100 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 101 So, it is time to look at education in this new light, and hope NEP 2020 as it is envisaged and implemented has a few answers to the challenges the world of learning is facing. Salient Features of NEP 2020: 1. Holistic and Integrated Education: The NEP 2020 envisions a holistic and integrated approach to education, which will focus on the overall development of students. The policy emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and aims to provide a strong foundation for children through playbased and activity-based learning. It also proposes a flexible curriculum that allows students to choose their subjects of interest as they progress to higher classes in school. 2. Universalization of Education: The policy aims to provide universal access to education from pre-school to higher education for all students irrespective of their socio-economic background. It aims to achieve 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2030 and increase the public investment in education to 6% of GDP. 3. Emphasis on Skill Development: The NEP 2020 lays emphasis on the development of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy. It also proposes the integration of vocational education in the school curriculum to promote skill development and employability. 4. Technology-Enabled Learning: The policy proposes the use of technology for teaching and learning, including the development of digital infrastructure and the use of online platforms for delivering education. It also proposes the creation of a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to facilitate the use of technology in education. 5. Multilingualism: The policy recognizes the importance of multilingualism and proposes the use of mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction in schools up to class 5. It also aims to promote the learning of at least two languages other than the mother tongue. I have experienced the advantages of such a system, as both of our children studied in a school, where till class 5, all subjects except English, are taught in Hindi Medium only. It does create a strong grounding for children in their mother tongue. Every child emerges stronger in multiple languages, including in English, as at homes reading gains importance and exposure to varied interests enable children to blossom. Of course, educated parents can add a lot of value. The question is how many homes have educated elders. 6. Flexibility and Choice: The NEP 2020 proposes a flexible and student-centric approach to education, which will allow students to choose their courses and subjects of interest. But this certainly demands a certain amount of knowledge, maturity, and facilitation from parents. The NEP also proposes the creation of a National Academic Credit Bank (NACB) to facilitate the transfer of credits between institutions. For such a thing to happen, the institutions have to evolve and be more open to accept their flaws and lacunae, to allow students to opt for courses from programs from other institutions. NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020 7. Teacher Development: The policy emphasizes the importance of teacher development and proposes the creation of a National Mission for Mentoring Program (NMM) to provide continuous professional development for teachers. It also proposes the creation of a National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) to standardize teacher education across the country. This is a herculean task and will demand change of mindset towards continuous, lifelong learning – both from the teachers towards learning, as well as government to introduce such possible learning spaces and channels. 8. Higher Education Reforms: The NEP 2020 proposes a range of reforms in higher education, including the creation of a single higher education regulator called the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). It also proposes the integration of vocational education into high school education as well as higher education and the establishment of multidisciplinary universities. This integration of vocational education is very critical, as has been experienced in countries like Germany, where explosion of industrialization happened with over 95% of those who got educated actually chose to undergo vocational education as they progressed beyond schooling. 9. Research and Innovation: The policy recognizes the importance of research and innovation in the development of the country and proposes the creation of a National Research Foundation (NRF) to fund and promote research in all areas of knowledge. Instilling of spirit of research in every child as he or she progresses into higher education becomes very critical for the nation to solve challenges that it will face. The nation needs problem solvers. If implemented effectively, the NEP 2020 has the potential to transform the education landscape in India and make it a global leader in education. R. Sreenivasan (www.sreeni.org) Co-Founder, CL Educate (Career Launcher) The detailed exploration of how this policy can be implemented can found at www.sreeni.org
102 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 103 grade resources facilitate interactive and 360 degree learning for the students. Due to these salient features , some Indian institutes namely, the Indian Institute of Technology(IITs), the Indian institute of Science(IISc), the National Institute of Technology(NITs), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) have been featured in world top-ranking institutions lists. This solidifies the belief that India is emerging as major education hub for both international and national students. Student mobility trends in India are of great interest to university admissions personnel in the U.S., Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and increasingly in countries like Germany or China. India is currently the second-largest sending country of international students worldwide after China. India released its National Education Policy in 2020. It is the first comprehensive policy proposal on education in the country since 1986. The proposed new policy is remarkable for two main reasons. First, it takes a coldeyed look at the existing educational structures and processes in India. The document reflects honestly and INDIA India has the largest youth population in the world—a veritable army of six hundred million young people under the age of 25 of which twenty eight percent of the population is less than 14years of age, and more than 30 babies are being born every minute. India is expected to overtake China as the largest country on earth and grow to about 1.5billion people by 2030. Consequently, India also has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, it stands second in terms of the higher education network. The term 'higher education' with respect to India denotes the tertiary level education that is takes place after 12 years of schooling (10 years of primary education and 2 years of secondary education). The higher education system in India comprises around 1000+ universities and 42,000+ colleges imparting exceptional education. All these institutions fall under the purview of the Ministry of education. The institutions in India are furnished with state of the art infrastructure, modern libraries, classrooms equipped with advanced amenities. All in all, these top102 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM in depth on state-level universities and colleges where the majority of students study. In these institutions, the facilities, teaching, and governance are usually poor. A second remarkable element to the draft is the scale and boldness of the vision. The policy aims to make changes across all levels of education – from early childhood to university. The policy, recommends doubling funding for public education from the present figure of roughly 3% of GDP to 6%. The NEP 2020 describes a plan to consolidate the many categories into which India’s higher education institutions are currently divided into one of just two groups: a university or an autonomous undergraduate degree-granting college. This shift requires that all of India’s roughly 40,000 affiliated colleges obtain accreditation from a NAC-recognized body by 2035, after which they will be absorbed into one of these new types of institutions, creating a more manageable nationwide network of large, multidisciplinary institutions. The NEP 2020 notes that the size and breadth of these new institutions will allow for the cross-disciplinary collaboration and large-scale resource efficiency that characterize the world’s most prominent and wellregarded universities. The UGC has been the main national quality assurance body in Indian tertiary education since its inception. Indian government proposed that it will limit the role of the UGC to the administration of grants, while quality control will be shifted to a new body called the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). The main regulatory agency in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) The AICTE is a statutory body tasked with accrediting academic programs and promoting quality and consistent standards in the postsecondary TVET sector. Given the growing importance of technical education in India, the AICTE has become an increasingly influential institution over the past decades. In addition, there are several statutory bodies like the National Medical Commission (formerly the Medical Council of India), the Dental Council of India, and the Bar Council of India that regulate education in the professions. NAAC Accreditation Aside from recognition by the UGC, there is a separate accreditation process for universities and colleges under the auspices of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Headquartered in Bangalore, the NAAC was established in 1994 in response to concerns about deteriorating quality in India’s expanding higher education system. It is an autonomous body under the UGC tasked with the periodic evaluation and accreditation of HEIs. A directory of accredited institutions, can be found on NAAC’s website.
INNOVATION DESIGN THINKING ENTREPRENEURIAL ATTITUDE AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS VIJAYBHOOMI UNIVERSITY Vijaybhoomi University is India's first liberal professional university located in Karjat, Maharashtra. The university offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to curate unique learning pathways across various disciplines such as Management, Law, Music, Data Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, and Design. As a fully residential university, Vijaybhoomi University offers a holistic learning experience that emphasizes self-discovery and interdisciplinary learning. Vijaybhoomi University is India's first liberal professional university located in Karjat, Maharashtra. The university offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to curate unique learning VIJAYBHOOMI UNIVERSITY Vijaybhoomi University is India's first liberal professional Vijaybhoomi University is home to six schools, including the Jagdish Sheth School of Management, which is the only B-School in India to offer an AACSB accredited BBA program. The True School of Music, one of India's leading professional music education schools, offers Bachelor in Music (B.Mus) program in Performance and Production in addition to the only BTech in Sound Engineering offered in the country. Students can pursue majors and minors from different schools at the university. Overall, Vijaybhoomi University offers a unique learning experience that empowers students to make informed choices about their career pathways while providing them with the freedom to create their own unique learning pathway. The university's approach to education is designed to help students make informed choices about their career pathways. The discovery phase, which all students must go through, involves taking courses from different schools to facilitate holistic knowledge development. This approach allows students to explore new and cutting-edge areas while giving them the freedom to create their own unique learning pathway. The university also offers an International BBA program at an affordable Indian price in collaboration with top-ranking global B-Schools such as KEDGE Business School, State University of New York, and University of Wollongong. This program gives students the opportunity to explore international pathways while studying at the university. INDIA’S FIRST LIBERAL PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY Vijaybhoomi University, Greater Mumbai, Jamrung, Karjat, Maharashtra, 410201 +91 63665 68110 vijaybhoomi.edu.in Multidisciplinary UG Programs ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT DATA SCIENCE DESIGN MUSIC LAW ADMISSIONS OPEN Enroll before 30th April to save 20% on tuition fees #FutureApkaChoiceApki WHAT NEXT AFTER 12TH? WHAT NEXT AFTER 12TH?
106 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 107 Central Universities also called Union Universities) are established, overseen, and funded by the federal government, mostly through UGC grants. There are presently 40 central universities directly under the Ministry. In addition, there are seven federal universities, including the Indian Maritime University and Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University, which fall under other federal government bodies like the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Tuition fees at most central universities are nominal, but the UGC has in recent years repeatedly asked central universities to increase fees to make them less dependent on federal funding. Examples of central universities include the prestigious University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, and IGNOU. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET (UG) - 2023) is being introduced for admission into all UG Programmes in all Central Universities for academic session 2023-24 under the Ministry of Education, The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) will provide a common platform and equal opportunities to candidates across the country, especially those from rural and other remote areas and help establish better connect with the Universities. A single examination will enable the Candidates to cover a wide outreach and be part of the admissions process to various Central Universities. The Ministry of Education, Government of India has established the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an independent, autonomous, and self- sustained testing organization for conducting efficient, transparent, and international standardized tests in order to assess the competency of candidates for admission to premier higher education institutions with a mission to improve equity and quality in education by developing and administering research-based valid, reliable, efficient, transparent, fair and international level assessments. Entrance Exams Joint Entrance Exam (Advanced ) - JEE Through the JEE, IITs offer admission into undergraduate courses leading to a Bachelors, Integrated Masters, Dual degree in engineering, Sciences or Architecture. National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test - NEET This test will be conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses and other undergraduate medical courses in approved/recognized Medical/Dental & other Colleges/ Institutes in India. The students will thus go through a regular process of counselling for the state colleges and will have to provide domicile details so as to be enlisted in the state merit lists. This will ensure that state colleges seats are filled and satisfy the 85% quota of state medical colleges. Undergraduate Courses Undergraduate courses, in general, used to be three years leading to Bachelor degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, etc but will now be four years long and have an integrated approach. Undergraduate courses leading to a first degree in professional subjects like Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy are of a longer duration ranging from four to five and a half years. Most of the engineering courses take four years, to complete while the medical courses are about five and a half years long Some specialized courses: • Hotel Management and Tourism • Fashion and Design Technology • Natural/Applied Sciences/Liberal Arts and Humanities • Management Courses • Agricultural/ Veterinary Education • Medical and Dental • Engineering Application Process: Most Colleges and Universities in India begin their academic term in June/July. The application process varies from Institution to institution and from state to state. Institutions start distributing application forms four to six months before the commencement of classes. Students must have completed 12 years of schooling to be eligible to apply. The competition for seats is intense and the cut-off percentages for entry can be extremely high as there are more applicants than seats. Most professional courses have prerequisite qualifying examinations, some of which are all India level while others are state level. Some institutions offer Management seats or charge higher fees for their self-financing sections. Minority groups get preference and some seats are reserved for them. Some courses such as architecture require aptitude tests. Most private institutions offer foreign nationals and non resident Indians seats. The costs for these spots are much higher and some institutions have special entry tests before admission. The result of these tests along with board exam results is used to determine the student’s eligibility for admission. DASA Scheme - Direct Admissions for Students Abroad Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) Scheme, allow Foreign Nationals (FNs) studying in any country (including India), wards of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Non – Residents Indians (NRIs), to pursue Technical Education in India in NITs and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (excluding IITs). Admission Criteria- Under Graduate (UG) From the academic year 2021 – 2022 onwards, the undergraduate admissions under DASA Scheme are now made on the basis of the ranks obtained by students in the Joint Entrance Examination - Main (JEE - Main) conducted by NTA. Indian Nationals having at least two years of education, inclusive of Grades 11 and 12 or equivalent (not beyond), in a foreign country during the last 8 years with valid qualifying exam (JEE-Main) rank / score from abroad, are eligible under the scheme. The Number of seats reserved for this category of students in different Institutions shall be nearly 15% of the total number of seats offered for admission. This shall be available in different disciplines proportionately. These seats shall be supernumerary. At present, approximately 3900 UG and 1300 PG seats are offered under the Scheme. Admissions under DASA are much easier as they are based upon a separate merit list prepared on the basis of JEE (Main) rank and subsequent centralized counseling conducted by DASA Coordinating Institute. Fee Structure For admissions under DASA Scheme, the Registration / Application Fee is US$300 and the Tuition Fee is US$8000. Nationals of SAARC countries (except India) are eligible for 50% tuition fee waiver provided they have passed the qualifying examination (JEE Main) in SAARC countries. The students belonging to Children of Indian Workers in the Gulf (CIWG) category and taking admissions in the undergraduate programmes of the NITs and IIEST, Shibpur under the DASA Scheme can pay tuition fee of Rs.1,25,000/- per annum either in Indian Rupees (INR) or equivalent US Dollars at existing exchange rate Visas Internationals wanting to studying in India would need to submit the following documents: • A valid passport • Provisional acceptance letter for an accredited institution • A health certificate Source and websites of use: www.ugc.ac.in: Information on Universities www.educationindia4u.nic.in Education Consultants of India www.aicte.ernet.in: All India Council for Technical Education www.studyinindia.org wenr.wes.org/ https://dasanit.org/
108 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM New Zealand is known around the world for its incredible work-life balance. A New Zealand education provides you with personalised learning and academic excellence. You'll learn to ask questions and think critically. It is an opportunity for personal growth and development. You'll learn to make meaningful connections, think independently and work collaboratively. You'll have the skills you need for a thriving, global career and successful future. New Zealand has eight state-funded universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPS) and about 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs) which include English language schools. Universities offer higher degree-level education. Programmes are research-led and generally academic rather than vocational. QS World University Rankings, ranked New Zealand universities in the top 3% in the world. All New Zealand’s universities offer a broad range of subjects for undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in commerce, science and the humanities. Some universities offer degrees in specialist fields - such as medicine, agriculture, engineering, etc. A number of universities have more than one campus, often located in different cities, and some have overseas programmes. New Zealand also has 18 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs). They provide professional and vocational education and training ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. Many ITPs also offer English language training and postgraduate study options, including up to Doctoral (PhD) level. Courses are more vocationally oriented, emphasising practical experience and application to work situations. A degree from one of these institutions has equal status with a university degree. Admission Procedures To study for diplomas and degrees at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, students coming through New Zealand’s secondary school system generally need NCEA Level 3 qualifications. Students from overseas need to be able to show they’ve achieved a similar University entrance level of education - that can include GCSE A levels for students from the UK, Hong Kong ‘A’ Levels, STPM /Malaysian Higher School Certificate Australian Matriculation Year 12 Certificate. They also need to be able to prove their English skills. The Universities New Zealand website has more information about the admission requirements for students with overseas qualifications. Students can also do short-term foundation studies or pre-university orientation studies at PTEs or universities to prepare for university-level study. You need to check with the tertiary education provider you are considering. Applying Tertiary academic year The academic year is from March to November. However a July start date may be available for some courses and summer semester courses (January to March) may be available. Once you’ve found the institution and course you want, you’ll need to complete and return the relevant paperwork. Once accepted, the institution will send you an ‘offer of place’ letter and once you have paid the fees, the institution will send you a ‘confirmed offer of place’. If your course is for less than 12 weeks, or your country has a visa-free agreement with New Zealand, you don’t need a visa. In all other cases you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand student visa and be able to show the confirmed offer. It was on 31 July 2022 after more than two years of pandemic-related closure, that New Zealand opened it borders allowing the country’s schools and universities to begin welcoming international students again. New immigration data show that thousands of students have applied for upcoming programmes in New Zealand since the borders opened, but the applications volume also suggests that New Zealand educators will welcome substantially fewer students in 2023 than they did in 2020. NEW ZEALAND WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 109 According to Immigration New Zealand, 12,258 international students have applied for visas between the 31 July border reopening and 19 November 2022. New regulations have been put in place for international students: • Students in non-degree level courses will no longer be eligible for post-study work rights, except in cases where they are studying and then working in specified shortage and skilled occupations. • For degree-level and other eligible international students the length of time they can work after their studies will be equivalent to their term of study in New Zealand. • Masters and PhD students will retain the right to work in New Zealand for up to three years after their studies. • Students will no longer be able to apply for a second post-study visa in New Zealand. Application Process The first semester starts during the month of February and is over by theend of June. The second semester starts in July and finishes in November. Some universities have a three-semester pattern where the semesters begin in February, July and November. Admission Requirements The requirements for entry are course and institute specific. However certain aspects can be considered uniform. Entry into colleges and universities in New Zealand mandate 13 years of education. Students from the Indian curriculum will be accepted directly into the programme provided the board exam result is 75% and above. For all those with less than 75%, the year-long foundation is mandatory. A student with high school marks that are less than 75% would first be enrolled in one of the polytechnics for one year until he/she improves his/her grades and will then be moved to a university for a Bachelors degree. Further requirements need to be confirmed with the institution you are applying to. Most tertiary institutions need you to prove that you have a reasonable grasp of the English language. It is always best to apply three months to six months before the commencement of your course. That way, one can find out all the specific requirements for admission and work towards attaining them. While applications can often be done online, you’ll still need to post or courier some documents, such as certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts, proof that you can meet the institution’s English language requirements, and a recent résumé or curriculum vitaé.
110 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 111 Finances & Scholarships Undergraduate study can cost about NZ$18,000– $25,000 a year, depending on your course. It can cost up to $40,000 a year for postgraduate courses. The cost of studying a Diploma or Post-Graduate Diploma in New Zealand may cost NZ$10,000 to NZ$20,000 approximately per year, while cost of studying for a Post Graduate Diploma may be anywhere between NZ$15,000 and NZ$30,000. All international students are required to have medical insurance when in New Zealand. This can be arranged before you leave home, or your institution will arrange insurance for you when you enroll. International students in New Zealand are eligible for a wide variety of scholarships through the government, educational institutions, foreign governments, and private funding sources. Commonwealth Scholarships for candidates from developing countries to study in New Zealand are available at Masters or doctoral level. For Masters Degrees, the scholarships are tenable for up to two years. For doctorates, the maximum scholarship length is four years. Candidates are required to study/ research full-time. See more in Commonwealth Scholarships, including nominating agencies on the website. Source www.newzealandeducated.com Visas The New Zealand Immigration Service only grants visas to students who has enrolled for a course in an NZQA or New Zealand Qualifications authority accredited institution. The documents required include: • An offer of place from an approved provider • Evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees • Your passport & acceptable passport-style photos • Proof of funds – $15,000 per year, to cover your living expenses • A copy of your air ticket home, or proof that you have enough money to buy one • An accommodation guarantee, if you’re under 18 • Your visa application fee You may also be asked to provide a medical certificate and chest x-ray, and a police certificate. Most visitor, student and work visas can take up eight weeks to process, but could also take longer if more information is needed. You can apply up to four months before you intend to travel. Kindly visit the Embassy website for updates. Source and websites of use: www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz –Institutional profiles and information on studies in NZ. www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz /how-to-apply/visas/ www.educationcounts.govt.nz ICEF Monitor students studying natural sciences, mathematics and statistics. Students in Switzerland can enroll in three types of higher education institutions which are universities and institutes of technology (UIT), universities of applied sciences (UAS), and universities of teacher education (UTE).According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of students in Swiss higher education institutions has increased over the past years, particularly since 2000. In the 2021/22 academic year, the number of students attending UIT was 168,190 students - 51.9 percent female students, 32.7 percent international students, and 27.3 percent international students graduating from a foreign school. The same source shows that the number of students at universities of applied sciences was 84,920, 48.6 percent female, some 20.0 percent international students, and 13.0 percent foreign students with foreign school education. There are twelve state-run universities in Switzerland. Of those, ten are cantonal, and two are federal institutes of technology. The differences between them are slight. Cantonal universities are operated and managed by individual cantons, and federal institutes of technology are run directly by the government of Switzerland. Canton is the traditional Swiss form of an administrative area. There are twenty-six such areas within Switzerland. Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries within Europe. Home to more than eight million residents, the country’s worldclass universities attract countless prospective students looking for quality higher education. Switzerland continually ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. The 2018 Environment Performance Index (EPI) ranks Switzerland in top position, mainly because of its use of hydroelectric power and its highly efficient public transportation system. A well-preserved environment easily accessible by public transport, safe cities (and countryside), excellent public healthcare and an excellent infrastructure make living in Switzerland very pleasant. Swiss universities offer a wide range of courses of study at all levels (bachelor, masters, doctorate) at different institutions of higher education (academic universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education) and in different languages (German, French, Italian, English). Swiss universities are heavily subsidised by the government; so tuition fees are slightly lower when compared to other nations. The tuition fees associated with private universities are normally higher than their public counterparts. However, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, with extremely high cost of living; especially when looking at major cities like Geneva or Zurich. So financial planning is a priority. Universities in Switzerland Switzerland’s two federal technology institutes (ETH Zurich and EPFL) claimed the top two slots in the Times Higher Education ranking of the world’s most international universities; the University of Zurich was ranked 15th. Overall, international students make up 17% of those studying at Swiss universities. The higher the level of study, the more the international students in Switzerland. Foreigners constitute 10% of bachelor, 29% of masters and 54% of doctoral students. Students from neighbouring countries Germany, France, Italy and Austria account for the largest share of international students, followed by those from China, Russia and the US. International students coming to Switzerlandare particularly keen on science-related fields. In fact, there are now almost three times more international than Swiss SWITZERLAND
112 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM The differences, whilst small, do impact the structure of the institutions. The federal institutions are aligned in structure to American universities, thus making it easier for foreign students to transfer there. Other than the twelve institutions, there are two other types of university; the eight Universities of Applied Sciences and the Arts (UASAs), which provide scientific and professional education, and the twenty Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs), which offer practice-oriented teaching education. Doctorates can only be obtained at universities and federal institutes of technology. All bachelor programmes are open to students in possession of a valid upper-secondary school diploma, a Swiss Matura or a foreign degree that has been deemed equivalent. With their different histories, approaches, and research focus, as well as their language diversity, the 10 cantonal universities and the 2 Federal Institutes of Technology are poised to usher a multicultural Switzerland into the future. They all share a drive for quality in teaching and research, an ambition for excellence, the flexibility to cater to a multitude of demands, and the foresight to anticipate future requirements and challenges. This results in their consistently being ranked among the best universities in the world. Students learn directly from researchers. Academic excellence is mainly based on an outstanding framework for junior and senior researchers and on the principle of competition. There are several national research funds in Switzerland where scholars compete for funding – for basic research or for R&D. Apart from being an innovation hotspot, Switzerland is also highly successful ininternational competition for research funds. For the list of accredited Swiss Higher education institutions and criteria www.swissuniversities.ch/en/higher-educationarea/studying/studying-in-switzerland/ The Swiss higher education system comprises three types of universities: Research Universities These universities offer tertiary education leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees and undertake basic research. The standard admission requirement is an academic baccalaureate. Besides the ten cantonal research universities, this type of university also includes the federal institutes of technology and science. Universities of Applied Sciences These universities offer programmes leading to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Teaching and research at universities of applied sciences have a strong practical focus. The standard admission requirement is a completed apprenticeship (dual occupational training including theoretical training at a vocational school and practical training at a company) and a vocational baccalaureate, to beearned after the completion of basic training. Switzerland currently has seven public universities of applied sciences and one private, staterecognised institution. WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 113 Source and web sites of use: www.swissuniversities.ch/en/higher-education-area/ https://www.academics.com/guide/higher-educationswitzerland www.studyinswitzerland.plus/list-swiss-univties/ www.study.eu/country/switzerland www.erudera.com Universities of Teacher Education Together with other teacher training institutions, universities of teacher education are responsible for training a sufficient number of qualified teachers for all levels of compulsory education. Their remit includes teaching, research & development, further training / additional training, services (documentation centres, expert reports, consultancy, etc) According the website erudera.com, the number of students at universities of teacher education in 2021/22 was 276,607, of them 52.6 percent females, 26.9 percent international students, and 21.1 percent international students holding a degree from a foreign school. As a rule, students may transfer from one type of university to another by fulfilling additional requirements. Other university institutions, supported by the federal government, include the "Institut universitaire des hautesétudes internationales et du développement (IHEID)" in Geneva, the "InstitutUniversitaire Kurt Bösch (IUKB)" in Sion, and the "Stiftung Universitäre Fernstudien Schweiz" in Brig. Application Process Whether you intend to study a bachelor’s (first cycle), master’s (second cycle) or PhD degree (third cycle) in Switzerland, you will have to submit your application to the university or college of your interest. Your school will examine the submitted documentation, will check whether you are eligible for the study program or course you applied for and will issue a proof of registration in the event you are finally admitted. In general, universities and colleges in Switzerland ask foreign students to submitthe documentation described below in order to evaluate their academic eligibility: • The filled-in application form for the selected study program or course. Most schools in Switzerland have online application systems • A recent passport-sized photo • A notarized copy of your foreign certificates. If you are applying for first-cycle studies (undergraduate), you will have to submit a notarized copy of your school-leaving certificates. If you are applying for a second-cycle program (master’s), you will have to submit a notarized copy of your bachelor’s degree. And if you are applying for a PhD degree, you will have to submit a notarized copy of your master’s diploma Scholarships The Swiss Government grants university scholarships to foreign students who have graduated from university or, to a limited extent, university of applied sciences or advanced arts programmes. Detailed information on the application requirements for the scholarships, the relevant countries, and how to apply are provided by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) Visa Procedure UAE Students and families wishing to study in Switzerland, need to process applications through VFS Global. The details are given on the VFS Global website.
WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 115 114 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Studying in Germany enables students to not only benefit from a high quality educational system but learn a new language, advance in your career and gain a memorable life experience. For the past few years, Germany’s international recruitment efforts have been boosted by a no-tuition policy for international students, improved opportunities for work during studies and after graduation, and the continuing expansion of Englishtaught programmes within German universities. The number of international students enrolled in German higher education institutions grew by 8% to reach approximately 350,000 students in the 2021/22 academic year, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This is a new record for foreign enrolment in Germany and the second consecutive year of growth after a 1.5% year-over-year gain in 2020/21. This puts Germany among the top five leading study abroad destinations globally. Germany has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination thanks to an attractive combination of quality education and free tuition for non-EU students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees at most public institutions. The growing number of English-taught degrees available now is also a draw. Like other major destinations, Germany is experiencing an influx of Indian students, and this is driving most of the overall growth in international enrolments. China remains the top sender of students (40,000) but Chinese commencements fell by 5% in 2021/22. By contrast, the number of first-year Indian students increased by 33% in 2021/22 and there were 34,000 Indian enrolments in total in 2021/22. A new position paper from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) highlights the role that international education can play in addressing labour market needs, and calls for joint action by government, universities, and business in fashioning a new international recruitment and retention strategy. DAAD notes that about 75,000 foreign students begin their higher education studies in Germany each year, about half of those in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math). Ten years after commencement, roughly a third of those students-turned-graduates are still living and working in Germany. The agency proposes a target to double that cohort of retained graduates to roughly 50,000 per year, by 2030. GERMANY Students wishing to study in Germany can choose from more than 12,000 degree programmes and subjects offered at 340 state (public) and state-recognized higher education institutions. Each of the 16 states in Germany has its own higher education laws and guidelines. They can join a research oriented programme at a Universität (university) or a more practice-focused course at a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), or an artistic programme at one of the many Kunst-, Film-, or Musikhoch-schulen (college of art, film ormusic). If you already hold a degree, you can also choose to enter a postgraduate or doctoral programme for advanced qualifications. Universitäten: Universities and equivalent institutions are greatly focused on research and teaching. Most Universities offer courses in practically all subject areas while some universities choose to specialize in a particular field. If you want to study at a German university, you will need a “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” – or “university entrance qualification”. This is a schoolleaving certificate which qualifies you for university study. If your secondary-school certificate is deemed insufficient for study in Germany, you will have to attend a foundation course (“Studienkolleg”) before you are allowed to enroll. Fachhochschule (FH):FHs were especially established to give students a chance to engage in the more practical studies and applied research. Subjects offered by FHs cover fields like technology, business, IT, design, socialfields, education, nursing and applied natural sciences. Kunst-, Film -, or Musikhoch-schulen: Colleges of art, film and music offer artistic-creative subjects – like fine art, industrial and fashion design, stage design, graphic art, instrumental music or singing. There are even special media-oriented colleges that train directors, camera operators, authors, film-makers and other TV or media professionals. Not all of the courses taught are in English-medium, students should check with the institution regarding the medium of instruction before enrolling for courses. The academic year is generally divided into two six-month semesters; the winter semester normally begins in October while the summer semester begins in April. Course duration is around three months in the summer semester and four months in the winter semester. Students can use the non-lecture period to revise material taught in the previous semesters or to complete internships. Besides the state (public) higher education institutions, a number of private universities also operate in Germany that generally offer subjects from the fields oflaw, economics and business administration and social sciences. Private universities often maintain close contacts with companies in order to give their graduates an edge and better career prospects. Once you have decided on which university or course you want to pursue, it’s time to look at the requirements for university applications.
116 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 117 Application Requirements for universities To study at a university in Germany one a “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” (HZB), or higher education entrance qualification. This establishes that an applicant has the required educational qualifications to undertake university education in Germany. An international higher education entrance qualification lets you study at a German university, provided that the international certificate of education is recognised as higher education entrance qualification in Germany. If your existing higher education certifications do not meet the accepted criteria, you can participate in a preparatory course at a German university. This is where you, together with other international students, develop the technical and cultural requirements to successfully study in Germany. To see if adhere to all the requirements of a German University check out the DAAD website for more information. How To Apply For most subjects, you can apply directly to the international office of the university. Alternatively, you can use the website www.uni-assist.de, a centralized admission sportal for international students, run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), although not all universities use this. You may wish to apply for numerous courses and universities separately to increase your chances of being admitted. At many German universities it’s possible to apply for admission twice a year – to commence studies either in the winter or summer semester. The summer semester runs from March to August at Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) and April to September at universities; the winter semester is from September to February and Octoberto March respectively. In general, applications for winter enrolments need to be made by 15 July, and applications for summer enrolments by 15 January. However, application deadlines vary between institutions, and the same institution may set different deadlines for each program – be sure to carefully check the specific dates for your chosen course. It’s recommended to submit applications atleast six weeks before the deadline, to ensure time for corrections or additions if any information is missing. You should expect to receive a formal acceptance or rejection approximately one to two months after the deadline has passed. The specific documents required and application process will be set by each institution, but you’ll typically be asked to submit: • A certified copy of your high-school diploma or previous degrees, and any other relevant qualifications in the original language • A translated overview of your course modules & grades • A passport photo • A copy of your passport (personal information and photo ID page) • Proof of language proficiency (a test certificate or online equivalent) To ensure the best chances of acceptance, take care to provide all the documentation requested, make sure allyour documentation is certified (copies of documents also need to be certified by the awarding school), and check that you’ve filled out all your information correctly before submitting your application. An application fee may be charged. For some subjects, there is a nationwide cap on the number of students who can enroll. For these subjects (mostly life sciences), students from the EU (plus Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) need to apply through the Foundation of Higher Education Admission. Students from outside the EU should apply as normal. The account is considered “blocked” because students cannot access it until they arrive in Germany, and then may only withdraw funds up to a specified monthly limit. As of 1 September 2019, the amount of money that international students using the blocked account option in their visa application will rise from Euros 8640 Euros to Euros 10, 236. Once students arrive in Germany, they will be permitted to withdraw a maximum of €853 per month. Such proof of financial means is one of the main requirements to obtain a student visa for Germany. The other ways international students can show proof of financial means are by showing that they have received a scholarship or by providing a letterto confirm that they have an approved sponsor for their study programme. A student visa is generally issued for a period of 3 months. If the study period is longer, you must contact the foreigner’s authority (Aus-landerbehorde) to apply for a residence permit. The Residence permit is initially issued for 2 years but can be extended for a further period of 2 years. -Source: Study in Germany website, DAAD. Funding a wide range of scholarships for German and Foreign students especially post-graduates and researchers are offered by Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD). A searchable web-based scholarship database is available tostudents on the DAAD website www.daad.de/officesorwww.fundingguide.de Visas • Admitted students need to submitthe following documents to apply for a visa, • Letter of admission • Proof of Health Insurance Cover • Proof of Financial Resources • Documents related to Previous Educational Qualifications • German Language Proficiency Certificate or Plan for Intensive Language course in German • Minor students would need a letter of consent from the person(s) responsible for their care and custody Financial Requirements In Germany, there are three ways that non-EU international students can show proof of financial means for their first year of study as part of their visa application. The most common way is depositing a minimum amount of money into a “blocked account,” which is a bank account designed precisely for international students and offered by German banks, including Deutsche Bank and Fintiba. Source: www.daad.de www.higher-education-compass.de DAAD Annual Report ICEF Monitor www.studying-in-germany.org/
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