Guide to studying abroad

The postgraduate education market is quickly becoming more international and there are numerous exciting opportunities across the world. Consider the pros and cons of studying abroad...

Why study abroad?

There are numerous reasons why it could be beneficial to study for a postgraduate qualification in a different country, including:

• World-renowned education - studying abroad can open up opportunities to study at institutions that are recognised for specific subject areas or specialist research. These may also be particularly well funded because of their international reputation.
• Develop language skills - immersion in another culture could rapidly improve your language skills. If your language skills are not up to learning your subject in the country’s own language, look out for the ever-increasing number of European higher education (HE) institutions where you can study in English.
• Life experiences - living and studying in another country can be valuable in terms of developing life skills and transferable skills. However, it may be difficult to stay motivated whilst coping with an unfamiliar culture. If your main priority is to just to visit a particular country, you may want to consider summer vacation work or taking a language course instead.

How do I find the right course?

If you want to study in a particular country and/or have a particular subject in mind, you can identify institutions and courses using the following resources:

• Search courses and research.
• Individual institution websites.
• Your university careers service - check if your university is offering any postgraduate fairs, which may include representatives from organisations that deal with postgraduate study abroad.
• Lecturers, tutors and other researchers in your department.
• Research journals and other specialist publications.
• Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)  
• Find a Masters
• Find a PhD
• Find a Professional Doctorate  
• Fulbright Commission  - institutions and courses in the USA.
• The International Education Site  also has a useful course search database.
• International Graduate  - worldwide.
• MastersPortal.eu
• Study Options  - for Australia and New Zealand.
• Study Overseas  
• The relevant embassies - for details, see Project Visa .

Will my qualifications be recognised?

To get on to the course of your choice:

• check the acceptability of your existing academic qualifications. A first, 2:1 or Masters degree will meet most eligibility requirements for both further study and awards competitions, but British first degree programmes can be shorter than elsewhere so views on academic standing can vary;
• find out if you need to take a Graduate Record Examination (GRE)  or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) . If so, you will need to submit your grade with your application. You can find sample questions and test preparation booklets on the relevant websites.

To make sure your new qualification will be useful back in the UK:

• check that your chosen institution is accredited. To see rankings of universities worldwide, use QS World University Rankings  or Times Higher Education University Rankings ;
• if you are considering a professional qualification, make sure it is accepted in the UK (if you plan on returning).

Find out more about living and studying overseas by looking at country profiles and the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  website.

Remember that the range and quality of study available from country to country varies enormously. Institutions within countries may also have widely differing reputations and academic standards. Decide whether you want a university with a worldwide reputation or one that is cheaper, or one where you can get some funding.

How much are tuition fees?

Overseas tuition fees vary widely between institutions, even those in the same country. Public education is heavily subsidised in much of Europe, and as an EU citizen, you should pay no more than domestic students. Applying for courses in some parts of the world, however, can be very expensive, even just to apply. You will also probably have to pay for a visa application. Remember that outside the EU you will be classed as an international student, which often means higher tuition fees.

You should also take into account your living expenses, accommodation, books and resources, travel including airfares, personal expenses and health insurance, which some universities require you to purchase. It is important to consider all these possible expenses in advance. Expense estimates can be found on some university websites.

Can I get funding?

There are numerous ways of gaining funding for study or research abroad. Many awards and scholarship schemes are specific to a particular institution or country and funding from external bodies may also be possible. Find some common sources of funding by contacting the institution you are considering and through the following organisations:

• Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)  - provides scholarships, awards and fellowships.
• Association of MBAs  
• Fulbright Commission  - offers awards for the first year of postgraduate or Doctoral study in any subject at accredited US institutions. 
• International Federation of University Women (IFUW)  - offers international fellowships and grants for postgraduate study and research.
• Postgraduate Studentships  - for a list of postgraduate study funding providers.

If the costs of undertaking a PhD overseas seem prohibitive, it may be worth considering spending short periods abroad as part of a PhD. Wellcome Trust  offers a collaborative PhD with the National Institutes of Health in the USA.

How do I apply for postgraduate courses abroad?

You may be asked to provide some or all of the following during the application process:

• CV and covering letter;
• application form;
• academic transcript and degree certificates;
• letters of recommendation (references);
• results of aptitude tests or language ability tests;
• essays, statements of purpose or research proposals;
• health certificates;
• evidence of financial support.

Preparing and processing this information can take time. Most departments will ask why you have chosen a particular subject and institution. Make sure you include evidence of thoughtful consideration of how your move fits in with your long-term aims, as well as your current academic strengths and interests. Entry can be very competitive and awards or scholarships even more so.

When should I apply?

An early start and thorough preparation will maximise your chances of both an offer of a place and funding. Familiarise yourself with the closing dates for applications as these can vary enormously. Even where there is an academic year system, courses may begin and end at different times from those in the UK. Below is a suggested timetable for preparing and making applications:

24-18 months in advance - Research your options and plan a timetable of action

• Identify possible areas of study and appropriate institutions.
• Attend open days, such as Grad School Day or postgraduate study seminars offered by the Fulbright Commission .
• Look out for organisations such as Study Overseas  at postgraduate fairs.
• Check if your careers service has scheduled any talks or events on overseas study.
• Browse your careers service website and check notice boards, including those in your academic department.
• Investigate eligibility, degree or qualification equivalence, and any language or visa requirements.
• Investigate financial arrangements and plan a timetable of action to meet application deadlines.
• If applicable, note the level of language proficiency needed and allow further time to acquire the necessary skills before beginning the course. Some countries offer short language courses for foreign students.

18-12 months in advance - Continue your investigations and finalise choices

• Speak to staff members in your department who have experience in your proposed areas of study or research, or who are familiar with the country in which you hope to stay.
• Confirm that referees can provide the required references.
• By the end of the academic year you should have a clear idea of what is required of you as a foreign student. You should also enquire about study facilities, such as libraries, before you make a firm decision.
• Apply for any required standardised tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Final 12 months - Apply for places and funding and finalise arrangements

• Continue enquiries and applications as appropriate.
• Familiarise yourself with application procedures and closing dates. Make sure you allow enough time to collect any references, transcripts and standardised test results.
• Apply for funding.

As the year proceeds, complete any necessary formalities such as visa applications, travel and accommodation arrangements.

AGCAS

Written by Steve Rook, AGCAS

Date: 

March 2012

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