9 Questions You Must Ask a University

February 2021

Though 2020 brought the world to a standstill, it did not faze students and their dreams to study abroad. As 2021 present's new opportunities, more students are choosing to study at the world's best education destinations.

With adapting to the new normal and providing the best courses, top universities have reinvented themselves with more holistic developmental courses.

Here are a few questions that you must ask a university when you meet their representatives or attend their open days:

Q1. What are the Entry Requirements?

By asking this question in particular, the student gets clarity on points related to the application and in correlation to the university. Questions like the percentage cutoff for admission for overseas education, the relevancy of the course based on the relevant educational background, what the usual turnaround time is for an application, what is the required documentation like backlog certificates etc., the offers that the university gives its student applicants, are essentially asked to the university.

Q2. What about kind of Employment can a student undertake during the course?

An essentially important question that students, looking to be enrolled to study abroad programs, seek clarification on is Co-op and internships, that may be undertaken simultaneously with the course. Co-op is a work term part of the course curriculum, for some courses. Students can gain on-the-job experience while continuing to study. Students are also allowed to work part-time, roughly around 20 hours, but may vary depending on the university.

Q3. What are the English Language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL)?

As International Students, English proficiency tests are mandatory for most universities across the globe. It is imperative that as a student, you are clear on the requirements based on the course you are applying to. Usually, the scores accepted by universities defer based on the kind of course. IELTS scores for UG is 6, PG is 6.5. TOEFL score for UG is 80 and PG is 90.

Q4. What Career outlooks can be expected from the course?

The main reason that students choose to study abroad is the career prospects after the completion of the course. While in conversation with the university, students must ask them about the potential outcomes of the course, the nature of the job market in the country and career prospects that you can expect.

Q5. What about Finances?

To prepare for education abroad, the student should seek clarifications on university or course specific financial queries. This includes the fee structure of the course, the additional study costs etc. Universities also have application fees for course, but the same may be waived off by universities that have a tie-up with Edwise. Another vital part of this process is Scholarships. Many universities offer scholarships for Indian students to study abroad. These greatly help students reduce expenditure costs and living expenses.

Q6. What specifications about the location?

Based on the climate and geographical preferences the students should seek clarification with the university to make the transition easy and more comfortable.

Q7. How extensive is the application process?

Before choosing and applying for a course, enquire about the application process and what documentation is required. Generally, a typical application consists of a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Curriculum Vitae (CV), and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) etc. Some universities may require more documents with the application.

Q8. What about Accommodation during the course?

Universities offer a wide range of options for students and the same may be enquired to the universities. Most options include on campus, off-campus, rented shared apartments or rented apartments (sole occupancy).

Q9. What is the Visa process?

Each country has a different set of guidelines in place for student visas that have distinct requirements. To get in-depth information about the requirements, ask the university about the procedure of application for a visa and what kind of visa is given after completion of the course. For example, Canada universities need tuition fees for one year and a GIC of CAD 10,000, covering living expenses, to be paid at the time of application for a student visa.

If you want to interact with your dream university, we at Edwise can help you with it through our many events.

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