Mass Communication and Journalism Career

In the recent years, Indian media has evolved dramatically. There are scores of news channels, publications, and online news sites. If you want to make a career in journalism, you can join either TV news channels, newspapers, magazines, trade magazines or news or trade websites and portals. With increasing competition, journalism has become a lucrative career option. You can join any medium, provided you acquire a professional degree or diploma in journalism.
Eligibility/Admission requirements

• Bachelor in Journalism/Mass Communication: 10+2
• Post Graduation Diploma/Degree: Bachelor Degree.
• Duration of course
• Bachelor Degree: 3 years in any recognized university.
• PG Diploma: 1 year to 2 years.
• Masters in Journalism: 2 years.

Skills required• An inquisitive mind, presentable and confident personality, good communication skills and the ability to write and present information accurately and effectively

Education loan from State bank of India

• Eligibility for Loan: The applicant should be an Indian national and have secured admission into any course that has employable prospects.
• Expenses Covered: Expenses covered in the loan include tuition fees, travel, books, computer and even a two wheeler costing up to Rs 50,000.
• Loan Upper limit: For studies abroad, the maximum loan amount is Rs 20 Lac and a margin of 15% is required if the loan amount is more than Rs 4 Lac
• Rate of Interest: For education loans, the rate of interest is Rs 12.75% for less than 4 Lac and 13.75% for any amount above that.
• Repayment Period: Payment starts a year after the completion of the course or six months after finding a job. For a loan of less than 7.5 Lac the student has 5-7 years and for more than that 5-10 years.
• Security: No security is required for a loan up to Rs 4 Lac. From 4-7.5 Lac a third party guarantee is required and for 7.5 and above, the bank needs collateral security for the full value of the loan.
• Note: Interest rates may vary at the time of application and disbursement.

Travel to Singapore

Singapore is a unique destination where one can realize huge business potential and discover delightful tourist attractions spread all over the amazing island. Situated on a strategic point, Singapore is truly modern with a conglomeration of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures.

Singapore is known for advancement in Aviation, Information Technology, Banking, and Finance amongst other sectors. Tourism is also a thriving and booming industry in Singapore. Singapore has sparkled as a top city convention centre for the last 23 consecutive years.

To embark on a wonderful tour of Singapore, certain immigration norms must be fulfilled; at the foremost. Indian nationals must possess valid travel documents, including a passport with at least six months of validity after your scheduled return trip, followed by a visa application to the nearest Singapore Embassy/Consulate. On successful possession of a valid Singapore visa, a trip may be finalized. All foreigners upon arrival in Singapore are required to fill a Disembarkation/Embarkation card, also known as D/E card.

Before applying for a student visa, all foreign students must first be offered a full time course with an educational institute within the list of IHL (Institute Of Higher Learning) in Singapore.

Singapore has strict rules that prohibit goods such as chewing gum, chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products, cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shapes, controlled drugs and psychotropic substances. It is advisable not to carry goods for others and to get accustomed to basic customs of Singapore beforehand.

Education loan from Bank of Baroda

• Eligibility for Loan: The applicant should be a citizen of India and secured admission to the course. No minimum marks required and loans are provided for all recognized courses.
• Expenses Covered: The loan covers all expenses incurred during the study period like tuition fees, boarding and lodging, books, study tours, laptops, travel or any other requirement.
• Loan Upper limit: For studying abroad, the student gets a maximum loan of Rs 10 Lac for an UG course and 15 Lac for PG education. The margin money in this case is 15%
• Rate of Interest: For education loans to study abroad, the rate of interest is Rs 12% for less than 4 Lac and 14% for any loan amount up to a maximum of Rs 15 Lac.
• Repayment Period: It needs to be paid a year after the completion of the course or six months after finding a job, whichever is earlier. Then, the loan has to be paid back within a period of five years.
• Security: Up to Rs 4 Lac no security is required. Between 4-7.5 Lac, a third party guarantee & assignment of future income is needed. Up to 15 Lac, 100% collateral security is mandated

Traveling Expenses for Singapore

Singapore has a world class tourism industry that caters to travelers from every section and any geographical location.

A self-arranged tour to Singapore is totally dependent on the income/budget of the individual/family. Arranged holiday or business tours come with a certain price tag and due to the variety of travel schemes provided by different tour operators, a fixed price is difficult to be quoted. It is, however, more expensive than its Southeast Asian counterparts. An individual budget of Singapore $150.00/per day, including accommodation is a viable budget.

The currency used in Singapore is Dollar ($). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks though the exchange rates may vary. Service tax is applicable on currency exchange.

It must be noted that individuals entering/leaving Singapore with travellers check or monetary instruments (CBNI) to the total value of above Singapore $ 30,000 (or its equivalent in any foreign currency) must fill up the CBNI Report (Traveller) form (Form NP727).

British Council Scholarships

British Chevening Scholarships - If you have an excellent academic record and are interested in attending a UK university, find out about the Chevening Scholarship Program.
Note: submission of applications closed 2007

Charles Wallace India Trust - If you're interested in the arts and humanities and would like to study, undertake research or gain professional experience in the UK, the Charles Wallace India Trust can help. The Royal College of Art and Charles Wallace India Trust announce a new scholarship for curators of contemporary art.
Note: submission of applications closed 2007

International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) - British Council has launched the IYMEY award to champion and celebrate the importance of creative entrepreneurs working in the field of music.
Deadline: submission of applications closed 2007

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships 2007 - This annual scheme, made available by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, provides a wide variety of scholarship and fellowship programs. Details and application form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India website. Note: submission of applications closed 2007

The De Souza Trust, Goa Scholarship aims to provide opportunities for dynamic young men and women of Goan origin who have demonstrated academic excellence and extra-curricula achievements to study or train in the UK. Deadline for application: 31 May 2007

Scottish International Scholarships - Six scholarships on offer to Indians for studying Masters Program (not more than 12 months) in Science and Technology and Creative Industries (including arts, design and culture) at any Scottish higher education institution. Submission of applications closed 2007

Education loan from Syndicate bank

• Eligibility for Loan: Any student, who is an Indian national, and a major, or represented by a guardian is eligible for the loan. The bank gives loans for all recognized institutes overseas.
• Expenses Covered: The bank provides finance for tuition boarding, books and travel. However, no assistance is provided for capitation fees and coaching.
• Loan Upper limit: For overseas education, the maximum loan amount is Rs. 15 Lac with a margin of 5 %i.e. students need to put in that amount themselves
• Rate of Interest: To study abroad, the rate of interest is 1.5% - the current PLR (13.25) which means an interest of 11.75%.
• Repayment Period: The amount has to be paid back in 5 to 7 years commencing one year after completion of the course or 6 months after securing the job whichever is earlier.
• Security: Up to Rs 7.5 Lac, no security required. For over 7.5 Lac, collateral security equal to 100% of the loan amount with suitable margin and a third party guarantee is needed.

Education loan from Oriental Bank of Commerce

• Eligibility for Loan: All Indian nationals who are below 45 years who have secured admission to a recognized course in an approved university are eligible.
• Expenses Covered: The loan covers all expenses including tuition, books, airfare, study tours etc. For accommodation the amount is paid to the management of the boarding house.
• Loan Upper limit: For students pursuing their education abroad, the loan amount is a 15 Lac. This is subject to a 5% margin, i.e. students have to put in this amount themselves.
• Rate of Interest: For a loan of Rs 4 Lac or less, the bank charges an interest of 11.25 percent per annum. For loans above 4 Lac, the rate of interest is 12% per annum.
• Repayment Period: The student gets a holiday period for a year after they finish their course or six months after they find a job, following which the loan is to be paid over 84 EMI’s.
• Security: Up to Rs 4 Lac-co-obligation of guardian is a must. Up to Rs 7.5 Lac a third party guarantee is also needed. Up to 15 Lac, security/assets equal to 100% loan amount.

Career Prospects in Journalism

Print & Electronic Media: editors, columnists, correspondents, freelance writers, news analysts, photojournalists, staff, proofreaders, reporters.
Newspapers, periodicals and magazines, Central Information Service, Press Information Bureau, websites, AIR and TV channels like NDTV, Aaj Tak employ Journalists.
Top Recruiters
After completing your course in journalism, you can expect jobs in leading newspapers, journals, news agencies, online news sites and a host of other organizations.
NDTV, Times Now, Star News, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Reuters, CNN, BBC are amongst the few organizations where any journalists would ideally enjoy working.
Average Salaries
As a journalist you can expect an entry level salary of Rs. 10000-Rs.15000. As you gain experience of 4- 5 years your salary can grow somewhere between Rs.25000-50000

Documents required for education loan

• Mark sheets of the last qualifying examination for school and graduate study
• Proof of admission to the course
• Schedule of expenses for the course
• Copies of the letter confirming scholarship, if any
• Copies of foreign exchange permit, if applicable
• Two passport size photographs
• Statement of borrower's bank account for the last six months
• Income tax assessment order not more than two years old
• Brief statement of the assets and liabilities of the borrower
• Residence proof