Come December and students from across the continent will be busy sending their applications to international universities.
In an online chat with readers on November 27, Dipti Punjabi, counsellor, EGE Global Education addressed queries about choosing a good programme and university and offered advice on how they can pursue a course abroad.
For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript:
Dipti Punjabi says, I, Dipti Punjabi, am there to assist your queries related to education abroad. Please feel free to ask.
student asked, why should i study abroad? can you tell me what are the benefits?
Dipti Punjabi answers, at 2012-11-27 15:52:53Studying abroad can give you global exposure, acdemic excellence, variety of research facilities, an edge towards employment opportunities
shikha asked, hi shikha, what options do i have for after class 12, arts in the UK?
Dipti Punjabi answers, There are various options available in UK for UG but it depends actually upon your area of interest, it can be related to business, humanities, sociology.
b asked, where i can find 6 month professional course abroad in technical know how
Dipti Punjabi answers, There are short term professional courses available in various countries but visa can be an issue for short duration programmes. Recommended to apply for minimum one year in any country
b asked, I do not want to invest for 2 years , I have my own business S0 for 6 moth which is suitable country
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can very well apply for program having one year duration minimum.
b asked, thanks for your prompt reply ,for 1 year apart from U.K. which other option I have got
Dipti Punjabi answers, It actually depends upon your highest level of education and the technical program you are interested. There are Post graduate diploma programs available in Canada, Australia, NZ, Singapore.
student asked, thank you dipti. also please guide me about visas. should i confirm my admission before applying for a visa? what if i am considering two countries at the same time?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes a student has to accept the admission offer before the visa process. You can apply for admission in two different countries and then finalise after the offer which country you want to go ahead with your visa.Visa counselling varies country by country.
SACHIN asked, I am a chemical engineer, currently working and married. Can I study abroad and also take my wife along with myself?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can go abroad for your hgher education. as far as spouse is concerned, you can take her but spouse visa rules differ from country to country
student asked, so are you advising me to get the confirmation letter first before applying for a visa? what should i keep in mind before applying for student visa so that i am not rejected?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes definitely. A student requires a confirmation letter before he/she applies for visa. The checklist can vary country by country but yes, you have to keep into consideration that your finances and income proof needs to be really strong to apply to any country.
SACHIN asked, Which country would allow me to take my wife? She has completed her MBA. Is it possible that she works when we I study?
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can take your spouse along with you in countries like UK,Australia, NZ, Singapore etc. But She can work only in few countries on depedent visa like Uk, Australia, NZ
Sameer asked, Hi Dipti, is masters degree required for pursuing Phd from USA. I have B. Tech Degree and work experience of around 7 years.
Dipti Punjabi answers, Most of the universities across the world have started accepting the students from Bachelor with related work exp for a Phd application but still it needs to be crosschecked with the university admission requirements before you apply. But yes, you are eligible to apply for Phd.
ak asked, hi i ma a chartered accountant. i wish to do mba from abroad . one yr mba. is uk good
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can do the same. One year MBA from UK is good but it totally depends upon your career goals and the finances you are interested to spend on your education.
Aman asked, i am an Mechanical Engineer, pl advice me for further studies
Dipti Punjabi answers, It's actually advisable on your area of interest. You can go for masters in Mechanical Engg or any specialised course in any country. Options can be Germany, Canada, US etc.
Nirav asked, Hello Dipti , I am chemical engineer , 10 years exp. in Sales and Mktg. , Now wants to Purse career in same filed but on technical side , can you tell me , which will be friendly country in terms Visa and work permit to get good opportunity after we complete our masters of 1 year ,Singapore is good option for this , please confirm
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can opt for masters in the same industry but you need to have a strong reason as to why you want to take it up in foreign countries. Yes you can opt for one year or two year of masters. Country options can depend upon your future career goals, academics, finances and standarised tests.
sanjay asked, Hi There... I am sanjay, i am planning to go UK for MBA or MIB, should i go ahead...
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes if you are going to top schools.
Nads asked, I did my BE IT from Mumbai university and have total 5.2 years of experience (4.5 MNC india and 8 months in Gulf). I am planning to do MS Master in computer field. Could you please suggest country to apply for 1 year master group and then I can work there for minimum say 1 year.
Dipti Punjabi answers, One year of masters is available only in UK where Post study work visas are not available as of now. Minimum duration can be 18 months in Australia/NZ, Singapore, Some Europe countries.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh
If you have a question for Dipti, you can reach her on dipti_punjabi@egeworld.com.
Readers are also invited to share their study abroad experience and queries with us. To share your queries, suggestions and advice, write in to us at studyingabroad@rediffmail.com (Subject Line: 'My Study Abroad Experience') and we will publish the best responses on rediff.com.
Please click NEXT to continue reading...
'What's the procedure to apply in Canada?'
santosh asked, Hi, I have started researching for my son and I would like him to study abroad. which are the besy countires for undergraduate program?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Sir, it actually depends upon the program he is interested to pursue at his UG level
rrrr asked, where to study after 12 science and what are the expenses
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can have various country options for your UG and the expenses can vary accordingly. It can be US,UK, Canada, Singapore, Aus, NZ etc
sanjay asked, i am planning to new castle college
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can apply for it because at the end you have to meet the admission reuirements of any university you are interested. As far as the ranking is concerned, its not in the top five in UK for MBA
rajesh asked, which are the countries should be considered where getting the work visa is easy after completing the MBA or management programme.
Dipti Punjabi answers, It can be Canada, Australia, NZ etc.
Joel asked, Hi , I have got a job in uk(tier2_ and i would be taking my wife on dependent visa ,will she be able to take up a job or study?she has completed computer engineering
Dipti Punjabi answers, On Tier2 visa only you are allowed to work. She will be on dependant visas where chancres are less likely for her to work.
SACHIN asked, Which exams do I need to appear for to pursue higher education in Australia or NZ? I have 4 yrs work experience. Can I also work there when I study??
Dipti Punjabi answers, IELTS. Yes you can work part time upto 20 hours per week while you study.
kunal asked, Hi I am looking for a Masters Degree from Australia. I am currently workin in Finance. Can i get a part time option with a job ? If yes whom shall i contact ?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can take up Masters in Finance from Australian Universities. You can work part time while you study. You can contact us for the same.
alphabet asked, I am in 12th with bio, physics, chem and no maths. Besides PMT in India; what are other options for me abroad
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can have variety of options at UG level like Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular biology. Subjects which doen't require Maths.
b asked, Dipti , U.K. stop giving Post study work permit , so is it advisable to go for U.K. , do you think this rule will change this year , for M.S. in Petrochemicals which is my core field , which will be better option !
Dipti Punjabi answers, Nothing is updated yet. Selection of a country actually depends upon your career goals. As far as your field is concerned you can have options in Europe, US, Canada
Nads asked, I did my BE IT from Mumbai university and have total 5.2 years of experience (4.5 MNC india and 8 months in Gulf). I am planning to do MS Master in computer field. And I am planning to do in any european country. Please let me know from where I can get more information about it. Eg Fees, Visa rules. etc
Dipti Punjabi answers, It actually varies with country. The visa rules and fees can be known from their respective VFS centres.
rajesh asked, Any college or country as per FT ranking. Basically I am looking for a course of good repute and easy work visa for the same country at least for 2-3 years
Dipti Punjabi answers, Work visas are easy in countries like Canada, Australia, NZ
Bob asked, Would want to send my daughter for higher education abroad after 12th. How many years in advance should one start planning and researching.
Dipti Punjabi answers, She can very well go ahead with her research when she will be in her 10th. It makes her clear in terms of interest area and the tests she need to take for studying abroad.
munish asked, I want to study Immigration laws in Canada, how and where can I do this
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can opt for study visa in any country but the course shorld be relevant to your previous educational/professional background
samir asked, I want to enter in UK for job, can I enter using admission in any MBA college? If so which is the best one?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can but with the present rules, post course completion you will be getting only 2-3 months to search for a job and that too minimum of 20,000 pounds per year. else you have to come back to India
karthik asked, Now I am wkg in Accenture,B'lore after completing BE/IT Now I am applying for MS CS in US Univ. My GRE IS 330/340, TOFFEL IS 114/120, GPA 8.79/10 WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF GETTING ADMISSION IN US UNIV FOR COMP SCIENCE AFTER COMPLETING MS WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF GETTING JOB PLS. ADVISE
Dipti Punjabi answers, Its advisable to apply at the earliest as you have good and ready scores available. Delay can make your chances less likely. Pursuing MS in computer from US will definately have better options provided how you are making use of your OPT period.
Avantika asked, Hey..My sister got married in SeattLe.Therefore I want to pursue MBA or an equivalent course in Seattle or neighbouring cities in USA.Kindly guide me some options wherein I get some scholarship as well!
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can apply. It can be discussed once I am have your entire profile.
prat asked, dipti madam, do u suggest studying in saudi arabia or kuwait... ? i hear there are lot of petrochemical colleges there, and whoever gets 1st in the univ is given a small oilfield for 5 years. is it true?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can if you are fine staying in Gulf countries. Its a matter of 18-24 months.
RC asked, My son is in 12th, has scored 1500 in SAT and 95 in tofel. He wants to study eng in USA, what are his chances of getting admissions? What colleges he can get admissions
Dipti Punjabi answers, 1500 is a very low score to target any good university in US. Either he can retake the same or the shortlisting of universities needs to be done as per his profile only. He has to look for some colleges
Nikhil asked, I want to do phd in pharmaceutics preferable with scholarships for complete course Let me tell about entrance exam which mandatory for admission?
Dipti Punjabi answers, PHd admission will require GRE and IELTS/TOEFl as their recommended standarised tests.
shankar asked, i did my engineering with 56 % marks and i have 1 yr experience.i wnat to do MBA in UK.Can you provide me some useful tips?
Dipti Punjabi answers, MBA is actually advisable to students having minimum two years of work experience in order to get into a good university. You can either work for an additional year and then apply or can look for Masters in related field.
ads asked, i am a arts graduate. 35 years old. presently working as government employee. What are the avenues i have as far as studying and working in abroad. Please advise me sir.
Dipti Punjabi answers, Studying though has no age limit, as far as the visas are concerned it can be a hurdle.
MANSOOR asked, I WANT TO SEND FOR MASTER IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING TO UK WHICH IS THE BEST UNIVERSITY AND DO THEY HAVE ANY COURSE IN FOLL UNIVERSITY OXFORD/CAMBRIDGE/HAVVARD
Dipti Punjabi answers, Irrespective of the course if you have more than 85% in your academics then you can attend.
mansi asked, hi I want to study in biotechnology related area after Msc. but not for phd.can u suggest me some country and course availability like this.how can I contact you
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can take any specialised Masters program . The options can be US, Canada, Germany
vijay asked, i have completed my BCA and also completed my Diploma in international buisness . Want to do MS in US kindly suggest the possible courses
Dipti Punjabi answers, Masters in US requires 16 years of education and your Diploma will not be counted as 16th Year. You can apply to those which accepts 15 years of education else you need to get your credentials evaluated
rahul asked, Sat 2070,Sat-2 Maths2-800,Physics -800 Toef-117 ,passing out school 2013,looking for engg colleges in USA,can you suggest me the names of few
Dipti Punjabi answers, UCLA, Michigan Ann Arbor, California Berkeley, Purdue
vaibhav asked, i had register for the exam ielts and it got cancelled so wats the further procedure to regain the same date
Dipti Punjabi answers, Please check with British Council
Harsimran asked, sir my brother has done 12 two years back in arts. whats the procedure to apply for canada for further studies. any scope with having two year gap
Dipti Punjabi answers, He can apply for any Diploma program in Canada
Pavan asked, I have been contemplating enrollment in MS in Strategic Management in a University in Amsterdam. However, since I am looking at availing scholarships, can you please shed some light on this area? - requirements etc
Dipti Punjabi answers, Scholarships depends upon your entire profile i.e academics, standarised tests, Statement of Purpose, Recommendations
PKD asked, MSc in UK after 12th. How much may be the total expenses per year?
Dipti Punjabi answers, MSc requires a Bachelor degree to apply.
Rohit asked, I want to do an MBA from a Top 20 University but I don't have any management experience, I have been an IT programmer, how do u suggest I should perpare for the same?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Management experience is not mandatory. Its actually your role and responsibilities you are currently working with a good GMAT score.
chinmay asked, 560 gmat 75 months of experience in IT with 6 months in canada looking to do MBA
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can do the same.
Yash asked, I am studying in 8th std and my dad is ready to send me abroad where ever is fine.So where should i go for a better education.?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Its too early to decide the location. Selection of Country depends upon the area of interest, career goals, academics etc. So kindly concenterate on your academics and score really good to take up your UG abroad.
MANSOORSAYED asked, DIPTI DO U HAVE ANY INFO ABOUT UNIVERSITY PERTAINING TO MASTER IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGG IN UK AS MY QUESTION REMAINS REPLIED UNANSWERED TWICE
Dipti Punjabi answers, Sir, I had answered the same that You can apply it to any university but profile needs to be analysed. Coventry,Sussex, New Castle will be few options.
axis asked, hi , can u suggst me about Asian School of Management Manila for MBA, I hav GMAT 740, TOEFL 111, Also wat r my chances in ISB?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Chances are good depending upon which intake you are going
asas asked, Have 10 years of IT (developer) exp in Top MNC. Have BE graduation in Electronics & instrumentation Engg. My objective is to settle down in abroad (Australia/US/Nz/Germany/UK) for a perioed of 10-15 years by studying MS or MBA in any discipline. My Intention of study is to settle down in the country. Can u suggest me (cost effective & easiest way) which country,which course I can do to achieve my objective?
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can have options like Canada, Aus, NZ as these are the easiest immigration countries.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
If you have a question for Dipti, you can reach her on dipti_punjabi@egeworld.com.
Dipti Punjabi answers, Sir, it actually depends upon the program he is interested to pursue at his UG level
rrrr asked, where to study after 12 science and what are the expenses
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can have various country options for your UG and the expenses can vary accordingly. It can be US,UK, Canada, Singapore, Aus, NZ etc
sanjay asked, i am planning to new castle college
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can apply for it because at the end you have to meet the admission reuirements of any university you are interested. As far as the ranking is concerned, its not in the top five in UK for MBA
rajesh asked, which are the countries should be considered where getting the work visa is easy after completing the MBA or management programme.
Dipti Punjabi answers, It can be Canada, Australia, NZ etc.
Joel asked, Hi , I have got a job in uk(tier2_ and i would be taking my wife on dependent visa ,will she be able to take up a job or study?she has completed computer engineering
Dipti Punjabi answers, On Tier2 visa only you are allowed to work. She will be on dependant visas where chancres are less likely for her to work.
SACHIN asked, Which exams do I need to appear for to pursue higher education in Australia or NZ? I have 4 yrs work experience. Can I also work there when I study??
Dipti Punjabi answers, IELTS. Yes you can work part time upto 20 hours per week while you study.
kunal asked, Hi I am looking for a Masters Degree from Australia. I am currently workin in Finance. Can i get a part time option with a job ? If yes whom shall i contact ?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can take up Masters in Finance from Australian Universities. You can work part time while you study. You can contact us for the same.
alphabet asked, I am in 12th with bio, physics, chem and no maths. Besides PMT in India; what are other options for me abroad
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can have variety of options at UG level like Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular biology. Subjects which doen't require Maths.
b asked, Dipti , U.K. stop giving Post study work permit , so is it advisable to go for U.K. , do you think this rule will change this year , for M.S. in Petrochemicals which is my core field , which will be better option !
Dipti Punjabi answers, Nothing is updated yet. Selection of a country actually depends upon your career goals. As far as your field is concerned you can have options in Europe, US, Canada
Nads asked, I did my BE IT from Mumbai university and have total 5.2 years of experience (4.5 MNC india and 8 months in Gulf). I am planning to do MS Master in computer field. And I am planning to do in any european country. Please let me know from where I can get more information about it. Eg Fees, Visa rules. etc
Dipti Punjabi answers, It actually varies with country. The visa rules and fees can be known from their respective VFS centres.
rajesh asked, Any college or country as per FT ranking. Basically I am looking for a course of good repute and easy work visa for the same country at least for 2-3 years
Dipti Punjabi answers, Work visas are easy in countries like Canada, Australia, NZ
Bob asked, Would want to send my daughter for higher education abroad after 12th. How many years in advance should one start planning and researching.
Dipti Punjabi answers, She can very well go ahead with her research when she will be in her 10th. It makes her clear in terms of interest area and the tests she need to take for studying abroad.
munish asked, I want to study Immigration laws in Canada, how and where can I do this
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can opt for study visa in any country but the course shorld be relevant to your previous educational/professional background
samir asked, I want to enter in UK for job, can I enter using admission in any MBA college? If so which is the best one?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can but with the present rules, post course completion you will be getting only 2-3 months to search for a job and that too minimum of 20,000 pounds per year. else you have to come back to India
karthik asked, Now I am wkg in Accenture,B'lore after completing BE/IT Now I am applying for MS CS in US Univ. My GRE IS 330/340, TOFFEL IS 114/120, GPA 8.79/10 WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF GETTING ADMISSION IN US UNIV FOR COMP SCIENCE AFTER COMPLETING MS WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF GETTING JOB PLS. ADVISE
Dipti Punjabi answers, Its advisable to apply at the earliest as you have good and ready scores available. Delay can make your chances less likely. Pursuing MS in computer from US will definately have better options provided how you are making use of your OPT period.
Avantika asked, Hey..My sister got married in SeattLe.Therefore I want to pursue MBA or an equivalent course in Seattle or neighbouring cities in USA.Kindly guide me some options wherein I get some scholarship as well!
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can apply. It can be discussed once I am have your entire profile.
prat asked, dipti madam, do u suggest studying in saudi arabia or kuwait... ? i hear there are lot of petrochemical colleges there, and whoever gets 1st in the univ is given a small oilfield for 5 years. is it true?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can if you are fine staying in Gulf countries. Its a matter of 18-24 months.
RC asked, My son is in 12th, has scored 1500 in SAT and 95 in tofel. He wants to study eng in USA, what are his chances of getting admissions? What colleges he can get admissions
Dipti Punjabi answers, 1500 is a very low score to target any good university in US. Either he can retake the same or the shortlisting of universities needs to be done as per his profile only. He has to look for some colleges
Nikhil asked, I want to do phd in pharmaceutics preferable with scholarships for complete course Let me tell about entrance exam which mandatory for admission?
Dipti Punjabi answers, PHd admission will require GRE and IELTS/TOEFl as their recommended standarised tests.
shankar asked, i did my engineering with 56 % marks and i have 1 yr experience.i wnat to do MBA in UK.Can you provide me some useful tips?
Dipti Punjabi answers, MBA is actually advisable to students having minimum two years of work experience in order to get into a good university. You can either work for an additional year and then apply or can look for Masters in related field.
ads asked, i am a arts graduate. 35 years old. presently working as government employee. What are the avenues i have as far as studying and working in abroad. Please advise me sir.
Dipti Punjabi answers, Studying though has no age limit, as far as the visas are concerned it can be a hurdle.
MANSOOR asked, I WANT TO SEND FOR MASTER IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING TO UK WHICH IS THE BEST UNIVERSITY AND DO THEY HAVE ANY COURSE IN FOLL UNIVERSITY OXFORD/CAMBRIDGE/HAVVARD
Dipti Punjabi answers, Irrespective of the course if you have more than 85% in your academics then you can attend.
mansi asked, hi I want to study in biotechnology related area after Msc. but not for phd.can u suggest me some country and course availability like this.how can I contact you
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can take any specialised Masters program . The options can be US, Canada, Germany
vijay asked, i have completed my BCA and also completed my Diploma in international buisness . Want to do MS in US kindly suggest the possible courses
Dipti Punjabi answers, Masters in US requires 16 years of education and your Diploma will not be counted as 16th Year. You can apply to those which accepts 15 years of education else you need to get your credentials evaluated
rahul asked, Sat 2070,Sat-2 Maths2-800,Physics -800 Toef-117 ,passing out school 2013,looking for engg colleges in USA,can you suggest me the names of few
Dipti Punjabi answers, UCLA, Michigan Ann Arbor, California Berkeley, Purdue
vaibhav asked, i had register for the exam ielts and it got cancelled so wats the further procedure to regain the same date
Dipti Punjabi answers, Please check with British Council
Harsimran asked, sir my brother has done 12 two years back in arts. whats the procedure to apply for canada for further studies. any scope with having two year gap
Dipti Punjabi answers, He can apply for any Diploma program in Canada
Pavan asked, I have been contemplating enrollment in MS in Strategic Management in a University in Amsterdam. However, since I am looking at availing scholarships, can you please shed some light on this area? - requirements etc
Dipti Punjabi answers, Scholarships depends upon your entire profile i.e academics, standarised tests, Statement of Purpose, Recommendations
PKD asked, MSc in UK after 12th. How much may be the total expenses per year?
Dipti Punjabi answers, MSc requires a Bachelor degree to apply.
Rohit asked, I want to do an MBA from a Top 20 University but I don't have any management experience, I have been an IT programmer, how do u suggest I should perpare for the same?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Management experience is not mandatory. Its actually your role and responsibilities you are currently working with a good GMAT score.
chinmay asked, 560 gmat 75 months of experience in IT with 6 months in canada looking to do MBA
Dipti Punjabi answers, Yes you can do the same.
Yash asked, I am studying in 8th std and my dad is ready to send me abroad where ever is fine.So where should i go for a better education.?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Its too early to decide the location. Selection of Country depends upon the area of interest, career goals, academics etc. So kindly concenterate on your academics and score really good to take up your UG abroad.
MANSOORSAYED asked, DIPTI DO U HAVE ANY INFO ABOUT UNIVERSITY PERTAINING TO MASTER IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGG IN UK AS MY QUESTION REMAINS REPLIED UNANSWERED TWICE
Dipti Punjabi answers, Sir, I had answered the same that You can apply it to any university but profile needs to be analysed. Coventry,Sussex, New Castle will be few options.
axis asked, hi , can u suggst me about Asian School of Management Manila for MBA, I hav GMAT 740, TOEFL 111, Also wat r my chances in ISB?
Dipti Punjabi answers, Chances are good depending upon which intake you are going
asas asked, Have 10 years of IT (developer) exp in Top MNC. Have BE graduation in Electronics & instrumentation Engg. My objective is to settle down in abroad (Australia/US/Nz/Germany/UK) for a perioed of 10-15 years by studying MS or MBA in any discipline. My Intention of study is to settle down in the country. Can u suggest me (cost effective & easiest way) which country,which course I can do to achieve my objective?
Dipti Punjabi answers, You can have options like Canada, Aus, NZ as these are the easiest immigration countries.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
If you have a question for Dipti, you can reach her on dipti_punjabi@egeworld.com.
Readers are also invited to share their study abroad experience and queries with us. To share your queries, suggestions and advice, write in to us at studyingabroad@rediffmail.com (Subject Line: 'My Study Abroad Experience') and we will publish the best responses on rediff.com
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