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Geeta Ratra  | Answer  |Ask -

Visas, Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

Geeta Ratra has been an immigration expert for more than two decades and has strong knowledge of international immigration policies and procedures. She is vice president, operations, at Abhinav Immigration Services. Besides visa and immigration services, they also provide study abroad advice that includes application assistance, counselling and university shortlisting.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hi, Im a US citizen currently pursuing by btech in cse at a top NIT. I was wondering if I would like to apply for MS in US what would be the procedure.

Ans: Hi, as a US citizen pursuing a BTech in CSE at a top NIT, you should research universities, prepare for GRE/TOEFL exams, gather recommendation letters, and write a strong statement of purpose. Check each university's specific requirements and deadlines. Start early to ensure a smooth application process.
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |564 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 10, 2023Hindi
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Deat Sir, I am 2nd year B.Tech student (Computer Science) and would like to persue MS either in UK or US. I Dont have any knowledge about the right process. Can you please guide me how should i prepare for the same?
Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for contacting us. An important move in your academic and professional journey involves preparing to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the UK or the US. For the same, careful planning and preparation is crucial. The process involves the below mentioned steps:

1. Study available options: The first step involves conducting a thorough research on universities and courses offered in both the UK and the US. Take into account each program’s standing, the location, expense, and particular research fields or specialties you are interested in.

2. Academic Readiness: Ensure you have a good academic record. Maintain a high grade point average (GPA) and enroll in specialized courses in your preferred field.

3. Appear for Standardized Tests: English proficiency tests like the TOEFL or IELTS are often required for admission to universities in the UK. On the other hand, the GRE is required by majority of the universities in USA. Look into the unique criteria of your programs’ of interest.

4. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement: Compose a convincing SOP that highlights your academic and professional ambitions, your reasons for wanting to pursue an MS, and your interest in the said course and university.

5. Recommendation Letters: LoRs are of prime importance in the application process. You will need to submit letters of recommendation from professors who can attest to your intellectual prowess and character.

6. Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Make a strong CV outlining your academic accomplishments, research expertise, apprenticeships, and any pertinent projects or publications you’ve submitted.

7. Plans your Finances: Look into the finance possibilities, scholarships, and opportunities for assistantship. International students studying in both, the UK and the US are offered scholarships.

8. Submission Deadlines: Each university has different deadlines, keep tabs on application deadlines for the programs of your choosing.

9. Visa Prerequisites: Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements to study in the UK or US. The application process for each country is unique, and you will require to apply for a student visa.

10. Prepare for Interviews (if necessary): As part of the application process, certain programs may require students to appear for interviews. Prepare for the same by evaluating your application documents and practicing your answers to such inquiries.

11. Submit your Applications: Via the official websites of the universities or through the application portals, submit your applications. Take note of all the necessary documents and costs.

On receiving admission offers, the next step involves preparing to migrate. As part of this, you should find accommodation, organize your funds, and get the required immunizations or medical exams done. Plan your travel beforehand, and on arrival, attend the orientation program held by the university. Prepare yourself for both academic and cultural adaptations. For assistance, consult academic counselors and avail international student services. Start socializing with other students and professors early. Search for internship openings that match your professional objectives.

The application process being cut-throat, you will need to begin well in advance and work hard on every part of your application. In addition, consult professors, mentors, and former students who have already undergone the procedure. All the very best for your MS journey!

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |564 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Sep 27, 2023

Career
Dear Sushil ji, My husband completed his MBA from IIM dubai in 2009. Right now he is working as an Asst. Manager in a private industry from the last 14years. Now he is ready to make his goal as to study MS in USA by his own money. Now his age is 38years with 14years work experience. Can he apply for the universities in USA. If yes is he required GRE score for january '24 application? Please advice/suggest us. And aslo if yes please suggest which course are helpful for better future..
Ans: Hello D,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear about your husband’s plans to pursue an MS in the USA. To answer your question first, considering your husband’s background, having acquired 14 years of professional experience, and even at the age of 38 years, it is indeed possible for him to now apply for MS (Master’s of Science) programs in the United States. Candidates who have acquired different experiences are highly sought-after by a number of universities in the USA. Taking into account this factor, your husband’s MBA degree in 2009 from IIM Dubai, will definitely be a plus point, which I believe, in turn, will definitely make him an invaluable asset. I suggest that you take the below mentioned factors into consideration and then make a final decision:

1. Take into account your husband’s age and years of professional experience:
Your husband’s decision to pursue a Master’s degree in the USA is a wise choice. Although his age may not match the ages of the other candidates opting for a Master’s course, I would like to let you know that having acquired 14 years of professional experience will definitely serve as a plus point in this academic pursuit. Candidates with diverse work experiences having been employed at different companies, are often preferred by the Admissions committees. Your husband’s 14 years of professional experience surely brights to light his level of maturity, unwavering dedication, and the different ways in which he can prove to be a perfect fit for the program he intend pursuing.

2. Researching and Shortlisting Programs:
This is a crucial step in the application process, wherein your husband needs to conduct an extensive study and shortlist programs that align with his interests and academic objectives. Considering his background, I believe, he would surely wish to pursue management, and business-oriented programs or maybe programs in an associated field that matches his abilities. Accordingly, he can look into programs viz., Master of Science in Finance (MSF), Master of Science in Management (MSM), or Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), etc. I suggest that he selects the perfect program, and for that he will need to investigate universities and the programs they have to offer, and finally select the one that best resonates with his professional ambitions.

3. Appearing for the GRE as a program prerequisite: Addressing your query concerning whether or not your husband would need to appear for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), I would like to inform that you will need to inquire with the specific university and program your husband intends applying for. Each university and program has varying prerequisites. In my opinion, the GRE standardized test may be a necessity while applying for certain programs. On the other hand, considering your husband’s past educational accomplishments and professional experience, other programs may not require him to appear for the GRE. I suggest that he meticulously investigates the entry criteria of the universities and courses he wishes to apply to.

4. Applying to universities and programs: As a part of the application procedure, your husband will need to submit important documents. I recommend that he prepares an excellent application. He will need to submit a compelling Statement of Purpose, endorsement letters from professors and employers who can attest to his academic achievements and character, as well as results of mandatory standardized exams. He should strongly focus on his professional experience and explain how it makes him the perfect fit for the program he intends applying to. I recommend that he begins the application process beforehand.

5. Plan your Finances: I know that studying in the USA is a costly affair, and for that reason, your husband should budget his finances correctly, so as to cover his cost of education, including living and tuition costs, as well as other miscellaneous expenditures. Also, a number of grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid, in addition to part-time employment possibilities, are offered by majority of the universities. I recommend that your husband looks into the available assistantships, scholarships etc. as these can help alleviate the high costs of studying.

6. Obtaining a Valid Visa and following Immigration Guidelines: Your husband, on securing admission, will be required to obtain a valid student visa in order to study in USA. An F-1 visa is the required one. I recommend that he conducts an extensive study and prepares for the visa application process.

7. Consider Long-Term Prospects: Your husband should take into account his prospects for the future and understand in what way the Master’s program opted for by him resonates with these prospects. I believe that undertaking internships, career guidance, and building connections while still pursuing his Master’s degree will go a long way in enabling your husband bag employment possibilities upon graduating.

Summarizing the above, I would like to tell you that taking both, your husband’s age and professional experience into account, he is eligible to apply for USA Master’s programs. Nevertheless, I recommend that he conducts a comprehensive research and opt for those courses that best match his aspirations. Not just that, he should also make a compelling application as well as possess a sound financial strategy. I also suggest that he finds out whether or not the particular programs require him to appear for the GRE or not, and that he adheres to other prerequisites for admission if required.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |564 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 30, 2024Hindi
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Career
Hello sir I m pursuing my CSE and am about to complete it after 2 months. Looking for prospects of going for MS abroad. Kindly guide me the universities and countries in order of preference taking in to consideration expenses part also and should I opt for MS in CSE or in specific area like AI & ML etc. Please also suggest how can I apply for the same.
Ans: Hello. Thank you for coming into contact with us. Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) abroad is a significant step that would boost your career prospects. Let me tell you that both CSE, AI, and ML are tremendously growing sectors. Pursuing either one would be advantageous for you. You may choose to pursue either of them, depending on where your interest lies.

In terms of the ideal countries where you can choose to pursue MS, the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Australia are the best nations. The cost of studying in each nation may vary depending on the country. Furthermore, you can choose to pursue your desired program. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California, Berkeley, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo, and Technical University of Munich (TUM), among many others.

Best of luck for your future. For any further queries, please get in touch with us. We have a team of expert counsellors who can guide you through any concerns or questions you may have.

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 17, 2024Hindi
Money
Question on Financial Planning: I am 53 years old and took retirement in 2023, a year ago. I have a corpus of approximately ?20 crores allocated as follows: ?6.5 crores in stocks ?5 crores in mutual funds ?5 crores in debt instruments ?2 crores in gold ?1.8 crores in a savings bank account** (to cover the next 12 years of household expenses). My monthly expenses are approximately ?1 lakh, and I receive: ?70,000 per month as house rent (?8.4 lakhs annually) ?10 lakhs annually as dividends from stocks. I have allocated ?5 crores in debt instruments to fund the higher education of my two sons (expenses will arise after 1 year and after 4 years). My goal is to grow my equity portfolio over the next 12 years since I do not depend on it for my current monthly expenses. Additionally: I have adequate health insurance. I own properties worth ?7.5 crores. I have no liabilities. My query: Is my financial planning on track, or do you see any areas for improvement or correction? I am open to suggestions for optimizing my investments, especially considering my goals of equity growth, funding my sons' education, and maintaining a comfortable retirement.
Ans: Your financial planning reflects strong foresight and effective resource allocation. With a corpus of Rs. 20 crores and no liabilities, your position is financially stable. Let us evaluate your financial setup from a 360-degree perspective and suggest areas for optimisation.

Assessment of Current Allocations
Equity Portfolio: Stocks (Rs. 6.5 Crores)
Your equity allocation reflects a growth-oriented approach.
A diversified stock portfolio is ideal for long-term growth.
Ensure the portfolio is well-balanced across sectors and market capitalisations.
Mutual Funds (Rs. 5 Crores)
Mutual funds provide diversification and professional management.
Review the fund categories to maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Regular performance reviews are essential to optimise returns.
Debt Instruments (Rs. 5 Crores)
Allocating Rs. 5 crores for your sons’ education is prudent.
Ensure the debt investments are in low-risk instruments like bonds or fixed deposits.
Laddering maturity dates aligns well with your sons’ educational timelines.
Gold (Rs. 2 Crores)
Gold provides stability during market volatility.
Keep it as a hedge against inflation but avoid further allocation to this asset.
Savings Account (Rs. 1.8 Crores)
Holding Rs. 1.8 crores for 12 years of expenses is a cautious approach.
Move a part of this amount into liquid funds for better returns with liquidity.
Income and Monthly Expenses
Rental Income (Rs. 8.4 Lakhs Annually)
Rental income covers 70% of your monthly expenses.
Ensure the rental property is well-maintained to sustain consistent returns.
Dividends (Rs. 10 Lakhs Annually)
Dividend income provides an additional safety net.
Reinvest surplus dividends into mutual funds for compounded growth.
Monthly Expenses (Rs. 1 Lakh)
Your monthly expenses are comfortably managed.
Maintain a contingency fund of at least Rs. 20-25 lakhs for unexpected costs.
Recommendations for Optimising Equity Portfolio
Focus on Quality Stocks

Prioritise stocks of companies with strong fundamentals and consistent earnings.
Avoid overexposure to any single sector or company.
Systematic Equity Investments

Add to your equity portfolio gradually through Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs).
This reduces market timing risks.
Regular Portfolio Review

Review the equity portfolio annually.
Exit underperforming stocks and reallocate to high-growth opportunities.
Enhancing Mutual Fund Returns
Diversify Fund Selection

Include funds with different strategies to maximise returns.
A Certified Financial Planner can help identify high-performing funds.
Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

Regular funds offer advisory support for timely rebalancing.
This helps navigate market volatility effectively.
Utilise Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals systematically to reduce tax liability on capital gains.
Debt Instruments: Securing Educational Goals
Low-Risk Instruments for Predictable Returns

Allocate funds to secure options like government bonds, fixed deposits, or debt mutual funds.
Match the maturity timelines with educational milestones.
Avoid Premature Withdrawals

Breaking long-term debt investments can reduce returns.
Use other funds for emergencies to protect this allocation.
Optimising Gold Allocation
Retain as a Hedge

Gold should form no more than 10% of your portfolio.
Avoid further investments unless there are specific requirements.
Leverage Gold for Liquidity

Gold-backed loans can provide temporary liquidity if needed.
Savings Account Allocation
Move Funds to Liquid Investments

Savings account returns are suboptimal for such a large balance.
Move funds into liquid funds for higher returns and liquidity.
Emergency Fund Segregation

Retain Rs. 50 lakhs for immediate emergencies.
Invest the rest in short-term debt instruments or liquid funds.
Maintaining a Comfortable Retirement
Healthcare Planning

Ensure health insurance policies are adequate for critical illnesses.
Maintain a separate corpus for medical emergencies.
Contingency Fund Maintenance

Keep Rs. 20-25 lakhs readily accessible for unforeseen expenses.
Review this fund periodically to adjust for inflation.
Estate Planning

Draft a will to avoid disputes and ensure smooth wealth transfer.
Assign nominees for all investments and properties.
Taxation Considerations
Equity Taxation

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Taxation

Debt instruments are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Choose tax-efficient options like tax-free bonds if needed.
Dividend Income

Dividends are taxed at your marginal income tax rate.
Reinvest dividends for tax-efficient growth.
Final Insights
Your financial plan is well-structured and aligns with your goals. However, optimising your equity and mutual fund allocations can enhance growth potential. Move idle funds from your savings account into liquid investments for better returns. Review and rebalance your portfolio periodically with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Your current strategy provides a secure foundation for funding education, retirement, and wealth growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...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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