preferred choice for Indian students which is a result of its world class education system that also has a large focus on technology, pharmaceuticals and finance. Also we see that they have a very easy visa approval process for our students’ eligibility. Also they present a 2 year post study work visa to our graduates that is very generous which in turn gives them lots of time for great work experience. Also the English speaking environment and the very friendly community makes it easy for Indian students to adapt and do well. Also we note that Irish economy is doing great and that they play host to many global tech companies which in turn present great career options after graduation.

• Education and Institutions

Top universities ireland are:  

QS World Ranking	University	Location
87	Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin	Dublin, Ireland
=126	University College Dublin	Dublin, Ireland
=273	University College Cork	Cork, Ireland
=273	University of Galway	Galway, Ireland
=421	Dublin City University	Dublin, Ireland
=421	University of Limerick	Limerick, Ireland
801-850	Maynooth University	Maynooth, Ireland
851-900	Technological University Dublin	Dublin, Ireland

• Post-Study Work and Residency

Students in Ireland can start working after they finish their programs. In Ireland the  for permanent residency opportunities are also increasing, making it a promising destination.

Each and every country has its own strength and weakness.

Feature	Canada	Australia	UK	Germany	Ireland
Visa Process	Simplified	Reformed	Student visa & Graduate Route	Clear, straightforward	Straightforward process with recent improvements
Cost of Education and living	Moderate	Moderate	High	Low (tuition)	Moderate
Work Opportunities	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Quality of Education	High	High	Very high	Very high	High