1. Choose your field

With a highly connected and technologically intertwined world, there is a plethora of educational options made available and accessible, and every country has something unique to offer. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to making this important decision that one may not know where to start.

The first thing you should ideally already have in mind is the field of study you wish to pursue. Having a course and field helps you focus and streamline your options by highlighting countries, cities and schools that are known for that particular field. For instance, Singapore Management University (SMU) in Singapore is known for its business courses while the Korean Academy of Film Arts in South Korea is ideal for aspiring filmmakers, and the University of Tokyo or Yokohama Graduate School of Architecture (Y-GSA) in Japan has an established Architectural programme. If you are interested in fashion, the International Fashion Academy in Paris, France or Milan School of Fashion in Italy will probably suit your style. All in all, having a field in focus helps eliminate many other factors that may overwhelm you in the decision-making process.

During this stage, it is helpful to also research on the specific programmes in the respective schools, facilities, internship/work opportunities, and anything that might help you in your career after graduation.

2. Entry and language requirements

After you have narrowed down your options, it is time to check the specific entry requirements for the respective institutes to see if you are eligible for enrolment. Things to take note of would include portfolios, interviews, and any additional examinations or tests you have to sit for. If there are additional tests, take into consideration the time needed and ask yourself if you are able to do so within the given time frame.

Additionally, if you have selected countries that primarily uses a language that is foreign to you, check the language proficiency tests and whether you are able to fulfil them. You do not want to end up experiencing confusion and lack of understanding in class because you have not fully mastered the language of instruction in the country. This would really affect your studies and grades and will cause unnecessary stress in this new study environment. Some examples of English Language tests would like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Other examples of language requirements include the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), and DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) which means German’s language examination for university entrance. Depending on the country you are interested in, do check what are the specific language requirements you would need to fulfil in order to enrol into a school.

The table below shows several examples of a country’s general language requirement scores:

3. Cost

Another important factor is the tuition fees and the cost of living in your new home. The destination you settled for should fit into your budget and not burn a hole in your pocket. There are many costs involved besides tuition fees alone which include accommodation, meals, utilities, phone bills, medical bills and not to mention flight tickets home. Therefore, it is important that you take the total cost of study into consideration so that you are able to manage your finances well to live and study comfortably.

If the schools you have selected exceed your budget, have other alternatives in mind such as countries that offer the same course and qualification at a much affordable cost. As much as education qualifications are important, you do not want to end up in a huge debt before you even start working. Keep an open-mind and look for alternatives! As mentioned, there are many established institutes in various destinations to choose from so you need not worry about not being able to find a suitable education destination!

Alternatively, sourcing for countries and schools which offer scholarship programmes to international students will help bring down your cost of overseas education significantly. In doing your research, you would be please to find that they are actually many different scholarships catered to various needs. For example, a location-specific grant/scholarship are for students who wish to study in a specific country or area such as Japan. A programme-specific grant/scholarship are offered to students who have decided to study abroad through a specific programme, and a university-specific programme grant students scholarship based on merit.

Countries that offer attractive scholarships include the MEXT Scholarship in Japan, Fulbright Scholarships in the USA, Chevening Scholarships in the UK, Australia Awards Scholarships in Australia and Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme in France. Click here to learn more about the types of financial award and aids available for students.

4. Safety and security

When moving into a new country, one thing worth researching on is about the environment and safety of the area just so you are well-prepared upon arrival and not caught by any unwanted surprises. The annual Global Peace Index is a good place to start to understand where countries stand in terms peacefulness. The Global Peace Index measures the state of peace across three domains: the level of Societal Safety and Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of Militarisation.

Another way that can help you feel more secure about moving to another country would be the percentage of international students. This may add a level of security knowing that you may meet someone who would share some similarities with you in the new environment. Some countries such as New Zealand even have a department in their government that solely cares for the needs of international students. Many higher education institutes in various countries also have a team dedicated to the welfare of international students.

5. Post-graduation opportunities

Another factor that might help in your decision would be the post-graduation opportunities. If you are looking to work in a country after you have completed your studies, you should check on the employment opportunities and how open they are to foreign graduates. Countries such as Australia, Canada and Germany offer post-study work visa and welcome foreign graduates to continue their stay and work in the country for a few years.

With all that being said, we understand that relocating to a new place can be overwhelming and we hope that these guidelines will help you make a well-informed decision that will be most beneficial for you. In considering these factors, having a disciplined and clear mindset will help you stay focus on your priorities so that you are able to make a rational decision when it comes to your education. Where possible, ask your friends or family members who have had first-hand experiences studying and/or residing abroad especially in the country you desire to hear real experiences so you also get a better understanding of the environment.

On top of that, to relieve any added stress in this process, you should also consider engaging a professional education consultant to help you ease your backend load. From advising you in specific schools and programme choices to application procedures, visa requirements and even helping you settle into your new home, an education consultant will provide professional assistance all the way to help you feel more secured and at ease.