Ultimate Guide to Study in Asia: Steps, Scholarships & Top Universities

Over the past few years, Asia has become a leading destination for global education, with thousands of foreign students from around the world, particularly from India, flocking to the region. Its quality educational institutions, low living expenses, and extensive cultural exposure make Asia a highly desirable destination for foreign students seeking to pursue higher education overseas.

If you’re an Indian student exploring how to go abroad after graduation or wondering how to study abroad with a scholarship, this blog is your go-to resource. From application steps to top institutions, scholarships, and student life—this is your all-in-one guide to study abroad in Asia.

Why Choose Asia for Higher Education?

Selecting Asia as the destination for further studies has benefits that go beyond affordability. Some of the reasons why you should study in Asia include:

• Academic Excellence: The continent is home to many universities featured regularly in the world's top 100, including the National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University.
  
  

• Affordable Education: Fees and living costs of education in Asian countries are largely lower than those in Western countries.
  
  

• Technological Progress: Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are pioneers in innovation, science, and technology.
  
  

• Cultural Diversity: Asia provides a rich cultural diversity where students can develop personally and professionally.
  
  

• Friendly Environment: Most Asian international student universities provide support services, English programs, and internationally accredited degrees.
  
  

• Job Prospects: The prospering economies of Asia offer job prospects for international graduates in IT, finance, health, and engineering.
  
  

Irrespective of whether you would like to study engineering in Korea, medicine in the Philippines, or business in Singapore, Asia has it all!!

Steps to Study Abroad from India

If you want to study abroad from India, consider these step-by-step instructions to guide you in planning your education trip to other Asian countries:

1. Decide on Your Destination and Course
Select a country and course according to your academic objectives, financial capacity, and professional objectives.

2. Shortlist Universities
Make a list of top universities in Asia that provide your desired course and quality education as well as satisfactory student care.

3. Prepare Required Documents
Provide academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), resume, and passport.

4. Take Standardized Tests
Depending on the country, you may be required to take language skills tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other admission tests such as GRE or GMAT.

5. Apply to Universities
Complete the application process well before deadlines. There will be different intakes in all the universities, so make arrangements in advance.

6. Apply for Scholarships
Identify government-funded and university-specific scholarships to study in Asia to minimize the financial burden.

7. Obtain a Student Visa
Once you have an offer letter, apply for a student visa along with supporting documents and proof of funds.

8. Travel and Accommodation Arrangements
Book your student accommodation in advance and plan your travel to your university destination.

By following these steps to study abroad from India, you will have a hassle-free transition to your preferred Asian university.

How to Study Abroad with a Scholarship

Most students wonder, how to study abroad with a scholarship, particularly when they are short of budget. Scholarships can turn your dream of studying in Asia into reality and an attainable goal. Here's how:

• Start Early: Initiate research at least 6–12 months prior. Most scholarships have earlier deadlines than the actual university admission deadlines.

• Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Don't stick to just one. Apply for government, institutional, and private scholarships.

• Maintain Strong Academics: Most scholarships are merit based, so good academic grades are required.

• Submit a Strong Application: Prepare strong SOPs and essays, describing your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship will benefit you.

• Prepare Supporting Documents: Income certificates, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation are required.
  
  

Some of the most popular scholarships are the MEXT (Japan), KGSP (South Korea), Chinese Government Scholarship, and ADB-Japan Scholarship Program.

How to Study Abroad After Graduation

If you’ve already completed your bachelor's degree, here’s how to study abroad after graduation:

• Research Postgraduate Programs: Master’s degrees in countries like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea offer high-quality education and are often taught in English.
  
  

• Check Admission Requirements: These may include a bachelor's degree, English proficiency, entrance test scores, and relevant work or research experience.
  
  

• Build Your Profile: Add internships, research papers, or work experience to stand out.
  
  

• Seek Funding: Look for sponsorships or scholarships to fund your studies abroad.
  
  

• Apply to Several Institutions: This increases your chances of getting accepted.
  
  

Rolling admissions and multiple intakes are the norms at most Asian universities, providing students with some level of flexibility.

 

Top Asian Universities

Choosing the right university is a top priority. Some of the leading Asian universities include:

• National University of Singapore (NUS) – Ranked #8 globally, offering world-class research and academic opportunities.
  
  

• Tsinghua University (China) – Famous for engineering, science, and management courses.
  
  

• University of Tokyo (Japan) – Offers excellent STEM programs and English-medium classes.
  
  

• Seoul National University (South Korea) – First choice of IT and biotech students.
  
  

• HKUST (Hong Kong) – Suitable for business and economics.
  
  

• Indian Institute of Science (India) – Suitable institute for science and research.
  
  

• KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) – Research and innovation center.
  
  

• Peking University (China) – Famous for social sciences, humanities, and law.
  
  

These Asian international student universities provide internationally accredited degrees and are prepared for a multicultural student population.

Scholarships for Studying in Asia

Following are the best Asian scholarships to help with your financial issues:

• MEXT Scholarship (Japan): Completely funded tuition, stipend, and travel.
  
  

• KGSP (South Korea): Provided by the Korean government to undergraduate and graduate students.
  
  

• Taiwan ICDF Scholarship: Assists developing countries' students like India.
  
  

• CSC Scholarship (China): Fully-funded international student schemes.
  
  

• ASEAN and INSEAD Scholarships (Singapore): For those students studying in Asia countries.
  
  

• ADB-Japan Scholarship Program: For postgraduates who want to study in development-related areas.
  
  

• UKEAS Scholarships: Scholarship opportunities for Asian students.
  
  

Student Life and Cultural Experience

Being a student in Asia is more than learning—it's an enriching experience. Read on why student life in Asia is enriching:

• Multicultural Exposure: Study alongside students from around the globe.

• Festive Atmosphere: Celebrate Lunar New Year, Diwali, Songkran, and so much more.

• Diverse Cuisine: Have sushi in Japan, dumplings in China, and nasi lemak in Malaysia.

• Historical and modern blend: From ancient temples to technopoles, from East to Southeast to South, Asia has it all in between.

• Friendly Campuses: Clubs, language support, and mentoring by the majority of universities for international students.
  
  

Conclusion

If you are thinking of studying abroad, then Asia is your best bet. With its combination of tradition, innovation, and academic prowess, Asia is a perfect destination for Indian students to pursue their studies abroad and excel. Whether you want to know how to study abroad with a scholarship, know how to study abroad after graduation, or just desire a world-class education with cultural diversity—Asia offers it all.

The journey to success begins with research, planning, and determination to explore new horizons. Take the initiative to study abroad, aim for top Asian universities, and grab the right scholarships to make your dream come true.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which country in Asia is best to study in?
Singapore is the best due to its top universities and standard of living.

Is 20 lakhs enough to study abroad?
Yes, 20 lakhs can be sufficient for studying in the majority of Asian countries, especially with scholarships or low-cost options like Taiwan or Malaysia.

Which is the cheapest country to study in Asia?
Malaysia and Taiwan are two of the cheapest countries to study in Asia, offering quality education at low costs.

Who is eligible to study in Singapore?
Any student meeting the academic, language, and visa requirements of the university can apply to study in Singapore.