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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |550 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jan 11, 2024

Sushil Sukhwani is the founding director of the overseas education consultant firm, Edwise International. He has 31 years of experience in counselling students who have opted to study abroad in various countries, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. He is part of the board of directors at the American International Recruitment Council and an honorary committee member of the Australian Alumni Association. Sukhwani is an MBA graduate from Bond University, Australia. ... more
Southa Question by Southa on Sep 24, 2023Hindi
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My son is doing 2nd year mbbs in tamil nadu government medical college, he wants to do his pg in Australia or dubai suggest me what are the steps needed for that ? We are below middle class .

Ans: Hello Southa,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am glad to hear that your son is currently pursuing the 2nd year of his MBBS degree and thereafter wishes to pursue his post-graduation (PG) in Australia or Dubai. As an answer to your query, I would like to tell you that the following procedures and considerations need to be taken into account in order for your son to pursue his postgraduate studies. Your son will first need to shortlist universities that provide the PG programs he’s interested in pursuing. I would recommend that he looks into the particular prerequisites as well as eligibility requirements for postgraduate courses in these preferred countries. This entails academic credentials, examinations viz., the PLAB or AMC exams in Australia, hands-on (job) experience, as well as appearing for language competency tests viz., OET or the IELTS. Fill out and submit applications, and be sure to include all the necessary documentation. Your son will also need to consider other aspects. He will need to take into account the prerequisites for health insurance for overseas students in the country he decides to study in. I would also suggest that your son investigates the lodging options and arranges for the same well in advance. In addition, considering you belong to the middle-class category, it’s essential that your son plans his finances. He should investigate the grants, scholarships, and other forms of monetary assistance offered to overseas students studying in Australia or Dubai. Moreover, to reduce the costs of living, your son should engage in part-time jobs available for students in these nations. He should comprehend the visa prerequisites associated with studying in these two countries and finish the visa application procedure. Remember that acquiring assistance from experts or academic advisors with expertise in foreign admissions can prove beneficial. They will be in a better position to offer guidance throughout the application procedure, provide assistance with all the required paperwork, as well as provide information on the courses that would best resonate with your son's future goals and monetary circumstances. Finally, to enhance your son’s application to pursue postgraduate courses abroad, I would recommend that you support him in achieving academic excellence and acquiring pertinent work experience.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |550 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Apr 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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Ny son is doind bachelor of Phesiothrepy and want to study further for post graduation in USA or some other country please tell me full detail for admission after he can work there or not
Ans: Hello,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am glad to hear that your son is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy and further intends pursuing his post-graduation in the USA or some other country. To answer your question first, I would like to let you know that pursuing physiotherapy is a fulfilling career, and opting for PG studies overseas can present outstanding chances for development and specialization. Concerning your query regarding the procedure for admission and future employment possibilities for your son in the USA or another country, I would suggest that you consider the following:

As part of the admission procedure, your son should first conduct a comprehensive study on postgraduate programs in physiotherapy or associated fields both in the USA or other countries. He should look for universities with a solid standing in his field of expertise. Next, remember that the admission prerequisites for each university is unique. These generally entail submitting academic marksheets, scores of standardized tests viz., the GMAT or GRE, a personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP), endorsement letters, and at times, professional experience. Your son may be required to prove his fluency in English through appearing for tests viz., the IELTS or TOEFL, if he's a non-native English speaker. According to the particular guidelines set by each university, your son will then need to submit his application via mail or through the university's online portal. If your son is accepted, as the next step, he will need to apply for a student visa. Remember that based on the country he wishes to study in, this procedure can differ. Nevertheless, I would like to tell you that guidance for the same can be provided by the university's international student office. Lastly, make sure your son is aware of the costs associated with attending, viz., tuition fees, costs of living, and any scholarships or financial aid that may be applicable.

Concerning your query regarding employment opportunities post-graduation, I would like to tell you that your son, upon completing his studies in the USA, may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits international students to work for up to one year following graduation in their area of expertise. Nevertheless, an extension of up to 36 months is available for OPT in some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. Your son should think about applying for an H-1B visa if he intends working in the USA beyond OPT. This visa enables U.S. firms to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty vocations. However, owing to yearly quotas, acquiring an H-1B visa might be challenging. Next, if your son intends studying in another country, I would like to tell you that he should look into the employment opportunities post-graduation that are available there. Remember that international students are offered post-study work visas or pathways to permanent residency by several nations. I would like to let you know that each country has different laws governing the practice of physiotherapy. To practice as a physiotherapist in a new country, your son may be required to take licensing examinations or further training. I would recommend that your son networks with industry professionals and looks for internship possibilities while he is studying. Remember that developing relationships and obtaining hands-on experience can improve your son’s career opportunities after graduating.

By adhering to these steps and taking into account the particular prerequisites and prospects in the destination of his choice, your son can pursue his postgraduate studies overseas and possibly start a fulfilling career in physiotherapy.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |116 Answers  |Ask -

Health Science and Pharmaceutical Careers Expert - Answered on Sep 02, 2024

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Good day Sir. My son is in final year MBBS and shall graduate in 2025 and complete his compulsory internship in a April 2026 . He does not prefer Family Medicine or paediatric medicine and he has not finalized his passion for any particular stream yet. He wants to do his Masters from UK or USA. I understand USMLE is required for USA and PLAB is required for UK studies. My queries are : 1. What are expenses for completing USMLE and PLAB ? 2. What are possibilities of getting Residencies in USA / UK ? 3. Shall he require additional financial support after getting Residencies ? Pros and Cons of studies in both the countries ? 5. Any specific requirement for studies abroad ? 6. Finally, your suggestion as to where my son should do his Masters after completing his MBBS in India ? I shall appreciate your valuable guidance . Thanks and regards Sujit Roy
Ans: Hi Sujit,
Hello,

I am pleased to learn that your son will be completing his MBBS next year and is considering pursuing higher education. From your query, it seems that you are contemplating whether he should pursue his higher education abroad. There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration before making a decision. Some of these factors include:

1. He will need to clear the USMLE or PLAB exams, which will require dedicated effort. Until he completes these exams, he will require both financial and moral support.

2. The specialization he is interested in pursuing is a crucial factor to consider.

3. The choice of university will also play a significant role, as it may impact the availability of financial aid.

4. Additionally, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of studying in the USA or the UK and make an informed decision based on the specifics of each country.

Ultimately, the decision about his higher education should be made based on your financial circumstances and the support that can be provided without undue strain.

But i feel USA is better option when compare to UK.

"All the best to your son for his future endeavors."

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 18, 2024Hindi
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Sir my son in 2009 invested in Mutual fund rs.5000/- and again rs.5000/- another in 2011 total rs.10,000/- with Reliance mutuval funds later this company changed in the name of Nippon India private limite. My son at the of investments he had Old PAN no. Later on job purpose gone abroad and settled. He came in 2019 and submitted redeem his units say 2250 units currenly valued rs. 50,000 above . His application was rejected at first Old PAN Card not surrendered so he surrendered same with original attached with NRE status PAN and submitted agiain who they says You have to link his Aadhar card. He is not in a position to obtain this because he may get citizenship. I referred to SEBI and RBI to intervene but no response from them Please guide me how to redeem and get my son’s investments which I require for my ailing age of 78. Thanks in advance If you require his PAN no surrendered and obtained new NRE status PAN no.
Ans: Since your son cannot link his Aadhaar due to his NRI status, the best approach would be to reach out directly to Nippon India Mutual Fund and explain the situation. You can request the redemption process based on his NRI PAN and KYC status without Aadhaar linking.

Here's what you can do:

Contact Nippon India: Explain that your son is an NRI and cannot obtain an Aadhaar card. Request guidance for an NRI-specific redemption process.

Submit an NRI KYC Update: Ensure that your son's new PAN and NRI status are updated in the KYC records with the fund house. This can be done via the KYC Registration Agency (KRA) or CAMS for mutual funds.

Alternative Contact: If there is no response from the fund house, consider contacting AMFI or SEBI again, providing all necessary documents.

These steps should help you resolve the issue and redeem the units without requiring Aadhaar linkage.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Money
Hello sir, With your earlier suggestion to achieve 5Cr for retirement and my 3yr old son's education, I'm planning the following monthly investment ( apart from current Parag, Nippon and Mirae investment of 10L+ 10L in PPF): Son's Parag: 8 My Parag:10 Mirae nifty ev & new age:30 Quant Infra:15 Nifty500 Manufacturing:10 Small cap:10 Mid cap:10 NPS vatsalaya:5(giving 25L) Term plan of 3Cr:8K Monthly in-hand savings:15k Plz suggest if I'm over diversifying & suggestion for small and mid cap fund
Ans: You have a good balance between long-term goals, such as retirement and your son's education, with monthly investments across multiple funds.

Investing Rs 15,000 of monthly savings alongside current investments and having Rs 10 lakh each in Parag and PPF is commendable. This shows discipline in securing your financial future.

Portfolio Overview
Let’s assess the diversification of your portfolio:

Son's Parag: Rs 8,000/month
This could be a good long-term investment for your child's future.

Your Parag: Rs 10,000/month
This adds value to your retirement goal.

Mirae Nifty EV & New Age: Rs 30,000/month
Investing Rs 30,000 in a thematic fund is a bold move. However, ensure this is for the long-term, as sector-specific funds can be volatile.

Quant Infra: Rs 15,000/month
Infrastructure is a good bet for growth in India. However, similar to thematic funds, it can be cyclical.

Nifty500 Manufacturing: Rs 10,000/month
Manufacturing is an essential part of India’s growth story. Still, its performance can depend on broader economic factors.

Small Cap: Rs 10,000/month
Small caps provide high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Keep a horizon of at least 7-10 years.

Mid Cap: Rs 10,000/month
Mid-cap investments are good for growth, but they too require a longer horizon.

NPS Vatsalaya: Rs 5,000/month
A good addition for retirement, as it provides long-term benefits and pension security.

Term Plan of Rs 3 crore: Rs 8,000 premium
This is a necessary expense to ensure your family’s financial security in your absence.

Assessing Over-Diversification
While diversification reduces risk, too much of it can dilute returns. Your portfolio seems slightly over-diversified.

Consider reducing thematic exposure (Mirae Nifty EV & Quant Infra) as they make up a large portion of your investments.

It might be more beneficial to concentrate on core funds like small caps, mid caps, large caps, and a flexi-cap fund for diversification across market caps without the risks of being overly thematic.

Small Cap and Mid Cap Suggestions
For small cap funds, consider selecting ones with a consistent performance history and a good track record in handling market volatility.

For mid cap funds, those that have shown steady growth across different market conditions will be a safer bet for building long-term wealth.

Instead of focusing on individual scheme names, select funds with a solid investment team, strong processes, and consistent performance.

Direct vs Regular Funds
Switching to Direct Funds might seem like a good idea due to the lower expense ratio. However, this shift means losing the valuable guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can help you optimize your investments over time.

By sticking with Regular Funds through a professional MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor), you get personalized advice, monitoring of your investments, and support with tax-saving strategies. Regular funds also provide better handholding, which is crucial in volatile times.

Disadvantages of DIY Platforms
Platforms like MF Central or Zerodha may look attractive for their lower fees, but they have their drawbacks:

Complexity: Managing your portfolio without professional help can be complicated, especially when it comes to tracking performance, rebalancing, or adjusting investments based on changing goals.

Lack of Tax Optimization: Without professional guidance, you may not optimize for taxes, potentially losing out on gains.

No Personalized Advice: Unlike a Certified Financial Planner, DIY platforms will not provide you with tailored advice for your financial goals, leaving you to manage everything yourself.

Long-Term Return Expectations
Your current mutual funds are performing well, but you must be prepared for market volatility. While returns can be 20% in short-term spurts, a more realistic long-term average would be around 12-15%. This will help in planning more effectively for your goals like your son’s education and your retirement corpus of Rs 5 crore.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach and allocation to mutual funds and NPS are excellent for long-term wealth building. However, fine-tuning your portfolio for better efficiency and consolidation will enhance your returns.

Review the Thematic Funds: Consider reducing your exposure to thematic funds like EV, infrastructure, and manufacturing. These sectors can be volatile and may require active monitoring.

Stick with Regular Funds through an MFD: While direct funds may seem appealing, sticking with regular funds and leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner ensures you won’t miss out on personalized advice and tax optimization.

Focus on Core Funds: Keep a balanced allocation towards small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds to ensure you cover different market cycles and benefit from market growth.

Adjusting for Volatility: Remember that 20% returns might not be sustainable over the long term. It's safe to plan for 12-15% average returns for your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

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I have ~40L in my portfolio and all my MF`s are Regular funds since I have been investing thru ICICIDirect. Now I want to start investing into Direct funds since I realize that Direct funds have lower Expense ratio. So I want to invest thru MFcentral or Zeroda. Now, my quesiton is: Is it a good idea to cancel my existing MF`s (not redeeming) in ICICIDirect and start new direct SIP`s ? Will I be loosing compounding effect of my existing regular MF`s? I dont want to redeem the SIP`s since it will incurr large LTCG taxes
Ans: It may seem tempting to switch to Direct Funds for the lower expense ratio, but there are key factors to consider before making the switch.

Here are a few points in favor of continuing with Regular Funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a professional Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

Value of Professional Advice
A professional MFD or CFP adds value by offering timely advice, portfolio reviews, and strategic changes based on market conditions and your financial goals. They help you stay focused on long-term plans and avoid emotional decisions.

Platforms like MF Central or Zerodha do not offer personalized advice. You’re left managing the complexities of your portfolio alone, which can be overwhelming and risky, especially during volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Direct Platforms
MF Central and Zerodha are DIY (Do-It-Yourself) platforms. While the lower expense ratio seems appealing, managing the portfolio on your own requires time, expertise, and market insight. Any wrong move could cost you more than you save in expense ratio.

MF Central is not user-friendly and does not offer real-time support for managing SIPs, rebalancing, or tracking your overall portfolio’s health.

Zerodha is a trading platform, but it doesn’t come with personalized advice. It lacks the long-term relationship benefits that an MFD or CFP provides, including goal-based planning and tax-efficient strategies.

Compounding Effect & Tax Implications
Cancelling your existing SIPs and switching to direct funds will not directly affect the compounding of your current investments. However, starting new SIPs in Direct Plans could lead to a disjointed investment strategy. You may also lose out on expert guidance that helps optimize the compounding effect through proper fund selection and market timing.

Switching to direct funds might seem cost-effective in the short run but could result in higher LTCG (Long Term Capital Gains) taxes if you later decide to rebalance your portfolio on your own without professional help.

Avoid Disruption
Switching platforms might disrupt your current portfolio management process like consolidated reports and capital gains tracking, which helps during tax filings. On DIY platforms, you will have to manage all of this yourself.

If you are not satisfied with ICICIDirect's services, you can always switch to another professional MFD or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A good MFD will still provide the benefits of seamless portfolio management, including consolidated reports, capital gains tracking, and regular reviews, which are critical during tax filings and for keeping your investments aligned with your goals.

Final Thought
Instead of switching to direct plans, continue with Regular Plans through a professional MFD or CFP. The personalized advice you receive will often outweigh the slight difference in expense ratio. Regular reviews, goal setting, and rebalancing help ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your long-term objectives.

Making hasty decisions based on expense ratio alone can lead to missed opportunities and higher risks in the long run.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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