How to Search for Colleges Abroad
Getting your degree abroad is an exciting opportunity that opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and educational systems. However, finding the right college can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. In this post, I’ll break down how to search for colleges abroad and pursue international college dreams.
How to Search for Colleges Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and world-renowned universities is a popular destination for international students. Why study abroad for just one semester when you could get your entire bachelor’s degree abroad? Getting your degree abroad is an exciting opportunity that opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and educational systems. However, finding the right college can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. In this post, I’ll break down how to search for colleges abroad and pursue your international college dreams.
1. Define Your Priorities
As with any college search, before diving in, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Ask yourself the following questions to get started:
What is your field of study?
While teens often don’t have an answer to this question, it is important to have a solid idea before you search for colleges abroad. Not all programs are offered in English, and many colleges have specific requirements for admission to their different programs. Many international colleges do not have the ‘liberal arts’ approach colleges in the U.S. do, and the education is more program/major specific. Also, unlike in the U.S., some university systems such as those in Germany or the U.K. do not offer as much flexibility with changing majors and exploring other programs. Check out this blog post for tips to help you choose your college major.What kind of campus life are you looking for?
Are you interested in a bustling city environment or a quieter, more rural setting? Do you want to be close to a major airport to fly home? Some students thrive in large metropolitan areas, while others prefer smaller towns with a more intimate college atmosphere. Do you want a more traditional campus setting similar to that of colleges in the U.S.? Many German universities have less centralized campuses with buildings spread throughout their cities and little to no student housing, while campuses such as those of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh in Scotland are more similar to the colleges you find in the U.S. College campuses and student life abroad vary significantly from country to country and school to school, so it is important to really think about what you want from your college as you search.What languages do you speak or want to speak?
While many universities in Europe offer courses in English, not all do. Some schools require a certain level of proficiency in their native language for undergraduate courses even if they are primarily offered in English. Check language requirements and plan ahead to meet them! Either way, one of the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to learn another language. Pick a college in an area with the language you want to learn.What is your budget?
European tuition fees vary greatly depending on the country, public vs private, and the program. While some countries like Germany and Norway offer free or low-cost education to all students, others such as those in the U.K. and Netherlands have higher tuition rates. Factor in that attending a college that only requires three years of study for a bachelor’s degree could potentially save you a lot of money.
2. Use Online College Search Platforms
Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, many platforms can help you begin your search for colleges across Europe. Here are some useful pages to get started:
Country or Region Specific Databases
A great place to start looking for colleges is country-specific databases. Here are a few of them:Netherlands - https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/studies
Germany – https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/universities/all-degree-programmes/
Japan - https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/search-for-schools/school_search.php?lang=en
Australia - https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/find-a-course
College Websites
Most universities in Europe have detailed information on their official websites, including admissions requirements, course offerings, and tuition fees. Start by identifying universities you are interested in and exploring their offerings. As always, the more reliable data for each college will come from the school itself.
4. Understand the Admission Requirements
Once you've narrowed down your options, research each university's admission requirements. Note that the traditional U.S. high school diploma is often not sufficient for admission to international universities so it is important to plan ahead to meet the specific academic requirements. Academic requirements vary significantly and may include several AP tests, the SAT or ACT, and/or other admissions tests. English proficiency tests, personal statements, proof of other language proficiency, and/or proof of finances may be additional application requirements.
5. Visit Open Days & Attend Virtual Tours and Information Sessions
If possible, attend university open days or information sessions. While demonstrated interest is not typically a factor in the admission process, these events give you an invaluable opportunity to get a feel for the campus environment, meet faculty members, and talk to current students. Virtual sessions are especially useful if traveling abroad to visit colleges isn’t an option for you. Also, many international colleges send counselors to college fairs. Check out the fairs in your area to see if colleges of interest may be there.
Conclusion
Searching for colleges abroad can seem like a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect university for your academic and personal goals. Take the time to explore all the possibilities and choose a university that will help you thrive academically and culturally.
Get ready for an incredible international study adventure!
ACM specializes in helping students with their international college search and applications, schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Why study in Europe? Check out this blog post.
Study in Europe
Studying in Europe is an exciting opportunity for students to expand their horizons, and Europe is one of the best destinations for an international academic experience. Having moved here myself, I witness the benefits of living and studying in Europe daily. Here’s why you should study in Europe…
Why Study in Europe?
Studying in Europe is an exciting opportunity for students to expand their horizons, and Europe is one of the best destinations for an international academic experience. Having moved here myself, I witness the benefits of living and studying in Europe daily. Here's why:
World-Class Education: Europe is home to some of the world's top universities and academic programs. Whether you're interested in business, science, the arts, or social sciences, you'll find a diverse range of high-quality colleges offering cutting-edge research and a global perspective. Most degrees are internationally recognized and you can return to your home country or stay in Europe to work or continue your education.
Cultural Richness: From the historical cities of Paris and Rome to the modern vibrancy of Berlin and Barcelona, Europe offers a rich cultural experience. Studying here means exposure to diverse languages, traditions, and histories, bolstering both personal and academic growth. You will be studying alongside students from all over the world and have opportunities for internships and work experience at international companies and organizations. While studying a language is often not required, studying in a foreign city will certainly support students learning another language alongside their studies.
Affordable Tuition: Many European countries offer lower tuition fees compared to other popular destinations like the United States and the UK. Countries like Germany and Norway offer free (or nearly) education for international students, making Europe a cost-effective choice. Universities in the Netherlands have much lower tuition than the US even for students who do not have an EU passport. Also, bachelor’s degrees in some countries such as France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands only require three years of study allowing for students to graduate a year earlier than in the US and potentially save more money.
Travel Opportunities: Europe’s compact geography and excellent transportation system makes it easy to travel between countries. Students can explore different cultures, cuisines, and landmarks on a budget while gaining a broader understanding of the world.
Post-Graduation Opportunities: Graduating from a European institution can open doors to employment opportunities within the EU and beyond. Many countries offer post-study work visas, allowing graduates to gain valuable international work experience.
With its top academics, rich culture, affordability, and travel potential, studying in Europe is an excellent option for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Ready to get started? Check out my post about how to search for colleges abroad.
How to Apply to German Universities
Over the last few years, the number of international students choosing to study in Germany has grown to over 380,000. With most public universities extending free tuition even to international students, the cost alone is a big draw. Add that to the safety of the country, availability of programs in English, opportunity for an international experience and easy travel within Europe, ability to work as a student and get an extended visa post study, and the high-quality education offered, it is easy to understand why students are interested in attending university in Germany.
Applying to University in Germany
Over the last few years, the number of international students choosing to study in Germany has grown to over 380,000. With most public universities extending free tuition even to international students, the low cost alone is a big draw. In addition, the safety of the country, availability of programs in English, opportunity for an international experience and easy travel within Europe, ability to work as a student and get an extended visa post study, and the high-quality education offered are major reasons international students are interested in attending university in Germany.
How much does it cost?
Public universities other than those in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg are free for both EU citizens and other international students. Students will need to calculate 700-1000 Euros/month for living expenses in addition to an administrative fee of 300-400 Euros/semester. This often includes public transportation for the semester. In Baden-Wurttemberg, public tuition for non-EU citizens is 1500 Euros/semester. Private universities costs can amount to up to 30,000 Euros depending on the school.
How to Apply
As with other countries, applying to university in Germany as an international and non-EU student is a bit different than for citizens. Unfortunately, there is not one streamlined process as it varies by school and program of choice. 170 universities use the central system, uni-assist, to process the documents and applications of international students. Students typically apply via the program and mail certified copies of their application documents to the system to be processed. They are then verified through the program and the results forwarded to the universities. Other universities use the platform solely for verifying the documents and then require the students to submit a separate application to the school itself (a process known as VPD – preliminary review documentation). Programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy have a nationwide limit (Numerus Clausus). Many other programs of study have a regional or university limit. Universities may have additional criteria such as entrance tests, portfolios, or recommendation letters materials in addition to the general requirements. Whatever the program of study and university may be, it is very important to follow the instructions given by the university on how to apply with your specific background.
Students can typically start during summer (March) or winter (September) semesters. Application periods are usually early May to July 15th for the winter semester and early December to January 15th for the summer semester.
Hamburg, a popular student city
The General Application Requirements for international students:
Certified copies of high school diploma/leaving certificate also known as the university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)*
Not all diplomas and leaving certificates are eligible for direct entry to a university or to some programs. To find out how yours will be evaluated, use the search tool on Uni-Assist and Anabin.
If your country requires the passing of an exam to enter university, provide a certified copy and translation of results.*
Copy of all transcripts/overview of subjects taken and grades*
Proof of language proficiency – level of German and English required varies by university, check their criteria individually. Proof of proficiency can be shown in several ways.
German proficiency can be proven via the DSH test (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) which is given at universities, TestDaF (German test for non-native speakers) given at various test centers around the world, the Deutsches Sprachdiplom or certificates from the Goethe-Institut.
English proficiency can be proven via the IELTS or TOEFL examination, graduation from an English speaking school (only in certain countries), Cambridge English Language Certificates, and sometimes but rarely, having taken English as a subject in school.
Application fees – if applying via Uni-Assist, the fees are 75 Euros for the first application and 30 Euros for each additional. This includes each subject applied for.
*These documents must be in English or German, if they are not, you will need to provide certified translations of the certified copies. For detailed information on the certification and translations of documents, check out uni-assist. Confirm document language requirements with the universities.
German University Prep Course (Studienkolleg)
Students who do not meet the standards for direct entry to a university or a particular program of interest are recommended to apply to the Studienkolleg. Studienkolleg is a 2 semester college prep program which concludes in an exam to test the student’s levels of German and Math for university entry (Festellungsprüfung). The Studienkolleg is offered at many public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) and private schools and students can choose to take specialized courses depending on what they want to study in university. The cost of these programs is typically 100-400 Euros/semester for public programs and can be more for private. Students need to calculate an additional 700-900 Euros/month for living expenses. Application for Studenkolleg can be done via the uni-assist page or the school itself. Spaces are limited and students typically need a German level of at least B1 to apply.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements vary by citizenship. Citizens of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland can enter the country using a valid ID card and register as residents after finding accommodation. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel and several other countries can enter the country without a visa, but will need to apply for a residence permit as they are only permitted to stay for 3 months without one. Seek advice from the German embassy or consulate in your country to get exact details on visa requirements.
If you require a visa to enter the country, you must apply for a student visa or prospective student visa before leaving your country. The documents you will most likely need are:
Passport valid for time of stay
Health insurance coverage certificate
Public health systems from various countries will cover a student while studying in Germany. If not, the student will need to find insurance valid in Germany which can be from a company in another country or a public company in Germany. For verification of which insurances are valid, contact the university directly.
Proof of financial resources
As of January 1, 2021 students are required to have proof of a minimum of 10,332 Euros for one year of study in Germany. There are various ways to demonstrate this such as proof of income of parents, documentation of someone in Germany who will assist you financially if needed, receipt of scholarships and/or banking statements. The best way to establish proof is to allocate this amount in a separate ‘locked’ account through a German bank which will not be available to use until your arrival in Germany (Sperrkonto).
Either a university entrance qualification recognized in Germany (can be provided through Uni-Assist for prospective student status) or letter of acceptance from German university (for student visa)
Certificate of language proficiency, German and/or English depending on program of study
While it may seem overwhelming to put together an application to study in a foreign country, there are many great resources available to help. Remember, the international student office at each university will be the most reliable source of information and place to get your questions answered. Start early to give yourself time to research requirements, form a solid list of universities and programs of interest, gather all of the documents needed and get them processed.