WORLD WATCH
Uncle Sam’s lure lessens, Down Under beckons

The strong Indian student community, which is set to drive the global education scene in coming years, is trying out new destinations, beyond the much sought-after shores of the US, according to a report from New Delhi.

With the number of Indians leaving their native land for higher and professional studies ever increasing, countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the new-found fancies of Indian students, say immigration experts.

Internationally acclaimed professional degrees, quality education at affordable prices, cheap cost of living, high job opportunities and scenic landscape of these countries have caught the imagination of Indian students.

Aware of India’s potential in the next decade as a source country for international students, all these places are extensively marketing themselves to Indian students.

Beyond the US

"Indian students are now more cautious before leaving abroad for higher studies and look at every aspect. Countries like Canada and others are fast becoming popular as they are cheaper and also provide job opportunities. A careful research of the job market is necessary before they think of going abroad," says Ajay Sharma, Chairman and Managing director of an immigration consultancy.

Biotechnology and computer science are the favourite disciplines students are pursuing abroad apart from IT, business studies, and courses in media and communications.

Though the US still has the maximum number of Indians studying abroad, visa restrictions and risk factor after 9/11 has seen less students preferring the country.

"After 9/11, US is not a very favourable destination for students. The security factor is always there, cost of studying has increased and stringent visa restrictions means less number of students opting for US," says Sharma about the recent change of perspective of Indian students.

A recent survey by the US Council of Graduate Schools indicated there was a 28 per cent drop in Indian students applying for higher education last academic year, with a similar drop for all international students.

Towards NZ, Australia

Pacific countries, Australia and New Zealand are fast emerging as the hub of migrating students. There was a 27 per cent increase in the number of Indians studying in Australia in 2003 compared to the year before. Of the 303,000 international students studying there, around 14,500 were from India.

"For Australia, India is the focus country for international students. In terms of number, India is currently third after China and Malaysia, but the student inflow is growing at a fast pace. This shows increasing recognition in India of the across the-board quality and diversity of opportunities offered by Australian education institutions," says Anju Jain, Manager, Australian Education Centre.

"Indians are mostly undertaking postgraduate studies.
The attraction of Australia for Indian students is based on the high quality education, friendly ambience, welcoming multi-cultural society, its culturally-sensitive student support service and its affordable tuition costs," she says.

"The biggest advantage of New Zealand is globally recognised degrees which are affordable. Also, there is a demand of workforce as they want people who work there, so most of the students stay back and are pretty well settled," says Jugnu Roy, Manager of New Zealand Trade Fair.

There are around 4,000 Indians studying in New Zealand at present and this year, already 2,500 fresh visas have been issued, an indicator that its popularity is increasing," she says.

Canada calling

Canada, the country of immigrations, provides home-like ambience for Indian’s, says Donna Puttman, Recruitment officer, Niagra College, Canada.

"Students from India are talented and hard working too.

Canada as a multi-cultural society really helps the Indians.

Besides this, the hospitality and animation industry is a booming sector there and students land up with job after completing education. More than half of them stay back after finishing studies," she says.

From 1226 Indians studying in Canada in 2001, the number has increased two-fold in two years and there are 2,500 students pursuing education there.

"India is on the hot list of a majority of Canadian universities and community colleges. An indicator of this interest is that about 30 institutions are participating in annual Canadian education fairs this year to be held in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Apart from the fairs, various institutions visit India frequently, says Marai Mathai, Senior Education Adviser, Canadian Education Centre. — PTI