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Study abroad : Applying to University

10 questions to ask a university as an international student

Preparing to study abroad and trying to get all of the information you need? A good approach is to ask your prospective university key questions. We guide you through what you should ask.

Questions to ask a university

Studying abroad is exciting, transformative, empowering and possibly confusing. You’ll deal with a lot of information and requirements when planning your academic adventure abroad. So, it’s a good approach to ask questions. Contacting your prospective institution is a must to clarify anything you aren’t sure of and discover key information. But what questions should you ask? We’re here to help by outlining the most important questions to ask a university as an international student. 

 

What are the application deadlines?

Confirming this information is essential. Application deadline day is arguably the most important date you must remember when preparing to study abroad. Getting your application in on time or early is always a signal to a university of your interest and organisation. Being proactive also means you’ll have all your documents, test results and supporting material ready. Be sure to check if there are multiple application dates, including for your course, scholarships and accommodation. 

 

Read more about how to avoid application mistakes

 

Where will I live?

You may be moving away from home for the first time or want to know you’ll have somewhere safe, secure and comfortable to live. That’s why speaking to your university’s admissions or international office about your student accommodation options is crucial. They can give you information on availability, costs, and application procedures. You can also see if the university offers particular types of accommodation that may suit your personal preferences. 

 

Does the university have an international student community?

Some universities have a more international outlook than others. You should always check with a university what proportion of the student cohort is international. Having a student community with similar experiences to yours can assist you in settling in and help you make friends. 

 

In addition, a multicultural and diverse campus facilitates the exchange of ideas, experiences and perspectives. You may also want to know how many students from your home country study at a university. This can help with homesickness, and there may be clubs or societies you could become a member of. 

 

What’s the campus and local area like?

Now we know you can research online to get a sense of what the campus and surrounding area look like. However, there is no substitute for hearing from those who live, work and study there. You can attend virtual tours or open days where you can ask staff and students questions about life at the university. This may include:

 

  • What facilities there are
  • What the main attractions are
  • What public transport is available 
  • What food options you have 
  • Where the medical and support facilities are
  • What the entertainment options are
  • What the surrounding region is like

 

You can also ask more about the local community and how student-friendly and diverse it is. There is always going to be a big difference between a campus based in a large cosmopolitan city and one based in a smaller town.  

 

Discover the top student cities in the world. 

 

Is there financial aid available?

Once you have selected a university and your degree, you may want to investigate if any financial aid options are available. These may be listed in a university prospectus, but you may need to enquire about the opportunities with the relevant school, department or student financial aid office. 

 

You should have researched beforehand and should ask questions that clarify details. Be sure you have an understanding of the qualifying criteria and general requirements. Universities don’t usually respond to general enquiries about scholarships or financial aid. 

 

How will my course be taught?

You should always ask more specific questions about your course, notably how it is structured and taught. This gives you time to prepare and potentially make informed choices about electives and specialisations. You can get good information on course delivery methods and curriculum from a university prospectus and a university website. 

 

With the information you have gathered, you may want to speak to a faculty member or someone from the school/department you’re studying in. Virtual open days and information sessions are an opportunity if you wish to speak to somebody directly. Some questions you may have include:

 

  • Is the course taught via lectures, lab work or seminars? Is it a combination of all three?
  • What is the student-to-staff ratio of classes?
  • How are lectures and seminars structured?
  • Is there project and group work?
  • How will you be assessed?
  • What are the hours and campus?
  • How much face-to-face time do you get with a lecturer?

 

If you’re unsure who you should speak to about your course, always start with the admissions office or international office, as they can direct you to the correct place. 

 

What exactly will I study in my course?

You’ll want to know the modules, themes and topics you’ll cover during your degree. It’s a good way of assessing if a course matches your preferences and abilities. You can request a course outline or consult the university’s website for a summary of the course curriculum. This will help you understand if there are mandatory and elective modules and also how your majors are structured. You will also be able to review student work, recommended resources and examples of projects. Sometimes you can even attend a lecture as a guest. 

 

What should I study if I want to study at a higher level later?

Understanding what you study in your degree is also important if you intend to progress to another degree, for example, a master’s or doctoral degree. You will want to ensure that you have studied the correct subject combination to qualify for these. 

 

If you are studying for a professional degree you may want to check if there is a work placement or internship component as well as professional accreditation, all of which can help with employment.

 

What have alumni of the degree/course achieved? 

Don’t be afraid to ask your university about graduate success and prospects. Ask about the type of opportunities alumni have and what they have gone on to do. Not only does this provide you with inspiration and motivation, but it can also be a good indicator of the quality of the course. You may even be able to speak to alumni and current students at events to get more of a sense of the paths you could follow. 

 

Can the university help me find work after graduation?

Building on your understanding of graduate outcomes it’s useful to discover if the university has a dedicated careers service that can help you prepare for professional life after graduation. You will want to ask if the university has relationships or partnerships with organisations in your field, with the potential for work experience or possible graduate placements. Check the university's professional accreditation, as this can influence your eligibility to work in some sectors. 

 

Some universities will also help you with the skills needed to secure work, such as CV writing and interview skills. You can sometimes access job portals and boards after graduation as part of alumni benefits. Lastly, always verify that what you’re planning on studying aligns with your career aspirations. 

 

There you have it. You’re now more prepared with some key questions you should always ask a university. You may also find our guides to the top 10 reasons to study abroad, dealing with study abroad option overload, and how to compare universities helpful. 

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