If you’ve thought of studying abroad, then you must have heard the term ‘STEM.’ For those not-in-the-know, it is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It includes all academic degrees and courses that fall within these subjects.
Right now, more than half the international students, 51.6% to be precise, who go to the US pursue higher education in a STEM degree. The number of Indian students opting for courses in STEM in the United States touches almost 1.54 Lakhs.
STEM Master’s courses have grown in popularity because they result in high-paying careers. For example, an Information Security Analyst can earn a median salary of USD98,350. The position of Computer Network Architect comes with a pay of as high as USD109,020. Both these job profiles need a degree in computer science, engineering or information systems.
Excellent remuneration is only part of the benefit. In some countries, like the US, you can stay for up to 2 years (not the usual 1 year) to find a job after an MS. This period is known as Optional Practical Training.
What are the 6 Popular STEM Master’s Courses?
The top STEM fields in the US are:
Among Indian students, the most popular Masters courses for STEM degrees are:
1. Mechanical Engineering:
The field deals with objects in motion. A typical Masters in ME includes concepts like Fluid Dynamics, Machine Design, and Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer.
Popular US University to Target:
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- Georgia Institute of Technology
Top Universities Outside US:
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Job Profile to Expect:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Design Engineer
2. Computer Science
A typical Masters in Computers teaches software development with a distinct focus on Applied communications, networking, database design, programming, and algorithms.
Popular University to Target:
- North Carolina State University
- Boston University
Top Universities Outside US:
- University of Cambridge, UK
- University of Oxford, UK
Job Profile to Expect:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
3. Electrical Engineering
Generally, Master’s in EE focuses on concepts like electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. A student opting for the degree should expect to learn about control systems, electrical machines, circuit theory, etc.
Popular University to Target:
- University of Southern California
- University of Michigan
Top Universities Outside US:
- ETH Zurich -Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland
- University of Cambridge, UK
Job Profile to Expect:
- Component Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
4. Civil Engineering
The scope of a Master’s in CE is broad. A student opting for this STEM Masters course should expect to learn the construction of steel and concrete structure, Geotechnics, and Transportation.
Popular University to Target:
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Top Universities Outside US:
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Job Profile to Expect:
- Structural Engineer
- Project Engineer
5. Biomedical Engineering
A Master’s in Biomedical Engineering teaches how to apply engineering concepts to medicine and biology. A student should expect to learn the production of medical devices, automating treatment processes, and developing biomaterial.
Popular University to Target:
- Cornell University
- University of Michigan
Top Universities Outside US:
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
- Fudan University, China
Job Profile to Expect:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Quality Engineer
Apply for Loan for STEM Courses Through GyanDhan
GyanDhan has partnered with the best loan providers out there in the market for STEM Masters courses, including PSBs like SBI, BoB; private banks like Axis; and NBFCs like Avanse, Incred, and so on. Once you get in touch with GyanDhan and state your loan requirements, their team of education loan counsellors will suggest you the most suitable and cost-effective loan options. With GyanDhan, you can get the best deals with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment periods.
What are the Advantages of Taking Education Loan for STEM Master’s Courses Through GyanDhan?
The process of looking for an education loan for a Masters course in STEM that fits your criteria is pitted with problems. GyanDhan smoothens the process by reducing the hassle students face in the following ways:
- They help you check if you qualify for an education loan. Then based on your profile, they give you a list of student loans for Master’s suited to you.
- Absence of single paperwork or inaccurately filed record is one of the biggest reasons for an education loan rejection. GyanDhan helps by offering a customised list of documents for your preferred bank or financial institute. Students who opt for GyanDhan for STEM course education loan increase chances of approval by 50%!
- Another hurdle which you will face is during the submission of the application along with the required documents. GyanDhan has a doorstep facility, wherein they take the papers from your home and deliver them to the bank. If you choose an education loan for a STEM course from an NBFC, you can upload all the paperwork directly from GyanDhan’s site.
- The education loan approval time with GyanDhan is much shorter. For instance, an NBFC loan takes only 3 to 4 days. An unsecured loan from a private bank takes just 7 days instead of the usual 2 to 3 weeks!
- Often education loan lenders are unaware of country-specific rules, for example, Australia asks for a pre-visa disbursement. Such instances can delay a student loan process. GyanDhan’s loan counsellors regularly follow up with the Branch Managers to prevent such roadblocks. When that fails, they smooth over any such glitches by reaching out to the upper management of the lender.
- Quicker approval and faster sanction are not the biggest benefits you get by getting a STEM master’s course education loan through GyanDhan. They help you get a customised loan by requesting the bank or NBFC to extend the repayment period!
What’s the Best Education Loan for STEM Master’s Courses as Per GyanDhan?
For a STEM Master’s degree, GyanDhan recommends the best loan options in the following order:
- Secured study loan from a public sector bank like SBI.
- Unsecured student loan from private sector bank like Axis.
- An education loan from an NBFC like Avanse.
STEM Master’s Courses Education Loan: To Sum Up
With technology encompassing every nook of our lives, the demand for people skilled in it is only going to rise. Therefore, this is the time to strike the iron. A Master’s degree in any STEM course is likely to get you a stable job with a decent compensation.
The only obstacle to pursuing a higher degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics abroad is the expense. Well, as we said, that can be easily solved with an education loan through GyanDhan!
