Investment for Physics Degree from a foreign country

[sodaboy7]

I am from India and I am currently studying Electrical Engineering from a good private college( with a considerable CGPA of 8.5). But I was never interested in Engineering. All I wanted to go for was Pure,Basic and theoretical Physics. Many "experienced" people advised me to do engineering and then do masters in Physics from a foreign country. But when my application was accepted by University of Vienna for BSc. Physics, it was irresistible to me. Moreover, my tuition fees would be reimbursed after completion of the program. But then I came to know about cost of living in Vienna and it was very high. So, I applied for a scholarship (along with 1400 other people) but only 300 were selected and unfortunately I was not among them. Now the question is that: Is it worth investing that much amount of money (I mean I will have to take educational loan and other stuff...) for studying Physics from Vienna or to continue what I am doing and then do Masters in Physics. Also, is there any scholarship which can specifically finance my cost of living ?

 

[anuragkanase]

I wouldn't suggest you to pursue at Uni-Vienna. It seems to be costly and not one of the real great Uni to invest into. Preferably you complete your graduation in engineering and opt for Physics masters at US, scholarships would be easily made available if your score is nice throughout.
But, if you are tempted to study abroad, Physics, I would recommend going to Germany and studying Physics. They have free education system, and the cost you incur is only of living, its high though.
Keep in mind, with a Graduate degree in physics counting from today, after 3 years you won't have a job that pays you as much as an engineer. If you can afford to complete your education in Basic sciences up to Masters abroad, go for it. Else, its better to step aback now.

 

[chill_factor]

why stop at the MS especially if you're paying for the privilege? only get graduate study in physics if you get paid for it.

 

[AnTiFreeze3]

why stop at the MS especially if you're paying for the privilege? only get graduate study in physics if you get paid for it.

The graduate process is different for foreign countries than what we have in the United States. Their master's and doctoral programs are separate, where in the U.S (for Physics), we only have a "graduate" program, where you essentially go to get your PhD, and just happen to meet the requirements for a Masters on your way to the PhD.

He probably is unaware of this, as are most foreigners, since it's unique to the U.S.

 

[lisombt]

Now the question is that: Is it worth investing that much amount of money (I mean I will have to take educational loan and other stuff...) for studying Physics from Vienna or to continue what I am doing and then do Masters in Physics. Also, is there any scholarship which can specifically finance my cost of living ?

Scholarships are rather rare. Try to look at the Austrian consulates nearby.

I do not know anything about your lifestyle and standard of living, but residing in Vienna is not that expensive, especially if you are single and ready to adapt. I have friends that manage to live off ca. 500 euro and some of them even manage to find part-time jobs which helps a lot. Nevertheless, my advice to you would be to finish your degree in India (having in mind the fact that you already enrolled).

How come you already got accepted to Uni Vienna? I thought that the admission for BSc. in physics was unrestricted and that the process starts in June and lasts until September.

I wouldn't suggest you to pursue at Uni-Vienna. It seems to be costly and not one of the real great Uni to invest into. Preferably you complete your graduation in engineering and opt for Physics masters at US, scholarships would be easily made available if your score is nice throughout.
But, if you are tempted to study abroad, Physics, I would recommend going to Germany and studying Physics. They have free education system, and the cost you incur is only of living, its high though.

Hmm, I thought Uni Wien was just as good as most of German universities. Having this guy on the faculty is cool. http://www.quantum.at/zeilinger/

 

[chill_factor]

The graduate process is different for foreign countries than what we have in the United States. Their master's and doctoral programs are separate, where in the U.S (for Physics), we only have a "graduate" program, where you essentially go to get your PhD, and just happen to meet the requirements for a Masters on your way to the PhD.

He probably is unaware of this, as are most foreigners, since it's unique to the U.S.

In my native country there are separate MS and PHD degrees, but both are fully funded. I understand this isn't the case in Europe and India but really there is little point to do grad study in physics without being paid for it. I'm in a funded MS in the US (terminal MS) so I'm relatively lucky, but if this wasn't at least funded, I wouldn't do it.

The only other country I know is US, and that is as you said.

 

[sodaboy7]

But, if you are tempted to study abroad, Physics, I would recommend going to Germany and studying Physics. They have free education system, and the cost you incur is only of living, its high though.
Keep in mind, with a Graduate degree in physics counting from today, after 3 years you won't have a job that pays you as much as an engineer. If you can afford to complete your education in Basic sciences up to Masters abroad, go for it. Else, its better to step aback now.

I m not much tempted to study abroad, I mean its OK here but if given an opportunity it will be great. I am aware of the fact that I won't get a job after three years. Whatever I may go for (engineering of science), it is 100% sure that I will choose a teaching job. I am not at all interested in industrious job with high pay-package. I will be happy as a teacher or a professor.
Plus I checked the websites of some reputed German-universities and I was unable to find the free education system as mentioned by you. Can you just give me link of it ?

 

[sodaboy7]

I do not know anything about your lifestyle and standard of living, but residing in Vienna is not that expensive, especially if you are single and ready to adapt. I have friends that manage to live off ca. 500 euro and some of them even manage to find part-time jobs which helps a lot. Nevertheless, my advice to you would be to finish your degree in India (having in mind the fact that you already enrolled).

Thanks for your advice.
I can adapt easily to any lifestyle and I am also ready to have a shared room or dorm. And if in your opinion, Vienna is not that expensive and has a good faculty then why are you suggesting me to finish degree here in India, Can you please elaborate ?

 

[sodaboy7]

Plus I don't want to stop at MS, I want to continue at least till PHD.