52% of Study Abroad Aspirants Prefer Specialised Courses to University Reputation: Study

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Subhashri Roy
Updated on Oct 21, 2021 03:07 PM IST

A study conducted by Western Union revealed a “surprising” trend in students intending to study abroad, with greater preference given to specialised courses instead of the reputation of a university. It also highlighted that 22% of them now prefer new and unconventional countries like Turkey, Ireland and Spain.

52% of Study Abroad Aspirants Prefer Specialised Courses to University Reputation: Study

A study conducted by Western Union, a global financial service to NielsenIQ found that at least 52% of students wishing to study abroadnow give more importance to the availability of specialised courses than the reputation of a university when making a choice.

The study, based on 807 people including students, parents, grandparents and career counsellors across 12 cities between January and June, also found that approximately 64% of students now want to study in countries and universities that do not have an entrance exam or English proficiency test requirement.

It added that this has rather been a surprising trend in students intending to study abroad, with greater preference given to specialised courses than tothe reputation of a university. Students are keener to take up courses that are niche but gaining importance slowly, often going beyond the Ivy League universities are do not offer these courses.

Also Read:Over 70% of International Students Want to Stay in UK to Work Post Graduation: Report

Qualifying exams continue to stand as a big barrier for 64% of the respondents, leading to students choosing to study in countries or universities with no such requirements. Financial concerns and particularly budgeting and financial planning are also key obstacles for both students and parents, playing a decisive role in the entire process, the study mentioned.

Titled Education Overseas - An Evolving Journey, the study further found that 45% of the respondents give more priority to self-dependence and opportunities that enable them to live life on their own terms as key motivators to study abroad.

The study also highlighted that one in five (22%) now prefer new and unconventional countries like Turkey, Ireland and Spain due to the availability of specialisations like Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Ecotechnology and Ethical hacking. On the other hand, 52% of them want to study at a traditional university overseas.

Also Read:No Quarantine in UK for Fully-Vaccinated Indian Travellers

It added that the hybrid method of learning introduced amid the pandemic is now mainstream with 46% preferring such a model. Students now prefer the opportunity to travel and explore other cultures (43%) to better employment opportunities and better education.

Source: Economic Times

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