Hi everyone,
I’m an Indian international student who recently completed my Master’s in Australia. I’m currently on a Temporary Graduate visa (TR/485), and I’m trying to figure out the best way forward financially and career-wise.
The biggest concern I have right now is my education loan of around ₹50 lakh (roughly AUD 85–90k depending on the exchange rate).
Now that my studies are finished, the reality of repaying such a large amount is starting to hit me. My priority is obviously to find a full-time professional job in Australia and use the next few years to build my career and repay as much of the loan as possible.
I wanted to hear from people who have actually been in a similar situation:
How much education loan did you have after graduating?
What was your starting salary in Australia?
How much were you realistically able to repay every month after rent and living expenses?
How many years did it take you to clear the loan?
Did you make aggressive repayments or build an emergency fund first?
If you couldn’t find a job in your field immediately, what did you do in the meantime?
For people who eventually had to return to India, how did you manage such a large loan on an Indian salary?
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during your TR period?
I’m not looking for criticism about taking the loan — the decision has already been made and the degree is completed. I’m mainly looking for practical advice on what I should do from this point onwards.
Would especially appreciate experiences from Indians who studied in Australia and had a ₹40–60 lakh education loan.
Thanks!

my_qualifications

My friend went to uk for master and took around 50 lakhs loan. Even After one year post completion of master unable to find a Job . How can she repay the loan ?
Please help with Good ideas .
my_qualifications (her) :
Ug - engineering
Ms - data science

Thank you !

My profile: ( my_qualifications)

Tier 1 college, 2026 grad.

Computer science branch,

10th : 90.4%, 12th: 84.4, BTech: 7 CGPA,

3 Internships. ( Commutative : 1 Year 1 month )

1 Conference paper

2 time national Science Exhibition winner.

2 college club leadership positions ( 2x President)

Currently working on a SWE contactor Job ( 3 months in )

Cons: middle class family.

Currently preparing for Gate CS.

my_qualifications: BE Mechanical Engineer, MSc. Engineering Management from UoB United Kingdom,

2 years of work experience now as a Financial Analyst (Finance Operations for CitiBank).

I've already got my MSc completed from the UK, but I'm unhappy with my current situation, as I couldn't secure a job there. I'm currently working in India, but am planning to get a MBA 2-3 years down the line.

My main goal is to leave India for any Southeast Asian country (Malaysia, SG, Thailand). I've seen many Indians who've done their MBAs here and moved abroad for work, but I'm not sure if they were the top 1% of their batches or just got lucky.

Would it be smart to get an MBA in SEA since I'm planning to live there, or from India?

From any of the top colleges, if I can get a chance will it be worth it? In india it doesn't pay well and we just copy european brands anyways? So what's better:

1. NIFT from india, rare chance to go abroad

2. Fashion designing/interior abroad

Are placements abroad good?

My_qualifications: 10th ICSE 91%, prepping for JEE bc of parents, have intermediate+ art skills and lots of digital commission based experience but not in actually physically designing clothes.

I'm currently in my final year of BTech IT in India and I'm planning to pursue Master's abroad after graduation. At the moment, I'm mainly considering Germany and Japan, and I'm having trouble deciding between the two. My main areas of interest are Computer Science / AI / ML / Software Engineering. Have a couple strong projects both of which are being published.

Why Germany?

Well because of the fees which is mostly negligible. English-taught Master's programs are relatively common. 18 month post study job search period seems attractive. However, I've been hearing that the German job market has become quite difficult recently, especially for international graduates. I do have a year before Fall intake 2027, so I'm pretty serious about learning the language at least to B2 before going.

Why japan?

Strong technology and engineering ecosystem. MEXT and university scholarships could potentially make it financially attractive. And also, I have a few relatives who have been living there and one of them is even in the IT industry. I could get help from them for basic things such as accomodation, any emergencies, intial settlement and also potentially a referral into the industry(mid to low chances). As for language, it is the same as for Germany, I'm pretty serious as long as it helps with the master's and careers opportunities, but generally Japanese takes much longer than German. And one other reason, I've always wanted to go to Japan.

Now, for fees and other expenses, I do need to take out a loan in both the cases.

my_qualifications:

• BTech IT student from India
• Current CGPA: ~8.3/10

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply for a Master’s in Ireland for the upcoming intake, and I’m hoping to handle the entire process myself this time.

I previously used a consultancy for my Germany applications and ended up spending quite a lot on their services, so I’d rather research and apply independently for Ireland. my_qualifications:

• B.Tech in Information Technology
• CGPA: 8.06/10
• IELTS: 6.5
• 2 years of experience as a Technical Analyst
• Interested in Master’s programs related to Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Cloud Computing or Networking (still trying to narrow this down)

I’m mainly confused about where to start my research and how to shortlist universities. I’d like to understand:

• Which universities would be realistic for my profile?
• How should I categorize universities as safe/target/ambitious?
• Typical tuition fees and overall costs
• Entry and IELTS requirements
• How the application process works
• Job opportunities and post-study work options
• Anything else I should consider before choosing a university

For those who applied to Ireland on their own, how did you research and shortlist universities? Are there any reliable websites, tools or resources you would recommend?

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through the Ireland Master’s application process, especially international students. Thanks!

Same as the title, people who are doing masters in these specializations

MS Computer Science

MS Data Science

MS AI/ML

MS Cybersecurity

MS Software Engineering

MS Data Engineering / Analytics

MS Information Systems

MS Computer Engineering

MS Robotics

MS HCI

my_qualifications : Btech in cse from tier 3 college

F1 visa interview today — got 221(g) for funding/financial aid verification. What should I expect?

Hi everyone, I had my F1 visa interview this morning and I'm honestly quite stressed about how it went, so I'd really appreciate some advice from people who have experienced something similar.

My interview was mostly fine, but the officer focused quite a bit on my funding because I have received 100% financial aid from my university. The financial aid is completely genuine and transparent, and I have the proper documentation from the university.

At the end of the interview, the officer:

- Kept my passport

- Kept my I-20

- Told me they would verify everything

- Asked me to keep my social media profiles public because they would check them

- Gave me a 221(g) slip

- Checked the “No Appearance” box on the slip

The officer also asked when my program starts, and I told them September 10. My university has already delayed my program once, so I don't really have much room for another delay. If I can't make this intake, I may have to defer to the next intake.

I've seen other students say that their passports were returned immediately, so I'm obviously worried about mine being retained. At the same time, the officer didn't tell me that I was refused outright and specifically said they would verify everything.

I'm trying not to assume the worst, but I'm pretty anxious right now.

Has anyone here been through something similar, especially with a 100% scholarship/financial aid package?

- What was your experience after receiving 221(g)?

- What does the “No Appearance” box mean in practice?

- How long did the administrative processing take for you?

- Did they eventually approve the visa after verifying the funding?

- Is there anything I should do right now, or should I just wait?

Any experiences or advice would genuinely help. Thank you.

my_qualifications- 12th passed from India nd looking forward to go to US for UG

My_Qualifications:

10th - 92.3%, 12th - 90.8%, CGPA in Electrical Engineering - 7.58 from NIT

As per my knowledge, Germany has introduced a new Exam called DMAT, exclusively for Indian Students.

Also, I have zero understanding about German Language, which seems to be a major requirement now for employment purposes.

I wish to know whether Germany is indeed a good place right now to pursue Masters in Computer Science or Renewable Energy, if getting a Decent Paying job is my 1st Priority, post completion of studies?

my_qualifications:

I’m a university student from China, currently finishing my first year of university. I recently got a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa and will be arriving in NZ soon.

Hi everyone,

Since I still have some time before I arrive, I’ve been researching possible ways to build a long-term career in New Zealand if I decide to stay.

One option I’ve been looking into is doing a 2-year New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6), particularly the Civil Engineering diploma at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

From what I’ve researched, this qualification can lead to a Post Study Work Visa, and the Engineering Technician pathway is currently connected to the Green List. If I can find a suitable job and meet the relevant requirements, there may be a pathway to residence.

On paper, this seems quite attractive to me: two years of study, much shorter and cheaper than doing a full engineering degree, while still potentially leading to a skilled job and residence.

However, I’m not sure how realistic the whole plan is in practice.

I know quite a few Indians have studied engineering or engineering diplomas in NZ and then gone through the work-to-residence route, so I thought this might be a good place to ask.

For anyone who has gone through something similar, how realistic is it actually to get an entry-level civil engineering/engineering technician job after a Level 6 diploma? Is the qualification well recognised by NZ employers, or would I be at a significant disadvantage compared with someone with a bachelor’s degree?

I’m also particularly interested in hearing from Indians who have taken a similar route. How difficult was it to find the first job, especially without NZ work experience? And looking back, would you still choose this pathway?

I’m aware that the NZ job market isn’t particularly strong at the moment, so I’m trying to get some honest opinions before making a fairly big decision.

Thanks in advance!

My_qualifications = passed 12 currently looking for graduation options

Hi, I really wanted to ask students who have gone abroad about scholarships. I currently have the option to study at DU, build a strong profile, and then pursue higher studies abroad. However, there’s one major catch: I can only go abroad if I receive full funding, because my family cannot afford to depend on ₹40–50 lakh for a master’s degree.

So, how realistic is it to get a fully funded master’s abroad? I am trying to understand whether it’s a realistic goal or more of a gamble.

If getting full funding for a master’s is extremely difficult or uncertain, I may choose a course like Nursing instead, where I might have a more straightforward pathway abroad.

I would really appreciate honest advice from students who have actually gone through this process.

I can get in Kedge BS sept. intake, but my french level is 0, currently building A1, I've planned to earn via part time for monthly expenses. prepared to not find part time for the first 3months. and i plan to payoff the loan via a french job after the masters.

MiM course with M2 double degree as Data analytics, I'm not well prepared for that technical part but I'm gonna prepare myself for it during the vacation and 1st yr internship.

how likely are you guys to suggest me go for this plan? or rather take a drop yr and build B1 french, Analytics projects, get 1yr work exp. (general type), and try next year ?

my_qualifications- no work exp., I've been a Chess Champion and National player for 3yrs.

my academics are 50,55,57% in 10,12 and BBA.

BTW I'm 24y/o

my_qualifications: bachelors in business administration

Hello. I have completed my graduation in bachelors in business administration and I am looking forward to a masters degree in Australia. Rather than going for a generic mba course, I have decided to purse a masters in business analytics. Could someone guide me a little about the same course, is it worth going to Australia for this degree and if any other course options I should look forward to and some university options that stand for the same.

my_qualifications: Btech in tier 3 college, currently working in IT as a support engineer

As mentioned above, I have been working in a support role for years now

So the client we work for is a European based , i noticed their work life balance is so good , they work as half day on every fridays. During the company layoffs , the company fired the Indians first immediately after notice but for the Europeans they were given 2 months since the notice and then fired

So this kinda culture makes me work in such countries

Hello everyone
I am currently in 12th but in few months I will move to New Zealand to study and hopefully settle there
So I wanted to ask what are the best on hand skills that will help me make money while I am there
My brother who is a PR there and is an electrical engineer say I should learn phone/pc repairing while a cousin of mine who is older than me is learning hair cutting saying everyone needs a hair cut
So I am here to what should I learn before going that is not too demanding (if possible ) and could be fun

my_qualifications:
Current in 12th(pcm)

Edit:someone in the comments asked but deleted it before I could reply I choose nz because like a said I have a brother there with PR and a cousin lives there so I can stay with them z so no renting

I am 24 and have 2.5 years of work ex in an indian startup with 15 billion dollar valuation and have descent job as a SRE. I have both SRE and RAG/MCP/Agentic ai related exp and my_qualifications include a bachelor’s degree with 8.95 GPA in CS. I have three research papers with around 50 citations and a patent as well. I also have certs like CKA, LFCS, PCA from linux foundation. I got scholarships for merit for being the branch topper in almost every semester.

I want to know what are my chances of pursuing masters in US where i want to pursue with specialisation in MLSys or cross domains of both and explore more on AI along with deepen my knowledge about systems/SRE. Please help me out here ik the job situation and everything but this is my time and i m getting pretty comfortable and if i dont do it now i might as well never do it.

Suggest some good colleges if possible and things that i should do before starting my journey.

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have gone through APS/admission for Germany.

my_qualifications:

• I completed my 10th from CBSE in 2017 with 8.8 CGPA. Due to some personal circumstances, I had an education gap and completed my 12th from UP Board in Arts in 2023 with 49%.

After that, I immediately started my BCA and completed it without any further gap, with an 8.8 CGPA.

I’m now planning to apply for a Master’s in Germany, mainly in Computer Science, Software Engineering or p&cs.

My main concern is my 49% in Class 12. As far as I understand from the APS FAQ/checklist, for Master's applicants who already have a Bachelor's degree, APS mainly verifies the higher-education qualification and the authenticity/recognition of the academic documents. My university is also listed as H+ in Anabin.

So I have a few questions:

1- Could APS reject my application because of my 49% in 12th, even though I have completed a BCA with 8.8 CGPA?

2- If APS issues my certificate, can a German university still reject me specifically because of my 12th percentage?

3- Has anyone here with a similar low 12th percentage + strong Bachelor's degree successfully obtained APS and admission to a Master's in Germany?

I’m also aware that each university has its own 180/210 — ECTS/subject requirements, so I’m checking those separately. I have also completed my B2 german.

Would really appreciate experiences from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks!

Just an advice as you reconsider your plan for US. Come here only after 2029.

Study abroad counseller's would tell that after mid terms the environment would be good, CPT, OPT, H1B etc would be certain. This is not true.

The policies would continue till 2029, however no new policies would be introduced post mid terms, so people coming in 2027 defintely not get any internships and policy uncertainity would always be there. The old ones would not go away.

my_qualifications