A Guide For International Students On How To Compare Universities
Studying abroad is an opportunity not to be missed, however, it can be difficult to decide which college is right for you. You need to do your due diligence and compare the information gathered before making a decision.
It is recommended that you compare universities a year ahead before you enroll because it takes time to get all of the data you need.
You will also have completely different questions in the middle of your research. In this case, you should talk to the university representatives about your course and requirements. In addition, these representatives could provide information about activities or other services that give you an advantage over other applicants.
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How To Compare Universities
When looking for schools, you can’t help but compare universities and this is a great way to find the right one for you. By weighing the pros and cons of each institution that interests you, you will gradually discover what is most important to you.
Think about what is most important to you. Perhaps you have several universities in mind, but cannot decide? University comparison can make this process a lot easier.
Ways to compare universities include:
University Rankings
Some popular rankings for international students include
- Times higher world university ranking
- The Guardian league table (UK)
- The complete university guide (UK)
- QS world university ranking
It is recommended that you refer to multiple university rankings when making your decision as the rankings may have different results depending on the criteria you choose.
It is worth looking at the selection criteria for each ranking you use to make sure you know how the universities were rated. Also, some institutions may not do that well in high rankings but they may have strengths in other areas that are more important to you. Think about what you want from a university and use the university ranking as a starting point.
University Website
University websites are packed with detailed information on courses, student life, accommodation, and tuition fees. Some even offer you online tours that give you the chance to take part in a virtual open house and get a real feel for the university.
You can also check out the university’s career services and if the institution allows students to find work and what resources are available for both students and alumni.
Factors To Consider When Comparing Universities
To compare universities, there are several factors to consider. Some of these facts include:
Location
This is an important factor for international students as there are many desirable universities and locations to study, but how do you decide?
While the university’s reputation and the quality of teaching are valuable measures, you should also consider what kind of environment you would like to live in. Think about what you would like to gain from your time abroad. Do you want a good time? Proximity to home? All of this should be taken into account when deciding on a university.
Entry Requirement
Make a list of the courses that interest you and look up the entry requirements. Don’t limit your search to just popular universities, check out universities that are not as popular and compare the entry requirements of each of the universities.
Course Content
Different courses focus on different outcomes and equip you with different skills. Do some research on the career you would like to pursue after graduating and then find a course that will help you get there.
Read the course content carefully and ask yourself whether you will enjoy devoting the next few years of your life to the course.
A degree with the same specialization can cover very different areas. For example, a humanities degree from one university can give you more insight into the industry while the same degree from another university may be more technical. Check the module types offered and compare them carefully.
Tuition Fees
The cost of studying is a major topic for international students and it is understandable. Tuition fees can be high and you must pay for your studies. Tuition fees also vary by institution, so comparing costs is an effective way to prioritize universities.
Graduate Job Opportunities
Find out what students do after graduating from the university, especially students who have completed the course you are interested in. Find out what professions they work in and how much they earn.
You should also consider whether the employer you would like to work for someday prefers graduates from a particular university. You need to understand the types of opportunities that are open to graduates in different institutions.
If the degree you are interested in is not in demand and has a low chance of being in demand in the future, you should consider another course to increase your job opportunities after graduation.
