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

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Do you also wonder what is a STEM degree? Fret not, as we’re here to unravel the acronym for you and shed light on why it’s emerging as one of the most widely discussed subject areas in higher education.

So, what is a STEM degree?

“A STEM degree 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.

What is a STEM degree?Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Top Countries–USA
–UK
–Canada
–Australia
-Germany
Top CoursesCivil Engineering
Computer Science
Data Analytics
Environmental Science
Duration4 years
Mandatory ExamsIELTS
TOEFL
SAT
GRE
GMAT
ScholarshipsAvailable
Job Prospects-Environmental Consultant
-Chemical Engineer
-Data Analyst
-Civil Engineer
Avg Salary AbroadINR 46L – INR 1.4Cr
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What are the STEM Courses?

STEM degree courses refer to educational programs that focus on the subjects of 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:

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

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

FieldCourses
Science– Biology
– Chemistry
– Physics
– Environmental Science
– Astronomy
Technology– Computer Science
– Information Technology
– Web Development
– Cybersecurity
– Data Science
Engineering– Civil Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Aerospace Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
Mathematics– Calculus
– Linear Algebra
– Probability and Statistics
– Differential Equations
– Number Theory

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

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. 

CollegesLocationAvg Tuition Fees
Stanford UniversityUSAINR 42L
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUSAINR 66.6L
Harvard UniversityUSAINR 47.7L
The University Of CambridgeUKINR 30L- INR 40L
University Of OxfordUKINR 9L- INR 61L
McGill UniversityCanadaINR 20L- INR 30L
University Of WaterlooCanadaINR 25L – INR 40L
University Of SydneyAustraliaINR 27L- INR 30L
University Of MelbourneAustraliaINR 14L- INR 34L
Technical University Of MunichGermanyINR 2L – INR 5.5L
Note: Fees mentioned in the table are approximate figures. It may vary by course and currency exchange rate. 

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 is A STEM Degree: Eligibility Requirements 

To study STEM courses, there are specific eligibility requirements that students need to meet. These requirements may vary from college to college.

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

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 is 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, there are various scholarships 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 who want to pursue 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 who want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in STEM fields in the UK. 
  • DAAD Scholarships: The DAAD Scholarships are available to Indian students who want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in STEM fields in Germany. 
  • Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are available to Indian students who want to pursue a master’s degree in STEM fields in Europe. 

Benefits:

Here are the benefits of these scholarships for STEM courses Abroad:

  • Covers Tuition Fees
  • Living Costs
  • Travel Expenses
  • Health insurance
  • Airfare
  • Monthly Stipend

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:

JobsAvg Annual Salary In The USAAvg Annual Salary In Canada
Environmental ConsultantINR 51LINR 46L
Data AnalystINR 68.5LINR 45L
Chemical EngineerINR 78LINR 52L
Civil EngineerINR 85LINR 52L
Mechanical EngineerINR 86LINR 53L
Software DeveloperINR 94LINR 56.5L
MathematicianINR 98LINR 1Cr
Electrical EngineerINR 99LINR 54L
Biomedical ScientistINR 1CrINR 60L
PhysicistINR 1.4CrINR 63L
Sourced By: Glassdoor & Indeed
Note: The above-mentioned salaries are approximate and may vary depending on the company, location, and currency exchange rate.

Top Recruiters in 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:

Top RecruitersIndustry
GoogleTechnology
MicrosoftTechnology
NASAScience
IBMTechnology
TeslaTechnology
AmazonTechnology
DelloiteProfessional Services
BoeingAerospace
ExxonMobilEnergy/Oil & Gas
Johnson & JohnsonHealthcare

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.

Research and Development Roles:

STEM opens doors to research and development (R&D) positions. Countries like Germany invest significantly in R&D, with the annual expenditure reaching around €104 billion. Pursuing a STEM career abroad provides access to such innovative environments.

Entrepreneurial Experiences:

Many STEM graduates embark on entrepreneurship. In the USA, over 40% of Fortune 500 CEOs hold engineering degrees, showcasing the potential for STEM graduates to lead successful businesses.

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.

Final Thoughts

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. What is a STEM Degree?

    A. A STEM degree is an academic qualification in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is designed for students to provide a comprehensive understanding of these subjects and equip them with critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills that can be applied to various industries. Employers highly seek STEM degrees due to the growing demand for skilled professionals.

  • Q. What is the full form of STEM Education?

    A. STEM Education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. This type of college degree focuses on these subjects and aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of them. STEM Education is becoming increasingly popular due to the growing demand for skilled professionals. 

  • Q. Which countries are best for Indian students to pursue STEM courses?

    A. Several countries offer great opportunities for Indian students to pursue STEM courses. Here are some of the best countries:
    – United States
    – United Kingdom
    – Canada
    – Australia
    – Germany
    These countries are known for their excellent universities, research facilities, and industry partnerships in STEM fields. 

  • Q. Which colleges are best for Indian students to pursue STEM courses?

    A. There are many colleges abroad that offer excellent STEM courses for Indian students. Some of the top colleges to study STEM courses abroad are:
    -Stanford University
    -MIT
    -University of Cambridge
    -University of Oxford
    -McGill University
    -University of Waterloo
    -University of Sydney
    -Technical University of Munich

  • Q. What are STEM courses available for Indian students abroad?

    A. STEM courses refer to educational programs focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There are several STEM courses available to Indian students Abroad, and some of the most popular ones are:
    – Biology
    – Chemistry
    – Physics
    – Environmental Science
    – Astronomy
    – Computer Science

  • Q. Is an MBA a STEM Education Degree?

    A. MBA, which stands for Master of Business Administration, is not a STEM education degree. It is a graduate degree that focuses on business management and administration. While MBA programs may include technology and data analysis courses, they do not come under STEM education.

  • Q. What are the benefits of pursuing STEM education Abroad for Indian students?

    A. Here are some benefits of pursuing a STEM education Abroad for Indian students in bullet points:
    – Access to world-class educational institutions with modern facilities and highly experienced faculty.
    – Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives that can broaden students’ horizons and help them develop a global mindset.
    – Enhance employability and career prospects, not only in India but also globally.
    – Opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects and gain hands-on experience in the field.

  • Q. Can Indian students pursue STEM education Abroad?

    A. Yes, Indian students can pursue STEM education abroad. Many Indian students opt for STEM courses abroad as it enables them to learn from experts, collaborate with experts globally, and access the latest research and technology. 

  • Q. What are the STEM courses in India compared to those abroad?

    A. STEM courses in India and abroad are similar in subject areas, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. However, studying abroad can offer more opportunities to learn from experts, access the latest technology and research, and collaborate with students from around the world. 

  • Q. Are there scholarships available for STEM education Abroad?

    A. Yes, various scholarships are available for Indian students who wish to pursue STEM education abroad. These scholarships are designed to support students with financial aid, tuition fee waivers, and other benefits that can help them achieve their academic and career goals.
    Some popular STEM scholarships include the following:
    Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
    Tata Scholarship at Cornell University
    Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. 

  • Q. Is it beneficial for Indian students to pursue STEM education Abroad?

    A. Yes, pursuing a STEM education abroad can be highly beneficial for Indian students. It can give them access to top-notch faculty, research facilities, and global exposure. Additionally, it can prepare them for various high-paying and in-demand careers.

  • Q. What are the demanding jobs after pursuing STEM education Abroad?

    A. After pursuing STEM education abroad, some of the demanding jobs for Indian students are:
    – Software Developer
    – Data Analyst
    – Electrical Engineer
    – Aerospace Engineer
    – Medical Scientist
    – Biotechnologist
    These jobs are in high demand and offer competitive salaries. Pursuing a STEM degree can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in these fields.

  • Q. What is STEM Course meaning?

    A. STEM courses are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It refers to academic disciplines that focus on these four areas. STEM courses are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in these subjects, which are essential for many careers in today’s digital age. STEM courses are in high demand as they offer students long-term career prospects, including high-paying jobs in various industries.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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