Studying abroad is a critical decision, but it is only the beginning for international students. Choosing the right college or university overseas is the trickier part. A wrong decision may land you in an inappropriate place and waste your money. You can imagine the complexity of changing your college or university after landing in another part of the world where you have no contacts.

The choice is subjective as it depends on individual preferences and expectations. It means you cannot just take a one-size-fits-all mindset for the selection. So you need to dig deep and decide carefully. Fortunately, you need not stress a lot because checking a few factors is good enough to take your pick. Here are the ones you should bear in mind while finalising a college or university abroad.

ACADEMIC PROFILE

The choice of a college or university greatly depends on your academic profile in the first place. All institutions have certain minimum cut-off scores or the overall percentage you must fulfill to get in. Likewise, some universities do not take cases with backlogs and others require students to pass language tests with specific scores. A college or university may not be the right match if your academic profile fails to meet its eligibility criteria.

PROGRAMME AVAILABILITY

Programme availability is another factor you should overlook when it comes to choosing an educational institution overseas. Of course, you will have a specific stream or academic programme in mind before planning your route as an international student. Check whether a college or university has the same or similar course options before going ahead with your application.

COST

This one is a given because you cannot get into an institution unless its tuition fees fit into your budget. In fact, you must consider the overall living costs for the country and city to decide wisely. Factors like scholarships, internships, and part-time work rights can make a difference because they can lower or cover tuition costs in the long run. Look at the big picture to make the right financial decision.

ACCOMMODATION

The availability of accommodation is another significant factor that affects the choice of a college or university for international students. You may opt for on-campus facilities as they save commuting time and costs. Conversely, off-campus residences may be more affordable and offer more freedom to students. Weigh the pros and cons of both options to pick your study destination.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES/ COMMUNITIES

Studying abroad can be a daunting experience for students living thousands of miles away from home and their loved ones. Moreover, they may encounter several challenges during their educational journey and later if they wish to stay for the long haul. A college or university with international student services and communities makes a good choice. Special services and departments assist students and offer advisory services to address the challenges of international students. Likewise, communities for international students give them an opportunity to connect with like-minded people.

The choice of the right college or university to study abroad in can make all the difference to your experience as an international student. So you should consider the ins and outs of an institution thoroughly before finalising it. You can rely on this checklist to select the best match.