'My budget is 4 to 5 lakhs. Can I study abroad?'

In an online chat with readers on August 21, 2012, Dipti Punjabi, counsellor, EGE Global Education, addressed queries related to studying abroad and offered advice on courses, best universities, tuition fee, entrance examinations and more.

For those who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:

---

Naveen asked, My budget is only 4 lakhs - 5 lakhs. Can I study abroad?

Dipti Punjabi answers, at 2012-08-21 16:18:55Dear Naveen, You can apply for a PG course in Canada/Australia if you have a lower budget, as a Masters degree will be more expensive. Besides, in my opinion, even if you are considering a PG, you should be prepared to spend about 12 lacs or so. You can opt for a student loan option.

---

Naveen asked, I also wanted to extend my visa after my studies.

Dipti Punjabi answers, In Canada/Australia you can apply for a PR, if you complete your PG (preferably 2 years) and work for about 2 years.

---

ky asked, I need a work VISA after I finish my degree. Which is the most appropriate destination?

Dipti Punjabi answers, USA, Canada, Australia and NZ allow students some time to find a job on completion of the degree. If you find a job and the company agrees to file for your work visa, you can stay back. Many European countries too support this.

---

abroad asked, hi there... i want to do my masters in business management from abroad...but i have a bachelor's degree in arts... pls advice

Dipti Punjabi answers, It may be difficult to apply for a different field unless you have strong reason supporting the same. If you have a strong SOP, work experience which seconds your desire to pursue a Management degree, it can be possible. A GMAT score too can make the application serious.

---

dfsdf asked, how do I appraoch to study abroad for mba?

Dipti Punjabi answers, Take the GMAT and TOEFL and ideally start the process at least 1 year prior to course starting. Select your universities (global choice is recommended), prepare your CV, LOR's, Essays and apply by the first deadline.

---

ananda asked, I wanna do my MS after I complete my MBBS in 2014. Pls share your advice

Dipti Punjabi answers, It is a good plan. An MS in a paramedical field after the MBBS is fine. It gives you higher education in a specialized field, the course will be reasonably less expensive and will give you a higher possibilty of international experience.

---

pk asked, for computer science and engineering graduates, hows MBA as a choice from career point of view?

Dipti Punjabi answers, Most Engineers with work ex, opt for an MBA to broaden their career paths. Especially if one does not want to stick to core technical, this is the way forward.

---

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Please click NEXT to continue reading

---

Surender asked, how is the education prospects in new zealand

Dipti Punjabi answers, New Zealand is a small country/economy with limited universities. If your course of study if offered at recognized institutions, you must take it up. Work opportunities are plenty.

---

pawan asked, Hey Dipti, I am applying for 1 year MBA starting 2013. My question is :- 1)how scary is the post study job & visa scenarios in EU 2) How important is the knowledge of local language(French, Spanish,etc.) in EU (except UK)in procuring post MBA jobs

Dipti Punjabi answers, Each country has their separate set of regulations, hence it is advised to be well informed about the same. If you do secure a job and the company supports your work visa, the process is simple..It is best to have completed basic level in the language of the place as it helps if you have to stay back for work.

---

haresh asked, what is the average cost of education and living exp. for undergraduate studies in US and UK? Do these nations allowed undergraduate students to work part time?

Dipti Punjabi answers, You can keep an average of about 18 lacs per year for US schools and about 16 lacs per year for UK schools. This includes tuition and living expenses. Both these countries allow full time students to work while studying - 20 hrs per week.

---

omni asked, Mba frm top 20-40 colleges in ind or mba frm canada which is better

Dipti Punjabi answers, Unappropriate to answer this question without knowledge of which Canadian university.

---

sonamsanjiv asked, I want my son do his M Tech in singapore/Europe. He is doing BE in Computer Sci. at BITS Pilani. Please suggest which of he two are good and where ?

Dipti Punjabi answers, Both Singapore and Europe are good for MS studies. Netherlands and Denmark apart from Germany are good options in Europe. Singapore has limited good universities, hence it is better to consider Singapore along with another country option.

---

alok asked, hi which are the best culinary colleges abroad?

Dipti Punjabi answers, Switzerland is a good option. Look at BHMS.

---

mahesh asked, my daughter is doing BE Electronics & Communication, what are the options for her to do further studies in overseas

Dipti Punjabi answers, She can look at the US and Canada as options. Take the GRE and TOEFL and apply 1 year in advance.

---

ankit asked, What about doing MBA in Singapore??

Dipti Punjabi answers, NUS, Nanyang and SMU have good MBA programs.

---

Bijay asked, I want to do my MS in c.S.Which is the best University in and around New Jersy and how much money I may need to complete the MS.Pl.suggest.

Dipti Punjabi answers, Consider NYU or Columbia in NY. These can cost you about 20-22 lakhs per year.

---

Aashish asked, Pls elaborate on expenses cum fees on MS degree in Commerce in Newzealand

Dipti Punjabi answers, You can average about 12-14 lakhs per year including tuition and living.

---

rahul asked, Is it true that if you are a comp science grad from a mediocre engg college in India, with 60 per cent, you CANT get into any top MBA school abroad? If so, then what should I do abroad right now, as there aren;t any meaningful jobs here in India these days for engineers like me?

Dipti Punjabi answers, Since universities abroad follow a holistic approach, if you have 60 per cent, a good GMAT and good all rounded activities/personality as well as some significant work experience, you can apply for an MBA abroad. You can consider MS as an option in your field or in Management if you can't make it to a good MBA school.

---

ky asked, Which US/Canadian/australian university gives a work visa after completion?

Dipti Punjabi answers, In US, you are given an OPT/CPT after completion of study. The availibility and length of these work visa options are course specific. In most cases, you get 1 year extension after your studies. In Canada, you have work permit options ranging from 1-3 years depending on duration of study. In Australia, you are allowed to have a work permit after 2 years of study.

---

AbrahamLincoln asked, with the current economic condition, do you think it is wise to go abroad for studies as the probability to return to india without job is pretty high?? Also, if i do PG abroad, would i be considered for a PhD in Indian colleges like IIMs?

Dipti Punjabi answers, You may want to refer to ILO report of May 2012 as per which there is an increase in the employment ratio though the percentage is low all over the world. Networking is very imp. After PG abroad, you are elibile as long as your university is approved by AIU and UGC in India

---

Amit asked, I am aspiring to join London Business School or INSEAD France, can u throw some light on the chances of working in UK / Europe after passing out from these Ivy leagues?

Dipti Punjabi answers, As these are the top schools in the world, the employment after graduaution is likely to very high. Although you need to keep in mind that the ratio is 85-90 per cent, it is very imp to network well with seniors, colleagues, all while studying.

---

Niks asked, Which is the best funded university in Canada for graduation in Electrical?

Dipti Punjabi answers, You can look at some good schools such as Waterloo, Ottawa and Dalhousie.

---

Dipti Punjabi says, Thank you for your time friends. It's time to end this session here. Keep your queries on hold until next week or write to us on getahead@rediff.co.in

---