Should I do M.sc Physics/ Photonics in India or abroad? Or should i go abroad for Phd in the same?

Hello RkS,

I suggest you do your post-graduation i.e. both your Master's and Ph.D from a university or universities (different universities for Master's and Ph.D) abroad. Since physics or photonics are heavy research based courses you will have a better exposure abroad. India is not that advanced today when it comes to research in STEM subjects, thus for a better experience and a better education you should go abroad.

Why go abroad?

• Unlike India where you need to give examinations for each and every university you need to apply in individually, for studying abroad you will just have to give standardised international examinations like GRE and TOEFL iBT/IELTS which will be accepted globally.
• You will have many scholarship opportunities abroad as foreign universities give en number of scholarships to post-graduate students.
• You will have fine support and a developed field for your research. Along with it you will have more ready sponsors for research abroad. In order to gain experience you can even work as a research intern under your professor, which is a little difficult to do in India.
• Universities abroad are extremely diverse and thus you will get to meet people from all across the world and very early on in your professional life you would have had made many resourceful contacts which is extremely necessary to rise and grow professionally.
• There are many career benefits you have abroad, whether it be in the field of research or the corporate world. A degree abroad adds a feather to your cap and thus you are at an advantageous position to apply for research programmes or jobs than students who have completed their studies from India. An international degree also means that you get a better pay package.
• The standard and quality of education abroad is way better than that in India. The course is very diverse and it also supports interdisciplinarities. Many universities abroad allow students to take up electives and subjects which interest them from other disciplines, this gives you a chance to experiment.
• You will have many opportunities to practically apply what you study in classrooms. You can work while studying, you can do multiple internships, you can get started with your research, and do a lot many things.
• The courses abroad is not designed to just give you knowledge about the specific subject at hand, but it readies you for the future and roles you will partake in your career. Along with it these courses give you a practical skill set, readying you for any obstacle you might face.
• You have a chance to explore the world and travel. Along with studies, you at times need to relax, you need sometime for yourself and living abroad you can have the pleasure of going to these weekend backpacking destinations, or just a small tour with friends, you even get to explore an all new city with an all new culture which is pretty exciting.

All the best!

I hope this answers your question!

Do revert back in case of any doubts.