Curious to know how to compare universities abroad? This is a common struggle among international students! With so many excellent options to choose from, students may get overwhelmed.
One of the most convenient and fastest ways to compare universities would be by using the Study Abroad Match. It is a tool that matches you with the best university abroad that suits your needs – all in a matter of minutes!
First, you will need to register for The Student World Virtual Fair and then the Study Abroad Match will automatically appear. All you have to do next is answer a quick quiz about your preferences so that the tool can find your match.
On the day of the online event, you will have the opportunity to speak directly with the university that you matched with so you can ask about everything related to studying abroad!
There are other ways to help with the searching process – find out the 7 important factors to take into consideration when comparing universities abroad below! 😉
#1 Entry Requirements
You might find your program abroad at more than one university. One of the first things that you should do when comparing them would be to look at the admissions requirements.
Even though they are the same programs, the requirements to study abroad vary. Universities have different sets of rules.
For example, a university might ask for an English proficiency test but doesn’t accept Duolingo. However, if this is the only type of test that you can take, you can limit your options to only universities that accept Duolingo.
Universities ask for different test scores, GPAs, marks, and documents. Be sure to see which one would fit your specific case.
The first thing that you can do would be to create a list of all the potential universities and their detailed information such as the requirements, price, location, size, and more.
You can create a pros and cons list as well, to find out the advantages and disadvantages of each university and cancel out the ones that you might find not suitable.
#2 Tuition Fees
It is important to plan your finances abroad in advance. One of the main costs that you will have to keep in mind is the tuition fees.
When trying to compare universities abroad, check out the fees to find options that fit your budget!
Usually, university websites are full of detailed information on tuition fees, courses, accommodation options, and more.
#3 Learning Style
Ask yourself this: would you learn better with a more hands-on approach? Or do you like the theoretical method?
Colleges tend to include more practical elements in their curriculums and prepare students for the workforce.
Universities, on the other hand, usually have more of a theoretical approach where you learn through textbooks and research.
This is not always the case though, a lot of universities have practical aspects as well. This is why you have to do your research to figure out how they teach the program in each institution and ultimately make a decision.
#4 Environment of the University
Your institution will play a huge role in your life when studying abroad. You want to be comfortable and happy in that place. So, think to yourself, which environment would you want to be in?
Do you want a lot of student activities and nightlife options? Or would you prefer having a more serious student environment?
Are you looking for a diverse community with a lot of international students?
Some students want a huge building with lots of space, others just want a small campus with a strong community.
Each university has its own culture and values; reflect on what matters to you and find a university that has qualities that fits your needs!
Remember, don’t just narrow your search to popular universities. Some of them might have an excellent ranking and reputation, but the environment might not suit your values.
You want to choose something that will make you excel – something that will bring out the best in you!
#5 Location
You should consider what kind of location would attract you. Universities might all share similar learning styles and environments, but the one thing that they will never have in common is the location!
Depending on what you like, you can choose a university that is situated either in a major city or a smaller one.
If you feel like you will enjoy the loud nightlife, ending up on a small campus outside of the city may bore you throughout your studies.
This will harm your performance. So, always choose the things that will make you perform to your best abilities.
Do you want a university that is located downtown? Do you want it close to your accommodation? All of these should be taken into consideration when deciding on a university.
#6 Placement opportunities
If getting work experience while studying is something that you want to prioritize, then you might want to find a university that offers work placements.
Many universities provide career services including resume building, interviewing tips, help with the job-hunting process, and more. Make sure to find out which institutions focus on such services!
You want a university that offers a program that will allow you to get a work placement, build your CV, and prepare you for the work industry.
#7 Graduate employability / Student satisfaction
It is essential to communicate with former students to find out what they think of the institution, especially students who graduated from the course you want.
Reach out to any connections that you can find to understand the kinds of opportunities that are open to graduates! Research the types of jobs that they’re working in and the salary.
Also, don’t forget to look up the percentage of graduate employability for universities to compare them!
Many students contact their favourite companies in advance to ask if they favour any particular university and make a decision based on that.
Did you find this content helpful? Share it with your friends who want to apply to universities abroad soon to ease the process for them as well! 😉
