Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia attract maximum international students due to their universities’ education quality, scholarship opportunities, and job prospects. Moreover, there are several top-ranked universities offering thousands of courses in these universities.
With the plethora of options available, students might wonder how to decide where to study abroad. They might also have doubts regarding which country is best for study. Fortunately for them, a few factors to consider when choosing a university overseas will help them decide.
Top 8 Factors To Consider When Choosing A University To Study Abroad
When choosing a university to study abroad, students need to understand that they will stay there for a while. They need to choose a university where they can thrive for three to four years or more, depending on the program and career path.
Moreover, students need to understand how to decide where to study to ensure they get the best out of their study abroad journey. Below are the top 8 pointers students must consider when choosing a university abroad:
1. Which country is best for study?
The foremost factor to consider is which country is best for study. Students might have a dream destination to study. However, they must consider whether their preferred destination has the course they want to pursue. They will also need to consider the cost of living and climatic conditions.
Additionally, students might want to consider whether they wish to study in picturesque or regular locations. They should also bear in mind the distance from their home country when choosing which country is best for study. Moreover, students should thoroughly consider the universities and their offerings before deciding on the country.
2. What is the cost?
While researching universities to study abroad, students must consider the cost too. They should calculate their budget according to the cost of living, tuition fees, and miscellaneous expenses. Students must factor prices in to look for affordable living options.
Additionally, students should choose universities that offer them financial aid to lessen their financial burdens. Students should also decide on universities and visas that allow them to work part-time to ensure their economic well-being when studying abroad.
3. Check the academic rankings of universities
Choosing a university is an exciting yet challenging task. Students want the best education and outcome from the university they choose. It would be prudent if students check the Academic ranking of universities.
Students can check the academic rankings on QS World University Ranking or Times Higher Education Ranking. Students will understand the university’s history, courses, programs, research scope, facilities, learning environment, industry income, and international outlook.
The rankings will help students choose a top university to advance their careers.
4. What are the career opportunities available at the university?
When deciding on a university, students must research the available career opportunities. They must look for placement cell operations and corporate partnerships that will make it easy for them to get a job after completing their course.
Students must look for work-integrated learning programs and ensure internships are a part of their course. They should also research advanced degree options for their preferred course to scale themselves professionally. Additionally, students should explore visa requirements and eligibility criteria to secure work abroad.
Once students shortlist a few universities with their preferred programs, students must check the application requirements thoroughly. Students should check the eligibility criteria, minimum requirements, additional requirements, documentation, language proficiencies, and any standardized test requirements.
Additionally, they should check if they need to take elective, minor, or major courses to complete their program. If students are applying for professional courses, students should ensure they have the requisite experience, resume, and referral letters.
6. When to apply for your preferred university?
One should also find out when to apply. Generally, universities worldwide have a Fall and Spring intake. Students should plan when they want to start studying and ensure they meet the required application deadlines. Many students choose the fall intake as they finish their high school or undergraduate course in April.
If a student wants to join in the fall intake in September 2023, they must complete their application formalities between August/September 2022 and January 2023. Suppose a student wants to join in January 2023 for the spring intake. They should complete their application formalities by November 2022.
7. Accommodations available
Another essential aspect students need to consider is accommodations. Some universities will offer students in-campus accommodation. They might provide a room or a dorm setup. However, other universities may not have such facilities.
So, students need to research apartment options close to the university. Often, the prices could be quite high, so students need to calculate the accommodation costs into their budgets. Students can also consider living with a host family and absorbing the local culture and language. They will get to interact more and learn a new language in the process.
8. The safety the university provides
Students must also consider the safety university provides. They must research the crime rates and public safety aspects in the university they choose. Students should examine this for the country and city they decide to study in.
Additionally, students should research the security available and police action to understand the safety. Checking the police action and presence can help students ensure their safety and avoid being victims of crimes. Students should also check for self-defense classes at the university to ensure their protection.
Studying abroad is an enriching experience. It allows students to steepen their education curve and explore a new place. The experience teaches students independence and builds their confidence to advance their career pathways. However, how to decide where to study abroad is a crucial question to answer.
The top 8 factors to consider when choosing a university abroad will help students decide responsibly. They will be able to analyze all facets of studying abroad to ensure they reap the benefits of studying abroad.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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