How do I decide between an undergraduate and a graduate course abroad?
Choose your study level based on your current qualification, career requirements, wish to specialise, research interests, time and budget, and any professional licensing needs. After high school, an undergraduate course is usually your next step, while a bachelor's degree holder can look at graduate study.
There is no single right answer, so start with where you are today. After high school, an undergraduate course is usually your next step, and once you hold a bachelor's degree you may be eligible for graduate study.
Questions to ask before you choose
| Factor | What to ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Current qualification | Have I completed high school or a bachelor's degree? |
| Career requirements | Does the job I want require a particular degree? |
| Specialisation | Do I want to study one subject in greater depth? |
| Research interests | Do I enjoy research enough for a graduate or doctoral course? |
| Time and money | How much time and budget can I commit? |
| Professional licensing | Does my career need a specific degree or licence? |
Think about the next step too
- Find out whether your career path calls for a master's degree, a doctorate or another qualification later.
- Requirements and course structure differ from country to country.
- Review the exact requirements of each country and university before you apply.
My Advice
Write down your target job and work backwards to the degree it needs. Then compare cost and duration for the level you qualify for, and speak to a counsellor if licensing rules or country differences make the choice unclear.
Looking for a specific course?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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