Foreign Universities introduces flexible academic options

As the falling rupee makes Indian students reconsider their abroad education, some of the international universities have woken up with new ideas to attract students.

Yes, many international universities are introducing flexible academic options for students, who want to study abroad. It seems like they are unhappy with the down flow of the number of Indian students.

From the present academic year, many institutions in New Zealand will allow students to opt for 'condensed master's programmes.

The regional director of South Asia for Education New Zealand, Ziena Jalil said "They will have to cover the same content in a shorter time. Students signing up for a 2-year masters course may be allowed to complete it in 12 to 18 months".

Moreover, many institutions of Australia have also come up with the same options. Robert Dilinger, owner and director of overseas education, agent Dilinger Consultants said "The advantage lies in reduction of subjects of study, fees and time taken to complete the course. In some cases, you will not have to pay for courses exempted while a condensed course means a shorter stay overseas resulting in lesser expenses."

Institutions from US, Concordia University, New York, which has partnered with Women's Christian College in Chennai for an American Transfer Programme, allows students to get an American degree in three-and-a-half years instead of the usual four years, and a PG degree in 4.5 years instead of the usual six years.

Interestingly, few universities have started introducing new scholarship schemes, where they will be offering all international PhD students the same fees for domestic New Zealand students.

Germany has also started with a new scholarship scheme for architecture students who opt to complete a course of extension studies without gaining a formal degree or qualification and those who want to complete a master's degree in Germany.