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Jagpreet
07 August, 2024
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The debate over domestic or international education is long-standing. You first face the question after passing class 12th and then after graduation or during your job. The Indian higher education is very different from that in foreign countries. Each year thousands of aspiring students have to decide between international and domestic higher education. While a few simply follow the trend of international, some seek the benefits of the courses and the best ROI. If you are also tied up in this tug of war, this blog will give you the winning side. Here, we have compared and analysed the pros and cons of international and domestic higher education on various parameters. This comparison will make the choice a little easier for you.
The Indian education system was known to follow a traditional model of teaching with a higher focus on theoretical knowledge. The students are judged on the basis of one single exam, which is usually conducted at the end of the semester. With the introduction of the New Education Policy, the pattern of the entire Indian education system has changed. From primary to higher education, the curriculum and grading have been revised and upgraded. Our curriculum was based on a 10+2 structure which will now change to a 5+3+3+4 pattern, starting from primary education to high school. Since our domestic higher education emphasises more on memorisation over understanding and practicality of the concepts, the New Education Policy is prepared to remove this practice.
In the upcoming years, students will be given a choice among various disciplines across arts and science streams blurring the formal distinction. Moreover, the internship opportunities will begin in sixth grade. So you can say that the face of domestic higher education has changed from what it was earlier.
International education is a dynamic and broad area that is impacted by various factors including visa rules, geopolitics and others. For Indian students, the US, UK, Canada and Australia are the preferred destinations. With the changing immigration laws, students are travelling to Ireland, Germany, France and UAE for higher education. International higher education emphasises critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, practical and experiential learning. This is one of the major reasons why Indian graduates fly abroad for higher education. International higher education offers co-op programmes allowing students to experience real-life challenges and international exposure. Compared to domestic higher education, foreign education has wider customisation options and a vast range of interdisciplinary courses.
Read: Executive MBA in International Business: A Passport to Global Career
Indian Education and foreign education differ in many ways. Both have unique features and benefit you in different ways. Let’s compare the two on various parameters that will help you find the most suitable choice for you.
| Parameters | International Higher Education | Domestic Higher Education |
| Curriculum | Interdisciplinary learning is encouraged and there are vast specialisation options. | Fewer opportunities to explore in new-age courses. |
| International or practical training is an important part of the curriculum. | Internships are preferred but not mandatory in some courses. | |
| The study load is heavy and plenty for domestic students. | As we are familiar with the learning pattern, the study does not feel much. Also, Indian higher education follows a centralised curriculum prescribed by the respective boards. | |
| Fee Structure | The tuition fee in foreign countries is much higher compared to India, especially in countries like the US. In fact, the hostel facility and other living are added on top of it. So, for international higher education, students often seek scholarships and financial aid. | The cost of education in India is relatively lower. However, it varies as per the course and university you are choosing. Moreover, if your university is nearby, there is no charge for a hostel, food or other living expenses. |
| Research Opportunities | The research facilities will vary significantly in different countries. For instance, the US is known for world-class facilities for technology-related courses. Thus, you have to do thorough research to find the research opportunities of a particular country and their university. | There are ample research opportunities in institutes of national importance in India. You can expect good research infrastructure in tier 1 institutes and in a few others. Due to minimal investment in research, there are lack of resources at some level. |
| Admission Criteria | Apart from the basic educational qualification, you must have valid scores on the English proficiency test (IELTS, PTE, etc.) and a student visa. | Admission criteria are not that rigid compared to international higher education programmes. Mostly it is based on a common entrance exam depending upon the course you choose. |
| Cost of Living | The amount you will spend abroad is way more than domestic higher education. Basically, you need a huge budget for international education. | Much more affordable compared to foreign countries. |
| Return on Investment | The ROI from an international university is exceptionally high. | Getting the best return on investment from an Indian university depends on the reputation of the institution you enrolled in. |
| Job Opportunities | Candidates with a foreign university are preferred across the globe, therefore more job opportunities. | Many times students who pursue their higher education at domestic institutions are unable to seize global opportunities unless their colleges assist them. |
| Language Barrier | You might face a language barrier in some countries like Germany, France, etc. which makes it hard for some to adjust. | Though every Indian state has a different local language, the language is very less compared to foreign countries. |
| Lifestyle | Quality lifestyle with the option to work part-time and earn your pocket money. | You can grab freelance opportunities and some side hustles to add extra amount to your pocket. |
Be it America, Europe or India, every country has a different higher education system. Both international and domestic higher education has its pros and cons. Depending on your individual needs and interests, either of them can be beneficial for you. Moreover, having completed most of my education in India, it may be difficult to adapt and adjust to a new setting. Therefore, you must do a thorough and compare the two on various factors including the ones given above to make the decision.
It differs in many ways like curriculum, cost, subjects, specialisations and grading system. Domestic higher education focuses on theory and 10 point grading system whereas international education is more about practical and research-based learning with 4 point grading system.
The admission process, teaching method, and grading system are different in both countries.
The index aims to provide a common platform for encouraging evidence-based policy-making and the possible corrections in the courses.
