Is Studying Design Abroad Better Than in India? (Cost vs ROI)

In general, studying design abroad can mean a higher ROI (return-on-investment) due to global exposure. But that aspect alone doesn’t necessarily guarantee that an overseas education is better than studying in India. For starters, we need to consider the expense of doing a design program abroad. In comparison to India, it is higher in most developed countries.

Moreover, the cost of living and traveling is factored into it, making studying abroad a privilege that only a few can afford. Since many more factors tie into this comparative study, let’s look at it through an objective lens and learn more about this dilemma that most Indian design students face.

Introduction: The Big Question Indian Design Aspirants Face

Indian design aspirants are often riddled with the dilemma of whether to apply abroad for a design program or to study locally in India. Bear in mind, this dilemma can only occur to those who have figured out the means, both financially and conveniently, to study abroad without much struggle. The dilemma forces them to question themselves, “Is it going to be worth it to study abroad?”

The research that would fetch the answer to that question would be the same as any student researching to choose an Indian college to study. Placement records, faculty composition, alumni review, college location, infrastructure, quality of the design program, and even the college’s reputation are factors that need to be thoroughly researched. Since the chances of returning to India mid-season are also slim to none, it is very important to check that all the living, eating, and other conditions are up to proper standards.

For studying abroad, one has to additionally check the VISA applications and other aspects that may be affected by that country’s relations with India. Things like a trade embargo, dysfunctional foreign direct investments, and other political issues might affect the status of an Indian living in that country, and vice versa.

Why Students Consider Studying Design Abroad?

Students consider studying design abroad for a few reasons. Let’s look at them here in detail. These are the reasons students consider studying design abroad:

1. Better ROI

Studying design abroad can almost guarantee you a better ROI on your program. If your research is right and you get a good job after graduating from college, then studying abroad with higher fees is also worth it.

2. Global Exposure

While a lot of Indian design colleges include global design principles in their curriculum, it’s still not the same experience or exposure as studying abroad. Studying in a design college from, let’s say, the USA, UK, France, Germany, South Korea, Japan, or any other developed country, could provide you with industry exposure and expose you to trends before anyone else. This would make you a prime candidate for a design job.

3. A Cosmopolitan Design Experience

A major perk of studying in a college abroad is that you get to meet and be accustomed to students from different cultures and regions. Everybody brings something to the table from their nationalistic, cultural, and unique backgrounds, which shapes their design Point of view. These views are for everyone to share and learn from. This opens up minds, broadens their horizons, and lets everyone look at design from multiple perspectives.

4. More Opportunities

Outside of corporate placements, foreign-studied design individuals are also first in line to get varied employment opportunities. Design firms from around the world, whether small or large, will approach them for projects that pay well. A design degree from an International college opens you up to getting a job from anywhere. The limitations don’t exist.

5. A Chance to Live and Work Abroad

For a lot of people, this remains a dream to live and work abroad. Studying abroad with an Education Visa can provide you with an opportunity to do that.

India vs Abroad for Design Education

1. Design Education Abroad:

Pros: Access to cutting-edge technology, specialized design fields, global networking opportunities, etc. It offers higher earning potential post-graduation and a broader, international perspective on design problems.

Cons: Living expenses and tuition fees are generally very high. In Indian currency, they generally exceed INR 30 LPA to INR 50 LPA. Cultural barriers and competitive Visa regulations can be challenging.

2. Design Education in India:

Pros: It provides a highly affordable, cost-effective education compared to International standards. Top-tier institutes often provide excellent industry exposure, and the fast-growing Indian market provides strong career opportunities.

Cons: Limited exposure to global, cutting-edge, or niche technologies compared to top foreign institutions.

The Real Cost of Studying Design Abroad

(Tuition Fees, Living Expenses, Hidden & Long-Term Costs, Education Loans & Financial Pressure)

These are the real costs of studying a design program abroad:

Tuition Fees

For specialized design schools in the UK and the USA, the fees range somewhere between $5000 to $50,000 per year.

Living Expenses

It costs around $10,000 to $15,000 per year, which converts to INR 12 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs per year. This includes food, rent, and transport.

Hidden Long-Term Costs

They can be further split into 3 different categories (among many). They are usually

1. Tech & Supplies – High-end laptops cost around INR 80,000 to INR 1 lakh. Software subscriptions such as Adobe Creative Cloud and other design materials are also very expensive.
2. Setup Costs – Security Deposits would be equivalent to 1-3 months of rent. It would include initial housing, furniture, and winter clothing. The total costs will be around INR 20,000 to INR 30,000.
3. Mandatory Fees – Health Insurance would cost somewhere around $1000 to $2000 annually in the USA and Germany. Visa fees and student activity fees are separate.

Education Loans and Financial Pressure – While a 100% financing is available in certain countries, interest rates and currency fluctuation risks are always there. These factors can inflate debt over time.

As far as financial pressure is concerned, most students who study abroad pick up a part-time job to sustain their living costs. However, this limited part-time work in between classes, which clocks up to 20 hours per week, isn’t nearly enough to cover high living costs.

Cost of Studying Design in India

Here is the true cost of studying design in India: (Tuition Fees, Living & Study Costs, Financial Flexibility)

Tuition Fees –

• Government institutes such as NID, IITs, and NIFT are highly affordable, ranging from roughly INR 2 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs for the entire program.
• Private Universities or Colleges, such as Strate School of Design, Srishti Manipal, and Symbiosis generally have higher fees, ranging from INR 6 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs for the entire program.

Living & Study Costs –

• Living Costs – In India, in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, the living costs are estimated to be INR 1 LPA to INR 3 LPA. Mumbai is slightly higher.
• Study Materials – Expenses for portfolio creation, software subscriptions such as Adobe Creative Cloud, laptops, specialized stationery, and prototyping materials such as fabric for fashion are significantly high. They are all important aspects of design education.

Financial Flexibility –

• Scholarships – Scholarships are based on merit, entrance exam performances, and creativity (For example, UPES provides up to 30% scholarship based on marks in the 12th exam).
• Education Loans – These loans are readily available for the most reputable private and government design schools. Banks in India are ready to provide you with loans if your credit score is good.
• ROI – Entry-level salaries are somewhere between INR 3 LPA and INR 5 LPA. They increase from INR 15 LPA to INR 25 LPA in 7-10 years.

ROI Comparison – Abroad Vs. India

In India, the ROI is faster due to lower initial investment and a fast-growing local market. Whereas, in comparison, colleges abroad in developed countries present students with higher salaries. But the payback period is far longer than that in India.

The salary in India is somewhere between INR 3 LPA and INR 5 LPA. In 7-10 years, the salary might increase to INR 15 LPA to INR 25 LPA. Abroad, in countries like the USA, the salary for designers might range between $60,000 and $90,000.

Quality of Design Education in India – The Reality Check

Design education in India is undergoing rapid growth at the moment. Transitioning from traditional crafts to modern industrial applications, with top-tier colleges providing high-quality, globally competitive training, India is truly leaving a positive mark in the design world.

NID Ahmedabad, Strate School of Design, IDC School of Design in IIT Bombay, NIFT, Pearl Academy, etc., are some of the best design colleges in India. It provides a variety of specializations with a globally-oriented, industry-focused curriculum in each of them.

The specializations include:

Game Design

Product Design

Transportation Design

Interaction Design

Interior & Space Design

Visual Communication & Brand Identity, among others.

Each of these courses provides a holistic approach to that design field and prepares a student ready for the corporate world.

Career Opportunities After Studying Design in India

These are the career opportunities available after studying design in India:

• UI/UX Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Communications Designer
• Product Designer
• Fashion Designer
• Interior Designer
• Multimedia Designer
• Multimedia Designer