Education Abroad for Indian Students

Sara Illiyasi

Most Indian students are going abroad to pursue higher studies. Here are the admission procedures to get into the Universities in the USA and UK.

UK Universities Admission Process

Under Graduation Courses

British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university academics when compared to twelve of Indian students.

Students from India are required to either outperform in their class XII exams or undergo a course called the bridging course or foundation course or access course to enter into any college in Britain for under graduation. This is compulsory for entry into Oxford, London or Cambridge universities.

To avoid the one-year course, students can also write an examination called the 'A' level examination in India itself. These exams are conducted twice a year and require early enrolment. Excellent written and spoken English is essential; exam syllabus can be obtained from the nearest British council.

A score of six is the minimum requirement in this exam and the exam can be written in the nearest British council itself and will cost approximately Rs. 3000.

Applications for all colleges are available from Universities and College Admission Services (UCAS). By completing a single form, students are eligible to try admissions in six colleges. Applications are available at the British council offices.

Filled UCAS applications must be submitted by 15th of December the preceding year, applications will be processed till June 30th after which forms are handled by a system called the 'clearing process'. For admissions into the 

Oxford or Cambridge universities, filled forms have to be submitted before the 15th of October the preceding year and a student cannot apply for both the universities for the same academic year. Application forms are different for these universities are different from the rest of the universities 

Post Graduation Courses

For entry into post graduation courses, a three year degree in any stream in the Indian universities is sufficient and is recognized in Britain as equivalent to their British Bachelor (ordinary) degree.

For admission into few postgraduate courses in Britain, a four year degree much like a B.E., B.Tech etc is required and this recognized as equivalent to their British Bachelor (Honors) degree. Completion of post graduate degree like M.A., M.Sc etc from any Indian university is also accepted.

Post graduate degrees such as M.Tech, M.E. from institutes such as IIT are considered as equivalent to their British Master's degree.

Admission forms can be obtained from the university web site by downloading them or by filling and sending them online.

US Universities Admission Process:

After choosing a list of colleges you want to apply-you can look at the application procedures. 

1) Collect the Address and E-mail ID of the chosen colleges. Contact for more information, application forms and financial aids at least a year (between June and August) before you plan to enter.

2) Register for all the required admission tests such as TOEFL, SAT and ACT (in U.S only) for a Bachelor's programme or Undergraduate study; and TOEFL, GRE and GMAT for a masters or doctoral programme (Graduate study and research.) These tests are standardized and have centers around the world. 

You can arrange with the testing agencies to send your test scores directly to the colleges and universities you are applying.

3) Keep all your academic records including an official credential evaluation of the 'marks card' (known as Transcripts in USA) ready. These records should include certificates of achievement in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

4) Approach at least 3 of your teachers in school or professors who have taught you in college for reference letters. Teachers who know you thoroughly can provide a balanced reference of your ability to pursue advanced studies. Keep these letters ready.

5) Make a list of at least four courses you want to take up. Check whether these courses are available in India's colleges or Internet study option. If they are not available it is a good reason for convincing the Visa officer to give you a Visa. 

6) Get a passport.

Application Forms

After you receive the application form, scrutinize all the admission requirements and financial requirements. The application forms usually ask for personal information, your certified mark sheets or transcripts, your admission test scores, certificates of extracurricular activities, letters of reference from your teachers, about your education plan-i.e. your course of study, career goals and research plan and why you chose this particular school etc. 

The application fee may be between $30 to $50 payable by cheque. It will not be refunded if you do not attend the school.

The applications should be duly completed and send much before the deadline mentioned in the application forms. Usually, for most Universities and colleges the academic year begins in late August or early September and ends in May or June.

Acceptance Letter

The admission office of the university will inform whether you are accepted or rejected by sending an acceptance letter around April- June period. 

If you are accepted you may be required to pay a deposit usually of one semester or a full year’s tuition fee for reserving seat, before a certain date.

Advisory for Indian Students seeking Admission in Foreign Universities/Institutions

University Grants Commission has received several complaints from Indian students pursuing studies abroad regarding misleading claims being made by foreign universities/institutions in respect of the courses offered by them and validity of their degrees. 

In order to avoid misguidance of Indian students by Foreign Universities/Institutions, UGC has decided to issue an advisory to students as under - 

All Indian students wishing to pursue studies abroad may contact the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), AIU House, 16, Comd. Indrajit Gupta Marg,(Kotla Marg), New Delhi - 110002 (Phones :+91-11-23230059, 23232305, 23233390, 23231097 23232429,32232435 Fax:+91-11 23232131) or visit their website www.aiuweb.org for information regarding the accreditation status of foreign universities and the valuation and equivalence of degrees and diplomas awarded by the accredited universities abroad .