More Questions Students Ask About Higher Studies: Practical Guidance for South Asian Students

Summary:
This article continues the Q and A series on higher studies, focusing on common questions from students in South Asia. It covers choosing between a Master’s and a PhD, funding challenges, selecting countries, balancing marriage and higher studies with Islamic considerations, managing academic direction, and understanding what scholarship committees look for. All scenarios are generalised to protect student privacy and provide practical guidance for anyone considering studying abroad.

For Part 1 of this series, see:
Common Questions About PhD Applications in AI and NLP: Guidance for Students from South Asia and Beyond

Many students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and nearby regions reach out with questions about studying abroad. Although their situations are different, the themes are often the same. This post continues the Q and A style from my earlier article, covering additional questions that commonly arise.

All scenarios here are generalised for anonymity.

❓ Q and A: Further Questions About Higher Studies Abroad

Q: I am in the final year of my Bachelor’s and I do not fully understand the difference between doing a Master’s or doing a PhD. How do I decide what to pursue?

This is very common. A simple way to think about it is:

• A Master’s helps you specialise and build depth in a field.
• A PhD is a long research journey where you create new knowledge.

If you are unsure about commitment, research direction or long term goals, a Master’s is usually the safer step. A PhD requires sustained motivation, patience and interest in research. Many students only gain real clarity during or after their Master’s.

Q: My family cannot support my studies abroad. Is it realistic to aim for a fully funded programme?

Yes, it is realistic, but you need to plan strategically. Fully funded opportunities do exist, especially for PhD programmes and certain scholarships for Master’s degrees. These opportunities usually evaluate:

• strong academic results
• a clear and well written motivation statement
• good recommendation letters
• some form of relevant experience such as research or projects

Students from private universities or limited financial backgrounds secure funding every year. It is possible, but competitive, and requires consistent preparation.

Q: How do I choose which country to study in? I hear different things about the UK, Europe and the Gulf.

Each region has its own strengths.

• United Kingdom

  • easy English environment
  • strong academic culture
  • full funding for Master’s is limited

• Europe (Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, etc.)

  • high quality education
  • some language challenges depending on country
  • more scholarship options at Master’s level in many places

• Gulf countries (Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia)

  • competitive research institutes
  • generous funding packages
  • culturally comfortable for many South Asian students

Your decision depends on:

• your field of interest
• funding availability
• language comfort
• adaptability
• long term goals

Q: What is Qatar’s Education City and is it a realistic option?

Education City hosts well known international university branches. It offers strong programmes in computing, engineering, policy, Islamic studies and more. Funding opportunities are available and the environment is comfortable for many Muslim students.

Competition is high, and you need strong academic motivation and a clear application.

Q: I am interested in multiple fields (NLP, data science, quantum computing). How can I choose one area for higher studies?

This is very normal. You do not need to force yourself into one narrow area immediately. Try this:

1. Choose one primary area to present in your applications.
2. Select a Master’s or initial research path that allows some flexibility to explore.
3. As you progress, you will naturally identify what you enjoy most.

Admissions committees prefer clarity, but they also understand that students are still exploring.

Q: Is it a bad idea to get married before going abroad for higher studies?

There is no universal answer. Marriage and higher studies can work together with planning.

From a practical point of view, many students do it successfully. Challenges include:

• financial pressure while studying
• small or shared accommodation
• part time work to support living costs
• balancing academic workload with family responsibilities

From an Islamic perspective, there are different scholarly discussions on this topic:

• Some scholars encourage marriage before travelling, especially to avoid fitnah and loneliness.
• Some scholars also advise that spouses should not remain separated for long periods without necessity.
• These points are discussed in resources such as:
  • https://islamqa.info
  • https://islamqa.org

However, the actual decision depends on your situation, level of maturity, financial stability and family circumstances. It is important to consult scholars you trust, understand your responsibilities and plan realistically. There is no one size fits all.

Q: If I study abroad on a scholarship, is it possible to bring my spouse with me?

Yes, many students do this. Most countries allow dependants for PhD students and in many cases for Master’s students as well. The main considerations are:

• whether your scholarship allowance is enough for two people
• cost of housing and utilities
• emotional readiness to manage studies and family life together
• part time work options, depending on visa rules

It requires discipline and careful budgeting, but it is definitely possible.

Q: What do scholarship committees look for when selecting candidates for funded Master’s programmes?

Although each scholarship is different, they generally look at:

• academic performance and consistency
• clarity of motivation
• recommendation letters from credible mentors
• any relevant research or technical experience
• personal story and commitment

Grades matter, but your narrative and dedication also have a major impact.

Q: What do people usually do after completing a PhD?

There are several paths:

• academic roles such as teaching, research, or postdoctoral positions
• research and development roles in industry
• data science and machine learning roles
• consulting
• entrepreneurship or building products

A PhD opens many opportunities. What matters most is how you align your skills with a place where you can contribute meaningfully.

❓ Q: I am an undergraduate student from an engineering background (for example EEE), but my main interest is in AI and computer vision. My CGPA is average, but I have some publications. What type of universities should I consider for higher studies?

It is common for students to underestimate themselves because of CGPA, but overestimate the importance of university rankings. The general rule is:

Do not eliminate a university yourself. Check their minimum criteria and apply. Let the admissions committee decide.

Admissions are unpredictable. Sometimes a top-ranked university admits you while a lower-ranked one rejects you. Apply broadly across a mix of ambitious, mid-level, and safe options.

Your publications will significantly strengthen your profile. Research output at the undergraduate level is always impressive, regardless of major.

❓ Q: What are the chances of getting a fully funded Master’s at strong research universities in places like the Gulf or other competitive regions?

It is impossible for anyone to predict exact chances. Funding decisions depend on many factors, including the overall pool of applicants, departmental priorities, supervisor availability, and timing.

What you can control is:

• preparing a strong application
• applying before deadlines
• writing a clear and sincere statement of purpose
• gathering strong recommendation letters
• organising your publications and projects

Then make du’a, put your trust in Allah, and submit your applications. Many times, opportunities come from unexpected places. Applicants with average CGPAs have entered very competitive programmes simply because the rest of their profile demonstrated excellence and potential.

❓ Q: Is moving from an EEE background to AI or computer science considered a risky switch?

Not really. Many institutions treat engineering, computer science, and related fields as overlapping disciplines. Moving from EEE to AI is very common for students in South Asia and around the world.

You can strengthen your transition by:

• revising data structures and algorithms
• taking a few core CS courses on your own (operating systems, algorithms, or ML basics)
• demonstrating completed projects in AI or computer vision
• linking your engineering background to computing (for example, embedded systems, edge devices, optimisation, microcontrollers)

Your EEE foundation can become an advantage, especially for areas like hardware optimisation, IoT, robotics, or efficient model deployment.

❓ Q: My CGPA is not as high as many other applicants. Can a good GRE score compensate for that?

First check if the universities you are applying to even require GRE. Many do not.

• In Europe, GRE is rarely required except for a few institutions.
• In the United States, many universities have removed the GRE requirement or made it optional.
• Some places will consider GRE if submitted, but do not treat it as a decisive factor.

A strong GRE score can help if a university explicitly values it, but it cannot replace a full academic profile. Admissions are holistic. A balanced application can still succeed even if your CGPA is not the highest.

❓ Q: Is there anything else I can do to stand out as an applicant?

Yes. One of the best ways is to build something real.

Pick a problem in your country or community that needs an AI-based solution. Develop a prototype, model, or small product that genuinely solves the problem.

Universities value applicants who demonstrate:

• initiative
• real-world application
• creativity
• independence in research and development

A single meaningful project can often speak louder than grades or test scores.

❓ Q: If I do my higher studies and then take a break from academia for one or two years, will it reduce my chances of becoming a faculty member later?

Not necessarily. Many academics do a postdoctoral position after the PhD and then transition into faculty roles. A short gap is usually not a major issue as long as you can show:

• continued interest in research
• some form of academic activity (projects, publications, teaching, etc.)
• clear motivation to return to academia

Universities mainly look at your long-term research capability, not whether you started your faculty role immediately after graduation.

❓ Q: How expensive is higher studies in Europe, both yearly and overall?

Costs vary widely depending on the country, city and university.

General guidelines:

• If you receive a scholarship, tuition is covered and you receive a stipend for living expenses.
• If you pay tuition, the cost depends on location. For example:
  • Germany and Finland often have free tuition for Master’s programmes.
  • Other countries vary significantly in tuition fees.
• Living costs depend on the city. Scandinavian countries tend to be more expensive while Eastern Europe tends to be more affordable.

It is best to check specific university pages for accurate figures, since they are publicly available and regularly updated.

❓ Q: How difficult is it to get a fully funded scholarship in Europe?

Funding options exist across multiple pathways:

• DAAD scholarships in Germany
• University-specific scholarships in the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark
• Erasmus Mundus (multi-country Master’s programmes)
• EIT Digital Master School (Europe-wide tech-focused programmes)

Funding is competitive but achievable. Strong academic grounding, a clear statement of purpose and relevant experience significantly increase your chances.

❓ Q: Is it financially challenging for a married couple to go abroad for studies at the same time? Are there ways to make it easier?

Yes, it can be challenging, but not impossible. Realistic strategies include:

• receiving scholarship funding
• part-time work (depending on visa rules)
• financial help from family
• living modestly, such as in shared housing

However, shared accommodation may not be suitable for everyone due to privacy, hijab or mahram considerations. Couples need to plan carefully and be mentally prepared for a simpler lifestyle.

❓ Q: What if one spouse finishes studies earlier and wants to move to another country (for example, the Gulf for academic work) while the other continues studying in Europe? Is that a problem?

In most cases, it is manageable. People often finish their Master’s, then pursue a PhD or postdoc, and later move to the Gulf for faculty positions. As long as visas and academic commitments align, shifting in phases is common and feasible.

There is typically no long-term issue with one spouse completing studies while the other begins work elsewhere, as long as the transitions are planned.

🌿 Final Thoughts

These questions appear frequently from students across South Asia. Your CGPA, major, or university background does not define your future. A strong profile is built through consistent effort, clarity of intention, and sincere dedication. Work hard, apply widely, and place your trust in Allah. He opens doors in ways we cannot always predict.

Whether you are in your final undergraduate year or already working full time, your questions are valid. Studying abroad is not only an academic goal but a personal and emotional journey. Marriage, finances, faith, adaptability and motivation all play a role.

I will continue to share general guidance based on the questions students bring to me, insha’Allah. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out.