As students approach the finish line of their 12 year high school journey, while exciting, it can also be an uncertain and emotional time! If you are in this exciting phase of life, it would be understandable if you are wondering how to choose a university. Besides that, deciding what to study can also be stressful especially when parents, friends and teachers all have well-meaning advice.
Listening to your opinion leaders is important, but at the end of the day, the ultimate decision should be yours.
So, take a deep breath – if you want to know how to choose the right university or need guidance on which university is right for you, we're here to provide an easy framework to help you know how to pick a university that is right for your goals, interests and circumstance.
Here are 10 key steps you could use as a guide to choosing the right university for you.
Step 1: Understand Your Academic Interests
Be true to yourself. When considering which university is right for you, think about what excites and motivates you the most. For instance, are you drawn to the sciences, humanities, or business studies? Once you can answer that, think about that subjects at high school where you have excelled and try to imagine yourself dedicating several years to studying them at a higher level.
Are you unsure?
Don’t panic, consider taking an aptitude test to see which of your interests, skill and talents emerge.
These tests usually take it a step further by suggesting vocations that potentially match your ability. The important thing is to use tools like aptitude tests as a guide while harmonising the other factors you also need to consider.
Also, remember that it is important not just to follow trends but to focus on fields that genuinely capture your interest. Ultimately, when it comes to how to choose the right university the starting point is usually in knowing what you want to study. Have you made that decision?
Step 2: Research Universities That Offer Your Chosen Course
Once you know what general career path you want to take, it makes it easier to look into the field of study for those careers. After that, the next step is to research universities that offer high-quality programmes in that discipline. For example, if you're interested in engineering, it’s important to find a university known for its strong engineering faculty. Similarly, aspiring doctors and nurses should look into universities with reputations for brilliant medical faculties.
In South Africa there are several top universities that excel in various fields, such as the University of Cape Town (UCT) for medicine and law, Stellenbosch University for business and economics, and the University of Pretoria for engineering and technology. By narrowing down the universities based on the strength of their programmes, you’ll find it easier to answer how to pick a university.
Step 3: Look at University Rankings
While finding a university that appeals to you and your unique circumstances, is it also important to consider the rankings of the universities that interest you.
Why?
Ranking systems evaluate universities based on factors like academic reputation, research output, and employability of graduates. All of this means that when figuring out how to choose a university, ranking is a factor that should be included in your decision making process.
For example, universities like UCT, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and Stellenbosch University consistently perform well in global rankings. These institutions are known for producing graduates who are well-equipped for the global job market which makes them a popular choice for students from all over South Africa.
Step 4: Assess the Campus Environment
More than just academics, a large part of university life is about the overall experience and different universities offer different campus environments. Some are known for their vibrant social scenes, while others may offer a more focused academic setting.
If you thrive in a lively environment, larger universities in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town might appeal to you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more intimate setting, universities in smaller towns such as Rhodes University in Grahamstown might be more suited to you.
Deciding which university is right for you will depend a lot on your personal preferences. Visit the campuses, talk to current students, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Remember, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time there, so it’s important to find a place where you feel comfortable and engaged.
Step 5: Consider the Financial Implications
University education is a massive investment and in deciding how to choose a university, this cannot be ignored. In South Africa, university fees can vary widely depending on the institution and the programme of study. In addition, don’t forget that besides tuition, you’ll need to account for accommodation, study materials, and daily living expenses too.
Nothing is inexpensive which means that it is worthwhile to explore funding options such as bursaries, scholarships, and student loans. For instance, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to students from lower-income families and many universities also offer merit-based scholarships. Do your research and make the most of any financial support opportunities that you can.
Step 6: Think About Location
Geography is another important consideration in deciding how to pick a university. Do you want to stay close to home, or are you excited by the idea of living in a different part of the country? If you choose a university far from home, remember that you’ll need to factor in travel costs, especially if you plan on visiting family regularly.
Some students may prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city like Johannesburg, while others might find more comfort in the serene settings of towns like Stellenbosch or Bloemfontein. Ultimately, when it comes to which university is right for you, much of it will depend on where you feel most comfortable living and studying.
Step 7: Evaluate the University’s Support Services
Many aspects of university life can be challenging which means that having access to both emotional and logistical support is important. Besides personally making sure that you are covered for any emergencies, check out what support services are available at the universities that interest you. These could include everything from academic tutoring and career counselling to free mental health services. All of these things should play a role when deciding how to choose the right university.
Furthermore, are there career development programmes that can help you with internships and job placements?
Does the university offer counselling services for students struggling with mental health issues?
Remember that a strong support system can make all the difference in helping you to succeed during your university years.
Step 8: Explore Extracurricular Activities
University is also about developing life skills and making lasting friendships. Extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and student organisations can further enrich your university experience. Look into what kinds of activities are available at the universities you're considering.
For example, if you're passionate about sport, universities like Wits and UCT have renowned sports programmes that cater to a wide range of interests. Similarly, if you're interested in student governance or social causes, see what opportunities are available for involvement in student-run organisations.
Step 9: Talk to Alumni
There’s a lot to be said for those who have been there and done that! This is absolutely true when it comes to picking a university. Alumni can share their experiences, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the programmes, and offer advice on navigating university life. Most universities have alumni networks, and many alumni are willing to offer mentorship and advice to prospective students.
If you have a short list of favourite institutions, hearing first-hand accounts from graduates can help you get a clearer picture of how to choose a university and what you can expect from your time there.
Step 10: Consider Your Long-Term Goals
Finally, think about your long-term goals.
What do you want to achieve with your degree?
Are you hoping to work in South Africa, or are you considering an international career?
This is important as some universities have stronger global reputations than others, which could influence your decision if you’re aiming for international work opportunities.
For students looking to build careers locally, bear in mind that universities like UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch have strong connections with local industries and employers.
What to Remember When Choosing the Right University
We hope that this guide to choosing the right university has been helpful. As one of the most important decisions you will make in life, it depends on a combination of several factors.
Ultimately, when it comes to how to choose the right university, your academic interests, the reputation of the university, the support services available, and the overall experience you want are all important factors. By carefully considering each of these aspects, you’ll be well on your way to making the best choice for your future.
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