What Should I Ask Universities at a Study Fair?

Written by Taru Medha

If you’re thinking of doing a Masters or PhD, a study fair is the perfect opportunity to meet university representatives and find out more information to help you make a decision! Be sure to come prepped with questions so you don’t miss out on anything important.

You’re bound to already have so many questions, but we’ve listed a few we think you shouldn't miss out on asking universities if you’re attending a study fair. These questions will help you get the information you need and ensure you make the most of your time on the day.

About the Masters course

#1 What is the workload like for a Masters?

You’ll want to know how much time you’ll be spending both in lectures/seminars as well as outside of class for coursework. Asking about the workload will give you an idea of how much time you’d have left to participate in student clubs or even work part-time.

#2 How many contact hours will I have?

Masters is a step up from your undergraduate degree. You’ll be expected to do more independent work so you’ll likely have less contact hours. It’s good to know what to expect and if you’ll have any days without classes. This will allow you to organise self-study time, part-time work and other activities. It’s also good to know how your time will be divided between lectures, tutorials and group sessions.

#3 How is the course assessed?

Will you be assessed on coursework throughout the year or through examinations at the end of each semester? Will you be required to submit a dissertation? It’s worth asking these questions now so you can look for an appropriate course. For example, if you really don’t do well with exams it’s worth looking for a solely coursework based Masters.

About applications

#1 What are the entry requirements for the programme?

Even though this information is available on programme listings, this is your chance to ask follow-up questions and be sure you have everything you need.

#2 What can I do to improve my chances of getting onto a Masters?

Does it feel wrong to ask this? It shouldn’t. Ask about resources you can use to write a good personal statement or if they prefer you to have work experience before applying.

#3 Will I need to attend an interview after submitting my application?

It’s handy to know if you’ll be required to travel to campus before the start of your course. If you’re an international student, you might want to ask if there are virtual options available for you.

About costs and funding

#1 What does it cost to study at your university?

This seems like a straightforward question and even though universities mention tuition fees in programme listings, this is your chance to ask them about any other administrative costs. If you are an international student, don’t forget to ask about how your fee structure might differ from home students.

#2 What funding options are available at your university?

Universities often offer scholarships, grants and bursaries to postgraduate students. These can be means or merit based. A study fair is the perfect opportunity to get a list of all funding options that might be applicable to you. Also make sure you find out about any other requirements and expectations associated with the funding.

About graduate careers

#1 What have previous graduates from the programme gone on to do?

Don’t be shy to ask for alumni testimonials, employability survey results or even ask to be put in touch with student ambassadors who can give you an idea of whether your desired programme is viable enough to land you the job you want after graduating.

#2 Does the university have links with specific employers?

It could be that your chosen university has ties with your dream employer! Perhaps they have placements or internships set up with them so you can gain some work experience while you study. You won’t know if you don’t ask.

About accommodation

#1 Does the university offer on-campus postgraduate student accommodation?

If you’re moving away for your postgraduate studies, you’ll want to know what sort of on-campus accommodation is available, whether there’s any that is postgraduate specific and what the prices are. That way you can decide whether the on-campus life is for you!

#2 What support is available if I decide to live off-campus?

Even if you’re not in university accommodation, student services can usually help with things like checking over contracts or suggesting estate agents they may have good relationships with. This can be especially useful if you don’t know the area or are moving from a different country.

#3 How can you apply for accommodation?

Accommodation applications are often separate from course applications, and you don’t want to miss out because of one small distinction so understanding the process and deadlines is key.

About student life

#1 What student support is available at the university?

Is there mental health support for students? What support is available if you are an international student? How active is the Students’ Union? Since your postgraduate experience is much more than just your programme, it is important to know how you’ll be supported outside the classroom.

#2 What facilities are available on campus?

You’ll need to know about the overall study experience at the university so ask about access to laboratories (if you are a STEM student), equipment, resources and libraries. It’s great to know beforehand if they’re open 24/7, especially if you’re a bit of a night owl when it comes to studying!

#3 What are the best things about studying here?

Give the university a chance to make the sales pitch! You never know, something they say might draw your attention and help cement your decision.

As an international student

If you’re an international student, it’s a given that your concerns would be different to home students. Don’t forget to ask these questions (in addition to the ones above) when you’re at a study fair.

#1 What are your language requirements?

Most universities will ask for language test results if you’re studying in your non-native language. University representatives at study fairs can help you with information on accepted tests and sometimes even learning resources. This is also your chance to ask about any language courses they have specifically for international students.

#2 How can you support me with my visa and accommodation applications?

It’s important to know what support is available to you as an international student. This is your chance to find out if there is a designated International Office which provides support on problems that might be more international student specific or if there are any regional offices near your hometown that you can contact for more immediate support.

#3 What’s the international postgraduate student experience like?

Moving countries is a huge ask and international students need all the support they can get. Ask whether there are forums where you can get in touch with other international students or if there are student groups and societies for students from specific nationalities.

Remember, these questions are just a starting point, and you should not let them overwhelm you or overrule your current plan of action. You must tailor them to your specific needs. Very often students at study fairs have similar concerns so staying alert when someone else’s question is being answered might tick a few things off your list.

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Taru Medha

Taru joined FindAMasters as a Content Writer in 2022. She creates well-researched, thorough content for our guides and blogs, as well as short video content for our social profiles. She has a Bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bennett University in India and completed a Masters degree in Global Journalism from the University of Sheffield in 2021, giving her personal experience with postgraduate study as an international student.

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