Benefits of Studying STEM Courses Abroad

 logo

Sristy Sharma
Updated on Apr 17, 2023 06:50 PM IST

Are STEM courses abroad the best fit for you? With STEM courses consistently dominating the list of top courses to study abroad, finding out why you should or should not study STEM courses can be crucial. So, here we will take you through the top benefits of studying STEM courses abroad.

Benefits of Studying STEM Courses Abroad

The benefits of studying STEM courses abroad are closely related to the commonly heard adage 'think outside the box'. Innovative thinking and the development of an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving are strongly promoted among students enrolled in STEM courses.

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, is promptly growing to be a significant area of cooperation in both education and the global economy. The main driver of this expansion is that the coming decade's employment market will undoubtedly centre on STEM subjects while also requiring 21st-century skills like cultural awareness, analytical thinking, inventiveness, and problem-solving.

Acknowledging the difficulties, numerous colleges and institutions have been striving to increase study abroad possibilities for STEM students by flexibly advancing curriculum, developing new programmes, and making STEM curricula more adaptable.

Similar to how STEM education benefits the employment market, STEM graduates have distinct benefits over their non-STEM peers. Additionally, due to the benefits of studying STEM courses abroad, STEM graduates have a higher chance of finding employment than their non-STEM peers.

That said, STEM graduates are likely to make more money, hold better jobs, and be more inclined to immigrate than other graduates who do not come under the STEM umbrella. The advantages of studying STEM abroad are beneficial to a professional in all aspects of their life. This article mainly focuses on the advantages of pursuing STEM abroad along with a list of top countries offering STEM courses for international students.

Post Study Work Opportunities for STEM Graduates

One of the main reasons to study STEM abroad is the greater number of post-study work opportunities it offers. In this case, the first step shall be to decide in which sector and in what manner, the student would like to go ahead. As a prospective student of STEM courses abroad, one may expect to be welcomed by a number of benefits. Here are some options one may explore:

MNCs

International STEM course graduates have offers awaiting them from top IT, Healthcare, Commerce, Edu-tech, Med-tech, and Soliciting- agencies, firms and companies. The graduates are often offered managerial or consultant-level positions, while undergraduates pursue Senior Executive or Assistant level job profiles.

Research

Students may also decide to go towards a more study and experiment-oriented field of Research and Development. There are numerous global research institutes that accept undergraduates as interns or assistants and graduate students as fellows of the centres. Eligible students may get registered and simultaneously pursue the required further higher education.

Teaching

There is also an option to go into more student-oriented teaching and research career options after completing STEM abroad. As a pedagogy pursuer, students may establish an industrial career as an author or individual researcher (theoretic) of the field while they hone the future of the industry simultaneously.

From shortlisting top universities to visa assistance, our study abroad experts can get you into your desired university and simplify your study abroad journey.

Apply to Top STEM Universities Abroad!

Higher Salary for STEM Graduates

As STEM graduates from abroad, students will be able to attract lucrative remuneration offers at the international level. STEM graduates have been known to enjoy a healthy employability level of 56% with fluctuations on the basis of destination country and course. They have a minimum annual salary of USD 55,000 and also enjoy a pay scale ranging from 24% to 28% to graduates of other specialised streams. Salaries of certain top STEM jobs abroad are:

Job Profile

Average Annual Salary (in USD)

Data Scientist

130,000 to 195,000

Economist

115,860

Mathematician

110,000

IT Manager

195,900

Psychologist

167,000

Mechanical Engineer

113,238

Civil Engineer

87,353 

Systems Analyst

126,780

Environmental Engineer

126,190

Biologist

74,491 to 98,581

Web Developer

90,000

Financial Analyst

74,146

Computer Programmer

122,600

Longer Stay Back Period - STEM vs Non-STEM Courses

In any top country for STEM, the stay back period is proportional to the potential of a particular class of students. The stay back period of STEM graduates in countries ranges from two years to four years, whereas the same ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 years for non-STEM graduates.

Course

US

UK

Australia

Canada

STEM courses (Stay Back Period)

Up to 2 years

Up to 3 years Up to 4 years

3 to 5 years

Non-STEM courses (Stay Back Period)

Up to 1 year Up to 1 year Up to 1.5 years

0.8 to 2 years

Permanent Residence after Pursuing STEM Courses Abroad

What outstanding students will gain as a STEM graduate abroad shall further help them in increasing their chances of immigration or permanent residence not only in the study abroad destination but across the world.

The percentage of STEM graduate immigrants is higher in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, etc. in comparison to home or local graduates. The local degree holders are about 15%-17% lower in numbers in comparison to the immigrant graduates. This shows the need and acceptance of immigrant graduates in these countries and international STEM graduates may easily benefit from them.

United States: In the case of the US, STEM graduates and entrepreneurs might get a direct pathway to a green card. A bill was recently passed by the House of Representatives to give a new national interest waiver in order to restore faith in the country's immigration system.

United Kingdom: The UK points-based system provides simple, effective and flexible arrangements for skilled workers including STEM graduates from around the world to immigrate to the country. PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job contributes to extra 20 points in the system.

Canada: According to CIC News, immigrants make up a large share of university-educated workers in STEM fields.

Related Reads:

Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Visa for STEM vs Non-STEM Courses

All About Pursuing a STEM Degree Abroad: Scope, Advantages, Job Prospects

STEM Education - Courses & Curriculum

Basic Eligibility to Pursue STEM Courses Abroad

Specialised and Personalised STEM Curriculum Abroad

While opting for a course, the learning process itself becomes an area of concern. It is important that the course can be adjusted to the needs and life of the student and provide them with methods which provide better education and learning opportunities. Most study abroad STEM courses have the following characteristics:

Combined Theoretical Process

While the basic introduction to STEM courses abroad is dominated by theory, there is also the highly significant element of practical application. Controlled lab experiments are conducted by creating real-life situations which allow students to stimulate their minds towards possibilities and crafting solutions.

Practical Training

As the STEM course advances to its completion, the method of teaching also shifts from theory to practice. Most of the STEM courses are designed in a manner that the last semester (or last durational divide) of the course is wholly practical training either in the form of internship or research. The general practical training period of STEM courses for students in countries like the US, UK and Canada is at least one year. While the other courses offer a practical experience of around six-eight months.

Internships

As a student pursuing STEM courses abroad, the student will be motivated to apply for both academic as well as internships. STEM universities abroad aim to push students to take up these internships during their semester breaks and in the latter part of the course, they prefer these internships to be part-time jobs for STEM students. This provision helps international students remain in touch with their course at all times while gathering practical experience.

In the US, Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) allows students to stay back in the country for a longer period. During this period, F1 visa holders who received STEM degrees may get a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. Similar options are also available in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

Social Contribution

Many schools, especially those established around natural resources and indigenous communities, often use their knowledge and experimentations for and upon these surroundings. As enrolled students in the related STEM course, students can join the community. Oftentimes, student-centric discoveries or inventions and local developments are attributed to these college communities. It is also helpful in climbing the career ladder faster.

Customisable Courses

The biggest challenge comes with the fact that students may have diverse interests. It is possible that their professional strengths call for a STEM course and personal hobbies include subjects in arts or commerce. In this case, STEM universities offer students options to customise their courses and classes as per their interests and profile.

Top Countries Offering STEM Courses

While students may be aware of the benefits of studying STEM abroad, they should also know which country is the best to study STEM. The table showcases the top study abroad destinations for STEM, the top global rank of their institutes, and the number of institutions ranked in the top 100 for each STEM field.

Top global ranks and a number of institutes in the top 100 institutes of the world of the best study abroad destinations for STEM courses as ranked by Times Higher Education and QS Rankings are:

Countries Global Rank Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
USA #=2 32 26 35 30
UK #1 9 6 8 10
Canada #=18 4 4 5 7
Australia #33 6 6 8 6
Germany #32 6 4 4 5
Switzerland #15 2 2 2 2

STEM Courses in USA

STEM courses in the US have become widely known in the sectors of education and immigration for their importance in identifying qualified candidates for high-tech jobs.

The country is popular for its advancement and research in the fields of STEM. Moreover, the overall market is contributed by over USD 2.3 billion of investment generated by STEM. There are over 30 US universities for STEM among the world's top universities.

Some of them include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, Berkeley and Stanford University.

STEM Courses in UK

The UK's market is indebted to STEM fields by over GBP five billion annually. As per an estimate, even the slightest shortfall in STEM graduates can cost the industry over GBP 1.5 billion annually. The top universities of UK for STEM courses like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College of London, London Business School, and UCL are included among the best universities for STEM courses in the world.

STEM Courses in Canada

Canada is a dream study abroad destination for many STEM course aspirants. Students will find the country to be welcoming and Canada's stay back period is the longest for the STEM graduates, which spans over a period of three years. Some of the best universities to study STEM courses in Canada are the University of Ottawa, McMaster University, McGill University, University of Victoria, University of Toronto, Quebec University, and the University of Waterloo.

STEM Courses in Australia

Australia is among the countries with the highest STEM-related research activity, especially in the fields of natural sciences, indigenous resources, and marine biology. Some of the best universities to study STEM courses in Australia are the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of South Wales.

From a practical standpoint, studying STEM abroad has several benefits. As the world becomes more globally interconnected, students are getting inclined towards STEM programmes. This development can be attributed, in part, to nations' current efforts to enhance their STEM education programmes to stay competitive in the global economy. This has caused an increase in the number of top-notch STEM courses offered abroad, drawing students from all around the world.

Get in touch with our study abroad experts to find out more about STEM courses abroad and how to prepare an impressive application to get into top STEM universities. You can also write to them at abroad@collegedekho.com.

Know the Best STEM Courses Abroad Based on Your Interests!

FAQs

What are the top 10 benefits of STEM education?

The advantages of pursuing STEM courses are limitless and not confined to a given number. To study STEM courses abroad, take a look at the following the top 10 benefits of STEM education:

  • Boosts curiosity

  • Encourage socio-emotional learning

  • Develop communication skills

  • Empowers analytical and critical thinking skills

  • Enhances media literacy

  • Improves cognitive skills

  • Improvisation of creativity

  • Increases team collaboration

  • Introduces STEM careers at early stages

  • Embeds leadership qualities

What are the best STEM careers for international students?

As the demand for scientific and technological innovation increases, the possibilities for career advancement in STEM fields have been enriched. There are several top STEM fields to consider if you are seeking a steady job with decent income potential. The following are the best STEM careers for international students:

  • Biomedical engineer

  • Chemical engineer

  • Epidemiologist

  • Geologist

  • Nuclear engineer

  • Software Developer

Is pursuing a STEM career abroad worth it?

Definitely, pursuing a STEM career abroad is worth it. STEM-related careers have excellent earning potential, so they are well worth exploring. However, it is not just about the money; STEM careers are also distinctive and fascinating because you will be working to develop new products and innovations or address problems in the real world. The need for qualified STEM personnel will increase as the world becomes more digitally integrated. 

What is the duration and cost associated with pursuing STEM courses abroad?

The duration and cost associated with pursuing STEM courses abroad vary based on the particular course a student wants to take as well as the country. A four-year STEM degree typically costs USD 27,036 worldwide. It is necessary to conduct research before arriving at a decision this figure is subject to a variety of factors. Additionally, keep in mind that a STEM education may still be worthwhile in the long run even if it takes longer or costs more than you had planned.

What are the best STEM universities abroad?

There are many best STEM universities abroad that provide high-quality education, advanced curriculum, and real-world training to find logical solutions. The list of top universities to study STEM courses abroad includes California Institute of Technology, Imperial College London, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Nanyang Technological University, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, York University, and more.

You can share this post!

Admission Open 2024

Adelphi University

New York, USA

Pace University

New York, USA

American University

Washington D.C., USA

Related Articles

Aug 18, 2023 04:28 PM IST

How to Apply for Masters in USA?

Aug 03, 2023 01:18 PM IST

Documents Required for TOEFL

Our Study Abroad Offerings

Related Institutes

Planning to study abroad?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.