Gather information from world university rankings
This is perhaps the most obvious piece of advice anyone can give you, apart, of course, from making sure that the program you are interested in offers the knowledge and skills you need.
So through world university rankings you can find the best Universities on a European and global level based on objective criteria. However, your decision cannot be solely based on a list of institutions, no matter how reputable the source. Such information is useful, as long as other parametres are also taken into account.
Do you speak the language?
Many universities abroad require that, in order to be considered for admission, international students should have a very good command of the language in which courses are taught, usually English. So if you don’t meet the language proficiency requirement, you’ll either have to start intensive courses in order to be accepted, or make sure that the institution you’ve chosen can accept you regardless of your language proficiency level.
Can you afford the cost?
In addition to the tuition fees, you should also find out what the cost of living is. For example, as regards student accommodation, you should explore your options and see whether there are student halls of residence or whether you need to rent an apartment, and, if so, what is the cost of renting? Several student towns abroad are considered expensive for a large portion of young people, not only in Greece, a fact that you should keep in mind before choosing a University.
In this context, you might consider taking a loan to help you cope with the increased expenses. For example, with NBG’s personal Student Life loan you can fund your studies and pay low monthly instalments for the first year, borrowing up to 25,000 euro.
Also,a great way to cover part or all of your tuition is to pursue a scholarship, if available. Start by asking at the university or alternatively search for scholarships announced by the State Scholarships Foundation or any endowments, with the guidance of the competent department of the Ministry of Education.
Don't forget LinkedIn
Internet can be one of your most useful allies in making the right choice if you harness its potential. Knowing what to look for you can get information about the institutions you are interested in, see comments and reviews from young people who are already studying there and thus form a complete picture of what they are like. On LinkedIn, for example, by following university pages or requesting to join student groups, you can get information about student life conditions, as well as other aspects such as future career prospects.
Your search for the right academic institution can prove an overwhelming process, in the context of which many parameters must be taken into account, such as the specialization of the University in your area of interest, its reputation in the labor market and, of course, your needs and living conditions. So, do take your time and explore your options before deciding what's best for you!