From STEM to offbeat: Why Hyderabad students are choosing creative, budget-friendly courses overseas

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Students from Hyderabad are now stepping away from the traditional path of pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses in countries like the US and the UK. Instead, they are exploring offbeat, creative, and passion-driven courses in countries that offer affordable education and better work opportunities. Education consultants in the city have noticed a 20–30 per cent increase in applications for such courses in the past year, according to a report by The Times of India.

As per Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, a global student accommodation platform, this is a clear sign of changing attitudes.

“We’re seeing a growing number of Indian students explore courses beyond the traditional STEM and business paths, fields like culinary arts, fashion, architecture, fine arts, and interior design. While STEM continues to attract the majority, this shift signals a broader mindset where more students are choosing what they genuinely enjoy, not just what feels safe or conventional," TOI quoted Arora as saying.

Affordable alternatives to the US, UK

One of the biggest reasons behind this shift is the rising cost of education in the US and UK. Many students and their families are now looking for countries that offer high-quality education at a much lower cost. France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the Netherlands are becoming increasingly attractive for these reasons. According to the TOI report, public universities in France offer master’s programs that cost around Rs 7 to Rs 10 lakh per year, compared to Rs 25 lakh or more for similar programs in the US.

Germany, which was already a top choice for engineering students, is now seeing a rise in applications for other fields like urban planning and industrial design. Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees, and the cost of living is manageable, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Italy, although not traditionally a top choice, is a global hub for design, arts, and culinary education and is gaining momentum, with around 10,000 Indian students currently enrolled and projections suggesting over 25,000 by 2030. “The US remains popular for tech and STEM courses, but students are beginning to weigh their options. Countries like France and Germany are offering a wide variety of affordable programmes that aren’t just STEM-focused,” TOI quoted Chirandeep Patnaik, founder of Lemma One Consulting, as saying.

“France, for instance, has seen a spike in demand for programmes in fashion, history, event management, and social sciences, especially after it extended its poststudy work visa for master’s students from two years to five. The priority now is employability and exposure. And that’s pushing both students and their families to think outside the US-UK box,” he added.

New Zealand, Netherlands, and Southeast Asia on the radar

Other countries are also becoming popular for niche fields. New Zealand and the Netherlands are seeing more Indian students apply for digital media, animation, and creative arts programs. Even Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines are emerging as good choices for courses in medicine and healthcare, thanks to English-language instruction and simpler admission processes.

Rajni Mankotiya, an education consultant, said, “Earlier, students used to ask, ‘Which top US university should I apply to?’ Now the question is, ‘Where can I study what I love, affordably, and still get good work experience?’ This change is refreshing and long overdue.”

This shift in mindset is not just about saving money, but about students taking control of their futures and choosing paths that align with their interests, skills, and long-term goals.