37% INCREASE IN INDIAN STUDENTS CHOOSING WALES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
THE number of Indian students choosing Wales to further their education has risen for the fourth year running, latest figures reveal.The small UK nation, known for its rich heritage, low living costs and outstanding natural beauty, has seen a 37 per cent increase in the number of students from India enrolling onto an undergraduate or postgraduate course at one of Wales’ eight leading universities.
And with London recently voted the fourth most expensive city in the world to live, Study in Wales hopes that more talented students from India looking to study abroad will join those already taking full advantage of the opportunities that Wales has to offer.
Market Development Manager Harish Lokhun, from Study in Wales, explained: “The reintroduction of the Graduate Immigration Route (GIR) has presented fruitful opportunities for Indian students to study in Wales, with applications from India continuing to rise across all our universities. The GIR permits students to remain in the UK to look for work and continue to experience life in the UK for two years after completion of their studies and graduation, which is a highly attractive proposition for international students.
“Regular feedback from our Indian student community in Wales tells us that the cost of living and affordable tuition fee rates, as well the warm welcome they receive from Welsh people, distinct cultural offering and strong employability prospects, collectively position Wales as a desirable destination for study.
To support students from Indiafurther,12 delegates from the State Government of Telangana, Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE), Kakatiya University, University of Hyderabad and Osmania University, visited Wales this month toexplore new partnerships between the two countries and to hear from British Council Telangana Scholarship studentsabout their experience.
From a guided tour of Snowdonia to exploring the campuses of some of Wales’ leading universities, such as Cardiff University, Swansea University and Aberystwyth University, delegates described the trip as “eye-opening” and praised the potential opportunities for academics to conduct joint research into fields such as cyber security, infection disease and biotech.
Harish added: “This visit was a great chance for us to strengthen connections and explore future partnerships between key institutions in Telangana and our universities here in Wales.
“Wales is a unique place to study – and we look forward to welcoming more international students this year.”
One student who jumped at the chance to further her education in Wales was Anisha Hegde.
After her cousin told her how beautiful the city was, Anisha, from Mumbai, enrolled onto an MA in International Public Relations and Global Communications at Cardiff University.
Anisha explained: “Everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming, and the approach to lessonsin Wales is very different to my education back home.
“In India, I had lots of exams and practical lectures – five, or sometimes six, days a week. But here I’m encouraged to have discussions, read and carry out independent research for my assignments which is much more more enjoyable.
Anisha added: “The best thing about Cardiff University is the feeling of warmth the community of students have created here.”
To anyone thinking of applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Wales, Anisha advises them to come prepared.
“Studying in Wales is not just about work and attending classes – it’s about embracing a new culture, meeting new people and exploring new places.”
To find out more about studying in Wales at either undergraduate or postgraduate level and read about the hundreds of world-leading courses across Wales’ eight universities, visit the Study in Wales website.