What is a STEM Degree: Courses List, Top Colleges & STEM Education

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So, what is a STEM course?

“A STEM course is a college degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM degrees allow students to learn about various scientific and technological concepts that can be applied in real-world scenarios. 

According to the Indian Express, around 1.3 million Indian students were pursuing STEM courses Abroad in 2023, with Andhra Pradesh /Telangana, Punjab, and Maharashtra being the top Indian states for outgoing students. 

Employers highly seek these degrees due to the growing demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to the constantly changing technological landscape. Pursuing a STEM degree can provide individuals with a strong foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills that can be applied to various fields.

Here is a quick overview of the blog’s key highlights and unlock valuable information about STEM education.

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What are the STEM Courses?

STEM courses refer to educational programs that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These courses aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of these fields, enabling them to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and develop analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills. 

The top 5 STEM Courses to Study Abroad are:

• Engineering Management
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Information Technology
• Aerospace Engineering

In recent years, STEM courses have become popular as they prepare students for various high-paying and in-demand careers. 

What is the Stem Course Curriculum?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses typically offer a curriculum designed to provide students with a strong foundation in these fields, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. 

The curriculum can vary depending on the specific discipline (e.g., biology, engineering, computer science), but generally, it includes core courses, electives, labs, and project work.

Below is a general overview of the curriculum structure for STEM programs:

Core Courses

• Science: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics.
• Technology: Programming, Data Structures, Databases, and Software Development.
• Engineering: Statics, Thermodynamics, Circuit Analysis, and Fluid Mechanics.
• Mathematics: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics.

Electives

• Specialisations in fields like AI, Robotics, Biotechnology, and Environmental Engineering.

Laboratory Work

• Hands-on experience through Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science lab courses.

Projects and Research

• Capstone Projects: Integration of knowledge to solve real-world problems.
• Research Projects: Independent or team-based research leading to a thesis.

Internships and Industry Placements

• Practical experience through internships or industry projects.

Seminars and Workshops

• Exposure to cutting-edge research and industry practices through seminars and workshops.

Let’s look at some of the most popular STEM courses in each field.

These are just a few examples of the many STEM courses available to Indian students Abroad. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a research, development, or management career, various STEM courses are right for you.

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Top Colleges To Study STEM Courses Abroad

Studying STEM courses abroad can be a great way to gain knowledge and experience in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It can allow you to learn from experts, collaborate with experts worldwide, and access the latest research and technology.

If you’re planning to pursue a STEM degree abroad, you might be thinking about which colleges are the best for your education and career goals. To help you with your research, we have compiled a list of the top colleges where you can study STEM courses abroad. 

Here is a STEM Degree list of the top 10 colleges to study abroad. 

These colleges are known for their excellent faculty, research facilities, and curriculum in STEM fields. They offer various courses and degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for a STEM Degree?

Students must meet specific eligibility requirements to study STEM courses, which may vary from college to college.

Let’s look at these requirements to understand them in more detail. 

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Academic Background

To pursue STEM courses, students should have a strong academic background in science and mathematics. This means they should have completed high school with good marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Computer Science. 

Students with a background in these subjects are better equipped to handle the rigorous coursework of STEM courses.

English Language Proficiency

Most STEM courses are taught in English, and Indian students must display English language proficiency by taking standardised tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum score requirement for IELTS and TOEFL is 6.0 and 80, respectively. So, students should check the specific requirements of the college they are applying to. 

What are The STEM Degree Minimum Academic Requirements?

Subject-wise eligibility requirements to pursue a bachelors course in STEM are as follows:

• Science: Complete your 10+2 education in PCB or PCM
• Technology: Complete 10+2 education in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
• Engineering: Complete 10+2 education in PCM
• Mathematics: Complete 10+2 education in PCM

Most of the Abroad Universities accept more than or a minimum 60% score of 12th grade.

To start a STEM education for master’s, you’ll need certain minimal academic qualifications:

• Science: Complete your 10+2 education and then pursue a 3-year science bachelor’s course for postgraduate STEM programs.
• Technology: After finishing your 10+2, opt for a 4-year bachelor’s course in a technology-related field.
• Engineering: Following your 10+2, enrol in a 4-year bachelor’s program in diverse engineering specialisations.
• Mathematics: Achieve your 10+2 qualification and then undertake a 3-year bachelor’s course focused on mathematics.

The minimum bachelor’s score required to pursue a master’s degree in STEM courses abroad would be 60%. If your CGPA score is more than 60%, then you may be eligible to pursue STEM education abroad.                                               

Aptitude Test Score

Some colleges require students to take aptitude tests such as the SAT or ACT for UG programs and the GRE or GMAT for PG courses. These tests measure students’ knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and reading. 

Visas and Permits

Indian students who wish to study STEM courses abroad must obtain the necessary visas and permits. This may include a student visa, which allows students to study in the country for a specific period, and work permits, which allow students to work part-time while studying. 

Work Experience

Some STEM courses require students to have relevant work experience in the field they wish to study. For example, a student who wishes to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering may be required to have some experience working with machines or mechanical systems. Students should check the specific work experience requirements of the college and the course they wish to apply.

Meeting the eligibility requirements to study STEM courses abroad requires careful planning, preparation, and research. Students should check the specific requirements of the college and the course they wish to apply to and ensure that they have met all the necessary criteria before submitting their application. 

Scholarships For Indian Students Pursuing STEM Education Abroad:

Indian students planning to pursue a STEM degree abroad may be wondering about the financial support available to them. Fortunately, various scholarships are available for Indian students to help them fund their education and achieve their academic goals. 

Here are some of the scholarships that you can apply for:

• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships: This scholarship is available to Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in STEM fields in the USA. 
• Inlaks Scholarships: The Inlaks Scholarships are available to Indian students who want to pursue a master’s degree in STEM fields in the USA, UK, or Europe. 
• Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarships are available to Indian students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in STEM fields in the UK. 
• DAAD Scholarships: The DAAD Scholarships are available to Indian students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in STEM fields in Germany. 
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: These scholarships are available to Indian students who want to pursue a master’s degree in STEM fields in Europe. 

Demanding Jobs After Completing STEM Education Abroad

Pursuing a STEM degree abroad can lead to numerous high-paying job opportunities for Indian students. According to a report by the UK government, the demand for STEM skills in the country will continue to grow, with an estimated 2.3 million new job openings in the next decade. 

This makes the UK an attractive destination for Indian students looking to build careers in STEM fields. 

Here are the demanding jobs for Indian students after completing STEM education abroad:

Who are the Top Recruiters Abroad After Pursuing STEM Courses?

After pursuing a STEM degree abroad, Indian students can access various job opportunities across various industries. The demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is increasing globally, and many top companies are always looking for talented graduates. 

Here is a list of the top 10 recruiters abroad for Indian students after pursuing STEM courses:

Future Prospects after Pursuing STEM Degree Courses Abroad

Pursuing a STEM degree abroad can open up many opportunities for Indian students. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, various career prospects and growth opportunities are available.

Here are some future prospects for Indian students after pursuing STEM degree courses abroad:

• Global Job Opportunities:

Pursuing a STEM degree abroad widens your job possibilities internationally. For instance, the demand for IT professionals is soaring globally, with an estimated 531,200 new jobs projected in the UK alone by 2030.

• Higher Earning Potential:

STEM graduates often enjoy higher salaries. On average, a graduate in engineering or technology in the UK earns around INR 28L to INR 31L per annum at the start of their career, with ample opportunities for salary growth.

• Global Tech Hubs:

Studying STEM abroad places you amid global tech hubs. For instance, Silicon Valley in the USA is famous for technological innovation, offering outstanding networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge developments.

To Conclude

Pursuing a STEM education abroad can be an excellent opportunity for Indian students to gain valuable knowledge and experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields, obtaining a STEM degree can provide numerous high-paying job opportunities.

The top colleges where you can study STEM courses abroad offer world-class faculty, research facilities, and curricula in STEM fields. Additionally, studying abroad can help students gain a global perspective, improve their language skills, and enhance their cultural awareness, which can benefit their future careers. 

Therefore, if you are an Indian student interested in pursuing a STEM education, studying abroad can be a great way to achieve your academic and career goals.

Leap Scholar is proud to have a highly qualified team of counsellors with 50+ years of combined experience in helping students study abroad. Talk to us and find out which country is ideal for you!

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