Studying STEM Abroad: Expense Or Investment?

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Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Apr 26, 2023 07:44 PM IST

STEM students have access to a variety of study abroad opportunities around the world. Read on to know why studying STEM abroad is a worthwhile investment for students to become global citizens.

Studying STEM Abroad: Expense Or Investment?

Studying STEM courses abroad is an expensive dream. There are lots of expenses besides the tuition fees that students have to pay such as transportation and housing. Students planning to study STEM at top universities usually require huge expenditures to meet the demands of the course. This lumpsum amount creates doubts in the mind of Indian aspirants about whether studying STEM courses abroad is worth the expense and investment. They doubt whether it will be a total loss of money or a hard-earned expense that would be an investment towards themselves.

If you aspire to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Management) abroad, then probably you are drawn towards the hands-on training part. The time that you will spend in the lab gaining practical experience will help in adding diversity to your academics and distinguish you from your peers. Earlier knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics 

will be fruitful if you wish to study abroad. This article will provide a detailed understanding of whether studying STEM courses abroad will be an expense or investment for students. 

Studying STEM in India vs Studying STEM Abroad

With the growing popularity of STEM courses worldwide, several ambitious Indians have started choosing STEM degrees in recent years. While planning to study abroad, the rising cost of education, complicated immigration laws, a low stay-back period in certain popular study-abroad destinations and difficulty in getting jobs prompt the fundamental question of pursuing STEM courses abroad can be classified as an investment. One needs to delve deeper into the question.

According to the Institute of International Education Open Doors Report, STEM students studying abroad have increased massively with 24.5% of students studying the course in 2019-20 from just 16.6% studying in 2000-01. In comparison to the last few years, 68% more students are studying STEM courses abroad. With government incentives, STEM studies are growing popular in other countries and the possibilities for these students in the various sectors have become predominant. 

International exposure and experience in STEM fields are important as students will be creating technologies that will impact the whole world. Collaborating with multicultural teams abroad helps them to be successful in their careers and to tackle global challenges in a better way. The STEM curriculum has become more flexible as opportunities have been weaved into it and new programmes have been created. 

Our study abroad experts have assisted many Indian students in studying STEM courses abroad. We are thrilled to know that many of our students are now enrolled at prestigious universities worldwide.

Interested in Pursuing STEM Courses Abroad?

What Makes STEM Degrees Abroad So Valuable?

A STEM degree is unquestionably valuable. STEM classes have a reputation for being challenging and abstract. Although pursuing a STEM degree is difficult, yet there are several advantages of getting a STEM degree from any top university abroad. A STEM degree will raise your employability, increase your earning potential, and give you vital skills that may be useful to a variety of sectors. STEM graduates have their economic benefits in the employment market, likewise, STEM education escalates itself more desirable by adhering to its unique teaching style and curriculum.

Similarly, aside from being more employable than non-STEM graduates, STEM graduates benefit from a slew of other international advantages. When compared to other graduates, they are more likely to receive a better job profile, higher pay, better immigration opportunities, and a variety of other perks. These advantages might be said to have a double impact on every element of a professional's life.

Graduates of STEM Fields Receive Higher Remuneration

STEM graduates are more likely to get hired in businesses that offer higher salaries since necessary knowledge and abilities are in great demand by established industries. In many circumstances, such jobs produce a return on investment (ROI) mostly in under a year or so.

Salary Package of STEM and Non-STEM Graduates

According to the STEM Connect Report, STEM graduates earn at least 20% more than non-STEM graduates on an annual basis at every level. Surprisingly, even if graduates are not employed in their field of study, they are nevertheless paid more than their non-STEM graduate counterparts. This is because university education is linked to greater incomes.

Employment Level

Salary Package of STEM Graduates

Salary Package of Non-STEM Graduates

Entry Level

USD 54,745

USD 40,505, or 26% less

Median Level

USD 81,011

USD 60,828

Higher Level

26% higher than non-STEM

26% lower than STEM

Professional/Doctoral Level

24% higher than non-STEM

24% lower than STEM

Outside STEM Field

USD 71,000

USD 60,000

Note: This disparity in yearly compensation packages is due to students attending lower or higher ranking foreign colleges

Increased Employment Opportunities at the Research Cell

Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom are among the nations with the most attractive STEM cell research possibilities. The following topics are handled by this research wing:

  • Medical/Clinical Research

  • Productivity and Quality

  • Supply Chain

  • Development and Research

  • Finance, Human Resources, and other administrative functions

Furthermore, by 2027, the worldwide STEM cell market is estimated to reach USD 17.9 billion. This will open up a plethora of outstanding research possibilities for internationally skilled individuals in a variety of sectors. Even for those who choose to remain in India, the country is working hard to establish itself as a worldwide leader in STEM research.

STEM Courses Ensure Easy Access to Permanent Jobs Overseas

In every domain, international degree holders have an advantage over national degree holders. However, national degree holders who have completed STEM courses are also eligible for this advantage. Needless to say, a combination of STEM graduation and international education would enable graduates to make significant advancements in their careers.

Graduates with a better education from a top-ranked foreign university and international experience stand out not just in the Indian employment market but also in the worldwide market. STEM graduates can focus on generating strategic solutions for global industrial difficulties and contribute to the development of any country.

Stay Back Period for STEM Students is Longer

STEM studies, as compared to any other subject of study on the international front, provide a longer period of work visa. Taking STEM courses boosts your chances of getting into nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Statistics demonstrate that immigrants with STEM degrees are far more numerous than locals with STEM degrees in these nations.

Studying STEM Abroad: The Future

STEM courses have always fueled the economy and will continue to do so in the future. According to government sources, STEM fields have always been at the forefront of addressing major issues. STEM classes have always offered a wide range of technologies to the globe, including mobile learning, online learning, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Our daily lives would have been more relaxed but less difficult if science had not advanced. According to reports, highly qualified STEM graduates are required for 70% of the world's top-paying occupations. In addition, STEM professions are expanding at a 3:2 rate compared to non-STEM occupations.

As the number of instructors in the area has grown, so has the number of pupils interested in science and mathematics. These educators' goal for STEM education is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, flexible classroom spaces, an inclusive atmosphere, and easily available learning opportunities.

While pursuing a STEM degree might be rewarding, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. You may anticipate good pay, excellent perks, and a plethora of work options. Simultaneously, you should expect large loans, numerous hurdles, and a stressful college experience.

A well-paying job is not guaranteed by a college degree. The individual potential has a significant impact on deciding your level of achievement. If you are enthusiastic about STEM and are prepared to work hard despite the odds, you may turn it into a significant life investment.

Are you considering studying STEM abroad? Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com. We can help you make a decision. Many of our guided students are pursuing STEM courses abroad at their desired universities.

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