5 Things I Tell Everyone Applying for a Masters Abroad

There is so much to consider when applying for a Masters abroad. Am I choosing the right university? Do I have all the documents I need for the visa? Will I like living in that country? I When I applied for my Masters in the UK in 2019, I asked myself all of these. . . and a lot more! .

As I’ve mentioned in another blog, there are study abroad counsellors (sometimes also called consultants) who can help you with your application, but they are not for everyone. And they certainly weren’t for me.

Why did I choose to do it myself?

I feared that my application would become something off a template, and I’d lose the chance to make it unique. I also felt that the information on the university and UK government websites was clear enough for me to move forward. However, I would suggest you read more about study abroad counselling before choosing whether to use this service or go it alone.

#1 University rankings are just a number

Your search for the right university should not start and end with a number. Even though international university rankings are important, they’re not the only factor to consider. I studied Journalism and many of the otherwise top-ranking universities in the UK did not provide courses suitable for me. They’re also not postgraduate specific so they only give an indication of the quality of the university. Some other important things (and arguably more important!) to consider are the city you want to study at and the particular study/research project you are interested in. The University of Sheffield, where I did my Masters, met my requirements with specific modules like Digital Journalism and Journalism in Europe and had a reputation as a student-friendly city.

#2 The language test needs your attention

With a lot on your plate already when making a Masters application, it is easy to overlook just how crucial the language test is. The language test should be treated like any other exam, and you should be thoroughly prepared for it. I took the IELTS test for my application. I enrolled into classes for IELTS the summer before I started applying. I was already confident with my grasp of the English language but they helped me get into the exam headspace and also gave me access to lots of practice material. Main takeaway . . . prep work is key, even if you feel confident, there’s no harm in being as prepared as possible.

#3 Don’t get too clinical with your personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application. It is a chance to add a personal touch and make the application your own. Now, there a few things you definitely should include and some you should absolutely steer clear from when writing your personal statement, but, don’t be afraid to get creative. I took inspiration from the course structure (that you can find on the university website) and included my motivations to join the course and how I had interacted with similar subject areas during my undergraduate study. I also made sure I customised my personal statement according to each course I applied for.

#4 The visa process is not as complicated as you think (if you have all your documents)

Getting the right visa is important, yes, but once you set the ball rolling it is not that complicated. Just like the UK, visa processes for most countries are facilitated by companies like VFS Global which has made most of the process online. I completed an initial application on the website and then went to a visa application centre to submit the required documents and my biometrics. A few days later, I had the email that my visa was ready to collect!

#5 University accommodation can be a safe bet

Will I be staying in the right part of town? Who am I going to be sharing a house with? How do I know if I’m paying the right amount of rent? There are lots of uncertainties when it comes to finding the right accommodation. I found that most of my questions were answered when I was looking at the accommodation provided by the university. I could apply for the accommodation once I had accepted my admission offer all as part of one cohesive application. The accommodation was well advertised with images, maps and details on how far it was from most university buildings, and I found no unpleasant surprises once I moved in. If your university provides accommodation, it is a safer bet for international students. I was more confident that all my concerns would be addressed and I made friends even before classes began.

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