Higher education abroad

Graduation from prestigious universities in foreign countries, in particular the United Kingdom or the United States, provides the international students with great opportunities of finding prospective job and rapid career growth. Decision on the university where you want to study requires a thorough analysis of your preferences, interests, financial means and academic knowledge.In addition, it is recommended to read online reviews and consult expert opinions in the educational field. In your choice of higher education institution, you can consider the reputable QS-THES-200 world university ranking, evaluating universities based on a variety of criteria.

When considering higher education abroad, it's recommended to evaluate universities on the following factors:

1. Overall Academic Reputation (40% weightage)

2. Student-to-Teacher Ratio (20% weightage)

3. Graduate Employment Success with Reputable Employers (10% weightage)

4. Popularity Among International Students (5% weightage)

5. Citation Index (This evaluates the significance of university alumni who went on to become notable scientists or researchers; 40% weightage)

6. Proportion of International Faculty (5% weightage)

Considering these factors, the foreign students will make a conscious choice of the educational course from the vast array of Master's programs, which are offered by prestigious universities abroad. Deciding on study in foreign university, you cannot doubt that your higher education cost will be paid off quickly.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university? Subjects, employer value, percentage of employment in the first year after graduation?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Decision on obtaining higher education abroad requires thorough analysis of many educational options offered. After graduation from school, the foreign students wishing to study at English-speaking universities will be surprised  by a wide choice of programs offered by the top 100 universities around the world. Development of educational programs was designed to eliminate the gap between secondary education and university-level studies. The foreign students obtain a solid academic foundation for future career prospects.

• Foundation program, Pathway program: These educational programs are designed for foreign students interested in enrolling in English-speaking universities. They differ from local preparatory courses, as they assume a certain level of prior education. They are essential for those lacking the typical 12-year school education found in Western systems.

• Undergraduate: International students can pursue both their first and second bachelor's degrees. This level of education opens doors to diverse academic experiences.

• Master: Master's programs typically span 1 to 3 years, during which students engage in research and undertake projects of their own. These programs facilitate specialization and skill development.

• Exploring these diverse higher education opportunities abroad can pave the way for a bright and fulfilling academic journey. Whether you're aiming for a bachelor's, master's, or specialized business education, international universities offer programs to meet your goals.

• Pre-Masters: Usually, this program belongs to the category of preparatory courses, aiming at foreign students, who plan to continue their education at the Master's program.

• MBA (Master of Business Administration): Studying in an MBA program lasts for 2 years, offering specialized master's degrees in various business fields. After graduation, foreign students obtain the knowledge and skills required for high-level management roles.

• University Transfer Program or University Pathway Program: These educational courses are designed for foreign students preparing for admission to bachelor's degree programs. In some situations, the student can be enrolled in the second year of a foreign university.

• Advanced Courses: These programs provide students with a wide list of additional knowledge and skill enhancement opportunities. Passing advanced courses and having a diploma of foreign prestigious university play a significant role in enhancing international students' career growth and job opportunities.

In-depth analysis of diverse higher education opportunities offered by the universities abroad will help to choose the right option for prospective  academic study. No matter what educational program you want to pass: a bachelor's, master's, or specialized business education, the universities abroad provide all necessary opportunities to fulfill your goals.

Pros:

• Exceptional academic support

• Top-tier pedagogical standards with highly skilled educators

• Complete immersion in the academic environment

• A comprehensive range of courses spanning all knowledge domains

Cons:

• Potentially high financial outlay

However, there's good news for budget-conscious students: SMAPSE provides more affordable avenues for obtaining higher education abroad in countries like Germany, Austria, and Spain.

A common perception is that only the affluent can bear the cost of higher education abroad, especially at prestigious universities, such as those in the TOP-100 of the QS-THES-200 rankings. Deciding on studying in an elite international higher education institution, be prepared to pay a high tuition fee.However, you can find many universities abroad, which offer quality education at rates complying to domestic institutions.

On average, tuition fee at ranking universities abroad fluctuates from USD 15,000 to USD 50,000 per academic year. Balanced decision on a higher education institution abroad provides the foreign students with the best value for their investment in higher education.

Many applicants are faced with the fact that it is impossible to enter the first year immediately and it is necessary to undergo preparatory programs. This is because education systems in each country are different and students need to adapt to the new environment. In fact, these preparatory programs are not a waste of a year, as many people think. They are aimed at helping students to adapt to new academic approaches, add knowledge of academic English and basic knowledge of the subjects of the future specialty, as well as to teach them how to "study", i.e. how to communicate with professors, tell them about the system of grading and homework. In addition, in a number of countries, such as the United States and in Canada, the training program is already integrated into the first year of university.

The most popular countries for international students to immigrate to while studying abroad can change over time and depend on various factors such as educational opportunities, quality of life, immigration policies, and cultural attractions. The following countries are often popular choices for international students: USA - due to its world-renowned universities, diverse programs and research opportunities. United Kingdom - prestigious universities and rich academic traditions. Canada offers a wide range of academic programs and post-graduation work opportunities, and is also known for its favorable immigration policy. Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Ireland are also popular and immigration-friendly countries.

There is no age restriction for applicants, but age and the break in the last education received affect the decision of visa officers to issue student visas. As a rule, 18-21 year olds are admitted to preparatory and undergraduate programs, while 23-25 year olds are admitted to master's programs.

Define your goals and priorities: think about what you want to achieve through your study abroad experience - whether you are looking for a specific academic program, research opportunities, cultural immersion, career prospects, or personal growth. Look for universities that offer academic programs and courses that match your interests and career goals. Consider the curriculum, faculty experience, research opportunities, and reputation of the programs you are interested in. Check university rankings and reputation to assess the quality of education and research outcomes. Look for rankings relevant to your field of study, as they can provide more targeted information.

Think about where the university is located. Consider factors such as climate, cost of living, safety, cultural environment and recreational opportunities. Determine whether you prefer a large or small city, as this can affect your overall experience. Consider the language of instruction and determine if you meet the language requirements of the university. Some countries offer programs taught entirely in English, while others may require knowledge of another language. Familiarize yourself with the immigration policies of the country you are considering. Familiarize yourself with visa requirements, work options during or after your studies, and the support services the university provides to international students.

Universities typically offer a wide range of opportunities for clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities designed to enhance the student experience and promote personal development. Universities have many student clubs and organizations catering to a variety of interests such as sports, arts, culture, hobbies, academics, community service, entrepreneurship, and more. These clubs provide opportunities to meet like-minded people, develop leadership skills, and participate in activities related to your interests. Universities also often have sports teams and facilities for various sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, track and field, and more. You can join university teams or participate in full-time or recreational sports leagues.

Work opportunities while studying vary from country to country, but as a standard, students can work up to 20 hours per week. In the 2nd and 3rd years, programs become more specialized, students have a practical understanding of the field, and the university offers various paid internships.

Most universities offer on-campus residence halls. These are modern dormitories with single or double rooms. A number of dormitories also offer meal plans for a small surcharge. In addition to dormitories, universities are in partnerships with apartments/hotels that can be rented with other classmates.

Universities may have specialized research centers or institutes that focus on specific areas of study. These centers often provide opportunities for students to participate in research projects, access specialized facilities and resources, and collaborate with experts in their field. Universities often partner with companies, organizations and research institutes that offer internship and co-op programs. Universities may collaborate with industry to provide research and internship opportunities for students. Such collaborations can provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies, industry trends and potential career paths.

In order to transfer from your current university to a foreign university, you must submit to the university a document called the Core Syllabus, which is a list of all the courses you have taken, with a detailed description of them, the number of hours you have completed and the grades you have received. After submitting this document, the university will make a comparative analysis between the courses you have already studied and its own program and may give you credit for some of the courses.

Learning programs-summary information

Top 14 best universities in Switzerland 2025

Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2025