The table of contents below gives an overview of all we have wrapped up in this article.
What Does It Mean To Study Abroad?
This is as simple. Studying abroad means studying in any country where you’re not a native, citizen or resident. In addition, Studying abroad is the term given to a program, usually offered at a university, that allows a student to live in a foreign country and attend a foreign university. This isn’t dependent on your program of choice. It covers every program whether a Degree, Masters or PhD. In most cases, two universities have an agreement that allows them to exchange students (hence the term “exchange student”) so that these students can learn about a foreign culture and broaden their horizons. In general, the program grants credits for courses taken in a foreign institution and some also organize a study or internship agreement. Furthermore, Study Abroad programs are of various shapes and sizes. The typical study program allows students to spend a semester abroad, but some programs extend over several semesters or up to one semester year. Some are only designed to study and attend a foreign university, while others focus on internships or volunteer experiences. The programs also vary in the way the student is served, some have a “foster home” situation, in which the two exchanged students live in each other’s home. Other programs provide a bedroom or apartment for the student.There are also study abroad programs for primary and secondary (high school) education.
What Are The Top Five Universities Per Continent With Study Abroad Programs?
Study abroad opportunities are replete in the world but we are going to be looking at the top five universities in the seven continents. The seven continents include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. There are no universities in Antarctica so we will be skipping it.
Top Five Universities in North America
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The mission of Massachusetts Institute of Technology also known as MIT since its inception has been to advance knowledge and thoroughly educate students in science, technology and other areas that will best serve the nation.
Founded in 1861, MIT is a privately owned university with over 11,000 students undergoing different programs in the institute. In addition, MIT is currently ranked #1 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2022 and #3 in National Universities by the US News and World Report.
The institute has thrived in diverse researches that it has embarked upon producing astounding students that have formed a formidable alumni body.
Stanford University
Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a private institution in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. Stanford has one of the largest university campuses in the US, with 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools: the Graduate School of Business; School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences; Graduate School of Education; School of Engineering; School of Humanities and Sciences; Law School; and School of Medicine. In addition, Stanford is currently ranked 2nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and #7 in National Universities by the US News and World Report.
Harvard University
Founded in 1636, Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. It is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. In addition, Harvard is currently ranked 3rd in the world in the QS World University Rankings® and #2 in National Universities by the US News and World Report. Furthermore, it is widely regarded for his influence, reputation and academic pedigree as a leading university, not only in the United States but also in the world.
University of Chicago
Founded in 1890 and situated in Hyde Park, the University of Chicago is a private research university. Being based in the urban center of Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States, it offers a rich campus life in a big-city setting. Aside from being in the Ivy League, Chicago is one of the best American universities and is among the top ten in several national and international rankings. In addition, the University of Chicago is currently ranked #10 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2020 and #3 in National Universities by the US News and World Report. Princeton University is one of America’s finest universities with great to offer to students. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. It was founded in 1746 and moved to its current site in New Jersey in 1896. Furthermore, outside the Ivy League, Princeton also offers a number of events, activities, and organizations. In addition, Princeton University is currently ranked #13 in the world in the QS World University Rankings® and #1 in National Universities by the US News and World Report.
Top 5 universities in South America
1. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC)
The highest-ranked university in Latin America this year is Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC), is one of the oldest universities in Chile. UC was founded in 1888 and is one of six Catholic universities in the country. It is currently ranked within the global top 50 of the subject rankings of architecture, social policy & sociology, arts & design, communication & media studies, education & training, law, modern languages.
2. Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
The University of Sao Paulo is the largest Brazilian public university and the country’s most prestigious educational institute since its inception in 1934. The university is a public university and has graduated more than ten presidents of Brazil. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the region, ranking first in the index for web impact and second for four other indicators, including citations per faculty member. In addition, USP is the largest university in Brazil, with around 95,000 students enrolled in 11 campuses, four of which are in São Paulo.
3. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp)
The Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) is preferably referred to as Unicamp. Founded by Zeferino Baz and located in the heart of Sao Paulo in the city of Brazil, it remains one of the most exceptional institutions to attend in the whole of South America. It is responsible for 15% of Brazilian research and also has more patents than any other university in the country. In addition, tuition is free for both domestic and international students studying in Unicamp just like any other public university in Brazil.
4. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Consistently the highest-ranked university in Mexico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is ranked fourth in Latin America this year and achieves the highest score in the whole index for academic reputation. Its main campus, Ciudad Universitaria (University City), built-in a collaborative architectural design project in the 1950s, is so artistic that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
5. Universidad de Los Andes Colombia
Universidad de Los Andes Colombia (also called Uniandes) is currently ranked #5 in the Latin American Universities rankings this year, achieving its highest score for employer reputation. Uniandes is located in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, and was established in 1948 as the country’s first non-sectarian university.
Top 5 universities in Europe
1. University Of Oxford
The University of Oxford was established sometime in the 11th century. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and it is actually so ancient that the founding date is unknown – though it is thought that teaching took place there as early as the 11th century. Since then, it has gained repute to be called one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is startling to know that women were not admitted to the university until 1878, and it was in the year 1920 that women were awarded degrees for the first time. Finally, all-male colleges began to accept women into their institutions in the year 1974. There are about 100 major academic departments, which are overseen by the four academic divisions: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences; Medical Sciences; Social Sciences and Humanities. There are over 38 Oxford Colleges which are both financially and governmentally independent. These colleges actually provide accommodation, social spaces, pastoral care, catering, and other facilities for their students. In addition, the school is currently ranked #4 in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2022 and #1 in the UK.
2. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
ETH Zurich is basically one of the world’s leading universities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Furthermore, it is also known for its cutting-edge research and innovation The institute has produced over 20 Nobel prize-winners, including the popular Albert Einstein. ETH Zurich’s core missions are teaching, research and the transfer of knowledge to business and society and with a doctoral student strength of about 4,092, the university has over a dozen libraries loaded with significant materials that spur growth. The university offers scholarships to Masters, Ph.D. and undergraduate students at over four levels. The university also gives grants and loans. In addition, the school is currently ranked #6 in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2022 and #1 in the UK.
3. University Of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university in the UK, established in the year 1209 in the city of Cambridge. Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge’s 800-year history makes it the fourth-oldest university in the world. This university currently has over 19,578 students enrolled in its different colleges. There are 150 departments/colleges/schools and all the colleges in Cambridge are self-governed. The University of Cambridge has well over 11, 000 that are branched as; Academic staff, Research staff, Academic- Research staff and Assistant staff. Sitting on over 160 hectares of land, Cambridge offers scholarships to 250 high ranking students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. course. In addition, the school is currently ranked #7 in the world in the QS World University Rankings® and #2 in the UK.
4. University College London (UCL)
UCL was established in London in the year 1826 as London University and boasts to be the first in the UK to entirely admit students irrespective of their religious beliefs or gender. This institution has a combined strength of 12,000 for academic and administrative staff and over 32,000 students both undergraduate and postgraduate. Three members of their staff were recognized by the Institute of Physics for their amazing contributions and innovations in the subject matter called Physics. UCL offers scholarships to both local and international students. In addition, the school is currently ranked #8 in the world in the QS World University Rankings® and #3 in the UK.
5. Imperial College London
Imperial College London established in the year 1907 has a core focus which borders around medicine, science, and technology. It has thrived in its ambition and that is why this public university is ranked 9th globally. With a staff strength subdivided into the academic and administrative staff of 3,825 and 3,940 respectively and over 17,000 students. There are 21 halls of residence for the students in Imperial College and the university runs more than five scholarship programs for those who choose to further in Ph.D. The university attracts students from over 125 countries and is therefore considered one of the most prestigious international universities in the world.
Top 5 universities in Asia
1. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) is a young and research-intensive university. It is currently placed 11th globally, and 1st among the world’s best young universities for five consecutive years by the QS World University Rankings®. NTU with close to 33,000 students offers engineering, science, business, humanities, arts, social sciences, and education, and has a joint medical school with Imperial College London.
2. National University of Singapore
Very highly regarded as the oldest institution in Singapore and the largest by student numbers, the National University of Singapore (NUS) combined research excellence with tremendous innovation. This university was established in 1902 and currently ranks 11 in the QS World University Rankings® with very high scores for research and international outlook, and also, has an outstanding performance in the department of engineering and technology. The entrepreneurial focus at the university has not waivered with the instituting of a dedicated centre for innovation and technopreneurship. NUS uses the British-style teaching through little group tutorials and US-style course credits to add up to the degree requirements. Degrees are flexible in the UK system unlike the US system where students can transfer between a range of courses early in their degree, take diverse modules across different faculties and they are required to have a broad, cross-disciplinary selection of courses. A higher number of students reside on the campus in one of the 6,000 residential places across various halls in the institution which are all served by an internal shuttle bus that makes mobility easier for the student. A good number of influential alumni have graduated from the university, which includes four Singaporean prime ministers and presidents, two prime ministers of Malaysia, and so many other politicians, local luminaries, and successful business people.
3. Tsinghua University, China
Tsinghua University is a major research university that overtime has been committed to a multidisciplinary system for more than 30 years, after going through diverse series of changes and transformations since its establishment in 1911 as it proudly sits over 980 acres. It is highly regarded as one of the most elite universities in China and admits only exceptional students who come out with very high scores in their different national exams. The university readily offers 51 different undergraduate programs and over 200 postgraduate degrees with four different scholarship awards from government and private institutions. Tsinghua also has a spot on the top 30 in the World University Rankings by times higher education ranking. It also adds another achievement of a top 30 position for engineering and technology, medicine, physical sciences, computer science, life sciences, and business. In addition, it currently ranks #16 in the QS World University Rankings®. The University campus is geographically located in northwest Beijing in a district that was specifically designated as a university hub. The buildings exhibit both traditional Chinese architecture and Western styles. Based on the previous site of the Qing dynasty royal gardens, the campus has been listed as one of the most beautiful campuses that ever existed in the world. Many graduates have become extremely influential everywhere, most notably in Chinese politics. Two Nobel prize-winners are closely associated with the university.
4. Peking University, China
Peking University which is a major research university ranks among the top 30 universities worldwide and was the first modern national university in China, founded in the year 1898, the university succeeded Guozijian. In addition, Peking University currently ranks #22 in the QS World University Rankings®. This university has been identified as a center for progressive thought and research excellence. It currently boasts of 216 research centres, two of which are highly recognized national engineering institutions. Although the university teaches and researches across social sciences, science, and humanities, it is particularly outstanding for physical sciences and engineering where it made colossal achievements. The Peking University library is one of the largest of its kind in the whole of Asia, holding over 11 million books, research materials, and other resources. After their relocation in 1952, the main campus now sits on the former site of the Qing dynasty imperial gardens and has still retained some of the original features and landscaping, including pagodas, gardens and historic buildings. The entrance gates to the campus of the institution have murals on the ceiling and are well-known as attractions in their own right because of their ostentatious display. In campus, there are specific dormitories for over 2,000 international students. Many prominent thought leaders and scientists in China are alumni of Peking University. Three Nobel prize-winners are proudly associated with the institution. Peking University offers a wide range of scholarships to both local and international students including student loans and grants.
5. University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Established by the British governor in 1911, the institution located in Pokfulam, gradually began to integrate Chinese culture and its equivalent education into its courses by 1927, when the first degree in Chinese was offered by them. English language is the most dominant and is also language of instruction at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The conspicuous buildings on the main campus in the mid-levels of Hong Kong Island are just some of the only remaining examples of British colonial architecture in the institution. The Main Building which was completed in 1912, is the oldest structure and has now been declared a national monument. Admissions in HKU are extremely selective due to an influx as there are about close to 12 applications for every place for an international undergraduate. For students from mainland China, just a student gets a place for every 31 applications that come up. Undergraduate courses take about four years to complete and it is a further year or two for medical programmes. All local students are definitely mandated to take English and Chinese language courses. HKU graduates have been fundamentally involved in building modern China’s economic, political and cultural landscape. Many alumni of the institute are also in senior positions in private-sector organizations. HKU offers a range of scholarships to both local and international students and this also includes student grants and loans.
6. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology which was established in the year 1991. The university primarily focuses on teaching and learning in engineering, science, management, technology and business studies but also offers courses in humanities and social sciences. The institution has an amazing campus university located in the northern part of Clear Water Bay Peninsula in the Sai Kung District. The campus sits on a slope with all buildings and facilities built on terraces that were carefully and professionally carved out of the hillside. The academic facilities sit on the top-level terraces and undergraduate halls of residence and all the sporting facilities are located at the seafront. The Lee Shau Kee library is strategically located on the center of the campus and contains well above 720,000 print and electronic volumes and 47,000 periodicals. This library also contains a collection of an ancient collection that contains maps of China and the rest of Asia that were produced by Chinese and Western cartographers over the last 500 years. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offers a range of scholarship to both local and international students and this also includes student grants and loans.
Top 5 universities in Australia
1. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne was founded in 1853, making it the second oldest in the country. It is home to 42,000 students and 6,500 members of staff, and has 280,000 alumni around the world some of whom 15 per cent of whom live outside Australia. There are more than 12,000 international students among the over 48,000 that are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne, and if you’re successful and do get a place there, you will be joining students from 130 different countries including over 3,600 doctoral students. You will also be within the reach of some pretty famous scholars. Nobel prize-winner Peter Doherty of physiology and medicine and these fellows of the Royal Society David Solomon and David Boger all teach and research at Melbourne. The University of Melbourne offers a range of scholarships to both local and international students and this also includes student grants and loans.
2. Australian National University
Established in 1946, Australian National University (ANU) is a national research university but was originally created as a postgraduate research university by the Parliament of Australia and inducted Canberra University. It counts over 22,000 enrolled students and six Nobel prize-winners among its faculty and alumni, and the institution is even run by a Nobel laureate; Brian Schmidt, who picked up the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for producing evidence that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. The university has trained two prime ministers of Australia, 30 current Australian ambassadors and more than a dozen current heads of Government departments of Australia with its three campuses. Australian National University offers a range of scholarship to both local and international students and this also includes student grants and loans.
3. University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university and is also the oldest university in Australia founded in 1850. Currently, 42,000 students are enrolled in different programs at the University of Sydney, representing over 134 countries. About 280 overseas exchange programs are in place with more than 30 countries involved. The university consists of 9 faculties and university schools, with which it offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. Sydney is also considered one of the best university cities for students as it has ranked number 25 in the world. The University of Sydney offers a range of scholarship to both local and international students and this also includes student grants and loans.
4. University of Queensland
The University of Queensland’s (UQ) anchors on the motto when translated in English connotes “by means of knowledge and hard work” – so be prepared to do some grafting. This university is a public university that is very intensive research institute. UQ has about 38,000 students currently enrolled in different programs and this inclusive of 12,000 international students from an amazing 141 countries. It also has one of Australia’s largest PhD cohorts with over 13,800 postgraduate students registered. UQ has been for some time consistently ranked first for business administration, mining engineering and life sciences in Australia. The university’s main campus is primarily located in the green and leafy inner Brisbane suburb of St Lucia which is highly regarded as one of the most affluent areas of the city. UQ offers a range of scholarship to both local and international students and this also includes student grants and loans.
5. Monash University
Monash University in Melbourne, Victoria founded in the year 1958 is a public research university that was named after engineer and military leader Sir John Monash and it is worthy to note that it was the first university in Australia to be named after a person unlike other universities that are names after a place. The university, which has currently enrolled over 70,000 students in diverse programmes has its five bases in Victoria, as well as one in Malaysia. Monash also possesses a research and teaching centre in the Italian town of Prato, a well-equipped research school in Mumbai, India and a grad school in Jiangsu Province, China. The Famous alumni of the institution includes legendary musician Nick Cave, Booker Prize-winning novelist Peter Carey and well renounced playwright David Williamson. The University aids financially constrained students through its scholarship and grant schemes.
Top 5 universities in Africa.
1. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is a public research university with multi-campuses located in the heart of South Africa. This university that was founded in the year 1908 is sitting on over 1,200 hectares of land has from a little above three hundred students as at its establishment, it has steadily grown to over 30,000 students and also boast of over 4,000 fully appointed staff members. The motto of this University “With zeal and perseverance, strive towards the goal” has really lived up to expectations as it has ascertained the number one status in Africa. Since the beginning of 1997, the university has doggedly produced more research outputs every year than any other institution of higher learning in the whole of South Africa. If you desire to study in Africa, this is one of your best bets when seeking a reputable institution.
2. University of Cape Town
UCT as it is popularly called was founded in the year 1892 making it the oldest institute in the country. With a combined staff running over 5,000 and students close to 31,000, University of Cape Town has stood out as one of the most proficient and prestigious universities. It is globally recognised as an engaged research-intensive African university that spurs creativity through proficient achievements in discovery, learning, and citizenship. Moreso, it enhances the lives of not only it’s students but its staff, advancing a sustainable social order while influencing the global higher education landscape intensively.
3. University of Witwatersrand
Commonly known as Wits is a public research university that was founded in 1896 formerly a mine field. The university has over 22 residences where more than 18% of the over 33,000 students. The academic staff strength stands at over 11,000. Running strong with its motto “knowledge and work” it retains a position as one of the best places to study in Africa where you can reside in one of its five amazing campuses.
4. University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal as an institution was founded in the year 2004 as a merger between two universities. The motto of this institution is “inspiring greatness” and it has sought to do this in the lives of it’s over 36,000 students leveraging on the strength of its over 1,000 staff. This university has five campuses and it is replete with scholarship opportunities.
5. University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg came into existence in the year 2005 as a result of a merger between two universities. The motto of this institution is “service through knowledge” and it has sought to do this in the lives of it’s over 51,000 students leveraging on the strength of its over 2,000 staff. On its three campuses are over 3,000 international students from over 300 different countries.
Other Frequently Study Abroad Questions and Answers
These are regular question students who want to study abroad ask.
Am I Eligible to study abroad?
The answer is yes, but it is conditional. You’re only eligible to study abroad when you don’t possess a criminal record of any kind in any city at all. Also note that getting a visa for some countries is a tug of war and this can be owing to that fact; the two counties are not in great relational terms. So you should be wise to choose a course that will not end up straining and demoralizing you.
How can I learn the Language of the Country I’m Studying Fast?
I would say yes you do, but it’s a problem that can be taken care of in a short time. To study abroad in a country that doesn’t speak a language you’re familiar with, demands that you take language courses. You will actually be tested so as to ascertain your strength when speaking the required language. English is actually the most dominant language that is used in universities worldwide so it’s wise that if you don’t come from a native-English speaking country, you stay on the lookout for opportunities to take English courses that abound. There are institutions that teach foreign languages such as TOFEL and its likes. Some Universities in Korea that award scholarships actually organize a one year language training course in order to help the candidate get accustomed to the language before he starts his course.
Can I study abroad for free?
You can definitely study abroad for free under the platform on a scholarship or a grant. Many study abroad for free opportunities abound as scholarships are being awarded yearly by both government and private institutions. To study abroad for free also denotes that you get acclimatized with the environment so that is an important statistic that you might not want to leave out. Some climates are very hazardous and adaptability is a major struggle for international students. As much as all costs of tuition fees and even living expenses are taken care of when you want to study abroad, you can have some inclinations to get for yourself some essential facilities and belongings so as to increase your comfortability.
What plans can I make if I decide to study abroad?
If you decide to study abroad, you begin your journey of processes. Your plans need to be utopian so as to be successful. When you make your decision to study abroad, please do the following;
Make adequate research: To make your study abroad plan come through, you need to make solid research so as to know the choice of institution, living expenses and every other intricate detail. This is a strong determining factor.Start writing your application: Start drafting your application as soon as possible and be very thorough with it. Most schools open up on September, so your plans have to be in full gear also creating a space for delays.Gather and secure funds: This is for those who seek to sponsor themselves when they study abroad. You need to have above the required sum for any other fallouts.Mental preparation: You need to mentally prepare yourself as you’re about to take a step that will change the course of your life forever.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
The cost of studying abroad will depend gravely on the currency of your native country and what it weighs against the currency of the country at which you choose to study. This cost will include tuition fee, living expenses and cost of relevant materials and even belongings that will make you comfortable in the place you have chosen to study at. You will basically need to foot the cost of your visa first and travel expenses so as make the trip abroad. Well, if you still love to study abroad and you don’t have the necessary expenses to foot the bill, now would be a good time to talk about scholarships.
Do I need to apply for a student visa?
The need of a student visa will come into play when your program abroad is an extended one- a program that runs for more than a year. In other words, if your program spans for a period of six months, you can simply apply for a visitor’s visa which is cheaper and less strenuous than that of student visa. However, if the institution you want to attend is within your continent, then a student visa may not be needed but if it is not within the continent, then it is required. Also see;
Getting a Canadian VisaGetting a German visaGetting a Cuban visaGetting a Belgium Visa
How can I make money while studying abroad?
The money you will make while studying abroad will depend on the type of program you are enrolled into and then the type of visa you have. A student visa has its advantages as it can help you secure in-campus employment since your stay is extended. However, your work will be restricted to by your academic schedule and it will also be limited. However, with a visitor’s visa, you can work for up to 16 hours if you choose especially when you’re not having any academic activities.
What does it require to study abroad in the US?
US is one of the most sought after places when the matter of studying abroad is discussed. However, that it is in demand doesn’t mean it comes cheap. The table below shows the least cost for tuition fees in an average US university This is not inclusive of other living expenses. So if you truly desire to study in the US, your best bet is to check for scholarship opportunities that are available to you.
What does it require to study abroad in the UK?
From the above table, we possessed an understanding of the expenses that are involved when one chooses to study in the US. However, when you choose to study abroad in the UK, meeting the requirements are on a new level as studying in UK is much more expensive. One of the most affordable tuition fees in a UK university is $13,000. So, if you truly desire to study in the UK, prepare at least double what you will take to US. If you don’t have the money then, we understand you and that is why we have provided you with scholarship opportunities to study abroad in UK.
How can I get affordable accommodation as an international student?
The cost of accommodation is highly dependent on the institution. Many institutions have hostels and halls where students live while some don’t have such accommodation space. As an international student, a hall is your best bet as it saves you the cost of maintenance and also insurance that you will have to foot when you live in a house. However, real estate companies abound that can get you a wonderful place. They can also get comfortable accommodation for yourself while you study.
CONCLUSION
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