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This article was first published 11 years ago

'I want to pursue MS in the USA. How do I prepare?'

Last updated on: December 13, 2012 09:05 IST


In an online chat with readers on December 11, Dipti Punjabi, expert, EGE Global Education addressed queries on pursuing a course abroad and offered advice on how to choose the right institute and programme.

For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript:


akshara asked, hi mam, how much does it cost to do a two year masters course in new zealand? please tell me cost of visa and accomodation also

Dipti Punjabi answers, at 2012-12-11 16:09:36
Hi Akshara, the masters course is normally 1.5 - 2 years. The approx cost can range about 18 lacs per yr. This includes living expenses as well.
nishant asked, Nishant-hello mam -- i want to go for finance course anlready done mba in finance and marketing,now i want to go for risk management or investment banking

Dipti Punjabi answers,
NYU Stern in the US or City University in the UK are excellent schools offering the MS in Risk Mngmt. You may find Investment Banking as a module offered under the MS in Finance program. I suggest that you take the GMAT and TOEFL and apply. Please ensure that you have at least 2 yrs of full time work ex.
bharat asked, Hi, I have work experience of 10 years and i want to do one year MBA programme from australia? Please tell me what will be the prospects and cost of the programs

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Australia generally offers Masters programs of 1.5 - 2 years. If you graduate from a top B school such as AGSM, Melbourne School and Sydney Business School. This can cost you about 20 lacs per yr.
Manju asked, looking abroad postgraduation with less expenses, please help me

Dipti Punjabi answers,
If you have good academics, Germany is a good option.
abhishek asked, hi, I have work experience of 8 years and i want to do one year PGDIP in project management program from Canada? Please tell me what will be the prospects and cost of the programs

Dipti Punjabi answers,
With your experience, I suggest that you look at a Masters Degree rather than a PG Dip. The duration will be 1.5 - 2 yrs and the cost about 15 -17 lacs per yr.
parvez123 asked, please let me know MBBS stdy in china

Dipti Punjabi answers,
MBBS in China is for about 5 yrs at about 5 lacs per yr. You will need to clear the MCI exam to practice in India.
amit asked, I am B.E. Biomedical & want to pursue MS in USA. How do i prepare?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Take the GRE and TOEFL, select your universities carefully, prepare your SOP, resume and recommendations carefully and apply to the univs at least 1 yr in advance.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

If you have a question for Dipti, you can reach her on dipti_punjabi@egeworld.com.

Dear readers, you are also invited to share your study abroad experience and queries with us. Tell us which university you went to, and how the experience tranformed your career. To share your queries, suggestions and advice, write in to us at studyingabroad@rediffmail.com (Subject Line: 'My Study Abroad Experience') and we will publish the best responses on rediff.com.

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'Germany is a low cost education country'

Image: Image for representational purposes only
Photographs: Wikimedia Commons

Sriram asked,
Hello. I don't have a decent record in my B-tech which I completed in 2004 (instead of 2003). I have been working in a reputed product based semiconductor industry for the past 5 years and overall experience of more than 8 years. Will foreign universities consider by UG track record? I want to pursue MBA in Buisness Development

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Since your Bachelors was too far back, it wont be a factor to hamper your further education as universities will be interested in your work ex and your entrance test (GMAT and TOEFL) scores.
Sandip asked, Hi, I am planning to study abroad, I have completed my CA and have 4 years of Post Qualification experience, what sort of course is better fit for me

Dipti Punjabi answers,
An MBA is generally for people with 4-5 years of work exp. You can consider an MBA. Alternatively, if Finance seems to interest you, an MS in Finance is also a good choice.
Meeyakhan asked, Hi Dipti, I have on offer for PhD in Computer Sciece from the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand without funding. Would you advise to go for the same?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
I think it is a good option. Besides fully funded - congratulations!
Anil asked, Does writing AP will enhance chances for a better universities? Is AP important ?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
AP may not be compulsory, but yes it is imp and does enhance your chance of admission at top universities for the Bachelors program.
megh asked, hello, i am 31 yrs , want to migrate to nzl... can i study in nzl and work as well?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
You can work part time while pursuing your studies. After 2 years of study, you can also stay back for 2 years of full time work.
abhishek asked, Can I apply for both PGDIP and MBA

Dipti Punjabi answers,
You will get an admit from both. But for visa, you will have to choose. The MBA will be better for you from visa perspective.
HareKrishna asked, Hi Dipti, I have 8+ years of Experience in Sales, I am a B.Tech with first Division but my 10th/12th is not so great. Want to go for MBA - Marketing. which place would be best at low cost with part time job option during my course and i also want to settle in abroad.So placement assistance would be helpful.

Dipti Punjabi answers,
If you are looking at PR, Australia, NZ and Canada are your best bets. I must say, none of these are cheap. You should be prepared to spend about 18-20 lacs per yr (2 yrs program), unless a scholarship comes through. Part time work (20 hrs per week) is allowed while studying.
j asked, hii.. i have work exp of 4 years.. i am a MBA finance grad and currently working in SAP in technical module. i want to get back into finance stream mainly into international finance. what courses are available for the same? will my exp count into picture here?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
You can opt for MS in Finance or International Finance for your course of study. Your work ex will be counted, though the GMAT will be required. You can opt for the US if a 2 yr program interests you and for the UK if it is 1 yr.
abhishek asked, But is the gap in education only point of visa rejection there is continuation in the course selection and job profile

Dipti Punjabi answers,
This is as per the visa rules.
Jaishankar asked, iam interested to go for PhD full time in animal science. kindly advice me

Dipti Punjabi answers,
UC Davis, Michigan State University are some schools in the US offering the PhD in Animal Science. I suggest that you start your process 12-18 months in advance, take the GRE.
nits asked, Hello Dipti, I am planning to do MS in Finance from North America/Europe. I have a MBA in Finance from IIM lucknow and am working in Fin from last 3 yr...is it a right move for me if I plan to settle abroad and which country/insti would be more suitable for MS in Finance?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Yes, the MS in Finance is best at this stage, keeping your background in mind In my opinion, Canada will be a good option as it has good business schools as well as is PR friendly. Queens School of Business and UBC in Canada are good schools offering the same.
maveshank asked, I want to pursue my technical masters(engineering)in Germany. How do I go about it?. I just finished my Bachelors in Mechanical Engg here in India from Anna University Madras.

Dipti Punjabi answers,
I suggest that you consider Germany only if you have a n academic background og 70% and abbove. Take the GRE and TOEFL, select a range of at least 10-15 schools offering your program and apply with the SOP, resume and LOR's. I suggest that you apply latest by Jan.
RAJESH asked, I have cleared IELTS with 6/6 score last year and done Masters in Social Work from India, want to study inn canada or UK/US, is any financial support available with this score? is it possible to go both as my wife has done M.pharm from india AND CAN SHE ALSO GET ADMISSION there?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
If you are looking at work options and especially moving with your family, I suggest Canada. You can both apply for a PhD in your respective fields and whomosoever gets an admit, the other can follow as a dependant. I guess you mean 6/9 bands in IELTS? If yes I suggest that you re-take the same as some univs have a min requirement of 6.5/9
nishant asked, ya i have 2 years of full time work experience and can i do job while doing study?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Part time - yes. 20 hrs per week -can take care og your living expenses.
Manju asked, dear dipti punjab, what will be expenses, I am working in IT company as system admin, which one will be good for me. what will be the estimated cost.

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Germany is a low cost education country. You can consider the same if your academics in bachelors were above 60%. The total expenses will be about 6 lacs per year (2 years program). Admission to German schools is very competitive.
ritesh asked, i am +2 and working as sales manager for last 7 years, married, one child? what course and where i should go for study and settlement?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
I suggest that you complete your bachelors degree by correspondence in India, then apply for a 2 yr PG in canada or Aus.
abhff asked, Hi Deepti, What are the options to do Phd in management studies from Abroad.How much is the cost,duration and stipend offered.Which are the good universities to study from.

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Generally a PhD program can be of abt 3-5 yrs depending on the country you choose. The stipend can range from about $1000 - 1500 depending on the location you are in. If you get a fully funded program, you will need to bear your living which would be abt 5 lacs per yr. Depending on the country you choose, there are many good univs in each.
johnbook asked, Hello, which are good schools to apply for MS in Computer Science in the US? What is the total cost?

Dipti Punjabi answers,
Columbia, USC, NYU Poly, UTD are among some good US schools for MS in CS. You can expect to spend abt 18-20 lacs per yr.
Surendra asked, Hi Dipti, good evening. I've around 10 years of IT experience. Which PG course do you suggest for me ? and from which country ? It would be great if you could also let me know the reason for choosing the specific course and country.

Dipti Punjabi answers,
With your profile (IT background and work ex), I think an MBA is a good option for you. While considering an MBA, it is best to consider business schools globally.
Dipti Punjabi says, It is time now and we have to close the chat. Thank you for being part of this chat. Hope most of your questions were answered. See you again next week.