The Right University

Some careers require a specific degree (law, medicine), but at least half of the graduate vacancies out there are for graduates from "any degree" discipline, so don't panic if you aren't sure what career you want to pursue! If you are interested in a specific career, try to find out more from someone already working in the field. Your area of study will have an important impact on the university you choose, since many schools specialize.

There are many different ways to pursue your tertiary education. You can study full-time, part-time, or by distance learning.

Ask for More
Start at your library. There are hundreds of books on universities, and many of them rank schools according to different criteria.

• If you're thinking of studying overseas, embassies offer plenty of information on choices.
• Use the Internet and visit university websites.
• Contact each university's admissions office. They will send you information.
• If you can, visit the university (many universities have "open days" for this purpose). If you can't, ask a friend or relative in the area to check it out for you.
  
  

The Assessment
Now that you have collected all information, you need to do some assessment. Here are just a small list of points you should check out:

• Reputation: What is the school's reputation for quality of teaching? How well are courses taught, what facilities are available, and what student support is offered?
• Job prospects: Do graduates of the university find jobs? Many universities maintain records of students' destinations after they graduate and even the range and level of jobs they get.
• Entry requirements: Entrance qualifications vary from school to school. Some schools ask for SATs. Find out exactly what you need to qualify for the course and the university.
• Course specifics: Economics 101 can mean different things at different schools! Look at the specific content of your courses. Also look at how you will be assessed (e.g. 50% exam, 50% coursework, vs. 100% exam).
• Cost: Find out about tuition fees and accommodation costs. The school will also be able to tell you what to put aside for living expenses like food and transportation. Investigate your financing options thoroughly. Also see if the school offers scholarship programs, and whether you will be able to take a part time job to earn extra cash.
• Accommodation: Do you want to live at home or away from home? If you want to live away from home, then be sure to research the accommodation available at or near your university (start early as everyone's looking!).
• Non-academic factors: You're not just there to study, you want a life of some sort, right? Consider the university's location (do you like big cities or small towns?). What social activities are available? If you?re interested in a sport, will you be able to pursue it there?
  
  

Still Have No Clue?

• Look for a university that embodies the values of fresh and original thinking. This will be reflected in the courses that the university offers. How relevant are the programs that they teach? Do they respond to modern world?
• Look for a university that is located in an environment that is conducive to education. All universities are socially interactive institutions and a university situated in a thriving, cultured, well-resourced city is likely to have developed key relationships that offer unique opportunities that their students can profit from. Also remember that where you study is where you live; choose an environment that you feel comfortable in, somewhere that you will enjoy living.
• Look for a university with a respected reputation. Although age is not necessarily equal to quality, it is usually a sign that the institution is a well-structured, well-resourced and experienced education provider.
• Look for a university that has a strong academic reputation in the field that you are interested in studying. Do they have adequate facilities? What is the background of the department?s academic staff? What value do they offer beyond the core basics?
• Look for a university that can provide high quality living conditions and student support. Make sure accommodation is affordable, available and near to the campus. What types of food are available? Research the services that are available to you as an international student. What academic support will be provided? What provisions are made for integrating internationals students into the university community?
• Look for a university that will give you an internationally accepted, accredited and respected qualification.- Andrea Pay