Studying abroad is a dream for many students from across the world. Many aspirants hold the motivation to study abroad but lack the right direction and advice on the same. Initially, aspirants have little or no idea of various aspects of studying abroad. This includes the right country, global rankings of the universities, cost of the educational programs, career opportunities, and many such issues that usually perplex the aspirants.
Considering these factors, we have come up with a detailed article to resolve the dilemma of the aspirants pertaining to abroad studies. In the following sections, you get to learn about the important things that you should take into consideration while opting for a university to study abroad. This shall help you to get the best out of the study abroad journey.
Let’s get started!
Finding the best Study abroad Location
Figuring out the right country for pursuing higher education must be the foremost factor that every aspirant must consider. Students may have already decided on a dream destination to study in the counties of their choice. However, aspirants must consider whether their preferred country is offering the course relevant to their career or not. As many students are averse to certain types of climatic conditions, therefore they must check out these factors too to pursue further education.
Moreover, aspirants shall also consider if they wish to study in picturesque or at regular locations. Another thing that you should consider regarding the location is the distance from your home country. Also, students must contemplate about the course offered by the universities that shall help them in the long run.
You will have a plethora of options to pursue the course of your choice, but, be wise enough to choose the right destinations. Decide whether you like a picturesque or a regular location. The location certainly affects the mind of the students. Favourable climates can help you concentrate better on the academic course.
Cost of Studying Abroad
Next on the list to consider before you plan to study in a foreign country is the cost of studying and living in a whole new country. Now, when you have decided on the university to pursue higher education, you must plan out your budget. This shall include tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
There are universities that even provide financial aid to international students. This, in turn, helps the students to lessen their financial burden. To further the financial burden of the students wishing to build a career abroad, they should consider part-time job opportunities. Look for a country that allows you to work while studying. For example, as an international student, you can work for up to 40 hours per two weeks in Australia on a student visa.
There are other options that aspirants must look for to compensate for their stay during overseas studies. International students’ Scholarships and student grants can be truly helpful in striking a good balance between your educational goals and living expenses while studying abroad.
Global Ranking of Universities
Confused about which academic institution is the most suitable for you? It is always good to do extensive research on international university rankings that can be helpful for you to decide which institution is the best fit for your specific educational needs.
As you are going to spend the majority of your time at your educational institution, it is advisable to find the options best suited to your goals. Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) will provide you with performance data every year on its World University Rankings. THE ranks universities based on the following criteria:
- Teaching (the learning environment)
- Research (volume, income, and reputation)
- Citations (research influence around the world)
- International outlook (diversity in staff, students, and research)
- Industry income (knowledge transfer to business and industry)
- Decide which factors are most important for you so you can best narrow down your options.
Career Prospects
When you decide to study at an overseas university, you must look for post-study career opportunities that are available for international students. You must also check out the placement cell operations and corporate partnerships that will ease your task of getting a job after completing the course.
There are many work-integrated learning programs that aspirants can consider, for ensuring internships are a part of their course. They should also look out for advanced degree options for their preferred course, for professional upskilling. As every country has its own eligibility criteria to work, therefore students should explore the visa requirements and eligibility criteria for getting the opportunity to work abroad.
Application Process
Now, when you are done shortlisting the university of your choice for pursuing higher education, you must also check the application requirements carefully and thoroughly while preparing to study abroad.
Aspirants must check the following before filling out the application form:
- Eligibility criteria
- Necessary documents
- Language proficiencies
- Other standardised test requirements.
Aspirants must also check if they need to take elective, minor, or major courses for completing the program. In case you are applying for professional courses, you must ensure that you have enough experience, a resume, and referral letters.
Right Time To Apply
As an aspirant, you should remain vigilant about the dates to apply at the eligible university. You must make sure that you plan out your university application requirements to meet the deadlines. Generally, students choose the fall intake as they complete their senior secondary schooling or other similar courses in the month of April.
Just in case you too are planning to join in the fall intake in September 2024, then you must complete the application formalities between August to September 2023 and January 2024. If you want to join in January 2024 for the spring intake, then you should complete the application formalities by November 2023.
Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation is one of the important factors that every aspirant must consider while choosing a university abroad. We have provided relevant tips to find student accommodation abroad. There are a few universities that provide accommodation within the campus. This could be both a room or a dormitory arrangement for the students. At the same time, there are universities that do not provide any such facilities to students.
Students can opt to live in flats in the proximity of the university. But this may cost the students comparatively high, hence, it is advisable for students to first do thorough research on the same and calculate the total cost of accommodation.
Another cost-effective accommodation alternative is to consider living with a host family and adapting to the local culture and language. This way, they will get to interact with different native people and learn a new language in the process.
Know more about study abroad accommodation.
With this, we come to the conclusion that studying abroad is an exhilarating process and helps aspirants learn many things. You do not just gain knowledge, but you get the opportunity to learn life lessons that remain with you for life. Therefore, be wise enough to consider the above-mentioned things before you stumble upon any life-changing decision regarding your career.
If you need further assistance, our study abroad consultant can surely help you in reaching out to the most appropriate decision.
Good luck!