I have trained for my undergraduate qualifications in Mumbai. After the rigorous five years I thought to myself, “Aaha! No more studying ever again.”
And then I took the path most new graduates pursue, that of starting my own dental surgery in Mumbai. I worked and worked for five years. The five years came and went in a blink of an eye. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, with a thought always of someday enhancing my knowledge about dentistry and learning some new skills. Alas, I was always caught in this rat race and never got onto stopping work and going on a course or a postgraduate program.
But then one day, I made up my mind to break away from the mould. I couldn’t work with my knowledge which I knew was already outdated and with no hope of further skill enhancement. Then I started looking at Masters in Australia and UK.
The whole process was not very difficult, but tricky. Some of the few things one needs to apply for any overseas Postgraduate qualification are:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree transcripts
Other Academic qualification proofs (Masters, hands-on courses, other certificates)
English qualifications (IELTS or TOEFL)
Bank statements with adequate funds for tuition fees and to support yourself (and your spouse) during the course duration.
Passport
There are quite a few agents appointed by these Universities in many Indian cities. They make your application process quite easy and have their contacts here which help them coordinate things more easily, but remember that most big Universities will never have agents. Also be aware of agents asking for money. Since all these agents are funded by the universities, the cost to you is absolutely nothing.
Most overseas (UK and Australian) universities will have a website. These websites are detailed and will give you most course details. They will contain email ids of coordinators and course tutors. Email them about all your queries and which academic year you want to start. They will answer all your queries. Some popular courses get completely filled 2 academic years before they start. Most overseas courses which one can gain entry to, would be non-clinical courses e.g. Oral Pathology, Dental Public Health, Hospital Management, Health Economics, etc. This does not mean clinical courses are absolutely impossible to get into. In UK one can get entry into a clinical course with a temporary registration with the General Dental Council, UK. These courses are normally of more than two years duration, which mean added costs incurred to pursue these courses. They would conduct a telephonic interview sometimes before they offer you a place on the program.
Contrary to popular belief, not all institutions ask for two year work experience and your internship is considered as a one year experience. The complete experience of coming to UK and studying is fabulous. The resources are immense. The hardships are crushing. One has to be prepared to work and do odd jobs to survive here as costs of living are quite high. The first 3 months are critical. Many people feel homesick in these times. Good to go to a country where you have family and friend network and support.
When you come to countries like UK, you may get support from your university or there are a few government bodies who have websites guiding you onto getting your bank a/c, renting a place, registering with the GP, etc.
Summarizing the above:
1) Deciding to study abroad
2) Deciding on the Course / University
3) Email the course coordinator / admissions team
4) Send them academic papers / IELTS results
5) Telephonic Interview
6) Receiving a conditional offer
7) Apply for a VISA
8) Call for Medical check up at a UK recognized Medical centre (optional)
9) Book your tickets
10) Fly to your destination
These steps may vary according to individual circumstances.
Best of Luck
Dr. Pretam Gharat