11 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to a University 

Applying to a Master’s with the wrong Bachelor’s degree -  We all live on hopes and dreams, and, some of us, whenever we get a new idea, we tend to stick with it and change course randomly. That’s easier said than done, however. 

Considering only the tuition fees when budgeting for your degree -  When you’re considering how much money you would need for your international experience, it’s easy to go and search for the cheapest tuition fee, thinking this is the way to go and save money, but that’s not always the case. 

Thinking your programme tuition is less than it actually is -  Let’s stay on this ‘tuition fee’ issue for a bit. Tuition fees have to be researched and you have to understand how they work. Usually, universities show the lowest price you can pay for a degree, but that isn’t usually the one that applies to you. 

Ignoring potential scholarships -  Seriously, read all the literature you’re offered! When you go study abroad, you have a lot of options in terms of scholarships. A lot of students don’t even try to apply for a scholarship, thinking they won’t meet the requirements, but that’s not always the case. 

Taking your Visa for granted -  Don’t think it will be easy. And we don’t want to scare you with this, but a lot of future students think the visa is a given, not a very important issue. Once you get your acceptance letter, you should start applying for your visa thoroughly, and be in constant contact with the Embassy of the country you applied to. 

Sending the wrong application documents -  This is a problem of nuance, honestly, but some students, especially those who are dealing with this, for the first time, are not sure of the differences. Countries and governments work differently, and this applies to education, as well. When your future university or the visa office will ask for documents, it won’t just be a problem of sending them via post. 

Not checking if you can work while studying in the country -  While we’re discussing documents and funding options, let’s mention this ‘work permit’, that a lot of students take into consideration. If you want to work during your studies, you will only be allowed to work part-time, and you will definitively need a work permit for it! You will need to check EVERYTHING 

Thinking that you are all by yourself in this -  I know it can get very overwhelming, especially when you see all of these as a list, but let’s try and put things into perspective: you won’t ever be alone in this. 

Not having a plan B prepared -  Listen, we know you might imagine a certain path for your future, but, usually, things change. You just have to be ready for whatever happens and always have a safety net: apply to multiple Master’s degrees, figure out what you would do or where you would study in case of anything, or simply think if it’s worth taking a gap year, if your plans don’t go as… well, planned! 

Giving up after a rejection -  Speaking of always having an alternative… Never give up! This is probably one of the most heart-breaking things counsellors have to deal with: the moment a student just gives up. 

Applying without being sure you really want to study abroad -  Think about it a bit: if you want to go all the way, there are not many things that would stop you. Yes, some of the logistics will have to be refined: you will miss home, you will have to pick an accommodation, you will have to manage on your own, and so on, but, if you really want to do this for your future, go for it! 

Download Best Higher Education Books, Study Notes & More..