University application tips

Whether you are ready for a Bachelor or Master degree, or for a full-time or a part-time course, you would first have to apply. For many, this could be quite a difficult experience, as modern universities tend to have a variety of requirements, deadlines and application procedures. Keen on avoiding a bad time with your admission? Take a look at the guide we have prepared.

Making the first steps towards your Masters degree

Before you think about applying it is important to have in mind what you would like to enroll in. Modern field of study (put link) offer a variety of opportunities while making it impossible not to find a suitable for your interests course. Take your time and carefully consider your options. For example, if you are interested in computers, is Computing your only choice? 
Surely, you can think about Computer Science or Software Engineering as well, so make sure you prepare a list with all branches of your desired study field. You can also look for a whole new area you would like to try and further increase your chances of getting accepted.

The second stage of your university application

When you are ready with your choices it is time to think about the institution. Look for an answer to the following questions:

• Do the universities in my city/country offer programs in what I am interested in?
• If not, what are my options abroad?

This will probably be the most difficult part when it comes to facing your possibilities. Even if there is only one university in your home country it is best to start with a big research. Look for everything which is a source of information, especially on the Internet – forums, feedback or the institution’s website. If you find out that there is a desired program or more available continue with a more in-depth search for course structures, admission requirements and tuition fees.

Once you are pleased with your info you can still look for some opportunities abroad. The quality of education, the expenses and your final outcome can be different and more satisfying in your neighboring countries. Check if it would be better for you to become an international student and gain advantage of scholarships, stipends and better student loans.

The moment of truth - prepare your application documents

Now that you are aware of your “what, where and why” it is time to prepare for application. The process has been somewhat simplified in recent years, with every university announcing its requirements on its official website. These requirements can differ depending on the institution, country and other, more complex factors like specific policies or traditions. Generally, a typical Bachelor’s or Master’s degree would require you to have acquired and send in the following documents:

• High school diploma
• A Bachelor’s degree in a corresponding area
• Language certificate (usually in English and for non-native students)
• Letter of recommendation/motivation letter/CV
• Application essay
• Application form
• Other specific documentation

In addition to these mandatory papers you might be expected to face some form of examination or even attend a university interview. Programs in the sphere of Medicine and Law sometimes require other certificates and proof of accomplishments.

If the only or best option is to go study abroad, it is highly recommended to make contact with university staff. They would point out all necessary preparations but bear in mind that you will have to think about a student visa, residence and living costs. For more details check our “Masters abroad” section with all major study destinations of the modern world.

Happy End

In order to ensure a happy end you have to stay aware of all deadlines and organize your time accurately. Make sure you check if you can apply online and reduce the risk of your documents failing to reach their destination. Application at more than one university usually results in a small chance of not getting accepted anywhere and more and more students prefer to prepare for both home and foreign higher education institutions.

As admissions are available just before the beginning of the semester you can expect to receive an answer quite quickly. You might be required to fulfill additional needs so always bear in mind that something might occur unexpectedly. Some universities also charge fees for applying and demand to have a deposit of the tuition fee.

A week or two before the beginning of the program you will receive an answer containing your status. If you are accepted at more than one university it all remains a matter of choice. Think about the differences between the places where you are accepted and respectively the courses and their outcome. For example, think about the following questions:

• Is a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science better for my future?
• Are higher tuition fees always an example of a higher quality of education?
• Am I more interested in research or do I prefer to gain more theoretical knowledge?
• Should I consider part-time education and the possibility to work or devote purely and only to education?