Start with the study route

An international name does not tell you where you will study, who will teach you or who will award your qualification. Before comparing fees, write down the exact programme title, the teaching location for every year and the awarding institution. This gives you a useful basis for comparing routes that may look similar in an advertisement.

Three routes to investigate

  • A university campus in India: investigate the programmes actually offered at that campus, rather than assuming its overseas course catalogue is available locally.
  • A programme involving more than one country: map each stage, the requirements for progressing and the cost of moving between locations.
  • An Indian institution with international opportunities: find out whether an exchange, immersion or partner qualification is compulsory, optional or subject to selection.
These are questions for your research, not interchangeable labels.

Two examples that show why this matters

The University of Southampton Delhi lists undergraduate and postgraduate study at its Indian campus. SP Jain Global’s BBA admissions page describes a multi-city route, including later study in Sydney. A family hoping to remain in India throughout should therefore check the location of every stage before shortlisting. Southampton Delhi: official site · SP Jain: official BBA admissions.

Ask for answers in writing

  • What is the exact final qualification and who awards it?
  • Where is each part taught, and can the full programme be completed in India?
  • What academic or other conditions apply to progression?
  • Which international experiences cost extra?
  • Where can I check the programme’s recognition for my intended next step?
Keep the replies alongside the current prospectus. If a future employer or postgraduate course requires a particular qualification, check directly with that organisation before committing.

Your next step

Make a one-page map of each route. Put the years across the top, then add the campus, qualification stage and expected cost underneath. Any blank cell is a question to resolve before you compare offers.
Make it practical.

Turn your research into a plan with our free printable worksheets.