There are different eligibility requirements to apply for STEM bachelor's and master's courses in foreign universities. Learn about the top universities, eligibility criteria, documents required, etc., for pursuing STEM courses abroad.
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The eligibility to pursue STEM courses abroad involves a basic qualification, standardised test scores, English language proficiency scores, etc. What are STEM courses in the first place? STEM courses include programs offered in four major subject areas: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Some of the top countries to study STEM courses abroad are the UK, the USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia. The purpose of this article is to help you understand the eligibility criteria for STEM courses abroad in detail.
Admission Requirements to Pursue Bachelors in STEM Abroad
Admission requirements to pursue STEM courses varies from one country to another. Let us understand the following admission requirements for pursuing bachelors in STEM abroad:
- Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor's Degree in STEM
- Application Process for Bachelor's Degree in STEM
- Documents Required for Bachelors's Degree in STEM
Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor's Degree in STEM
You would be eligible to pursue a bachelor's degree in STEM from an international university if you have completed class 12th with a science stream. In this section, we will discuss the entrance exam requirements and minimum academic qualifications for pursuing STEM bachelor’s programs abroad.
Exams Required
Some mandatory exams must be passed with a minimum score that is acceptable by foreign universities for STEM courses. Scores may vary depending on the acceptance rate of the university. Following are some of these entrance exams:
- Aptitude Test (SAT): It is not mandatory to take the SAT subject test. You would, however, have an advantage over the other international applicants with an SAT score. On average, universities abroad accept SAT scores of 1200 or more.
- English Language Test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE): All international applicants from non-English speaking countries must pass at least one of the three English language tests. It is to make sure that you can understand the English-medium teaching provided at the foreign universities and will be able to fit in with the international student population.
The minimum scores required in each of these tests are:
- IELTS Score: 6.0
- TOEFL Score: 80
- PTE Score: 50
You can choose to appear for any one of the three exams. You have a higher chance of getting into a good university if you score higher on these eligibility tests.
Minimum Academic Qualification
To get a bachelor's degree, you must have been exposed to the basics of your field of study while in school. For example: If you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, then you should have studied this subject during your high school years. Likewise, if you intend to study Biomedical Engineering for your bachelor's degree, you must have opted for subjects like biology and mathematics in the 12th grade.
To pursue a STEM undergraduate degree, you must meet the following subject-wise eligibility requirements:
- Science: 10+2 in PCM or PCB (physics, chemistry, mathematics/biology)
- Technology: 10+2 in PCM (physics, chemistry, mathematics)
- Biology: compulsory for biotechnology programs
- Engineering: 10+2 in PCM (physics, chemistry, mathematics)
- Biology: compulsory for bioengineering programs
- Mathematics: 10+2 in PCM (physics, chemistry, mathematics)
Depending on the country, the minimum 12th-grade score accepted by international universities may vary. In order to be accepted by universities abroad, you must have at least a 60% score in class 12th. It goes without saying that a greater percentage adds up to a higher grade point average, and therefore increases your chances of getting into a better university.
Application Process for Bachelor's Degree in STEM
Given below is the process to apply for STEM courses abroad at the undergraduate level:
- Firstly, you must take entrance exams like IELTS/TOEFL, SAT, etc., to apply for STEM courses abroad.
- Next, apply to different universities based on their fee structure, courses offered, required test scores, scholarships, and other factors.
- Submit all the relevant documents along with the application form.
- You also need to send the scores of your entrance exams to the university.
- Prepare your statement of purpose (SOP) by researching the university you're applying to and explaining why you want to enrol in the particular STEM program of the university.
- Submit your application form and wait until the university provides feedback regarding the same.
Documents Required for Bachelor's Degree in STEM
The documents required to apply for bachelor’s STEM courses are listed below:
- Letter of recommendation
- Degree/Provisional Degree
- Mark sheets/academic transcripts
- A valid passport
- Statement of purpose
- Test score reports
Admission Requirements to Pursue Masters in STEM Abroad
Admissions requirements for STEM master's programs differ significantly from those for STEM bachelor's programs. Let us understand the following admission requirements for pursuing masters in STEM abroad:
- Eligibility Criteria for Master's Degree in STEM
- Application Process for Master's Degree in STEM
- Documents Required for Master's Degree in STEM
Eligibility Criteria for Master's Degree in STEM
Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field to pursue STEM master’s courses abroad. Some countries require applicants to have relevant professional experience as well. In this section, we will discuss the entrance exam requirements, minimum academic qualification, and professional experience required for studying STEM master’s courses abroad.
Exams Required
Master's degrees in STEM require the following entrance exams:
- Aptitude Test (GRE/GMAT): Some colleges require a GRE score, but others accept GMAT scores as well. Several colleges do not require GRE or GMAT scores; however, it is recommended that international students take GRE to get into a top college.
- English Language Test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE): Due to the fact that English is the medium of instruction at universities abroad, international applicants must take at least one English language test.
The minimum scores required in each of these tests are:
- IELTS Score: 6.0
- TOEFL Score: 80
- PTE Score: 50
Note that the above-mentioned scores are average scores required by universities for admission to master's courses. However, English language requirements may vary from one international university to another.
Minimum Academic Qualification
You must have a bachelor's degree in the same field in order to pursue a master's degree in STEM. For instance, if you are interested in pursuing a Master of Computer Science program, then you must hold a bachelor’s degree in subjects like computer engineering, computer science, etc.
To pursue a STEM undergraduate degree, you must meet the following subject-wise eligibility requirements:
- Science: 10+2 with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in science honours
- Technology: 10+2 with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a technological or related field
- Engineering: 10+2 with a 4-year bachelor's degree in an engineering or related field
- Mathematics: 10+2 with a 3-year bachelor's degree in mathematics honours
To pursue STEM masters abroad, you would need a 60% score on your bachelor's degree. Most foreign universities take your CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) into consideration rather than your percentage of a bachelor’s degree. On average, the universities abroad require a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in the bachelor's degree.
Professional Experience
Several countries like the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, etc., prefer to admit applicants who have at least two years of work experience. Though some colleges accept applicants without prior experience, if you want to study at the most prestigious universities abroad, you should gain relevant professional experience before applying. However, for countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc., no minimum work experience is necessary to apply for master’s courses in STEM.
Application Process for Master's Degree in STEM
Given below is the process to apply for STEM courses abroad at the postgraduate level:
- Shortlist universities based on their admission requirements, courses offered, scholarships, scores requirements, etc.
- Appear for entrance exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS/PTE, etc.
- Send in your application to the universities.
- Pay the application fee and submit all the required documents.
- You will be notified about your acceptance through your registered email address. Apply for scholarships, education loans, and a visa.
Documents Required for Master's Degree in STEM
The documents required to apply for master’s courses in STEM are listed below:
- Letters of recommendation
- Degree/Provisional Degree
- Mark sheets/academic transcripts
- A valid passport
- Statement of purpose
- An updated CV
- Employment certificate (if any)
- Test score reports
Top 5 Countries to Pursue a STEM Degree
In a world where almost every country recognises the importance of STEM education, choosing where to pursue a STEM degree can be a little challenging. Following are the top five countries that are well known for their STEM courses:
| Country | No. of International Students Studying STEM Courses | Average Annual Tuition Fee | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 150,000+ | $30,323 | $87,060 |
| UK | 139,000+ | $32,814 | $71,077 |
| Canada | 280,000+ | $31,632 | $63,531 |
| Australia | 56,691 (new enrolments) | $22,553 | $75,332 |
| Germany | - | $5,441 | $58,616 |
Popular Universities Abroad Offering STEM Programs
International students have the option to pursue STEM courses at several top-notch educational institutions overseas. Here is a list of some of the popular universities abroad that offer STEM courses:
| Universities | Course Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Concordia University Chicago | Rs. 23 Lakh per year |
| Louisiana State University | Rs. 20-21 Lakh per year |
| Western Michigan University | Rs. 10-16 Lakh per year |
| California State University - Fresno Campus | Rs. 10-13 Lakh per year |
| Auburn University | Rs. 19-23 Lakh per year |
| University of South Florida | Rs. 11-13 Lakh per year |
| Saint Louis University | Rs. 12-31 Lakh per year |
| University of New Hampshire | Rs. 16-21 Lakh per year |
| University of South Carolina | Rs. 20-23 Lakh per year |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Rs. 19-21 Lakh per year |
| University of Central Florida | Rs. 14-21 Lakh per year |
| Pace University | Rs. 13-31 Lakh per year |
| George Mason University | Rs. 13-31 Lakh per year |
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