Is a postgraduate degree the right choice for you? Do it abroad? How to prepare? Discover the solutions to these inquiries and more within the contents of this article.
Have you completed your bachelor’s degree and do you want to continue your studies at a postgraduate level? Or are you still studying your undergraduate degree and are already considering a master’s degree? The motivations for a master’s degree are countless and we will help you not only understand your reasons but also learn the step-by-step guide to starting your postgraduate studies abroad.
After all, is postgraduate study the right choice for you? At the end of this text, we want you to have decided the answer to this question.
How to prepare for postgraduate studies abroad?
Students choose to continue in higher education for different reasons, but some are more common. The first is wanting to pursue a very specific career, such as a university professor, business consultant or occupational therapist. Some specializations require a postgraduate qualification to practice.
For other careers, you may not necessarily need a master’s degree or specialization, however, a diploma will make you stand out in the competitive job market. Therefore, your initial step is to consider what your specific goal is and whether a postgraduate degree will help you achieve it.
Ask yourself if you would like to stay at university for an additional year or two to develop your knowledge in a specific area before starting work. Regardless of your motivations for pursuing a postgraduate degree, the ideal is to ask yourself questions about the future and what a higher degree will mean for your personal and professional life.
Studying a master’s degree, in Brazil or abroad, will not be cheap and will require more dedication to your studies. Therefore, you need to ensure that this decision is right for your future.
Can you explain the distinction between an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree?
Graduation is the first program offered in higher education that results in an academic diploma (abroad, called degree , rather than diploma ). Lasting three to five years, depending on the country, the course usually results in several transferable skills , in addition to those specific to the chosen area of study, Applicable to the master’s degree.
A postgraduate degree is the result of interest in a more specific or specialized area and also the desire to expand your knowledge to contribute to the sector. Abroad, undergraduate degrees already prepare university students to study independently, and this will be further strengthened in postgraduate studies.
Most master’s degrees include research work that results in a dissertation, starting in the first few months of the course. Therefore, you must be able to work alone most of the time and this requires dedication, attention, interest, time management, among other skills.
During graduation, it is common to miss some classes or fail to finish some required readings. While this may seem common, in graduate school you must take your classes, readings, and assignments seriously, without exception, and prepare in advance for classes or meetings with your advisor.
In a master’s degree, you will have even more independence. If you are accumulating assignments and readings, you will have to work twice as hard to deliver everything on time.
A postgraduate degree is also more accelerated compared to a bachelor’s degree. In most cases, you can choose to study full-time or part-time abroad, lasting one and two years respectively. If you decide on the full program, studies will be even more demanding and accelerated. It takes time to adapt to the new routine and you are expected to dedicate yourself exclusively to your studies during these 12 months.
Taught X Research
Abroad, in countries like the United States, there are two types of master’s degrees:
- The taught master’s degree , or something like a professional master’s degree, is a course with a curriculum. The student, in addition to dedicating himself to a dissertation, also needs to attend mandatory classes in different disciplines before focusing on research.
- The research master’s degree , despite in some cases also involving a much leaner curriculum, is a master’s degree focused entirely on academic research, concluded with a dissertation.
The steps for your postgraduate studies abroad
Start your search for universities and courses at least six months in advance, especially if you intend to apply for positions abroad, to prepare all the necessary documentation in plenty of time.
You will need:
- Academic record
- Personal statement
- Two letters of reference
- A research project
- Copy of graduation diploma
- Proof of proficiency in the English language or foreign language used for instruction at the university
- Copy of passport
Even if you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree or academic record from your university, you can apply and obtain them later, as long as you can prove your good performance during your degree.
Emotional preparation to study abroad
It is common to hear only about the academic preparation necessary to pursue a postgraduate degree abroad. The emotional side tends to be ignored, but it is as important (or more) than having the right technical qualities.
The first days – or weeks – are about adaptation. It’s common to feel homesick and even question your decision to move to another country. There is the initial cultural shock, in addition to the transition to a different education system, taught in another language. It’s no small thing, so don’t try to minimize what you’ll feel.
The best way to speed up adaptation is to try to prepare before you even travel. First, understand that homesickness can happen even if you feel ready for the experience. Second, try to stay busy in the first few weeks: attend your university’s orientations and social events. This way, you will already meet other students, familiarize yourself with campus facilities, etc.
You can also read our interview with a psychologist about emotional preparation for an intercultural experience .
Another essential factor is to understand that pursuing a postgraduate degree abroad is not easy. In fact, pursuing a postgraduate degree anywhere in the world requires a lot of dedication and interest on your part. Abroad, however, you will study and develop a dissertation or thesis in another language, far from your family and friends, in a place with different customs than yours.
And international universities are demanding. There will be a lot of readings, assignments, laboratory classes, articles, meetings with your advisor. Is it a wonderful adventure? Yes, but it must be taken seriously for it to be successful.
Postgraduate tuition fees abroad
Another way to prepare for postgraduate study abroad is to plan your budget in advance. To be admitted to another country, you must present evidence that you will be able to support yourself financially in the country, paying not only for your studies, but also for the cost of living throughout your stay.
How will this be possible? Will you use your savings? Or will you choose a country where you are allowed to work while studying? Do you have someone to turn to if you need help?
Another positive point of a postgraduate degree is that you can study it at any age. Therefore, if you are not prepared now, whether academically, emotionally or financially, it may be better to wait for a more favorable time.
Furthermore, the largest number of scholarships offered abroad are aimed at postgraduate courses, such as Chevening , in the United Kingdom, and GKS , in South Korea.