The number of Indian students travelling abroad to study at western universities has been rising consistently over the past few years. The latest reports published by the Reserve Bank of India indicate a 44% increase in the expenditure by Indian students on higher education abroad in the year 2017-2018, compared to the spending on tuition and hostel fees in the year 2013-2014.

The most favoured countries for undergraduate and postgraduate courses abroad are the UK, US and Canada. Australia and European countries such as Ireland are also emerging as popular choices.

Learn more about the major differences between Indian and Western Universities below and if you want to learn more about studying abroad in Ireland you can book a free consultation with SI-Ireland in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore.

Indian Universities vs Western Universities

1. Teaching Quality

The most important reason why Indian students aspire for higher education at western universities is the difference in the quality of teaching. Universities abroad maintain high standards of teaching and go through rigorous quality assessments. The teaching faculty consists of leading academicians and researchers along with industry experts who help students gain a broader perspective of a particular subject area with knowledge that transcends the classroom and involves practical and professional aspects as well.

2. Learning Outcomes

Western universities offer degree programmes with learning outcomes which make students work ready. Universities have extensive ties with industry and develop their course curriculums in consultation with the latest industry skill requirements. Moreover, many western universities as those in the UK and Ireland offer flexible degrees allowing students to choose subject modules according to their interests and future goals. Course curriculum are not only inter-disciplinary but also updated and unique.

3. Research Excellence and Infrastructure

Universities in the west lay greater emphasis on research and provide sufficient funds and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support path breaking research thus promoting experiential learning. STEM courses in western universities are the most popular amongst Indian students considering the availability of better opportunities industrial partnerships, internships and funding. On the other hand, universities in India are cash strapped and students have to struggle to complete their research projects due to unavailability of funds and resources.