Finding the right university abroad: 5 factors to narrow your search

International students chose the Education Centre of Australia (ECA) for its internationally-recognized and career-oriented programs.

Deciding to earn your degree abroad is a huge leap–one that takes courage and commitment. But it doesn’t end there. The next order of business? Choosing from 16,000 universities around the world! The sheer number of options may be overwhelming at first, but you can get the ball rolling by assessing curial factors:

Field of Study
Do you already have an area of discipline in mind? Whether you are pursuing a related program back in college or switching gears for a more stable career, choosing a subject that you are interested in is always a good place to start. This will not only improve your retention while studying, but also motivate you when the going gets tough.

Location, Location, Location
A good way to shorten the list is to contemplate on your ideal destination. Are you gunning for a unique cultural experience? Or are you more concerned about academic reputation? When studying abroad, you can always have a bit of both. Case in point: Australia. Over 624,000 students from 194 countries headed to the land down under in 2017. Why? Because it boasts a perfect mix of the world’s top-ranked universities and student-friendly cities!

The Education Centre of Australia (ECA) is located at the heart of Australia’s key cities: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Language of Instruction

For students who want to master French, German or Chinese, the choice seems obvious. But you don’t need to be a polyglot to earn a diploma overseas. If you prefer degrees that are taught in English, note that most universities require international students to have a certain level of language proficiency before admission. Need to brush up on your English skills? To narrow your options further, seek institutions that offer free English language programs or workshops.

Learning, Research, Internship, and Career Opportunities

It is also important to factor in your priorities and preferences while studying and even after graduating. Are you leaning towards campuses that provide pathways from diploma to degree courses? Are research grants and facilities a big deal for you? What about free internships and even professional year programs? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consult with professional education service providers who can walk you through the application process.

Patrick Baldonado finished a master’s degree in Computer Science from Victoria University-Sydney.

Tuition and other Costs of Living

It’s no secret that funding your degree abroad won’t be a walk in the park. Some destinations are obviously more expensive than others, but don’t worry… There are always more affordable choices! For instance, scholarships and financing options are available in leading study destinations like Australia. In fact, the Australian Government even allows international students to work for 40 hours per fortnight. This is a great opportunity for many student visa holders who need to earn and support their living expenses overseas.

There’s no such thing as a perfect institution. But with extensive research, you can get pretty close. What are your considerations when picking the right university? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

To find out how ECA helps students and professionals achieve more than a great education, visit https://bit.ly/AustraliaStudy or email [email protected].

ADVT