Choosing where to head off to college can be an energizing yet nerve-wracking exercise — all things considered, it’s a big decision!
Many European universities have a spring decision deadline meaning you need to have applied for and accept their admission offer by that date is you plan to attend.
Still unsure which university or country to study in Europe? Ask yourself the following five questions.
1. Which university’s academic offerings are best suited to my interests?
The universities offering the best academic programs for you aren’t automatically those at the top of the rankings list.
Instead consider fields that interest you and confirm that the university you choose offer matching majors and/or minors. For example, if you have a passion for computer science you’ll want to ensure whatever school you choose offers this course of study.
It’s also best to make sure that the school you pick has classes that fit your style of learning. If you enjoy large lectures with distinguished professors, a public university is probably a good choice. But if you prefer small, intimate classes where students have more opportunities to contribute and participate, you’ll likely want to look at a private college.
2. How will I pay for university?
Tuition costs can be tremendously important factor in deciding where to study in Europe, especially when you consider the fact that majority of students these days end up with student debt up to € 20,000 after graduation.
You should ensure that you find a suitable university that is within your budget. One advantage of studying in Europe is the availability of many universities in different countries with a wide range of tuition fee. You will not find it difficult to pick a country and university that fits your budget nicely.
Remember, there are also numerous scholarships offered by the universities to international students to assist with study costs. Consider asking the university if they provide student scholarships and how you can apply for them. You can also browse a scholarships database such as http://www.scholarships4study.com for latest scholarships.
3. Can I work while studying?
Having the option to earn extra cash while you study can also be a deciding factor in choosing a university to study in Europe. Depending on your lifestyle and financial status, you might be interested in getting a part-time job during academic sessions and summer breaks.
Some European countries provide students with a permit to work while they study automatically while some require that you apply for such a permit after you begin your studies. Other countries do not allow you to work while you study. If you have no interest in working during your studies, this factor might not be so important but if you plan to earn some money during your studies, you should seriously take into consideration which countries provide students with a work permit before making your final decision.
4. Will I get my study visa?
One of the challenges of studying abroad is applying for a study visa successfully. The thought of passing through the hurdles of applying and getting a university admission only to be denied your study visa can be paralysing.
It is necessary that you have enough information about the country you intend to study and the relationship it has with your home country. Find out if the country you want to study in has an Embassy in your country and if the past statistics on study visa applications are positive. Not all European countries will have a embassy in your home country and you may need to travel to a neighbouring country to submit your study visa application.
Also, speak with the university of your choice regarding what assistance they provide to ensure that your study visa is successful. Many universities provide robust assistance to students whom they grant admission.
5. Can I cope with the weather?
So you’ve finally answered the previous four important questions and now you are excited about applying to the university of your choice. But wait a minute, have you given any thought to how the weather and life in general can be different and quite shocking?
The weather in European countries vary from mildly cool to bitterly freezing cold during the winter season! It is important that you read up on the climate of the country you choose to study and decide if you will be able to cope with the weather. During the summer months, some countries can be quite hot with lots of sunshine while you might find others depressing with lots of rain.
Whatever you decide, remember to pack appropriate clothes and prepare well before coming so you can enjoy the duration of your study in Europe.
If you enjoyed this article and are excited to start applying to study in Europe, visit of countries in Europe page for a brief introduction to studying in these countries. You can also visit the universities in Europe page to see some of the top universities in some European countries.
If you’d like assistance in choosing and preparing your application, you can contact us and we’ll be ready to assist you.