Many students worldwide dream of studying abroad and obtaining a degree from a prestigious college. Students study in a foreign country for many reasons such as:
1. Quality of education and infrastructure
2. Inexhaustible list of subjects to opt from
3. International experience
4. Guidance from expert faculty members
5. Endless work and research opportunities
6. Chance to live in a distant country with a multi-cultural environment that is different from their home country
7. Building an international professional network
8. Enhance the possibility of settling in a foreign country
A degree from a revered university creates a healthy and positive impression on employers across the globe. International education surely brings you many steps closer to your dream jobs. In a usual scenario, the amount of professional progress that is possible in your country of residence in 5-6 years, is possible to be achieved in 2 years of a master’s from a renowned foreign university. Traditionally students fly abroad to study bachelor’s/master’s or a doctorate after completing their high school or required education in their home country. Hence, the average age of joining a course abroad is between 18 to 27.
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Let us discuss the age limit course-wise.
Studying a Bachelor abroad after 30:
Students who want to study for a Bachelor’s can apply as early as 16 years and are accepted to study a bachelor’s course as far as they have completed high school. The upper limit to study for an undergraduate degree is 29 years in the USA. However, this rule is flexible depending on other requirements and career profiles of applicants. In Kansas, in 2007, a 95-year-old woman received a bachelor’s degree from a state college. There are numerous ways in which older, nontraditional students can successfully obtain a degree. Students who have a full-time job can opt for credit-by-exam programs, online learning, or night classes. DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) are 2 exams that are recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE). Taking these tests can help
you cover up for classes, you are unable to attend due to other commitments. In this way, international students can earn while they study in the USA. Also, in the application, you need to convince the university, that by taking this course you will greatly benefit and make a positive difference. Hence, regardless of your age, you can study a bachelor’s degree abroad at any age.
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Studying a Master’s degree abroad after 30:
No, there is absolutely no age limit to studying for a Master's abroad. Grad-Dreams provides FREE study abroad guidance for questions on studying abroad after 30s. Book an appointment to ask your questionsThe lower age limit depends on the completion of an undergraduate degree. In any country, you can apply for a master’s program if you are 30 or 35 or even older. Many students save up for their master’s by working in their twenties to minimize educational loans and obtain a degree in their thirties. Reasons for studying abroad after 30 might vary as some students wait to gain clarity on their purpose, some delay due to financial constraints, some students decide to change their career path, and some applicants apply to newer courses in their field, that were previously not offered by universities. Whatever your reason might be, you are never too late to learn the course that interests you, develop your professional skills, and help you progress and grow in your field. Universities are not interested in knowing your reasons for the delay, they are more curious to know how this course will invigorate you to achieve your career goals. Hence, you should be able to persuade the university about the advantages of learning the course purely from an academic perspective. Most MBA degrees require students to possess a minimum of 2-3 years of experience post-major.
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Studying Ph.D. programs abroad after 30:
Studying for a Ph.D. after 30 in a foreign country is not uncommon. Many students who gain relevant experience 5-6 years after completing a Master’s will be around 30 years of age while applying for a Ph.D. Also, universities abroad, demand post-graduate experience, and hence, age will not matter. Research in fields such as Biology, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Data Science, Nanotechnology, etc can be completed after 30 years of age as students have gained enough knowledge by then to conduct research in these fields.
A few tips for studying abroad after 30:
Check and fulfill eligibility criteria:
Different universities will have a wide range of requirements for international applicants. It is very important to fulfill the requirements and make yourself eligible to get through the competitive admission process. You need to present a strong profile for the university to focus on so that your age becomes a non-
Gather information and locate documents correctly:
As years have passed after completing your education, you will have to work on gathering the right documents and papers for university and visa purposes. Locate your recommenders, and references wisely.
Choose universities and the country wisely:
Countries such as the USA, the UK, Sweden, and Ireland are the lands of second chances. Undoubtedly they hold more acceptance and tolerance towards non-traditional students, hence you will find colleges that best suit your requirements and offer better work opportunities.
Visa interview preparation:
Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field and prepare your answers for questions such as ‘Why now?’, ‘What after completing your degree?’ Universities might not expect you to answer these questions but the visa interview panel surely will. You will be tested for clarity of purpose, to know your plans. Hence, it is advisable to be ready with your answers.
What you should remember?
If you are above 30 and want to study abroad, here are the most important factors you should consider for a successful outcome.
1. Welcoming challenges: Going back to school at 30 will be different from studying at a college at the age of 18 or 21. Students will need to work on their skills, outlook, approach, and attitude professionally and at a personal level.
2. Upskilling (learning skills to adapt to the latest technologies and rapidly changing economy) and reskilling (learning new skills to enhance performance at a different job) are the 2 most crucial factors to be considered.
3. Settling down in a different environment, and adapting to new habits, food, brands, civic rules, and lifestyle, in general, will come with a set of challenges but can be easily overcome if you keep a positive mindset. We suggest, keeping an open mind and accepting the changes, will subtly transform you into a more efficient, productive, and independent individual.
At Grad-Dreams, we have mentored and carried out the study abroad process for several students in their 30’s, who have successfully obtained a degree from a foreign university. We would like to share with you a testimonial of our student Vidya.
Vidya went for a Master of Professional Studies in Enterprise Intelligence at Northeastern University, USA in 2019. Vidya was 35 when she enrolled with Grad-Dreams and had 9+ years of experience in her field when she finally decided to obtain a degree from the USA. Grad-Dream’s team has impressively contributed to her journey.
We hope Vidya’s success story inspires you to register with Grad-Dreams for a bright future.
Better late than never!
Click here to know Vidya’s experience with Grad-Dreams in her own words. Watch the Video.
