How to choose a university to study abroad

Choosing a university

How to really choose a university to study abroad

While rankings are a great starting point, they shouldn’t be the only resource you use to find a university, writes international student Anas Reza. Instead students should be thinking about best fit and if they will be able to afford the cost of living in their new city

globe toys

A guide to university rankings for international students

A look at the different international university rankings and why students would want to use each, including the World University Rankings, Subject Rankings, Sustainability Impact Ratings and regional rankings.

What are the THE World University Rankings?

How are the results of the World University Rankings and Subject Rankings calculated? Read an explanation of the methodology and what the results mean.

Questions

How to use the World University Rankings: frequently asked questions

How do you use university rankings? What are university rankings? Practical advice on how to use the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and how you can use them to find the right university for you. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are measured using a robust methodology scoring universities on teaching, research and international outlook. 

making a choice

How to choose a university: how to compare universities

Choosing a university is a big task and can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Use this list to help you narrow down the best university for you

September 19 2025

Newcastle

The top university cities in the UK

The city you study in can have an impact on your university experience. These are the top university cities in the UK according to Uni Compare

Woman travelling at airport

Considering new study abroad destinations

While the UK and the US remain popular study abroad destinations, there are many other countries that offer a great student experience. School counsellor Marsha Oshima highlights some countries that you might not have considered yet

September 3 2024

Everything you need to know about studying in New Zealand

Everything you need to know about studying in New Zealand

New Zealand is increasingly becoming a popular study destination for international students. Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about studying in New Zealand

Everything you need to know about studying in Germany

Everything you need to know about studying in Germany

Have you considered studying abroad at a university in Germany? How do you apply to study in Germany? Learn about higher education in Germany and how to apply to a university in Germany as an international student

Why are the University Impact Rankings important for students

Required Reading: what do the Sustainability Impact Ratings mean for students?

The Sustainability Impact Ratings rank universities based on how they are contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They are a good resource to help students find the universities that are placing climate action, reducing inequalities and gender eqaulity in their agenda. 

Everything you need to know about studying in the Netherlands

Everything you need to know about studying in the Netherlands

Have you considered studying abroad at a Dutch university? Learn about higher education in the Netherlands and how to apply as an international student

Europe

How to choose a university in Europe

There are many great European study destinations, but how do you go about choosing the right one for you? University guidance counsellor Phillip Wenturine outlines the things you should consider to make your choice

February 26 2024

Bronze, silver and gold medals

What is the TEF? Results of the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

The results of the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 (TEF) and what they mean for students

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December 18 2023

France: Eiffel tower and river seine

Everything international students need to know about studying in France

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study at a university in France? Keep reading to learn more about how to apply to university there and other vital facts about life in France as an international student

University of Cambridge, everything you need to know about studying in the UK

Everything you need to know about studying in the UK

Want to study abroad in the UK? Use this guide to understand the UK university system and how to apply to a UK university as an international student  

Group of students

Campus versus city universities

How do you decide between city universities and campus universities? Each has its own benefits so we have highlighted the differences so you can decide which is best for you

Everything you need to know about studying in the United States

Everything you need to know about studying in the US

Want to study abroad in the US? How do you apply to study in the US? Learn about the US college system and how to apply for university in the US as an international student

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Best universities in Canada

Everything you need to know about studying in Canada

Want to study abroad in Canada? Learn about higher education in Canada and how to apply for university in Canada as an international student

September 7 2023

Everything you need to know about studying in Australia

Everything you need to know about applying to university in Australia

Want to study abroad in Australia? Learn about the Australian university system, costs, visas and how to apply as an international student

September 5 2023

What it is like at an international student fair

How to make the most of a virtual university fair

What is a virtual university fair and how do you prepare for one? Read these top tips from admissions tutors and university tutors to help you make the most of it 

February 8 2022

A fraud alert sign

How to avoid fraudulent university courses as an international student

For international students, it’s really important to verify that the university or course you are applying to is legitimate. These tips should help you distinguish a real university from a fake one

student questions

Why the US College Rankings are designed for students

A guide to how the US College Rankings answer the most important questions students ask about universities

How to choose where to study abroad

Video: how to choose which university or country to study in

One prospective and two current international students share the criteria and methods they used to find the best university (and country) to study in 

searching for universities online, how will students get a feel for campus?

Covid-19: How to get a feel for a campus when you can’t visit in person

If you're a prospective international student searching for a university during Covid-19, these tips will help you explore a campus without visiting in person

study in the UK, SI-UK, study advice, best universities in the UK

Video: everything you need to know about studying in the UK

For anyone considering studying in the UK, this webinar will help to answer any questions or concerns you might have. From scholarships to applications and accommodation, this session provides would-be students with all the information they need about university life in the UK

October 29 2020

Study in the US, study abroad, international student, best universities in the US

Video: Everything you need to know about studying in the US

Students wanting to study in the United States should catch up on on our expert panel livestream, which covered everything from finances and applications to visas and student life

November 23 2020

Australia, study in Australia, university, study abroad, coronavirus, visa, application

Video: what do students need to know about studying in Australia?

Study advice experts and university representatives join Times Higher Education to answer students' questions about going to university in Australia

September 24 2020

study in canada, study advice, international students,

Video: what do students need to know about studying in Canada?

If you’re thinking of studying in Canada, this webinar is essential viewing. Watch a panel of experts discuss many of the key things you need to know about selecting your university and moving over

October 20 2020

Guide to studying abroad

Studying overseas: guide to Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA

Students looking to study in Australia, Canada, the UK and the US will need to do some extensive research to find the best place for them. This short video provides the key details to help you decide

October 30 2017

PhD, doctorate

What is a PhD? Advice for PhD students

How long does it take to get a doctorate degree? How do you get into grad school? Are you qualified to do a PhD? Answers to these questions and more

international students and social media

How international students use social media to choose a UK university

Students across the world are using social networking sites to research and choose their college

Winners' podium

What is the TEF? Results of the teaching excellence framework 2019

The results of the teaching excellence framework (TEF) and what they mean for students

Top liberal arts colleges in the United States

What is it like to study at a liberal arts college?

Students from a number of the top liberal arts colleges in the US describe what makes the liberal arts education so attractive

October 19 2017

TEF results: alternative providers and further education

TEF Results 2019: alternative providers and further education ratings

The framework was introduced in 2017 to help students decide where to go to university

What is a historically black college and university

Required Reading: what is a historically black college?

Historically black universities and colleges have a crucial role in the US higher education landscape

January 21 2019

University life in China

University life in: China

What is it like to study in China? Find out everything you need to know about fees, accommodation and lifestyle when going to university in China

University life in New Zealand

University life in: New Zealand

What is it like to study in New Zealand? Find out everything you need to know about going to university in New Zealand

October 19 2018

UAE, university, higher education, study abroad

University life in: the UAE

What is it like to study in the UAE? Find out everything you need to know about going to university in the UAE

Study in India

University life in: India

What is it like to study in India? Find out everything you need to know about fees, accommodation and lifestyle when going to university in India

University life in Switzerland

University life in: Switzerland

What is it like to study in Switzerland? Find out everything you need to know about going to university in Switzerland

Man looking at San Diego

Hoping to apply to a US university as a foreign student?

Vital information about admissions, funding and visa applications to study at a university in the United States

September 4 2018

Melbourne, Australia

A guide for international students choosing a university in Australia

Everything you need to know about universities in Australia, the educational ethos, funding, admissions and visa applications.

September 27 2018

the difference between the SATs and the ACTs

The difference between SATs and ACTs

What is the difference between the SATs and the ACTs? This guide breaks down the aspects of each test, to help you pick the right one for you

November 16 2018

study abroad, university, international, students, Taiwan, New Zealand, Brazil, South Korea, Ireland, India

Study abroad countries that you’ve never thought of

We’ve all considered studying abroad in the US or Australia, but have you ever thought about these alternative study abroad destinations?

February 12 2019

study abroad, international, students, university

Eight tips on how to choose where to study abroad

If you’re considering a study abroad stint, use these eight tips to help you find the perfect place for you

How to prepare for studying abroad

The best ways to prepare for studying abroad

How do you prepare to study abroad? Before getting on a plane make sure you check out these tips for studying abroad

clearing 2020, student, universities, studying, international students, UCAA

Clearing 2020: UK universities with courses available

See which of the top UK universities (according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings) are offering clearing places before and after A-level results day

Question marks

Questions to ask yourself before pursuing postgraduate study

If you’re thinking about heading into postgraduate study, be sure to ask yourself these three important questions before sending off your application 

November 25 2019

How to choose a subject at university

Which subject should you study at university?

Which subject should you study at university? How do you choose a subject to study at university? Explore our subject guides and career options with this comprehensive resource on choosing your degree subject at university

January 20 2026

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