What are the advantages of studying abroad? What does, say, Australia have that India doesn't?

According to Education Abroad counsellor Karan Gupta, it all depends on a person's career goals of the person. "Each person is different, with different needs. Some people prefer studying, abroad whereas others are happy in India itself," he says. "I encourage all applicants to evaluate their career goals before making a decision to study abroad."

In a chat on February 15, Karan chatted with Get Ahead readers about issues related to education abroad.

• Have a question you want to ask?

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript.

Karan Gupta says, I am here now and will start answering your questions.

Curious asked, What does Australia give that India doesn't other than money and comforts? Don't you think any intelligent person should try to make it in India other than running here and there?

Karan Gupta answers, It depends on the career goals of the person. Each person is different, with different needs. Some people prefer studying abroad whereas others are happy in India itself. I encourage all applicants to evaluate their career goals before making a decision to study abroad.

Prashant asked, Sir, I am pursuing my MBA from an autonomous B school in Kolkata and would like to know about the fast track MBA programme in human resource management there. Can u please send me details of the programme in HR along with fee and placements details? Kind regards, Prashant.

Karan Gupta answers, Human Resources can be done as a degree or a concentration within the MBA. If you have work experience, I would recommend that you pursue a MBA. If not, you can always opt for a Master's degree in Human Resources. For admissions to the top business schools, you will need to appear for the GMAT and TOEFL.

Vaidehi asked, what are courses for Ayurveda?

Karan Gupta answers, Florida Vedic College  is a college in the US, which offers degrees in Ayurvedic Sciences. You can opt for a certificate course, a Master's or a Doctorate degree.

Barinder] asked,  I did MCA from India. I wanna go for study basis in Aussie. Which course I should prefer?

Karan Gupta answers, You can opt for a Master's degree in Computer Science. Universities in Australia such as RMIT offer this course.

Barinder] asked,  I have 4 years of experience in computer lectureship. But I applied the diploma of network engineering. Could I get PR and good job in Australia?

Karan Gupta answers, PR in Australia is granted after evaluating your profile on a point basis. Based on your age, educational qualifications and work experience, you will be awarded or denied PR. Visit IMMI  for more information.

Kaushal asked, hi! I'm interested in master of tourism. I just want to know how much it cost?

Karan Gupta answers, It depends where you pursue the degree from. Master's in Tourism can generally be done in most colleges in Australia. The cost will be around AUD$20,000 per year.

Nikhil_r2 asked, is there any good MBA course related to information security?

Karan Gupta answers, You can opt for an MBA with specialisation in IT. This will cover classes in Information Security as well.

Dhaval asked, Sir, I'm an electrical engineer with three years of experience and I want my master in electronics engineering. So please tell me the best institute and fee structure. I want to know about the scholarships also.

Karan Gupta answers, I would recommend that you pursue your Master's degree in the US. You will need the GRE and the TOEFL for admissions. The cost will be around US$25,000 per year. The best institutes are MIT, Georgia Tech and Stanford University.

Dr. Nilesh Bokil asked, I am interested in pursuing a career in Biotechnology and have a MBBS background. How dose Australia look for this in the long run?

Karan Gupta answers, You may be able to find a few good courses in Biotechnology in Australian schools. However, getting a job after you graduate may not be that easy in Australia.

Govind asked, sir I want pursue MBA in finance from Australia, which university should I go for and what is the cost of course and cost of accommodation?

Karan Gupta answers, I would recommend that you look at the Melbourne Business School. This school is considered one of the best schools for an MBA in Australia. The cost is around $42,000 for the entire course. If you are a serious student with a good GMAT score, and can clearly show how you will pay for your education, you will have no problem in getting the student visa.

Suraj Mulay asked, hello Sir, I am Suraj. I am currently in 12th standard. I want to do mechatronics from University of Sydney. How much percentage should I score to go there?

Karan Gupta answers, Generally, a percentage of over 70% will help you get admission to the University of Sydney.

Sharath asked, I have got an offer for MBA from International Graduate school of business-UNISA. How good is it?

Karan Gupta answers, Well, UNISA is the largest university in South Africa. I guess if you have researched the courses and know what you want after your degree, there is no harm in pursuing your education here.

Shawn asked, i want to know about the Australian Catholic College.

Karan Gupta answers, Australian Catholic University is an average university in Australia. You may be able to find a better university (of course this depends on your profile)

Shawn asked, i want to know the fee structure duration visa requirements IELTS score and other related facts.

Karan Gupta answers, A Bachelor's degree in Australia is of three year duration (most cases) and will cost you around A$25,000 per year. An acceptable IELTS score is around 7.5

Amitava asked, Hi Mr Karan, I want to send my son to Melbourne/Sydney for studying computer engineering. How shall I proceed? With warm regards, Amitava

Karan Gupta answers, Let him appear for the IELTS exam. After that, you can fill the online application form and send the supporting documents such as transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation and so on to the universities.

Ranjit asked, hi Karan, can u tell me some good university for doing PhD in signal processing?

Karan Gupta answers, I would recommend that you look at a PhD in Electrical Engineering and under that you will be able to find courses in Signal Processing. You look at universities such as MIT, Stanford, University of Technology Sydney and so on.

Rahul asked, how do you rate Australia mba with US?

Karan Gupta answers, I would recommend that you compare specific MBA programmes rather than comparing universities. For example, the Melbourne Business School is better than Baruch College in the US, but University of Southern California in the US is better than Melbourne Business School.

Aslam asked, i want to do PG in computer science. Can I also get work permit after studies?

Karan Gupta answers, Yes, if you manage to find a job you should be able to manage a work permit. Remember, Australia is a relatively small economy and getting a job after you graduate may not be that easy.

Karthik asked, Hi Karen. This is Karthik from Bangalore. I have Mechanical Engineering degree. Right now working for Accenture India Service Bangalore. I just want to know if there are any university in Australia provide a Degree in Computer Engineering through Distance Learning Program?

Karan Gupta answers, The only recognised distance learning university for CS is the University of Phoenix.

Abhi asked, Sir, Apart from MBA and AGSM is there another good MBA university in Australia

Karan Gupta answers, I think you are referring to MBS - Melbourne Business School. MBS and AGSM are the two good business schools in Australia. In my opinion, the University of Sydney is good too.

Manya asked, Which would be the best journalism course in Australia, preferably Sydney and what are the career prospects like? Also, how well is University of Sydney rated for a general master's degree in the social sciences and humanities?

Karan Gupta answers, RMIT offers a Master's degree in Communication Studies. And Bond University has a Master's degree in Journalism. You can also check out Jschool.

Bhushan asked, My brother is looking for pursuing higher education in Mechanical Engineering/Automobile Engineering. Is Australia a good place? If yes, can you please recommend the university?

Karan Gupta answers, I would recommend courses offered at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).

Rohan asked, i want to do hotel management in Australia. Are there any good colleges? What is the criteria for getting admission there?

Karan Gupta answers, Australia is known for Hotel Management. You can find good courses in universities such as University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and so on.

SR asked, Sir, which are good universities for MIT/MIS?

Karan Gupta answers, Again, any technology field would be best at RMIT in Australia. However, this course is offered at many universities all across Australia.

Shankar asked, i finished my MSW with specialization of medical and psychiatry. Looking that I want to do MPhil

Karan Gupta answers, You need to appear for the IELTS and then apply for admissions. Remember, PhD admissions are not easy and you will have to find professors who are willing to let you teach or research under them.

Sumit asked, sir my name is Sumit Choudhary and I'm planning to pursue further studies in the field of hospitality i.e. bachelors in hotel and resort management from Le Cordon Bleu in Adelaide. What are the job prospects there? I hold an Indian diploma in hotel management and catering technology.

Karan Gupta answers, Well, the one industry Australia has good job prospects in is Hotel Management. So you should have a good chance of getting a job after you graduate.

Arati asked, I am an MBA in Finance -- gold medallist. Been working with a film production house since 2 years now. I am a writer. Are there good film courses in Australia that I can do? Can you name some universities please?

Karan Gupta answers, Getting jobs in film with a certificate course is very difficult. Most students who study film in Australia come back to India to work. If you want to work in Australia, I would recommend that you pursue another MBA from a well known Australian business school.

Tomorrow: Australia -- the popular destination?