For most degree seeking students, studying abroad is a brief stint bookended by long years of more traditional studies. However, some students are kicking it up a notch. Instead of limiting their education abroad to four weeks or a single semester, more and more students are enrolling in full degree programs at foreign universities. No matter if the inner depths of your degree-seeking-soul are determined to complete an undergraduate or graduate program abroad or if you have never even considered the idea, you are in luck, because there is a degree program abroad to suit any student’s desires.

There are many factors to weigh as you hone in on your college/university of choice, but location and area of study should be at the forefront. First of all, you should decide on what course you would like to study at university. It’s important to note that although most universities offer similar courses as those you may encounter at home, some changes and differences in modules can occur so check with each university first. If you are picking a course abroad, you should also take into account the cost of undertaking such a degree, the cultural differences you may encounter at university and outside of your institution (from habits and customs to racial and gender issues, to name but a few) as well as the validity of such a degree. Europeans universities work on the ECTS points system (The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and US universities use the SCH system (Semester Credit Hours System).

So you must decide, do you wish to identify your preferred major or academic focus, and THEN choose a university that specializes in your area of study or do you wish to identify a country that has long enchanted or inspired you, and THEN choose a program offered at a university in that wonderland?

Both are appropriate and justifiable approaches to choosing your international degree program. Other deciding factors may include ease of visa logistics, cost of living in-country, and opportunities for work or internships (you won’t be in class all the time, after all!). Make a list of all of your non-negotiables and work backwards from there.

It’s important you check the validity of your degree abroad for two reasons:

If you decide to switch your degree to another university, either at home or abroad, you will need to see if your course matches up to other university requirements.

If you choose to work back home or in another country, you need to make sure your degree holds international value. As such, you should research your course and university before applying.

Our education’s counsellors can guide you, so you choose a degree that matches your wishes and future plans.

Postgraduate students often cite the opportunity to study abroad in a destination inherently related to their industry as a major factor in deciding to take the leap to earn a degree abroad. Access to special collections, primary sites, or key source materials depends on your location, so be sure to choose wisely! In many disciplines, the most notable thinkers or leaders in the field are not located in your home country, as they tend to be international scholars themselves. Earning your master’s degree abroad with give you the opportunity to work with renowned professors on specific projects, which is a highly attractive aspect for most international students.

Another important factor is the increased hire ability that often comes with earning a postgraduate degree abroad. For students open to working overseas, building off of an international network and diverse student body can only lead to more international job opportunities! Earning your degree in a location that you could see yourself living and working in in the future will provide you with numerous benefits; for example, it will increase your ability to find work and visa opportunities post-graduation.

Depending on your home country, earning a degree abroad can potentially cost you less than you would normally fork out earning a degree at home. While the cost of your degree program abroad may end up costing you less, sometimes the cost of living can be more expensive in your host country than your home country. As you mentally budget the cost of earning your degree abroad, be sure to consider the financial implications of the entire package, not just the cost of tuition.

Before you make a decision, be sure to check out all the scholarships opportunities available for students who decide to earn a degree abroad too.

Applying to earn a degree abroad will take a few more steps than your run-of-the-mill application to a local university. The most important step for prospective students is to express their interest in the program and touch base with an advisor early on.

Keep conscious of application deadlines and requirements, as degree programs abroad will vary in their prerequisites and demands. Some colleges/universities may require proof of English fluency (such as IELTS, or TOEFL), and others may need proof of financial standing.

Don’t get bogged down in the paperwork, just chip away at it piece by piece!

Once you’ve been admitted to your dream college/university, get all of your ducks in a row back home to prepare for your international move. Sort out your bank account, apply for the proper visas, buy some good walking shoes, pig out on your favorite meals, et al. After classes begin, try hard to not be too distracted by the cultural sights and sounds surrounding you. You are there to study, after all!