TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive guide to applying to European universities, drawing on the presenter's personal experience of studying in Switzerland. It covers essential steps such as defining your goals, choosing a country and programme, searching for scholarships, preparing documents, and navigating the visa process. The video emphasises the importance of thorough research, strategic planning, and crafting a strong application to increase your chances of acceptance.
- Defining clear goals is crucial for selecting the right country and programme.
- Thoroughly research universities and programmes using aggregator websites and official university sites.
- A strong portfolio, including a well-crafted CV and motivational letter, is key to a successful application.
Introduction [0:00]
The presenter introduces herself and the video's purpose: to share her experience of applying to and studying in Switzerland, and to provide advice applicable to any European university application. She highlights that the application process is broadly similar across different European countries.
About the Presenter [0:20]
The presenter shares her background, noting that she has been living in Switzerland for three years and is currently studying for a master's degree in Environmental Science with a focus on Climate Change at the University of Geneva. She also mentions that she completed her bachelor's degree in Geography, specialising in ecology and environmental management, at Moscow State University (MSU). After her bachelor's, she took some time before applying for her master's, during which she also applied for a master's programme at MSU while exploring opportunities to study abroad in France and Italy before choosing Switzerland. Her decision to study in Geneva was influenced by her then-boyfriend, now husband, who was already studying there, and her positive experiences visiting the university.
Defining Application Goals [2:10]
The first step in applying to a European university is to define your goals for studying abroad. This will influence your choice of country, programme, and what aspects to focus on. For some, it's a continuation of their bachelor's degree for career advancement, while for others, it's a fresh start or a means of migration. Consider whether you need language courses, want to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or PhD, and how demanding you want your studies to be, as different countries and programmes have varying levels of intensity.
Choosing a Country and Language [3:30]
The second step is choosing a country, considering factors such as the language of instruction, cultural compatibility, and cost of living. Evaluate whether you are comfortable with the language and culture, and whether you can afford the cost of living, either through personal funds or scholarships. The quality of life in different countries should also be a consideration.
Finding Study Programmes [4:26]
Once you've chosen a country, the next step is to select universities and programmes. If you're just starting, use aggregator websites to get an overview of available options.
Using Aggregators to Find Universities and Programmes [4:48]
Utilise aggregator websites to explore a wide range of countries, universities, and programmes. Be aware that information on these sites may not always be up-to-date, so always double-check on the official university websites. After using aggregators, visit the official websites of universities to confirm programme details, check descriptions, and contact the university if you have questions. Compile a list of programmes that interest you.
Checking University Rankings [6:52]
Check the rankings of the universities you are considering, especially if studying at a highly-ranked institution is important to you. Higher-ranked universities may have a greater workload and more challenging academics. The presenter notes that the University of Geneva rose to 50th in global rankings after she enrolled.
Increasing Chances of University Admission [7:58]
To increase your chances of admission, avoid applying to too many universities. Instead, focus on the quality of your applications. Select two top-tier universities, two mid-range options, and two easier-to-get-into universities as a safety net.
Studying Master's Programmes [8:56]
When examining official university websites, thoroughly research each programme's features, including its focus (practical, theoretical, or mixed), curriculum, and career prospects for graduates. Also, check the start date of the programme, as European universities may have different start dates throughout the year. Master's programmes can last one, one and a half, or two years. Contact the programme coordinator with specific questions to show your interest and make your name familiar to those reviewing applications.
Finding Scholarships [10:47]
Search for scholarships alongside your programme search, as some scholarship applications may have earlier deadlines than university applications. Scholarships can be governmental (e.g., DAAD in Germany, Chevening in the UK, Eiffel in France), university-specific, or from private foundations. Check the university website for information on financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
Gathering University Admission Requirements [12:32]
Compile all the admission requirements in one place. The presenter notes that she chose the University of Geneva partly because it did not require a language test for her programme. List the required documents, separating those that require your input (resume, motivational letter, recommendations) from bureaucratic documents (transcripts, certificates). Note deadlines and application fees.
Preparing Documents and Creating a Timeline [14:01]
Create a timeline with key dates and deadlines for each programme to stay organised.
Taking Language Tests and Exams [15:00]
Take any required language tests or specialised analytical/mathematical tests, as specified in the admission requirements.
Accessing a Step-by-Step Application Plan [15:19]
The presenter mentions a comprehensive file with all the steps for applying to a European university, available via a link in the video description.
Preparing Documents for University Admission [15:31]
Preparing your documents is a crucial step, as European universities assess your application based on your portfolio of documents rather than entrance exams or rankings. Standard documents include the application form, academic transcripts (diploma and transcript of grades), and, in some cases, a school leaving certificate.
Creating a Motivational Letter and Resume [17:32]
The most important documents are your CV/resume and motivational letter. The motivational letter should be original, showcasing your achievements, future goals, and reasons for choosing the specific programme and university. It should be well-written, error-free, and reviewed by someone familiar with motivational letters.
Recommendation Letters and Their Importance [19:17]
Recommendation letters from professors or employers are also important. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide valuable insights into your abilities and potential. The letter should be open, honest, and include specific examples to demonstrate your strengths.
Submitting Documents and Obtaining a Visa [20:26]
Submit your documents to the university or scholarship programme and wait for a response, which typically takes 2-3 months. If accepted, apply for a national student visa, which can be a complex and lengthy process.
Accessing a Step-by-Step Application Plan [21:30]
The presenter reminds viewers about the free step-by-step application plan available in the video description. She encourages viewers to ask questions about studying and living in Switzerland in the comments.
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