Eligibility for UK Scholarships

The British government and other UK organizations provide a number of scholarships and awards to help international students to study in the UK.

The competition for scholarships and grants to study in the UK is very strong. Most grant-making organizations will insist that you meet some very strict criteria. If you do not meet all the requirements for a grant, then your application will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must apply for your grant at least one year before your course starts; deadlines vary, so you must check that you know what the deadline is before applying
• Your application should be clear and concise
• You should use the grant-making body's application form if it has one
• A majority of the grant-making bodies will give only small amounts of money, which will not cover the full cost of a course.

Loans for Education in Australia

There is no general rule on whether you are eligible for a scholarship for Australian schools. All scholarships vary in their eligibility requirements; for students from India, some institutes ask for a certain TOEFL score, while others ask for you to have a certain GPA. There is no specified cut off, but the higher your score, the better your chances. If you are considering Aviation as an option, you will need good scores in math and physics.

A few scholarships are granted by the Australian government to promote educational cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. These mainly consist of two programs -

• Australian Leadership Awards and the Endeavour Program. Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) is for long-term Post Graduate study at Masters or Doctoral level. This program is managed by AUSAID, the Australian government's overseas aid program.
• The other scholarship is the Endeavour scholarship, which is offered to leading researchers, executives and students to undertake short or long-term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. This program is very competitive and is offered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

Work Permit on Student Visa

You are allowed to work 20 hours per week on student visa. After you arrive in Australia and start your course, you and your family members may apply for the right to work.

Permitted working hours depend on the kind of visa you are given. Higher education students are allowed to work 20 hours per week when the course is in session and for 'unlimited hours' when the course is not in session.

How to Re-apply if your Visa is rejected?

It is advisable for any visa applicant to get a 'written visa rejection' stating the reason itself.
However, issuance of any visa is solely at the discretion of the consular officer. The consular officer will reconsider a case if you can provide more convincing evidence of personal, professional, and financial circumstances.

Visa Expenses

Visa application is charge at Australian $ 430 which includes an International education contribution of $115. Charge for the permission to work is Australian $ 60. Visa application charge for a student guardian is $ 430. Extra payment should be made for any translation of documents into English and also for charges arising out of medical examinations.

Scholarships for Study in Australia

Scholarships are granted by the Australian government to promote educational cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. A brief overview of each of the component programmes of Australian Scholarships follows:

Endeavour Programme

The Endeavour Programme brings together under one umbrella all of the Department of Education, Science and Training’s (DEST) international education scholarships. The Endeavour Programme showcases the excellence of Australia’s education, science and training sectors by bringing high achieving students, researchers and professionals to Australia to undertake short or long term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. It also encourages Australians to do the same abroad.

Australian Leadership Awards

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALAs) focus on developing leaders who can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in both their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. ALAs provide support for scholarships for Post Graduate studies in Australia and short-term fellowship opportunities in specialized research, study or professional attachments through participating Australian organizations.

Australian Development Scholarships

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote good governance, economic growth and human development. ADS provide people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country, through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian institutions.

Australian Scholarships

Australian Scholarships is an initiative of the Australian Government that brings together and expands existing scholarship programmes in the Asia-Pacific region managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). Australian Scholarships also introduces a new AusAID managed programme - Australian Leadership Awards.

Popular Institutes of Australia

There are 39 public universities and two private universities in Australia, which offer both undergraduate and Post Graduate programs. The most popular courses of study amongst Indian students at the Post Graduate-level include studies in-

• Business Administration,
• Management,
• Computer Science,
• Information Technology,
• Engineering, and
• Surveying.

Note of Caution: Interested students should bear in mind that all universities and institutions approved to offer degrees and other higher education awards are listed on the registers of the 'Australian Qualifications Framework'. Institutions that are not listed on the AQF are not recognised by Commonwealth, State and mainland territory governments of Australia.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Institutes

Australia specializes in vocational education and training. The VET sector is divided into two sections - a nationally recognized government system of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and private providers. Students can study vocational courses at both public TAFE institutes and private colleges. The government ensures the quality of courses, staff and teaching by carefully monitoring these institutions.

The vast range of courses under this category includes;

• Information Technology,
• Business And Management,
• Marketing And Communications,
• Health,
• Science,
• Design and the Arts,
• Television Production And Media,
• Environmental Studies and Land Management,
• Sport and Recreation,
• Engineering and Building, and
• Hospitality and Tourism.

English language training and university preparation courses are also offered. TAFE is the largest provider of tertiary education courses in Australia with approximately 250 institutes and 41,000 international students.

Industry training is common to all the VET programs. The awards in VET sector are:

• Certificates,
• Advanced certificates,
• Associate diplomas, and
• Diplomas.

Studying at TAFE level is also described as a way of gaining entry to Australia's universities. Most TAFE institutes have arrangements with specific universities, enabling students to gain credit for a portion of their study undertaken at TAFE.

Student Visa for Australia

Students who have passed 10+2 can either take entry to universities or other tertiary institutions with a good band score (minimum 6.0) of International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is required for admission into all Australian institutions. You must also have the financial means to support yourself and appropriate private health insurance cover during your stay in Australia.

Most importantly, you need to have your documents in order, and your visa processed through the new E Visa option.

Things you should bear in mind:

• If you hire an agent make sure he is MARA (Migration Agents Registered Authority) certified.
• Paper submission or through an uncertified agent can result in rejection.
• You should apply under the visa sub-class for your principal course of study.
• Electronic confirmation of enrollment (eCoE) is the only accepted evidence of enrollment for processing student visa applications.
• Processing time for this via is about three to six months.

Generally, an international student is issued with a multiple entry visa for the duration of their study course in Australia. Once a student is accepted into a full time course of study at an Australian institution he needs to obtain a student visa, which is valid for the duration of the course of study indicated on the Confirmation of Enrolment form provided by the Australian Institution. This form is provided once international student fees (or exchange places) have been arranged, and overseas student health coverage charges have been paid.

The holder of a student visa has the right to live and study in Australia. They may be allowed to apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week part time during term periods and full time in the vacation periods. Graduate level students may also be entitled to apply for a permanent residence visa in some circumstances.

Career in Architecture and Planning

Architecture & Planning is both an art and science, dealing with design and development of physical structures, from the macro level of urban planning to the micro level-basic construction details.

AICTE -All India council of Technical Education conducts entrance examinations for admissions to architecture courses all over India. A prospective architecture student must have passed 10+2 with Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics as subjects.

Specialized Architecture courses are available both at graduation and Post-Graduation level. Bachelor in Architecture (B.Arch) is a five year long course with specialization in architecture. Post-Graduation course with specialization in Architecture last for two years. You can enroll for it after earning a B.Arch degree.

In architecture, one may specialize in the following:

• Urban designing,
• Regional planning,
• Building engineering and management,
• Architectural conservation,
• Industrial design,
• Landscape architecture,
• Naval architecture,
• Architecture concerning traffic and transport planning etc.

However, such specialized courses can be taken up only at the post-graduation level, after successful completion of a Bachelor of Architecture course.

Personal Skills Required

To excel in the field of architecture, it is essential to be good at Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. A person with creativity and artistic expression who is skilled in drawing and sketching is generally considered better equipped to undergo a course in architecture. It is also important to possess certain knowledge about the physical environment and urban planning as this helps in preparing environmental-friendly physical structures and designs. A prospective architect must be able to work both on the desk and on the field too.

Top recruiters

Architects are recruited by various public sector undertaking such as

• The archaeological survey of India,
• Housing and urban development corporation (HUDCO) or the
• National building construction corporation ltd (NBCC).

Private sector entities include Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Emaar MGF India, DLF and a host of other companies.

Travel to the USA

The United States of America is the most preferred choice of destination for many individuals and families around the globe. Individuals/Families travel to the U.S. for various purposes ranging from education, employment, personal, medical treatment, business, and tourism. Possession of a valid visa and passport of your home country allows you to travel to a port of entry in the United States.

At the foremost, a prospective traveler to the U.S. needs to locate the nearest U.S. Embassy/consulate and apply for a visa well in advance. A valid passport and necessary documents should be showed to support the visa application process.

Student applicants need to apply for a student visa, find colleges and universities in the U.S. and apply for financial aid. A course enrollment certificate to a U.S. school or university is compulsory before starting the visa application process.

As a norm, foreign visitors on arrival in USA are required to show valid passport and visa documents. Foreign visitors are also required to fill the I-94 form and any cash, 'monetary instruments' or traveler cheques above US $10,000 or more (in any currency) ought to be declared with the custom authorities.

Accrediting Agencies

Singapore

• Professional Engineers Board - grants national accreditation to engineering and technology courses.
• National University of Singapore (NUS) - offers a number of accredited undergraduate and post graduate programs for students to choose from, such as the accountancy program accredited by ACRA.

UK and Europe

• Association of MBAs (AMBA) - is an association of over 9500 MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers that is also the internationally recognized global standard for MBA programs.
• Association of Business Schools (ABS) - This is the 'Trade' Association for UK Business Schools
• European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) initiated and managed The European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) – is the European accreditation system for B-Schools. EQUIS specializes in accrediting schools not just programs of study.
• Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) - accredits under-graduate and post-graduate courses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
• Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) - This is the UK national government agency charged with monitoring and seeking to ensure adequate quality in higher-education. It audits institutions and publishes its findings on them.
• Engineering Council UK (ECUK) - regulates the engineering in the United Kingdom through 36 engineering Institutions (Licensed Members) who are licensed to put suitably qualified members on the ECUK's Register of Engineers.

Career Prospects in UK

The following professions are in considerable demand in the United Kingdom:

• Nursing,
• Dentistry
• Teaching
• Engineering
• Senior Care Workers,
• Community Workers,
• Managers,
• Chefs &
• IT workers.

It is relatively easy for aspiring migrant workers to acquire work permits for medical and teaching professions.

Living in the UK

London and the southeast of England are going to be the most expensive areas to live in with some of the larger northern cities, like Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds, coming close behind. You should allow about £7,750 to £10,000 a year for your living expenses.

Student Discount: Many shops, theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries offer special reductions for students and special student fares are often available on buses and trains.

The cost of your breakfast and evening meal may be included in the rent you pay. Where meals are included you can expect to pay from £300 to £380 per month. For students with families, a number of universities and colleges offer two- or three-bedroom family units at a cost of £450 to £550 per month.

Health care: All international students on full-time UK courses that last more than six months can take advantage of the UK’s National Health Service, including free consultation with doctors and free hospital care for you and your family.

Here are some of the things that you should budget for and their average prices.

According to a survey by the UK’s National Union of Students (July 2005), the average expenses are:

• Student accommodation: average outside of London is £57 per week; inside London £80.
• Self-catering halls of residence £180 to £360 ,
• Catered halls of residence £320 to £400,
• Private-sector room in shared house/flat £200 to £380.

How to apply for a Student Visa?

An early appointment with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate through mail, telephone or a visit is required. It is best to apply 12- 18 months in advance for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

Visa procedures often vary from country to country, for example, how to pay the visa application processing fee and how to make an appointment for an interview.

All necessary documents such as a valid passport should be kept ready to support the application procedure. Details about employment, financial status and reason of travel are crucial information.

You'll need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, pay the visa processing fee (the procedure will differ from one U.S. Embassy/Consulate to another, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy, and make an appointment for the visa interview (again, procedures will differ, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy).Visa fee ought to be paid before an appointment and it is refundable.

After submission of the application with passport, and other supporting documents to the US Embassy or Consulate, it is usually screened by the Consular Officer and in many cases by officials in Washington DC. Visa may be issued within a few weeks or may be rejected. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.
Additional information will be required in some cases. Any cases of security concern may delay your application procedure and you may be required to appear for additional interviews and also disclose further information.

The U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa more than 120 days before the actual start of the program in the United States. However, visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so.

If you have been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program, if you are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this requirement.

In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy.

Career Prospects in hotel management

At the present rate of growth of Indian Tourism, the future of careers in Hotel Management is extremely bright. The requirement for manpower is estimated to be over 100000. With globalization, jobs in hotel industry are also opening up internationally. International job opportunities offer better salary packages and opportunities for travel as well as prospects of professional and personal growth.
You can look for a career in:

• Hotel and restaurant management
• Airline catering and cabin services
• Club management
• Cruise ship hotel management
• Hospital administration and catering
• Hotel and tourism associations
• Forest lodges
• Guest houses
• Institutional management (supervising canteens in college, schools, in factories, company guest houses etc.)
• Catering departments of railways, banks, armed forces, shipping companies etc.
• Hotel and catering institutes
• Self employment

Students graduating from established institutes of hotel management can join Railways, Airlines, and Shipping lines in their catering services, or the defense sector. Hospitals and other institutions also recruit hotel management professionals.

Courses of hotel management

Courses of hotel management
Course areas include Food Processing, food and beverages service, accommodation operation or front office, Hotel Accountancy, Business Communication, French Language, Hotel Engineering, Computer, Nutrition and Food Service, Hotel Laws, principles of management, sales and marketing management, human resource management.

• BHM - Bachelor of Hotel Management
• DHM - Diploma in Hotel Management
• BHMCT - Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• DHMCT - Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• PGDHM - Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management

Hotel Management courses at all institutes offer a combination of theoretical and practical training. Students are given hands-on training in running a hotel.
Duration of course

• Certificate courses - 6 months to 1 year.
• Bachelor and diploma courses – 18 months to 3 years. Some degree courses may have longer duration of 4 years.
• Post graduate diploma courses -1 year.

Learn Hotel Management

The Indian hospitality industry, which is growing at a rate of 12% per year, offers a wide range of opportunities to students specializing in Hotel Management. The Commonwealth Games in 2010 will further add to the growth. For Hotel Management aspirants, there couldn’t have been a better time to join the cadre.

Eligibility

You can enter Hotel Industry either directly or through Hotel Management institutes. For direct entry, openings are generally advertised in newspapers or job sites. The minimum education qualification required is 50% marks in graduation. But a diploma or degree in Hotel Management is always preferred.

Education qualification: 10+2. For Certificate, Diploma and Bachelors courses 10+2 is sufficient.

Qualifying Examination

• Plus two level examination in the 10+2 pattern of Senior Secondary examination of any recognised Central/State Board, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi and Council for India School Certificate Examination, New Delhi.
• Intermediate or two-year Pre University Examination conducted by a recognised Board/University.
• General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination conducted by a recognised Board/University.
• High School Certificate Exam of the Cambridge University.
• Any Board/University Exam in India or in foreign countries recognised by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 pattern of the Senior Secondary Education.
• H.S.C. Vocational Examination.
• Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects.

Age Limit for Hotel Management Course:

• 22 years for General/PH and 25 years for SC/ST candidates.
• In the case of Scheduled Tribe candidates, upper age limit is relaxed by 3 years.

Physical Fitness

All qualified candidates have to submit a physical fitness certificate form a Registered Medical Practitioner in the prescribed format given in the Information Brochure of the Council.

UK and Australia for journalism education

Cardiff School of Journalism Media and Cultural Studies, UK enrols post diplomas, post graduate degree and research students. But you need to have good academic qualifications in research and media criticism. The school also offers undergraduate courses in journalism.
The school of Journalism and Communication at the University of Queensland is Australia's oldest journalism school, and among the oldest in the world. Students have access to the latest technology, and are trained in all aspects of media production.
Programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels cover practical and theoretical aspects of journalism which allow students to follow career objectives or obtain greater insights into the media in general and journalism in particular.
For admission into undergraduate programs at The University of Queensland, applicants must have:

• Completed recognised upper secondary or equivalent Year 12 studies to the required standard. Note that some programs have a limited quota for students. In these instances the required standard is a minimum and a higher standard may be required to gain entry.

• Satisfied English language requirements

Students planning to go on to higher research (e.g. Master of Philosophy, PhD), are usually required to complete a bachelor program with honours. To qualify for honours, students must achieve good results in their bachelor degree.

Journalism education in Singapore

Nanyang Technological University's The Wee Kim Wee School of Information and Communication, Singapore, is one of top most university in Asia. It offers varieties of courses which include Master of Science in Information Studies, Master of Science in Information Studies, Master of Science in Knowledge management and Master of Mass Communication. A prestigious four year Bachelor of Communication Studies (Honours) degree is also on the offer with a focus on print journalism, photo journalism, online information services and media management, research and analytical techniques.
Eligibility

• A distinct academic record
• Excellent oral and written linguistic skills.
• Admission procedure is usually completed by last week of September. You need to appear for a written test and an interview.

Duration of course

• Under Graduation courses: 4 years
• Master courses: 2 years

Fees
Fees for international students are around Singapore $ 15,000 and Singapore $ 20,000.

Educational Accreditation

Educational accreditation is a process through which a third-party agency judges an educational institution to determine whether it conforms to certain defined quality and service standards. Institutions can seek accreditation from governmental or private crediting bodies, depending on the laws of the land. Education accreditation can be categorized into:

• Accreditation of an institution: Whole institution is accredited by the agency
• Accreditation of a specific discipline/course: Only a specific program in an institution is accredited
• Accreditation of both the institution and the specific program: Both the education program and the institute is accredited

Accreditation is not a way to rank an institution. Rather, it is a process that validates the integrity of an educational institution. It is an indication that the institution or program meets certain standards of excellence. Accrediting agencies require that institutions engage in constant self-assessment in order to keep their programs up to date.

Accreditation meaning

• For Students: Accreditation increases the popularity of an institution as a destination for students. Higher education in most countries across the world is steeply priced. Accreditation insures students against being cheated and guarantees value for money
• For Educational Institutions: Accreditation offers the most direct advantage to the institution by building a brand value for it, as a preferred organization to be associated with
• For the Discipline: Accreditation helps popularize a discipline among prospective students. It is especially beneficial for new and upcoming disciplines, useful to industries that face a shortage of skilled manpower.
• For Employers: Accredited institutions and disciplines provide national and international employers a good idea of the skill levels of a prospective employee even before any actual assignment is done at the workplace. Accreditation provides an assurance to employers that program graduates are competent for entry into the workplace.
• For Business: Recognition by international accrediting bodies opens up borders and facilitates free movement of skilled labor across countries.
• For Nations: National and International accreditation, based on stringent quality parameters, potentially builds the image of a nation as a destination for students seeking higher education, and boosts educational tourism.

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