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TSR Guide to International Universities

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TSR Guide to International Universities
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Introduction

This Guide has been especially designed for the international students who are interested to study at a foreign university/college and are in need of knowing (in detail) how to apply to any specific foreign Higher Education institution.

At the moment, this guide contains information on universities and colleges of the following countries:

United States of America

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

Useful links to relevant educational websites have also been included in this guide.

You are most welcome to recommend other important links, which have not been included yet, though please keep them relevent.

Please drop your comments on how you've found the information in this guide to be.

If you have any suggestion to make this thread more useful, then please go ahead. Thank you.

Scroll to see replies

American Universities



The United States has one of the world's finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence. The U.S. universities are famous for their variety of educational opportunities, cutting-edge technology, opportunity for research, teaching and training, flexibility, support services for international students, and the campus life. By studying in the U.S., your long-term career prospects can be enhanced by an experience that develops self-confidence, independence, and cross-cultural skills.

The U.S. Government has an excellent resource for international students thinking about attending a U.S. college or university. The site below offers information about:

1.

the admissions process;

2.

information about paying for college there, including financial aid and scholarships;

3.

visa requirements; and

4.

a good explanation of how the U.S. education system differs from other countries.

I highly recommend this as a first stop for ALL international students thinking about going to the U.S.:
(edited 13 years ago)
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Preview of EducationUSA website illustrating Undergraduate Study


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Undergraduate Education in the U.S.

Education in the United States will almost certainly be different from the system offered in your country. This section gives you an introduction to the degrees available in the United States, the different types of institutions, and some key terms and ideas you will come across if you want to study at a U.S. university or college.

Types of Institutions
The United States offers a wide variety of higher education institutions. This section explains the difference between them.

Undergraduate Degrees
The vast number of undergraduate degrees offered by the different higher education institutions may seem daunting. This section casts some light of clarification.

The Liberal Arts Philosophy
United States higher education is grounded largely in the notion of a Liberal Arts Education. Click here to learn more about this philosophy of learning.

Academic Calendar
Different schools use different calendars, and sometimes the differences become confusing. This section explains the different calendars used and when they take place.

Course Load and Grading System
American institutions of higher learning require students to take a certain number of courses in their major course of study as well as a number of courses in various other fields. This section explains those categories as well as provides information on how United States colleges and universities grade students.

Distance Education
Highly disciplined students who desire a United States degree without leaving their home country for long periods of time are not disqualified from a U.S. education. This section explains the new trend of distance learning.

Non-Degree Study at a U.S. College
It is possible to experience life on a U.S. campus without the time commitment of a full degree.

Professional Education
Career-oriented education is often a part of United States institutions of higher learning. This section explains professional education in the United States.

Undergraduate Admissions

More than 3,600 colleges and universities offer undergraduate degree programs in the United States. This vast choice means there are programs available to meet everyone's needs, but how can you find the best program for you? This site aims to give you not only the knowledge you need to make the right choices, but also the confidence to prepare successful applications.

Choosing the Best College for You
How to choose one of the 3,600 institutes of higher education in the United States that works best for you.

Preparing a Successful Application
Application packages require a great deal of preparation and planning. This section gives some information to guide the process you should follow and materials that you should submit.

The Application Process: A Timetable and Checklist
Plan to begin your higher education search a year in advance. This timetable gives some specifics regarding what should be done and by when.

Transferring to a U.S. University
The United States higher education system allows for transferring between schools midway through a degree. It is also possible to transfer from a non-United States school to a U.S. school, provided certain criteria are met. Each situation should be relatively easy, but there is a process that must be followed and this section is designed to aid in that course of action.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements and Entrance Examinations

To be eligible for admission to a U.S. university, you must meet certain minimum entry requirements. These include a secondary school diploma or examination results, English language ability, and in many cases a score from one of the U.S. university admissions tests. See 'Preparing a Successful Application' for more information.

Secondary School Diplomas/Examination Results
English Language Ability
Standardized Admissions Tests

Publications

Booklet One: Undergraduate Study from the If You Want to Study in the United States series is currently available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

This booklet is available as a PDF. If you need Adobe Acrobat to view the PDF versions, you may download the application for free.

Arabic
PDF (2.5MB)
Flyer: If You Want to Study in the United States PDF (118KB)

Chinese
PDF (4.0MB)

English
PDF (3.2MB)

French
PDF (1.6MB)

Russian
PDF (1.1MB)

Spanish
PDF (2.6MB)
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Preview of EducationUSA website illustrating Graduate Study

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Graduate Education in the U.S.


Graduate education in the United States will almost certainly be different from the system offered in your country. This section gives you an introduction to the graduate degrees available in the United States, the different types of institutions that exist, and some key terms and ideas you will come across if you want to study at a U.S. university.


Graduate Degrees
There are two major types of graduate degrees - the master's degree and the doctoral degree. This section explains the difference between the two and the requirements for each.


Academic Calendar
Different schools use different calendars, and sometimes the differences become confusing. This section explains the different calendars used.


Course Load and Grading Systems
The U.S. system of grading is rather consistent between schools, as is the system of determining what courses and how many a student enrolls in.


Types of Institutions
Colleges, Universities, and Institutes: There are definite differences between the three, but none is inferior to the others.


Distance Education
Highly disciplined students who desire a United States degree without leaving their home country for long periods of time are not disqualified from a U.S. education. This section explains the new trend of distance education.


Non-Degree Study at a U.S. University
It is possible to experience life on a U.S. campus without the time commitment of a full degree.


Graduate Admissions


One of the greatest strengths of the United States graduate level education system is the size and scope of available educational options. However, it is precisely this magnitude of available choices that makes choosing a graduate level education in the United States a seemingly daunting and impossible task. Given the breadth of options, making a choice seems impossible. Then there's getting accepted to the best choice to worry about. Fortunately, the United States Department of State is here to help.


Choosing the Best Graduate Program for You
Students should exercise careful decision-making when choosing between the thousands of degree-granting colleges and universities and the many graduate programs offered by each institution of higher learning. This section offers a four-step approach to guide the process.


Admission Requirements and Entrance Examinations
Admission to most graduate schools requires a strong academic background, command of the English language, adequate financial resources, and perhaps a strong score on a standardized test like the Graduate Record Exam.


Preparing Successful Applications
Application packages require a great deal of preparation and planning. This section gives some information to guide the process to follow and the materials to submit.


The Application Process: A Timetable and Checklist
Plan to begin higher education searches a year in advance. This timetable gives some specifics regarding what should be done and by when.


Testing


The main requirements for admission to educational institutions in the United States are:

a strong academic background;

demonstrated command of the English language;

for many programs, scores on one or more standardized admissions tests;

adequate financial resources.

Academic Background
Candidates for graduate level education should have completed or be nearing completion of an academic or professional degree. In the United States this typically takes four years of undergraduate study to complete, giving U.S. students 16 years in total at school and university.


English Proficiency
To participate in graduate study in the United States successfully, students must be able to read, write, and communicate orally in English with a high degree of proficiency.


Graduate Admission Tests
Most graduate departments require scores on at least one academic admissions test, either a general aptitude test such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test or a demonstration of proficiency in your field (GRE Subject Test), or sometimes both.


Academic and Entrance Examinations that May Be Required for Admission
This section contains information on what examinations may be required for admission, as well as contact information for each test.


Publication


Booklet Two: Graduate and Professional Study and Research from the If You Want to Study in the United States series is currently available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
This booklet is available as a PDF. If you need Adobe Acrobat to view the PDF versions, you may download the application for free.


Arabic
PDF (4.0MB)
Flyer: If You Want to Study in the United States PDF (118KB)


Chinese
PDF (4.2MB)


English
PDF (3.1MB)


French
PDF (917KB)


Russian
PDF (1.1MB)


Spanish
PDF (2.5MB)
Canadian Universities



Canadians place a premium on education, and demand first-rate schools. A degree from a CanadianUniversity is recognized worldwide. International Students who graduate from Canadian universities enjoy successful and prosperous careers. Canadian universities charge lower tuition rates for international students than their counterparts in competing countries. At the same time, these institutions maintain excellent educational quality. Canada is a vast beautiful country that has both a tradition and a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity, thus international students will find a warm, welcoming environment in which to pursue a variety of superior education options. By studying in Canada, you will gain a wonderful experience in a friendly, beautiful country, and most importantly, an invaluable, world-class education!

The following is a complete list of all known Canadian universities to the best of my knowledge. Each item listed is a link to that institution's homepage. If you want to find out more information about any university or the courses they have, please click on one of the links below.

AlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaNew BrunswickNewfoundlandNorthwest TerritoriesNova ScotiaNunavutOntario
Adler Graduate School of Ontario, Inc. Prince Edward IslandQuebecSaskatchewanYukon
Useful websites to choose the right uni :


(1) http://www.aucc.ca/index_e.html

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) is the voice of Canada's universities. They represent 90 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.
They provide services to member universities in three main areas:

public policy and advocacy

communications, research and information-sharing

scholarships and international programs

AUCC’s online Directory of Canadian Universities Database can help you discover where to study what in Canada.
Canadian universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs in many fields. Rather than browsing through all the Web sites of Canadian universities, search their comprehensive database. It contains over 10,000 program records. From the search results, you can click through directly to more detailed program information on the university Web sites.
Need information on academic programs offered by Canadian universities? Search here --> DATABASE SEARCH

(2) http://www.canadian-universities.net

The aim for canadian-universities.net is to provide quick relevant information for anyone interested in applying and studying in a university or college in
Canada. Also to provide graduates of universities or colleges post-graduate resources in order to further their career and employment prospects. Their goal is to celebrate the contribution that graduates of Canadian colleges or universities have made to society as a whole.
If you've ever searched online for university or college information, you may have noticed that each university website has its own unique interface or navigational scheme. If you are trying to decide which university/college to choose, it can take a lot of time and patience to sort through all of the Canadian university or college websites that you are interested in. The problem is you have to learn how to navigate each site because college or university has their own different user interface, i.e. look and feel.
Another thing you may have noticed is that there are a great deal of websites that you may encounter from search engine results that claim to have higher education resources. However under closer examination you will discover that they do not actually contain any relevant information about Canadian universities/colleges but are rather portal pages to advertisements for online universities/colleges. The problem is that these (Ad-ucation) sites contain 100% advertising with no actual real content. Canadian-Universities.Net, on the other hand, carefully reviews each resource for its relevance and currency and categorizes it appropriately to enable you to have accurate and useful information about Canadian higher education.
Australian Universities



Australia is the third most popular study destination in the English-speaking world, with more than 200,000 international students in Australian institutions across all education sectors: higher education, vocational education and training, English Language colleges, and schools.

The Australian government invests billions of dollars each year in developing Australian education and in university research. Australian institutions have an international focus within their courses and activities. They exchange staff with institutions overseas, participate in international forums, and have partnerships and joint projects with overseas institutions and international research centres.

Australia’s universities have made important breakthroughs in modern technology and science while Australia’s vocational training system, which is based on industry standards, is used as a model for other Asia-Pacific countries.

Studying in Australia offers international students more than academic achievement and a globally recognised qualification. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience through which a student can develop independence, maturity, an understanding of other cultures, and the ability to see issues from different perspectives.

Studying in Australia better prepares a student to work in today’s global marketplace. This is why several foreign companies recruit directly from Australian universities and vocational institutes. Many international organisations and companies employ overseas students with Australian qualifications because their exposure to the outside world gives them greater independence and maturity. With international trade barriers disappearing, great opportunities exist for those with the skills, experience and knowledge to seize them.

The following is a complete list of all known Australian universities to the best of my knowledge. Each item listed is a link to that institution's homepage. If you want to find out more information about any university or the courses they have, please click on one of the links below.

Australian Capital Territory

Australian Defence Force Academy (University College, UNSW)
The Australian National University
University of Canberra

New South Wales

Avondale College
Charles Sturt University
Macquarie University
Southern Cross University
The University of New England
The University of New South Wales
The University of Newcastle
The University of Sydney
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Western Sydney
University of Wollongong

Northern Territory

Northern Territory University
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

Queensland

Bond University
Central Queensland University
Griffith University
James Cook University
The University of Queensland
Queensland University of Technology
University of Southern Queensland
University of the Sunshine Coast

South Australia

The University of Adelaide
The Flinders University of South Australia
University of South Australia

Tasmania

University of Tasmania
Australian Maritime College

Victoria

Deakin University
La Trobe University
Marcus Oldham College
Monash University
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology
The University of Melbourne
University of Ballarat
Victoria University

Western Australia


Curtin University of Technology
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Notre Dame
The University of Western Australia

Multi-state

Australian Catholic University


IDP Education Australia

As Australia’s leading international education and development organisation, IDP is recognised globally as a first-choice partner in education and development. In those countries where IDP has offices, one in every five students who choose to come to Australia utilises the services of IDP. Wherever in the world Australia is the first choice destination for an international educational experience, IDP is the first choice for students who are seeking advice and assistance.

IDP’s counsellors guide students, as well as their family and friends, through the entire process of studying in Australia. IDP helps with everything from selecting a course and institution to ensuring students arrive safely in Australia at their chosen destination. Many of IDP’s counsellors have studied in Australia, or visited institutions, and can give practical advice about studies and life ‘down under’.

IDP offices have internet access and CD-ROM resources, course directories, free publications about student life in Australia and study options. Offices also provide handbooks and brochures from Australian institutions and audio-visual resources to show students what Australia is really like.

IDP’s trained counsellors can:

Provide comprehensive information on the Australian education system

Give personalised counselling on study options

Communicate with Australian institutions on the student’s behalf

Process applications for a course

Process visa applications

Help organise Overseas Student Health Cover

Process tuition fees

Offer general advice on Australia and the lifestyle

Help find accommodation

Every year IDP coordinates or participates in many international education exhibitions and events across dozens of countries around the world. In 2005, more than 400,000 students from around the world visited one or more of these promotional events.

IDP also has an office in Sydney, Australia, to help international students throughout their time in Australia.

As well providing face-to-face counselling for students through IDP’s offices in many countries around the world, IDP also has a virtual support and advice service through the website at www.idp.com. Students can find out online information about courses, apply for courses, gain additional information and locate their nearest IDP student office.

More information is available at www.idp.com

Useful links for Australia’s Higher Educational websites:

http://www.australian-universities.com/
http://www.dest.gov.au/
http://www.idp.com/
http://www.auqa.edu.au/
New Zealand Universities



New Zealand, an English speaking nation, is famous for its amazing scenery, its sporting achievements with the All Blacks and the America's Cup, and its hospitable people. It is a great country, a fun place to visit and is increasingly being recognised for its excellent study opportunities.

New Zealanders are well travelled and have a great interest in people from other cultures, so visitors and international students soon feel more than welcome. Ask any student who has studied in New Zealand. Campuses are very international with students from all corners of the globe studying and socialising together. And where do they come from? - Europe, USA, Asia, United Kingdom, South America, India, Australia, The Pacific and smaller numbers from many other countries.

The people were formerly a mix of predominantly European and Pacific races. However, in more recent times, migration has been encouraged from many countries resulting in an exciting international community with a high tolerance of, and interest in, each other' cultures. With a total population of only 4 million there is a feeling of space and freedom.

The country is a land of great contrasts. New Zealand is a small island nation with a temperate climate. You are never more than a few hours away from the sea. In fact all of the larger cities are on the coastline, with vistas of blue seas and green hills. Further inland are the mountains, the backbone of the two major islands (North and South Island) with tramping all year round and skiing for up to six months of the year.

You may choose to study in a modern city with the shopping, multicultural restaurants, night clubs, live theatre, art galleries, museums, sports stadiums and all the hustle and bustle. Or perhaps you prefer the slower pace of the rural areas, where you'll find supportive communities, access to the farmlands and orchards. Many of the key tourist attractions are found in these rural areas, so the pace need not be slow. You may choose to shoot the rapids, jet boat through narrow gorges, bungy jump from bridges high above gushing waters, explore the forests, gaze at bubbling mud pools or wonder at the geysers. Then there's the paragliding, windsurfing, mountain biking, horseriding, fishing, kayaking, four-wheel driving and so much more.

New Zealand Education

New Zealand's higher education offers a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate courses in many fields that equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the global marketplace. New Zealand universities are internationally recognized, their qualifications are respected, and students studying there will benefit from full immersion in the English language. New Zealand is also well-known as a sightseeing and leisure destination, and for its high quality of life. For students who are looking for a high-quality English-language education in pleasant surroundings and at a reasonable cost, New Zealand is an excellent choice. You can expect a warm welcome!

Universities
There are seven government-funded universities providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Some also offer foundation programmes. Whilst all offer a broad range of degree subjects, each university has its own specialised courses.

The quality of a New Zealand university education is well recognised internationally. Many New Zealand graduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field. Many of the international students from developing Asian nations, who have studies at New Zealand universities, have since served as senior administrators, including cabinet ministers in their own countries.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology

A popular option is to study at one of the 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology. They offer a wide variety of programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. You may choose from a short course teaching a specific skill, or from a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree.


Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree programme, with subsequent years being completed at a university.


Teacher Training

New Zealand
is internationally recognised for its excellent education standards and as a provider of quality teachers. There are six government-funded specialist education institutions, two operating from within universities, and the others offering their programmes in collaboration with their local university.

They offer training for teachers from early childhood to primary, secondary, special and tertiary (higher education) level.


Private Tertiary and Training Establishments

There are a growing number of private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer a range of programmes including professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including art, the hospitality industry, computer studies, secretarial studies, quality management, ecotourism and others.


English Language Training

The choices are endless. Private English language schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including adventure, business and academic programmes. Adventure courses provide a balance of English language tuition and a stimulating activity of your choice. There are courses in English for business purposes and English to prepare you for academic study with TOEFL or IELTS testing.


Most tertiary institutions also provide English language preparation for further study or foundation courses.


Accommodation and Cost of Living

Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities, while others arrange homestays for international students.


Usually universities and polytechnics offer student accommodation on campus. Some students prefer to live off campus and will seek advice from the student support services, provided by most tertiary institutes, to help with arranging homestays or give advice on finding student flats.


It is generally recommended that international students allow NZ$9,000 to $10,000 per year for living and accommodation costs. This includes accommodation, food, travel, textbooks and limited entertainment.


In Summary

Work hard and play hard is the lifestyle choice of many international students in
New Zealand. If you are looking for world-class education and training, and also want new experiences, fun, a relaxed lifestyle and a safe and healthy environment, then you should consider New Zealand as your study destination.

There are seven state-funded universities in New Zealand and a complete list of them is as following. Each item listed is a link to that institution's homepage. If you want to find out more information about any university or the courses they have, please click on one of the links below.


The University of Auckland


Manager, International Student's Office
Private Bag 92019,
Auckland,
New Zealand


Telephone 64 9 373 7513 Fax 64 9 373 7405





The University of Waikato


Manager, International Office
Private Bag 3105,
Hamilton, New Zealand


Telephone 64 7 838 4439 Fax 64 7 838 4269





MasseyUniversity


Manager, International Student's Office
Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North,
New Zealand


Telephone 64 6 350 6148 Fax 64 6 350 5698





VictoriaUniversity of Wellington


Manager, International Students' Office
P O Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand


Telephone 64 4 471 5350 Fax 64 4 495 5056





University of Canterbury


Academic Registrar, Private Bag 4800,
Christchurch, New Zealand


Telephone 64 3 364 2500 Fax 64 3 364 2999





LincolnUniversity


Director, International, P O Box 94, Canterbury, New Zealand





University of Otago


Manager, Research and International, P O Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand


Telephone 64 3 479 8344 Fax 64 3 479 8367






Useful Website(s):


http://www.educationnz.org.nz
Universities and Colleges in Malaysia

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Other International Universities around the Globe

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Reply 10
We are missing a guide to England..
Reply 11
Nuheen
We are missing a guide to England..

This is a guide to international universities. We _should_ be missing England. :wink:
Reply 12
Knogle
This is a guide to international universities. We _should_ be missing England. :wink:


England is international to me :cool:.Or do I have to start another thread asking for an overview of domestic universities :eek:?
Reply 13

England is international to me .Or do I have to start another thread asking for an overview domestic universities ?

England is international to me too, but as TSR is a 'UK-based' forum, UK universities will be considered local.
aiman
England is international to me too, but as TSR is a 'UK-based' forum, UK universities will be considered local.
Yes, you are right. This is the only reason I didn't write about UK unis here.
Reply 15
Plus there is already a subforum exclusively dedicated to the application to UK universities- UCAS and application forum.

Good work btw. :smile:
Reply 16
very good information indeed... quite useful
Reply 17
Great Post.

If any one has any questions about New Zealand, please pm me with them, I'd love to help you! i Travelled to NZ 4-5 years ago, and now I'm going to Auckland University next year.
Reply 18
Overseas students who have to use Academic English should try this:
http://universityenglish.blogspot.com/
Reply 19
Hello, I have a couple of questions for whoever has studied\will study in Sweden, specifically in Uppsala or Lund, and will be so kind as to answer me. (:
These two questions regard entry requirements and student life for an international masters student.
I will apply to masters in media and communication science at Uppsala and film & media production or Applied Cultural Analysis in LUND.If there anybody who have the information,please give me some advices,thanks a lot~
Q:
1、it is said that LUND did much better in literature studies,while the Uppsala is ranking the N0.1 in Sweden.I'd like to know that is the most important feature in choosing from them?If it is right for me to make it like this:if I would like to find a job there,I have to study in a unniversity who perphomes better in that field.
2、I know UU and LU are both famous universities,and when I filling the application form,which one should I put in the first palce ,and why?
3、As far as I know,the number of applicators who would like to go to LUND is bigger than that of Uppsala,and I don't know why?
Thanks again for anyone who could give me an reply~
[please don't post your email address]

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