How to choose a study program?

A brief but comprehensive overview

Choosing an educational program in a foreign university requires careful consideration of individual needs and factors that may influence the choice of institution.

Your choice will definitely be influenced by:

This process, like any work, should be divided into stages. The initial approach to the question should be general and approximate, but this step can already eliminate most unsuitable options.

Finances, Scholarships, Cost of Living in the Country

Please keep in mind that in addition to tuition fees, you'll need to consider your personal means of subsistence when planning for university. If you don't have a source of income or savings, you may need to apply for a stipend to cover your living expenses while studying abroad.

Finding and applying for scholarships is a separate topic that we'll discuss in more detail in future articles. In the Resources section of our website, you'll find several useful links to organizations that offer scholarship opportunities for students.

The website of the European Commission invites visitors to explore country profiles that provide useful information on various factors that may influence the choice of location, such as tuition fees, cost of living, and available scholarships. Each country's profile leads to a dedicated portal that provides detailed information on scholarship schemes available in that country.

It's likely that you can easily identify a list of countries to live and study in, based on their cost of living. You can categorize them into expensive, slightly cheaper, and relatively cheap options. Come up with a few options, including a maximum option and simpler ones, based on your individual needs and budget. Ideally, you have sufficient funds or will receive funding and a scholarship to attend your preferred university and program.

Choosing a program is the most important aspect of studying abroad. You can seek help from portals and platforms that are specifically designed for this task, including the Freedom Degree website. Portals can also provide quick tests, such as identity or country tests.

University rankings can also be useful, such as the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. However, do not assume that only prestigious universities offer quality education. Often, you can find a high-quality program for your specialty at a university that you have never heard of before. It's a very individualized process, which requires a unique approach for everyone.

Future Prospects

As you progress through your education, it's important to think about what you want to do after you graduate. Would you like to stay in science and pursue research, or work in your field of study?

If you're interested in research, you should consider the research capabilities of your potential university, as well as options for continuing your studies in the same country (such as PhD programs after completing your master’s). On the other hand, if you want to work in your field of study, it's important to have a general understanding of the job market in the country you plan to move to. You should research opportunities for obtaining the necessary visas and residence permits, as well as any specific requirements that apply to students who have completed their education.

Deadlines

It's important to pay close attention to the application deadlines for the program you're interested in. You can usually find these dates on search portals, but for reliability, it's best to double-check on the university/program's website if you've identified it as a viable option. Start preparing for admission at least a year in advance of your planned start date.

How does your background match up?

When considering a program at a foreign university, it's crucial to assess how your current education compares to the requirements for the program. This involves comparing completed credits (educational units) and your overall document package to what's expected of you at the university you're interested in. This is an essential step in determining the compatibility of the program with your educational background.

As for Russia, it depends on your initial circumstances. Let's take three scenarios as an example:

Each of these options is real and attainable, but they come with various bureaucratic features. At Freedom Degree, we will assist you in dealing with all the difficulties that may arise during your journey.

Practical advice:

Make sure to connect with real students who have experience studying at the university you are interested in. Every university has its own internal community. You can usually find student groups on social media platforms. Additionally, ask your friends and acquaintances and find people with experience in applying to any foreign university. Their advice and experience can help you a lot.

Keep a record of all useful information. Create a table with personal options and update it regularly, weeding out unsuitable programs. On the Freedom Degree website, you can do this in your personal account.

Searching for a program is a task that requires strength, perseverance, and motivation. Set aside specific days and times for searching for programs. Try to do this work regularly and avoid missing it. Let it become a routine.

We believe you will succeed, and we at Freedom Degree will be happy to help you if necessary!