A new international survey of graduate school applicants released today by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, compiler of the annual QS World University Rankings®, saw a decrease in the number of Indian Masters and PhD students selecting US as their preferred study destination.

The QS TopGradschool.com Masters and PhD’s Applicant Survey 2011 surveyed over 4000 attendees of the QS World Grad School Tour from 2010-2011. The survey showed a 10.2% decrease in interest in the US, traditionally the most popular study destination for Indian students, from 2009-2011. The UK saw a less than one percent increase in interest, and Canada also saw a 1.36% decrease in interest.

With US universities charging some of the highest tuition fees in the world*, India’s brightest Masters and PhD candidates are considering more cost-effective destinations and favourable visa environments to allow them to find employment upon graduation.

Praveena Alangar Subrahmanya, a graduate school applicant who attended the QS World Grad School Tour in India last year says, “I’m considering applying to Germany. Germany’s low study costs are a number one priority for me. Their universities are strong in research for engineering, especially in mechanical and aeronautical engineering.”

Another graduate school candidate Vijayanth S J, says, “The government of Netherlands allows those with a degree obtained in the country to stay on Dutch soil and work for two years upon graduation.  For this reason, I considered the country to be a favourable study destination.”

Danny Byrne, co-author of the report says, “It’s apparent that Indian Masters and PhD candidates are looking for universities that offer a high quality education at an affordable price. Job prospects upon graduation are also increasingly important to candidates so a favourable visa environment is likely to attract more of the world’s best graduate students to a country.”

So, if you are interested in postgraduate studies at a reputed international university, do visit the QS World Grad School Tour in India this Fall. The Tour brings admissions officers and alumni of the world’s top universities to India between Saturday the 25th of November and Monday the 6th of December 2011 and also allows candidates to apply for $1.2 million of exclusive scholarships.

For more news and updates, assistance with your visa needs or for a Free Assessment of your profile for Immigration or Work Visa’s just visit www.y-axis.com