When you think of studying abroad at a master’s level, the first question that comes to your mind is ‘Which country should I go to?’ Let’s try to tackle this question by taking an objective look at some of the countries and discussing their pros and cons.

USA
USA is by far the most sought after educational destination amongst students from India, and is expected to remain so at least for the next decade. Reason being that the education system in the US is highly recognized across the globe, and the opportunities that students get during and after their US education make it worth the investment.

Facts about USA education:
- Most master’s programs are 2 years (20 months) in duration.
- Most universities insist on students having a 4 year bachelor’s degree to qualify for admissions. (Some universities have now started accepting students with a 3 year Indian degree as well)
- Taking the GRE or GMAT and the TOEFL examinations is required by most universities.
- While studying, students can work up to 20 hours/week on campus and are allowed to do an internship in the summers
- Students by default get a 1 year work permit after their education (can be extended by another 17 months for students with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics degree provided they have a job with a company registered with the government e-verify system). Following this work permit, students have to opt for a work visa (H1B) to continue working in the USA

UK
UK is the most sought after destination by students with 3 year bachelor’s degree and who want to complete their master’s program in a year.

Facts about UK education:
- Most master’s degrees are of 1 year duration (except for a few high end MBA programs which are 16 to 20 months)
- An Indian 3 year bachelor’s degree is acceptable by most universities.
- Most programs do not require the GRE/GMAT but only the IELTS
- Students can work up to 20 hours/week during their education
- Most programs qualify students for a Tier-1 Post Study Work Visa that would let them work in the UK for 2 years after their master’s degree.
- To work beyond 2 years in the UK you are required to have a job with a salary of above £20,000 per year.

A word of caution about UK: There are many colleges and universities in the UK that offer admissions to almost any student who applies. Many of these are not recognized by the British High Commissions. Through a network of agents and through trade fairs, they try to recruit Indian students for their programs. Be careful before you select a university, because if your university is not recognized you may be denied a student visa. Even if you get a student visa, your degree may not qualify you for a post study work permit. Finally the quality of education at many of such programs is pathetic.

Ireland
Ireland is emerging as a popular study destination amongst Indian students. With the medium of education being English and the government of Ireland promoting the inflow of skilled immigrants into Ireland, getting job as well as permanent residency in Ireland seems comparatively easy.

Facts about Irish education:
- There are not many universities in Ireland, but they offer high quality of education
- Most master’s degrees are of 1 year duration (except for a few high end MBA programs which are 16 to 20 months)
- Most Irish universities accept a 3 year Indian degree but prefer students with good academic records
- Most programs do not require the GRE/GMAT but only the IELTS
- Students can work up to 20 hours/week during their education
- Many employment opportunities are available for students especially in the science, technology, an engineering category
- Most master’s program allow students to stay in Ireland for an additional six months after completion of the degree.
- If a student finds an appropriate job from an Irish based company, they can apply to live and work in Ireland under an Irish work permit or by applying for an Irish Green Card.

Australia
Australia is definitely a good place to study and has some really good universities and programs.

Facts about Australian education:
- Master’s degrees come in a range of 1 to 2 year duration
- Most universities accepts a 3 year Indian degree
- Many programs do not require the GRE/GMAT but only the IELTS
- Students can work 20 hours/week during their education
- On completion of a master’s program, students have to leave the country within 28 days or may apply for work visa and stay in Australia for an additional period of 18 months, following which your employer has to sponsor your visa.

A word of caution about Australia: If you intend to work in Australia after your master’s degree you will have to obtain a work visa known as the ‘Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa (485)’. This visa is issued only if you have completed at least two years of study in Australia. Hence if the duration of your master’s degree was less than 2 years, you won’t be eligible for the work visa. In such cases you might be required to complete an additional diploma or graduate level certificate program to compete the 2 years of education in Australia.

There are many other countries that students opt for; most common of them being New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Germany. Singapore as such is a small country with only a handful of institutions worth investing in an education. New Zealand on the other hand offers a fairly large choice of programs and ample opportunities to work in the country after graduation. Germany offers good quality education especially in areas of technology but having a good knowledge of the German language is essential to survive and work in the country. Canada is a good option too, but there are few good universities in Canada and admission procedures are pretty stringent with these universities.

In conclusion, each country has its own merits and demerits and the choice of which country suites you best depends on your individual aptitude, educational background, career goals and your financial capabilities. So before you decide on which country (and which universities within that country) should you opt for, find out more about the various options. A good counselor (who isn’t operating as an agent for a specific country or universities) can help you make a well informed decision.