Choosing a postgraduate university is an important step in obtaining an advanced degree. With hundreds of choices all over the world, it may be difficult to narrow down options to a manageable list of candidate schools. Some factors to consider when choosing a postgraduate university include specific programs offered, location, tuition and financial aid options, and school reputation. Touring campuses and meeting with faculty and admissions staff can also help make a final decision.
One of the most important factors that will determine the right postgraduate university is the type of degree sought. There are many different postgraduate degrees available; this highly advanced segment of education tends to attract students that are very serious about pursuing a specific career path or goal. Try to access alumni newsletters to determine where graduates from a particular school are excelling and finding jobs after graduation; if the degree program at a specific university tends to propel graduates toward a desirable career, it may be the best choice.
Universities are located everywhere, from rural areas to the center of the largest cities in the world. Understanding the location of the school is important both for scholastic purposes and for extra-curricular life. Students with young families will want to research nearby school districts; some large universities even have elementary and secondary schools on campus for the children of attending students. If planning to relocate, be sure to look up crime statistics and location of basic services such as gas stations and grocery stores before deciding to move.
Attending a postgraduate university can be quite expensive; it may be a good idea to research the availability of grants, scholarships, and financial aid before deciding to attend a school. While it is often possible to get loans for postgraduate education, it is extremely important to consider the repayment time on loans as compared to the average salary of a postgraduate in any particular field. Agreeing to take on loan debt can be a decades-long commitment; schools with many grant and scholarship programs can help reduce the tuition load for many students.
Some independent agencies release school rankings on an annual basis. These can be helpful in determining the public view of a particular postgraduate university. In addition to these official rankings, however, it may be a good idea to visit student websites and read school newspapers to get an idea of how the current students view the school. A historically good reputation may be out of touch with the current situation of the school. Knowing how matters stand at the grassroots level of the students may help better prepare a new postgraduate fellow.
