Investment for Physics Degree from a foreign country

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of pursuing a Physics degree abroad, specifically at the University of Vienna, versus completing an engineering degree in India and later pursuing a Master's in Physics. Participants explore the financial implications, living costs, scholarship opportunities, and the differences in graduate education systems between countries.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong desire to study Pure Physics at the University of Vienna, despite concerns about high living costs and the need for educational loans.
  • Another participant advises against attending Uni-Vienna, suggesting that it is not a top institution and recommending completion of an engineering degree followed by a Master's in the US, where scholarships may be more accessible.
  • Some participants highlight the differences in graduate education structures between the US and Europe, noting that in the US, Master's and PhD programs are often combined.
  • There is a suggestion that studying in Germany could be more financially viable due to the free education system, although living costs remain a concern.
  • One participant mentions that living in Vienna can be manageable with a budget of around 500 euros, especially for those willing to adapt their lifestyle.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for teaching over industrial jobs, indicating a long-term goal of pursuing a PhD.
  • Concerns are raised about the job market for Physics graduates compared to engineering graduates, with some participants suggesting that Physics may not lead to as high-paying jobs.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the availability of scholarships specifically for living expenses in Vienna.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether to pursue studies at Uni-Vienna or to complete an engineering degree first. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the value of studying abroad, the financial implications, and the educational pathways available in different countries.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the cost of living in Vienna and the availability of scholarships. There are also differing perspectives on the educational systems in the US versus Europe, particularly regarding funding for graduate studies.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering studying Physics abroad, particularly those weighing the financial and educational implications of different countries and institutions.

sodaboy7
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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 ?
 
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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.
 
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.
 
chill_factor said:
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.
 
sodaboy7 said:
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.

anuragkanase said:
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/
 
AnTiFreeze3 said:
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.
 
anuragkanase said:
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 ?
 
lisombt said:
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 ?
 
Plus I don't want to stop at MS, I want to continue at least till PHD.
 

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