China has long established itself as a global economic power, whilst in south-west Asia, India is booming. But what do these two countries offer for students who wish to study abroad? In this article, we take a look at studying abroad in China, a well-established study destination, and studying abroad in India, which is becoming more popular each year. We look at how they compare and look at whether studying in Asia is right for you.
India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and offers plentiful opportunities for international students. While not yet the most popular Asian destination for international students, India proves to be a good choice for those who wish to pursue higher education. As a country, India is currently undergoing significant development, which includes the establishment of educational institutions.
The recent growth in Indian higher education has been spectacular: in India, on average, about 5,000 new students were admitted and 10 new institutions were set up every day over the past 5 years. Higher education is a priority in India so there are numerous quality options of programmes and courses from which to choose between. It’s important to note that all degrees are taught in English too, which makes Indian universities attractive to prospective international students.
China is already a well-established Asian destination for international students. There are many prestigious Chinese universities offering excellent programs and quality education. These universities are very attractive for Asian students who wish to study abroad, but also want to stay relatively close to home.
China has long been regarded as very strong study abroad destination, but India have started to show in the university rankings as another quality option for international students and due to government financing, both India and China are becoming increasingly popular study abroad destinations.
The newest Asian University Rankings published in 2023 by the Times Higher Education show an interesting trend. Chinese universities are highly ranked on the list, but the newest additions are Indian universities. More and more Indian universities are appearing on the list, making India a new and exciting destination for international students seeking quality education. The Asian University Rankings are based on the same criteria as the World University rankings; teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
When it comes to Chinese universities, they currently dominate the rankings, with Tsinghua University coming in 1st, Peking University in 2nd, and Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in joint 9th.
Indian universities have experienced a significant positive trend of improving their positions in the rankings. There are currently four Indian universities in the top 100 list of the best Asian universities. These are Indian Institute of Science in 48th, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in 68th, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences in 77th, and Mahatma Gandhi University in joint 95th.
Current trends in the Asian University Rankings show that India is a new and exciting destination for quality higher education, especially in the engineering and technology fields. This extraordinary growth is likely to continue for at least the next 10 years, with more and more Indian universities reaching the top 100 Asia University Rankings list.
India is an exciting study abroad destination, and it is constantly striving to improve. Many Indian universities are renowned in their field, something that is especially true for technology: India is well known for its experts in the technological fields and engineering.
In order to study in India as a study abroad student, you will be required to pay international tuition fees, which are higher than the domestic ones, although they depend on the university and your chosen program. For example, tuition at an Indian university can cost around $8,500 per year, depending on study level. However, this is still significantly lower than the international student tuition fees in Europe and North America.
There are many scholarship options available to international students. India is a part of the Commonwealth so there are different scholarships available through the Association of Commonwealth Universities. There are other scholarship opportunities for the international students, but they often depend on the individual university’s programmes and individual circumstances.
In addition to this, some students are eligible for the scholarships issued by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, which promotes cultural exchanges and annually awards thousands of scholarships to international students who wish to study in India. It’s important to know that students are not permitted to work while studying in India, but living expenses are more affordable than other popular destinations, so it’s possible for many international students to budget the money in order to cover living costs.
Another thing to keep in mind when researching universities in India is to make sure that the institutions are recognised by the government. This is the only way to ensure the quality of your education. There are many recognised universities and technical colleges in India to choose from.
China is a popular study abroad destination. The country has an abundance of renowned colleges and universities in many different fields, from business and mathematics to philosophy, history and astronomy. The country provides countless opportunities for learning and experiencing a new culture.
Studying in China is a relatively inexpensive option. You will be required to pay tuition fees, which can cost up to around $9,000 annually. This is more affordable than many of the European and North American universities. There may also be certain scholarship options available for international students, which can be used in order to help cover your tuition costs and living expenses. When it comes to costs of living, China is an affordable option, especially if you choose a smaller city.
One thing to keep in mind when considering China as your study abroad option is the language of tuition. While there are some programs taught in English, many courses and programmes require Chinese language proficiency. If your desired course is taught in Chinese, you will have to take a Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) in order to apply to this particular program.
Relatively low tuition fees and costs of living in both China and India make these countries attractive for international students, but choosing between them may be more difficult. With the constant growth of both countries, and enhanced investment in education, they are both becoming desirable international destinations.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide on the best study abroad destination that will suit your needs. Asian universities offer many exciting options. China is a well-established study abroad destination, with many universities on the top of the Asia University Rankings list. However, recent economic growth and focus on higher education in India are turning the country into another exciting study abroad destination, particularly in the engineering and technology fields. Another advantage to consider with Indian universities is that all programs are taught in English, a popular language choice for many international students.
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