There are several key questions to ask when trying to select a university. Does the university offer your desired program? What are the career outcomes (in other words, what do you want to do with the degree)? Beyond that, there are often several other factors to take into consideration.
In Australia and New Zealand, the universities offer a wide range of programs and in fact, many programs are offered at multiple universities. So it is important to look at other criteria when selecting a university, such as:
1. Do you want to be at a small university or a big university?
Sometimes students want a change from the secondary school / university experience they have already had or sometimes they want to keep that same sort of environment. The universities in Australia and New Zealand vary quite a bit in size so there is almost always one or two that would fit your needs.
2. Do you want to be in a big city or a small city?
Changing from a small city to a large city and vice versa, can often make a potentially great experience miserable. For example, going from a small town on the prairies to the heart of Sydney may cause too much culture shock for students which would cause them to struggle academically. And on the other hand, someone moving from Vancouver or Toronto to a small town in Australia might feel isolated and bored. Often, there are cities that create a nice balance. For example, places like Wollongong or Palmerston North are smaller cities but within easy commuting distance to Sydney and Auckland so students can experience the best of both worlds.
3. What sort of activities do you want to do on the weekends / spare time?
The vast majority of Australians and New Zealanders live near water but not all beaches in Australia and New Zealand are good for things like surfing or snorkelling. Likewise, there are limited places to ski or snowboard in Australia and New Zealand. In selecting a university, consider accessibility to the activities you enjoy and to travelling to other places in the country.
4. Lastly, why do you want to study at a university in another country?
Most students look to universities abroad for a new cultural and international experience. They also see the value of gaining an international credential. If these are the main goals, then your choice of university / program should provide an opportunity to fully integrate into the Australia / New Zealand lifestyles.
If you are interested in completing a degree in Australia or New Zealand and need help learning which university meets your needs, please contact AustraLearn at studyabroad@australearncanada.org or toll free 1-888-637-4412.
