As an international student, deciding on which courses to take is one of the most difficult decisions, as it affects your future in the long term. If you are one of those students who have always heard about STEM from your friends and family and are wondering what STEM is, do not worry; you are not alone. In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about STEM.
Table of Contents:
- What is STEM Full Form in Education?
- Eligibility Criteria for STEM Courses
- Career Opportunities After Studying STEM Courses
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEM Full Form in Education?
STEM’s full form in education is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a term used for academic disciplines and fields of study. If you are confused about if a STEM degree is right for you, here are some reasons why you should study STEM as an international student:
- Increasing Job Demand: Technology and Engineering industries are growing rapidly in today’s world, creating high job demand. The demand would only increase in the future. STEM education provides a strong base which leads to incredible job opportunities in various fields.
- Exceptional Salary: STEM graduates are usually paid higher than average than non-STEM graduates. Some of the highest-paid job roles include Engineers and Computer Scientists.
- Travel: In today’s world, STEM graduates are in high demand worldwide. Every country requires professionals from STEM. You will have various opportunities to work in different parts of the world.
- Hands-on Learning: STEM education offers hands-on learning opportunities to students via internships, lab experiences, and research projects. Hands-on learning is crucial for students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills.
Eligibility Criteria for STEM Courses
As an international student, there are various criteria that you are required to fulfill to be admitted to a STEM course. The basic eligibility criteria for STEM courses are as follows:
- English Proficiency: As an international student, you must fulfill the basic English language proficiency requirements. A good score in IELTS / TOEFL / DET / PTE and more.
- Academic Transcripts: You must have a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree related to the field for admission to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, respectively.
- Standardized Test Scores: Some programs or universities may require GRE / GMAT scores for admission.
- Work Experience: Not necessary, but some universities require valid work experience (mostly in a related field) for admission to the program.
Career Opportunities After Studying STEM Courses
STEM courses offer multiple career opportunities across various fields and industries. The top career opportunities in STEM fields include:
Science
Studying Science abroad has tons of benefits. By studying science in top universities with advanced labs, you will have exciting opportunities to work on challenges like climate change or medical development.
| Jobs | Average Package |
| Biotechnologist | $47,840 – $56,160 |
| Environmental Scientist | $59,139 – $107,150 |
| Physicist | $104,959 – $202,107 |
| Astronomer | $65,000 – $123,316 |
| Materials Scientist | $100,000 – $167,465 |
| Chemist | $46,800 – $95,002 |
Technology
Studying technology as a subject offers you all kinds of tech knowledge. The top reasons to study technology are opportunities to work in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity with top experts worldwide.
| Jobs | Average Package |
| Software Developer | $87,360 – $150,000 |
| Data Scientist | $109,983 – $182,024 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $89,453 – $148,110 |
| AI/ML Engineer | $132,445 – $201,027 |
| IT Systems Administrator | $69,985 – $113,339 |
| Cloud Computing Specialist | $145,000 – $215,418 |
Engineering
Pursuing Engineering abroad has better job prospects. The subject also allows you to work globally and learn from top professionals in the field, opening doors to international career options.
| Jobs | Average Package |
| Civil Engineer | $74,865 – $120,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $77,500 – $127,272 |
| Electrical Engineer | $85,000 – $140,000 |
| Chemical Engineer | $79,584 – $125,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $90,474 – $152,500 |
| Environmental Engineer | $75,004 – $127,701 |
Mathematics
Studying mathematics during your study abroad journey sharpens your problem-solving skills and helps you tackle complex problems. It also allows you to work globally in academia, finance, tech, and more.
| Jobs | Average Package |
| Actuary | $120,000 – $185,051 |
| Quantitative Analyst | $100,000 – $189,150 |
| Cryptographer | $166,250 – $200,000 |
| Statistician | $74,501 – $150,035 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $89,058 – $152,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a STEM program in the USA?
STEM programs in the USA consist of degrees that fall under science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through STEM programs in the USA, students learn various skills and prepare the students for careers in this field.
Which country is the best for STEM courses?
The USA is considered the best for STEM courses due to its top universities, high-quality education, diverse programs, vibrant campus life, career opportunities, and more.
Who can pursue STEM courses?
Any student with an interest and/or background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics can pursue STEM courses, regardless of their background.
What is the future of STEM courses?
The future of STEM courses is rewarding. STEM courses help students in various ways, such as through hands-on learning, problem-solving skills development, and more. STEM courses prepare students for global challenges, growing careers, and more.
Are there scholarships for STEM courses?
There are numerous scholarships offered to international students for STEM courses. Several organizations and universities offer scholarships to international students.
