Budget, grades, career goals and lifestyle: a simple way to compare your options before you apply.
Choosing where to study is easier when you stop asking “which is the best country?” and start asking “which is the best fit for me?”. Work through these questions in order.
1. Start with your budget
Tuition is only part of the cost. Add accommodation, food, transport, health cover and travel. A country with higher fees can still be affordable if living costs are low, and the other way round. Decide the total you can sustain for the whole course, not just the first year.
2. Match the course to your goals
Look at what you want after graduation: work experience, further study or a career back home. Choose the course first, then the university. Two universities with the same course name can teach it very differently.
3. Check the entry requirements
- Your grades and subjects
- English language requirements
- Any extra tests, interviews or portfolios
- Application deadlines and intake months
4. Think about life outside class
Climate, distance from home, language, community and safety all affect how well you settle in. Talk to students who already study there if you can.
5. Shortlist three to five options
A short list is easier to compare than a long one. Include a stretch choice, a realistic choice and a safe choice.
Not sure where to begin? Our counsellors will compare options with you, free of charge.
Talk to a counsellor
Free guidance on your options, with no obligation.