What to Look for When Choosing a University Overseas

21 Sep 2026

6 Min Read

Josephine Yap (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Choosing a university can quickly become a comparison of rankings, tuition fees and scholarship amounts. These details matter, but they cannot tell you what studying there will actually be like, how well the course fits your goals or what support you can turn to when you need it.

This was one of the clearest messages to emerge from Uni Placement Day, held on July this year. The event gave students and parents the opportunity to speak directly with university representatives and explore their options.

Adelaide University, Deakin University and the University of New South Wales presented a forum on studying in Australia. British Council Malaysia and UCAS later shared guidance on studying in the UK and updates to the UCAS personal statement.

So, what should you look for when the brochures begin to sound similar? Representatives from Adelaide University, Deakin University and British Council Malaysia, together with Taylor’s University Placement Services (UPS), shared what students often ask, what they tend to overlook and what can help you make a more informed choice.

Start With The Course, Not The University Name

It is natural to begin with universities you already know. A recognisable name or strong ranking can give you a starting point, but the course itself deserves closer attention.

Look beyond the programme title and compare what you will study. Check the modules, teaching approach, assessment methods, available specialisations and facilities for your subject. For courses that lead to regulated professions, find out if the qualification has the relevant professional accreditation. You can also ask about class sizes, industry projects, placements, internships and research opportunities.

Aruna Vijiaretnam, Study UK Marketing Manager at British Council Malaysia, observed that students often focus on rankings, tuition fees and scholarships while overlooking how well the course and university fit their academic interests, learning style and long-term goals.

The same degree can be taught differently from one university to another. One course may offer a broad foundation before you specialise, while another may ask you to choose a pathway earlier. The better option is the one whose structure supports what you want to learn and how you learn best.

Compare Universities, Not Just Destinations

The conversations at Uni Placement Day did not point to one country replacing another as the clear favourite. According to Lai Poh Pooi, Head of University Placement Services, students’ interest was more university-specific than destination-led.

Institutions that attracted strong foot traffic included the University of Melbourne, University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, UNSW Sydney, University of Sydney, University of Western Australia, University College Dublin and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, among others.

This spread matters. It suggests that your search does not need to begin with a fixed statement such as ‘I must study in this country’. You can compare universities across destinations based on the factors that matter to you, including course quality, entry requirements, total cost, location and future pathways.

UPS also saw notable interest in overseas transfer options. These pathways allow students to begin locally before transferring abroad. For some families, this can provide a more financially manageable route while still offering access to overseas partner universities. The right arrangement will depend on the programme, transfer requirements, partner options and the period of study abroad, so check the details rather than assuming every pathway works in the same way.

Ask What Will Prepare You For Life After Graduation

Employability was among the common concerns raised by both students and parents. A useful comparison goes further than asking if graduates get jobs. Find out how the university helps students build experience before graduation.

‘Which university will best prepare me for the career and life I want after graduation?’

Rachel Wong, Manager of International Recruitment, Future Students, Division of External Engagement, Adelaide University

Rachel encouraged students to consider how a degree connects with professional accreditation, work-integrated learning, future career opportunities and postgraduate study. You can use her question to guide more specific enquiries:

Are internships or industry projects built into the course?
What career guidance is available to international students like me?
Do students work on real briefs, research or practical projects?
How does the university help students develop professional networks?
What have graduates from this specific course gone on to do?

University representatives also highlighted that employers look beyond technical knowledge.

Communication, critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, leadership and digital literacy were repeatedly raised as valuable across different fields. Internships, volunteering, extracurricular activities and real-world projects can help you develop these skills and show how you have used them.

This means employability is not a service you only visit in your final semester. When comparing universities, look at the opportunities you can take part in throughout your studies and consider how actively you are prepared to use them.

Find Out What Support Looks Like In Practice

Moving overseas changes more than your classroom. You may be managing your studies, daily expenses, accommodation and a new social environment at the same time.

Sharleen Tam, Regional Manager for Malaysia and Singapore at Deakin International, identified student support as a factor that can easily be overlooked. Her advice was simple: students need to know where to ask for help, from lecturers and course advisers to peer mentors, international offices and wellbeing services.

Do not stop at asking if support exists. Ask how you access it, when it is available and what help is offered specifically to international students. Orientation programmes, academic learning support, counselling, peer mentoring and career services may all shape your experience.

Settling in also requires some initiative. Representatives from Adelaide University, Deakin University and British Council Malaysia all encouraged students to get involved early. Attend welcome activities, join a club or society, speak to classmates and make use of campus support before a small difficulty becomes a larger one. These steps can help you build friendships, adjust to a different learning environment and create a sense of community away from home.

Location should be part of this conversation too. Think about the pace of the city, transport, accommodation, living costs and the kind of environment in which you are likely to feel comfortable. A university may look right academically, but you also need to picture the daily life that comes with it.

What Parents Should Look At Beyond The Headline Cost

For parents, the decision often carries questions about affordability, safety, support and what happens after graduation. Tuition fees are only one part of the financial picture. Compare accommodation, transport, daily expenses, course duration and the number of years your child plans to spend overseas.

An overseas transfer pathway may change the overall cost, but it should also be assessed for academic fit. Ask which partner universities are available, what grades are required for transfer, how credits are recognised and what support is provided during the transition.

Parents can also help by asking questions that students may not think of immediately:

Who can my child contact if they struggle academically or personally?
How accessible are accommodation, transport and daily necessities?
What practical experience is included in the course?
What is the full study pathway, including possible postgraduate or professional requirements?
Where can we obtain the latest visa and application information?

Visa requirements and study policies can change. While the focus of the July forum and talk is more on opportunities and support for international students when considering studying in Australia and the UK, UPS assists Taylor’s students with their visa applications, bringing complete placement support to our students. UPS also work closely with British Council Malaysia and Austrade to receive updates and provide inputs where relevant.

Turn Information Into A Shortlist

After meeting several university representatives, organise the information while the conversations are still fresh. Compare each option using the same factors, including course content, entry requirements, total cost, location, student support, practical experience and transfer possibilities. Record any unanswered questions for your next conversation with an adviser or university representative.

Students who attended Uni Placement Day can continue working with their assigned UPS adviser to review what they learnt and narrow their options. Institution visits and workshops throughout the year provide further opportunities to speak with university representatives.

Your ideas may become clearer or move in a new direction as you learn more. Give yourself the space to explore and choose a university where you can grow, gain meaningful experiences and prepare for the future you want to build.

Need help narrowing your university options?

Explore University Placement Services →

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