Australia, Canada fast turning into easier, better options for higher studies

Hyderabad: The United States is currently the most sought-after destination for higher studies but students here are increasingly exploring opportunities in Australia and Canada. This is evident in the increasing number of inquiries and walk-ins noticed at overseas consultancies, especially in the past five months.

Aditya Reddy, a recent engineering graduate, said many of his friends were seeking information about Masters’ studies in Australia.

“Students and parents are exploring Australia. The enrolment might not be bigger, but interest is growing, which can be gauged from the information gathering exercise at student recruitment agencies in the twin-cities,” he said.
N.L.N. Reddy, CBIT chief placement officer, said the United States will remain the dream destination. “But yes, Australia and Canada are generating a lot of interest,” he said.

Overseas consulting expert A. Subhaker said part-time work rules were flexible in Australia. A student can work for 40 hours per fortnight unlike in the US where off-campus part-time jobs are illegal, he said.

He said many top consultancies had been getting 40 to 50 inquiries about Australia study every month in the last five months (January-May), which is almost a 50 per cent jump compared to last year. About 30,000-40,000 students from India went to Australia for higher study last year.