Finding a field you want to study can be daunting. Most people find it difficult to make this decision because they don’t know their passion yet, therefore their path remains uncertain. You are reading this because you already know what you want to study, but you need to study the best out of it.
It is a great leap to find your passion, bravo! Now, choosing a university that aligns with your passion is an important decision in your academic journey and you really don’t want to travel all the way abroad to study, only to be unfulfilled after all the effort.
In the bid to study abroad, there are an array of thousands of universities around the world to choose from, each part of the world will offer dozens of dozens of universities that offer your course of choice, narrowing down to the university that suits you best can be a lot of work.
It requires careful consideration and research to ensure that you receive the best education and secure better opportunities for your chosen path, even after your tertiary education.
After reading this article, you will be able to make better choices in selecting the university abroad that best aligns with your field of study. Before going into the specifics of choosing the right one, it is important to keep the following general ideas in mind:
- Be open-minded and adaptable to change as you will be going to a new environment, with probably a different culture.
- Define your goals and priorities, not every point is a point while making this decision.
- Be prepared for the journey
- Remember that this is just the beginning of your intentional education journey
Essential steps to make an informed choice on the university that best aligns with your field of study
Step #1: Define your Academic and Career Goals
Before you begin your search for a university abroad, it is important to know exactly what you are looking for in terms of your academic and professional goals.
You can narrow down your search by setting some guidelines and parameters for your ideal university experience. For example, you might want to choose programs that are strictly taught in the English language or a program that gives you time to work along.
You might want to consider budget range, price of commodities in the area or some other factors that are important to you. The more specific you are about your preferences, the easier it will be to find the ideal university for you.[1] Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to ascertain what you really want, you can add more to this depending on your preferences:
- What is your intended field of study?
- Do you have specific career aspirations or industries you want to work in while schooling or after schooling?
- Do you want to specialize in a particular subfield?
- Are there specific languages you can adapt to easily or you will love to be taught with?
- What are your personal and financial constraints?
Steps #2: Perform an In-depth Research
After understanding what you truly want, you can now easily choose the university that best suits you. While choosing from a long list of universities, stress more on the university that possesses the factor that best suits your preference, using resources such as academic journal, industry reports, and other resources online and offline to identify the leading university that best aligns with your field of study and your preferences.[2]
There are a number of factors to consider to rank a university above others, including:
- The University Global Presence: Different countries are known for excellence in different academic disciplines. Research the country that is best known for your field of study. Considering the strengths of various countries can not only help you narrow down your options but can also help ensure the quality of value you are going to get. Some countries and their field of expertise, include:
- France: Art, Literature and Fashion.
- Netherlands: International Business, Economics, and Water Management.
- United Kingdom: Business schools and Medical schools.
- Germany: Engineering, Technology and Automotive design.
- Switzerland: Hospitality management and International affairs.
- United States: Scientific disciplines, Liberal arts, and Humanities.
- India: Computer science and Information technology.
- Singapore: Computer science, Mathematics, and Biotechnology.
After researching the ideal countries, compile them in a list as your target countries as you apply more preferences to narrow them down.[2]
- The University that has a Strong Program in your Field of Study in your selected countries: Start by identifying universities that offer programs that match your specific interest.
Then narrow down to how strong the program is in the university by researching the faculty credentials, and knowing the faculty’s qualifications, backgrounds, publications, and research projects.[2][3] Do they align with your academic interests? What are the benefits you can earn from the faculty even after your studies? Are the faculty professors accessible and willing to work with students? As such it is important to also research the university curriculum for our field of study, does it align?
Does the university have enough resources, you need to succeed such as state-of-the-art labs, equipment, and mentorship facilities? It is important to take note of all of this.
- Research the location, culture, and language suitability: This will reduce the long list of universities that have a strong program in your field of study to more relevant universities that fit in your preferences better. It is crucial to know the language spoken in these universities. Can you adapt to them easily? What if the program you desire in your field of study is taught in a foreign language, will it hinder your performance?
It is important to take into account your current language proficiency and the support available for language learning.[4] Evaluating your language proficiency can be done through language proficiency tests. Also, enquire about the available support available for language learning in the universities.
Another factor to consider is the location and culture of the university. Factors like climate change, cost of living, and safety are very important. Also, the kind of culture practiced is crucial. Applying to study in an environment that is against your faith might affect your academic performance.[5]
Step #3: Check Out the University Accreditation and Ranking
Ensure the program you are interested in your field of study is accredited and the university is recognized for excellence by recognized ranking systems such as Times Higher Education World University Ranking or QS World University Rankings.
You have to evaluate the list of target universities you are considering and narrow it down to those that have your field of study accredited and recognized for excellence. Universities with strong reputations and accreditation ensure the program meets a certain standard of quality and rigor, it ensures a valuable learning experience.
This is essential for the transferability of your degree and its recognition by employers. Choosing an accredited program will give you the best chance of gaining all you need to succeed in your chosen career.[3]
Step #4: Are the Entry Criteria and Requirements Complicated or Simple?
Some universities offer a simpler admission process but some others have a complicated and time-consuming process. These requirements vary from institution to institution, so, It is important to meet the admission requirements of universities.
Depending on your capacity, you can decide to take the complex process because you met them all or because you desire the University, but if you don’t meet a university criterion, it is beneficial to apply to those with simpler criteria and processes. To avoid being denied admission.[6]
You can research this information through the university websites or other resources online. You can also get assistance from quality study abroad consultants, who understand various admission processes, in simplifying the admission process for you.
Step #5: Consider the Alumni and Current Students’ Recommendations, Reviews, and Comments
Read reviews and comments from current and former international students, who have studied at the universities you are considering. These sources can provide insights into the quality of education, campus life, common challenges, and the overall experience at the campus.
You can also make good decisions from their success story or their mistakes. The main aim is to use their feedback to decide the university that is the best fit for you.[6]
Step #6: Financial Consideration
Consider the cost of studying in the universities you are targeting including tuition fees and the cost of living. For example, some cities are more expensive than others and you will need to factor in things like accommodation, rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.
To reduce these costs, you can look into part-time jobs like most international students do. This means that you will have to consider the location that can accommodate that and the university system that encourages that.
There is also support available for international students such as grants, scholarships, and financial aid offered by the university or other external organizations. This support can make a big difference and help you succeed academically and socially. It is essential to consider your financial aid options to ease some of your financial burden and make your international education easy and more convenient.
You can access these financial support systems from these universities’ websites and other scholarship sites. You can also check out scholarships affiliated to your current or former institution.
Step #7: What are the Potential Job Opportunities?
The reputation of a university is essential to knowing the job opportunities available for you in and after your studies. While considering the university that best suits you, narrow down to universities that have strong ties to industry and job prospects that can provide valuable opportunities for international students, such as internships, networking events, and job fair opportunities.
You should also check out the university’s post-graduate employment statistics to get a sense of its success in preparing students for the workforce. A university with a high post-graduate employment rate is a good indicator that it helps students make the most of their studies and successfully transition into the workforce.
By researching the job market in the region or country, where the country is located, you can get to know the opportunities available to you after graduation.[7]
Step #8: Plan for your Visa and Accommodation
Visa requirements differ in different countries. It is important to start applying for a visa early because some countries have a relatively straightforward process for international students while others have a more complex process. It is also important to consider whether you need a student visa at the university or if you can make do with a tourist visa.[8]
Another important factor is finding suitable accommodation. Many universities offer on-campus housing, which can be a convenient and social option for students. However, living off-campus may offer more independence and cultural immersion. Ensure to consider factors such as, safety, quality, location, amenities, availability of health and medical services, availability of extracurricular activities, and transportation.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal university abroad is a complex, multi-faceted process that demands careful research, thoughtful evaluation, and a comprehensive consideration of the above range of factors.
Your choice profoundly influences your academic journey and future career, and it is one that should be approached with care and deliberation. Each of the factors discussed above is integral to this process, and their interconnectedness highlights the delicate nature of this decision-making journey.
Ultimately, the “ideal” university is subjective, determined by your unique aspirations, goals, and circumstances. The path to finding your ideal university is not merely about selecting an institution, it is about discovering yourself, your goals, and the opportunities that will propel you toward a fulfilling and successful educational experience.
The journey of choosing the right university is a formative one, guiding your path toward self-discovery, growth, and the realization of your academic and professional potential.
FAQs
Q: How can I learn more about different universities abroad?
A: There are many resources available to help you learn more about different universities abroad. You can visit the websites of universities, read reviews from current and former students, and talk to education consultants. You can also attend university fairs and information sessions.
Q: How do I apply to a university abroad?
A: The application process for universities abroad varies depending on the university and the country where it is located. However, there are some general steps that you need to follow:
- Research the universities you are interested in and learn about their application requirements.
- Gather your application materials, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Submit your application to the universities you have chosen.
- If you are accepted, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Q: What are some extra tips for choosing the ideal university abroad?
A:
- Start early. The application process for universities abroad can be time-consuming, so it is important to start early.
- Consider your needs and goals. What are your academic and career goals? What kind of university environment are you looking for?
- Be realistic. Consider your budget and the visa requirements for the countries where you are interested in studying.
- Get help from others. Talk to education consultants, current and former students, and your family and friends to get their advice on choosing a university abroad.
Q: What are the benefits of studying abroad?
A: There are many benefits to studying abroad, including:
- Gaining an international perspective: Studying abroad can help you to gain a new perspective on your field of study and on the world in general.
- Improving your language skills: If you study abroad in a country where the language of instruction is different from your native language, you will have the opportunity to improve your language skills.
- Making new friends and connections: Studying abroad is a great way to meet new people from all over the world. You may also have the opportunity to network with professionals in your field.
- Boosting your career prospects: Studying abroad can make you more competitive in the job market. Employers are often impressed by candidates who have international experience.
Reference
- Ben Clayton. (March 29, 2021). “7 Steps to Choosing a University Abroad”. Top University. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- SR Team. (October 17, 2023). “How to Choose a University Abroad that Aligns with Your Field of Study”. Scholarship Region. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- Ebere Nsofor. “Choosing A University To Study Abroad || 5 Key Things To Consider”. Degrees & Careers. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- Rosmit Gyawali. “7 Tips To Choose The Best University To Study Abroad”. Study Info Centre. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- “Are University Rankings Important When Choosing Where to Study Abroad?”. (June 29, 2023). ApplyBoard. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- “Study Abroad How to Select the Right University for Your Higher Education”. (January 9, 2023). Admissify. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- Ankita Singh. (Sep 1, 2023). “How to Pick a University Abroad? Consider These Basic University Facilities”. Leverage Edu. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.
- Vadlapudi Kiran Kumar. (September 1, 2023). “How to Choose the Right University Abroad”. Career360. Retrieved 21 October, 2023.