It's a valid question, this. As more and more Indian universities tie up with counterparts in the West, it is easier than ever before to get a degree from a foreign institute without leaving your home city.
Here's what overseas education counsellor Karan Gupta, who chatted with Get Ahead readers, had to say: "Online degrees are excellent, depending on where you do them from. For example, an MBA from IE Business School online involves video lectures and groupwork just like any regular MBA programme. On the other hand, an MBA from a university like Imperial College, which just sends you books and expects you to study, is not worth your while."
Want to study abroad? Preparation strategies
For those of you who missed the chat, here's the second part of the transcript:
Part I: Is getting a BA abroad a good idea?
Karan Gupta says, Good afternoon and welcome to the Karan Gupta Chat Room. I am here now so shoot your questions.
rams asked, hi karan, i ve done my PG diploma in advertising and pr from IIMC,DELHI and currently working in media agency madison,if i want to further study in advertsing field in us,or ph.d,wat are the eligibility and requirements ? please give me some information regarding the advertising course in us.
Karan Gupta answers, It depends on which country you choose. The GRE and TOEFL is needed for the US and the TOEFL is needed for UK and the IELTS is needed for Australia. Also for US universities you must have 16 years of education and a 3 year degree will not suffice. Universities such as University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin etc. offer a course in advertising.
jagadeesh asked, i this is jaagdeesh from bangalore, a software developement proffesional having around 3 years of exp. i am planning to get an mba from US. but facing some problem in getting lone? any alternates?
Karan Gupta answers, You can get a loan in India for a maximum of Rs 20 lakh from SBI and a maximum of Rs 15 lakh from other state banks. The interest rates on this loan are close to 11% and the repayment period os 5-7 years after taking the loan. You need security of around 140% to get this loan. If you have a cosigner in the US, you can the loan at 5-7% interest and repayment within 20 years.
ruta asked, Hi karan, i am a BCS ( 60 % aggr), MCA (59.42 % aggr) from Mumbai university (VJTI college). currenltly working with a leading MNC as a software consultant ( work ex till now: 9 months) planning to do MBA from a good university in US. My questions are 1.Can i get admission in a good institution for MBA, even if my acads are not with distinction? 2.how can i get a financial aid ? 3.Planning for US: which universities are suitable for my profie?
Karan Gupta answers, No, most likely you will not get into any good school without at least 3 years full time work experience.
sneha asked, What is the chances of getting into top MBA instititute in operation with GMAT Score 750 and work ex of 3 years (work ex varied between FMCG sector and petro consulting)??
Karan Gupta answers, Good chance. Make sure your essays reflect who you are and what's important to you. Your essays and personal interview will play a vital role in your admissions.
Abs asked, I want to do my MS in Financial Engineering from a top US school. What kind of grades and scores can get me in Stanford?
Karan Gupta answers, Your percentages in your BE should be at least 70% and your GRE score should be at least 1400.
GOABROAD asked, AFTER 12TH STANDARD WHERE YOU CAN STUDY ENG. AND ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Karan Gupta answers, Look at US universities. You will have a greater chance of getting funding from US universities. Part II: How to get an executive MBA? Karan Gupta, founder of Karan Gupta Consulting, has been working as a professional counsellor since 1999. He studied at Ithaca College and then at the University of Texas at Austin in the United States. While pursuing his education, he worked at the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid office and the International Office. Karan is now the honorary study abroad counsellor at Jaihind College, Mumbai. For further information, please visit Karan Gupta Consulting.
vishesh asked, Hi karan, i have done my BE-civil Engg and currently employed with NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation LTd) , Govt. of India, PSU. I want to pursue an Executive MBA - please suggest
Karan Gupta answers, Take the GMAT and the TOEFL and apply to top universities for an Executive MBA. Remember, Executive MBA applicants have at least 10 years of work experience.
vivek asked, Kran, I am having an exp of 7 years in semiconductor industry, I want to move in investing banking . What do u suggest on that is it a right move as i have to start from catch. Should i go for Executive MBA of one year
Karan Gupta answers, If you dont already have an MBA and have 7 years of work experience, it might be better for you to choose an MBA rather than an executive MBA.
vinai asked, hi karan, i did an electronic diploma from temasek polytechnic. now working as service engineer i have about 5 yrs experience. is it possible for me to get into a mba prog based on my exp
Karan Gupta answers, Many MBA programmes will welcome you with so much work experience. However, some universities insist on a bachelor's degree and hence may not recognise your diploma. I would recommend that you check with individual universities before you apply for your MBA. You will need a GMAT and TOEFL score for good schools.
sanjay asked, Hello Karan This is Sanjay from Kolkata, I am a sales professional in instrumentation section (research & development) Wanna explore myself 'm B.Sc. graduate with Computer P.G. Diploma in Computers, but moreover into Sales prominently at this moment. Please guide me
Karan Gupta answers, Since you have already done a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and have work experience in operations, you might want to consider an MBA course. At the graduate level, no university will allow you to enter "undecided" and then choose your course of study. You will have to decide before you apply what major you are looking for. I would recommend that you carefully study the course content at various university web sites and then make a final decision as to which course suits you.
Sachin asked, Hi Karan, I am an engineer + MBA from IIM,Calcutta with 3 years of experience in Mktg. Have been planning to do a second MBA in FInance from some good European BSchool so that I can save one year. Can you please suggest me some options.
Karan Gupta answers, You have a good profile. With a prior IIM degree, your chances of getting into a top school are greater. Therefore, I recommend that you look at top schools, such as the London Business School, Insead, IE Business School and so on. Reported rankings of the top 100 business schools will be released next week. Check them as well.
AshishShukla asked, Hi Karan,i have done B.E from mumbai university and have 1.5 years of experience.if i start applying for MBA in IT in Uk university from January 2007 then what are the chances of getting a good university considering my experience?is GMAt necessary for good UK universities.wat abt the minimum exp required for MBA from UK.please comment..thanks.
Karan Gupta answers, Most universities in the UK do not offer Jan admissions and hence your options are limited. I would strongly recommend that you wait till August 2007 for your admissions. The GMAT is a must for all good universities in the UK. The minimum score is around 600 (ideally 650+)
thehimalayas asked, hi karan, how would you analyse the chances for a scholarship / top-ranking univerity /TA/RA for the following profile: (MBA USA) Completed BMS (first-class disctinction) Currently pursuing MCOM and CFA (Level 1 in June 2007).will be completing level 1 and 2 before MBA Currently working as an analyst with a Big 4 firm please revert back with the above questions as well a some university names as well...
Karan Gupta answers, It depends on how much work experience you have collected. Scholarships also depend on your GMAT score and TOEFL score. Only exceptional candidates get funding.
laxmi asked, i am have done my physiotherapy from chennai. i want to my masters in physiotherapy? how do i go about?
Karan Gupta answers, Take the GRE and the TOEFL and apply for admissions to US universities. Some universities may also ask you to apply for a WES evaluation before they consider you for admissions.
SAKSHI asked, Hello sir as i have completed my graduation in Maths HNS from d.u. so i just want to ask that what line i should prefer in abroad
Karan Gupta answers, Take courses and majors based on what your interests are. If you like math, opt for a master's or PhD. degree in mMath.
Manohar asked, Hi, I got admission to 1 yr MBA in E-business management at International University of Japan but did not go since I could not secure the financial resources in time. I wish to apply again next year. Can you please tell me the standing of this university? I mean how reputed is it and what could I expect after getting a degree from it. Also please tell me about the options of working in Japan for a while before coming to India. Thank you very much.
Karan Gupta answers, In Japan, this is considered among the best universities. Worlwide this university has no standing. Getting jobs in Japan after you graduate is difficult unless you know Japanese.
Navin asked, Hi Karan, I want to pursue MBA from a top 20 university of USA. How much GMAT socre is neccessary? I have more than 3 years of work experience and I am confident of doing very good in TOEFL. The only thing I am worried about is GMAT.
Karan Gupta answers, A score of 700 is usually required by most of the top universities. Remember, universities look at everything in your profile including your prior work experience, your grades etc. before making a final decision.
sneha asked, Hi Karan! After how many years of experience a student should apply for MBA?
Karan Gupta answers, 3
usa asked, hi can u tell the scope and job profile after doing masters in MIS[Management Information Systems] ??
Karan Gupta answers, MS in MIS is a good field provided you do the degree from a well-known university. One of my students did an MIS course from CMU in the USA and had three job offers upon graduation.
shravan asked, hi, karan I'm B. Tech. currently working in IBM. I want to do my MBA from USA, can I get 100 % loans from banks.
Karan Gupta answers, Loan query answered earlier. Please read the previous answers.
SN asked, I am a Computer grad and have been in the IT field for more than 5 yrs. What are my best options for a PG now? On the financial aspects, any good institutions that offers educational loans wud be an added advantage
Karan Gupta answers, An MBA would best suit your profile. If you do well in the GMAT and TOEFL, you will have a good chance to get funding from some universities.
sara asked, Hi karan any importance of online degrees.
Karan Gupta answers, Online degrees are excellent depending on where you do them from. For example, an MBA from IE Business School online involves video lectures and groupwork just like any regular MBA programme. On the other hand, an MBA from a university like Imperial College which just sends you books and expects you to study, is not worth your while.
kisna asked, is there any age restriction to do MBA course. my wife is 27 now and want to pursue her MBA after 3 yrs. is it worth doing MBA at that age. she has done her BE In Electronis and Commn and is now trying for civil services.
Karan Gupta answers, No. The older the applicant is, the better the chance of admission.
rahul1099 asked, hi how is warwick business school fr an undergrad prog??
Karan Gupta answers, Yes, Warwick is a very good school.
farhan asked, Hello karan, is it mandatory to take the GRE if one is going to a US university for taking up certificate courses? Or will work exp. suffice?
Karan Gupta answers, No. The GRE is needed for degree courses and not for certificate courses.
desi asked, what is your take on MS courses on Telecom management, IT mgmt. etc., job prospects wise?
Karan Gupta answers, Telecommunications is a good field and is doing well. A degree in telecommunications is better than a degree in telecom management strictly from an employment viewpoint.
European asked, Hi Karan, Everyone is running to the US, UK and Australia, so these degreeholders don't necesarrily have an USP when they return to India. I would like to study in Europe as that market is not stagnant yet. Could you suggest a good MBA program? Thanks.
Karan Gupta answers, In Europe the good MBA programs are LBS, Insead, IE, MBS, Warwick, ESADE and so on.
vatsamanju asked, do u suggest only abt higher education
Karan Gupta answers, yes
aKSHAY asked, Which is best MBA College in US?
Karan Gupta answers, Harvard, Stanford, UPenn. Again, wait for the ReportED rankings which will be out next week.
Devina asked, hi karan,i m devina,im doing MBA at present and i will like to go for Ph d in management stidies,can u giude me,smile coz it costs nothing.
Karan Gupta answers, Take the GRE for admissions to US universities. Make sure you contact the professors beforehand and check if they have research positions open.
ramu asked, Hi I am Ramu, I want to know about the MS programs being conducted in Sweden?Whether they are internationally accepted?
Karan Gupta answers, Some of them are. Depends on the collge you choose.
Ankur asked, Hi Karan, I am BTecc(CS) and am working at Accenture for past 1.6 years. I wish to give GMAT, can you give me the admission deadlines for US Universities for MBA, also the expected costs and finally any scholarship options?
Karan Gupta answers, Most good universities will have final deadlines of March 2007 for admissions in August 2007. However, you should apply by December 2006 to maximise your chances of getting admission.
Abhis asked, Hi Karanji, i am interested in doing my MBA from Newzealand can you please tell me what is the job scene in newzealand and what are the best colleges there.
Karan Gupta answers, University of Auckland is one of the better universities in NZ and offers an MBA. NZ is a very small country and getting jobs in NZ is very difficult.
sam asked, hey if i have done mba from india & work ex of over 5 yrs & again can i go for mba degree from US .hOW will it be valued?
Karan Gupta answers, Yes you can go in for a second MBA. Depending on the university that you choose your degree will have value and you will be able to find a job when you graduate.
RaviKiran asked, Hi Karan,i am a 2006 B.E passed out student. I am planning to pursue M.B.A abroad.I do not have any work-ex.What should i do in this scenario.Is it wise to study Ms in management from Uk. Is it possible to study Ms in management or Mba in US without Work-ex? Please guide me in this.
Karan Gupta answers, If you are keen on studying abroad at this stage, then an MSc in Management from a UK university would be a good bet.
ashay asked, Hi Karan. I want to pursue Ms computer science in the US. My aggregate for BE IS 65.45% FOR 8 SEMS. I always stood among the top 10% in the class. No research papers and nothing notable in extra curricular activities. TOEFL: 240 LOR from college professors. What sort of a Gre score I would require to aim for top 20-25 schools in US with/without aid.
Karan Gupta answers, With your kind of academics, you should target a GRE score of 1,400 and above. Also, you can target top universities such as USC, Penn State, NCSU, NYU and so on.
ravikedia asked, hi karan i have ielts score of 6.5 . Can u tell me about University of Northern Virginia. How good it is
Karan Gupta answers, University of Northern Virginia is an extremely average university and is not ranked among the top 100 schools.
Saily asked, Which are the best universities to do an MBA and how to get a scholarship. I have done B.E in CS and have around 2 years of work experience.
Karan Gupta answers, The first thing you should do is tak the GMAT. After your GMAT score you will know where you stand. All top universities in the US need two to five years of work experience with the average being five years.
rohit asked, I learn MBA ,how i start my preparation ,is coaching is complusary , please giude me
Karan Gupta answers, Many students can study for the GMAT on their own and dont require any classes. However, if you need help you can visit websites such as mba.com where you can download practice test material.
Dnyanesh asked, Sir I have completed my B.E.in Electronics with Distinction last month, Presently I am doing clases for C and C++ in Hyderabad. What Should be my Way to achieve a good job?
Karan Gupta answers, First apply for an MS in EE or CS depending on what you want to study further. After that you can try to find a job.
Sujay asked, I have done Bcom+Mcom. I have more than 3 years experience. I want to get into a really good university of USA for pursuing MBA. How much GMAT score is minimum?
Karan Gupta answers, 650 and above
rks_2801 asked, Sir, does BCA from IGNOU has any recognition in any reputed field including for further education abroad?
Karan Gupta answers, Most universities will accept degrees from IGNOU. However, it is in your best interests to check with the individual university that you are applying to whether or not they accept dergrees from IGNOU.
Karan Gupta says, Thank you very much for being here today. It was a pleasure to chat with you all. Have a great day and look out for the next Rediff.com Study Abroad Chat.
Karan Gupta, founder of Karan Gupta Consulting, has been working as a professional counsellor since 1999. He studied at Ithaca College and then at the University of Texas at Austin in the United States. While pursuing his education, he worked at the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid office and the International Office. Karan is now the honorary study abroad counsellor at Jaihind College, Mumbai. For further information, please visit Karan Gupta Consulting.
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