How to Choose a Course in Europe

Before applying for any study program, It is necessary to take some important steps to find your dream course or your course of interest.

Step 1 - Prioritise your requirements

What is most important for you?

• the subject I'm studying
• the qualification I will gain
• the language I'm studying in
• the languages I want to learn
• the country I study and live in
• how much it will cost
• my career opportunities following the course

We recommend you list these, and any other considerations, in order of priority before moving on to the next step.

Step 2 - Gather information

How do you go about finding the right information?

• Education advisors - these specialists can help clarify your further education needs through one-to-one contact.
• Internet - most universities and institutions have their own websites with course and faculty information. Other websites also provide non-course information (e.g. about living conditions or student life).
• Course prospectus - do not forget to order the course prospectus from the university admissions office. These are usually free. The prospectuses can often be downloaded from the university's website as well.
• School/university library - your local school or university library should have information for students looking to continue their education.
• Word-of-mouth - ask friends or colleagues if they have studied in particular institutions, or if they know someone who has. This is a great way of getting a more personal feel for a course, a university or a country.
• This website - use this website to search for courses or programmes, find out more about the country you may move to and learn about the qualifications you will gain.
• Start gathering information early. If you leave it too late you may run out of time, the quality of your research may be compromised or you may miss application deadlines.
  
  

  Step 3 - Search and find

  Narrow down your prospective choices to around six to eight courses/universities. Now you can draw up your final shortlist of candidates. Here are some guidelines:
  • If you have not already done so, contact the university/institution directly - the admissions office, as well as the course director or professor.
  • Do not take everything you read in the prospectus at face value. Use the contacts you have built up to check the facts.
  • If you can, visit the institution. A first-hand experience can be invaluable.
  • Compare the courses carefully - they may have the same name, but the course content may differ substantially.
  • Check other course information like the structure (compulsory and optional elements), timeframe, teacher-student ratio, share of mature students, etc.
  • Check what academic support you can expect - library resources, Internet access, tutor availability, bursaries.
  • Consider extra-curricular factors - language, costs, location.
  • Consider the value of the course to furthering your career.
  Through these measures you can draw up a final list of courses you are interested in. Apply for more than one - you must not assume that you are guaranteed a place, and it is preferable to have three or four offers to choose from.
  
  
  Good luck!