A poll done by Galvanize Test Prep on the study abroad plans of thousands of Indian students for MS, MBA and PhD amid the Covid-19 pandemic revealed that the plans are largely on track. Although students were uncertain about their study abroad dreams earlier in March, they are now looking forward to pursuing higher education abroad.
The survey found that the global pandemic has not impacted the long-term study abroad plans of students. 89% of the respondents said they were keen on pursuing their studies abroad in Spring or Fall 2021 semesters. 73% said that a strong brand value of graduating from a globally-recognised foreign university leading to better job opportunities is the main reason that they wish to continue with their study abroad plans.
20% of those surveyed said that it is because of the diverse degree options and specialisations and flexibility for study that they prefer to study abroad.
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Another finding from the study was that 56% of the students believed that earning a graduate degree from a foreign university amid the pandemic could be a smart way to deal with the current recession and upgrade their skills. During the early days of Covid, Indian students were inclined towards staying back in India and finding work opportunities after graduation.
The survey also established that the United States remains to be the most preferred study destination among Indian students. Almost 46% of the respondents said that the US is the most popular destination owing to reasons such as the maximum number of top-ranked universities, worlds largest economy, Joe Bidens win likely to make visa policies friendlier and more flexible, waiver of visa quotas for PhD students in STEM fields and easier access to Green Cards.
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18% of the students surveyed named Canada as their primary choice while 8% and 7% cited Germany and the UK respectively.
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