How to choose a Uni or College – Part 1 – Rankings

We start our series on what to consider when selecting an overseas institution by taking a closer look at rankings.

Choosing your future university or college is a big decision. There are so many things to consider – career outcomes, quality of the course and teaching, support services, location and all the extras like work placements, accommodation, lifestyle and scholarships.

Where did rankings come from?

U.S. News first published its ranking of US universities and colleges in 1983. This was followed by Princeton Review’s book of the ‘Best 357 Colleges’ in 1992.

Since then, Asiaweek ran ‘Asia’s best universities’ from 1997-2000 and The Sunday Times first ranked the UK universities in 2001.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s institute of higher education first published its world academic ranking of universities in 2003. The Times Higher Education Supplement published its first ‘World university rankings’ in 2004.

How do they work?

Here are two well-known global rankings for international study and some information on how they work.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s ‘World academic ranking of universities’

• Ranks universities based on six weighted factors


• 30% of the score is based on alumni and staff who win a Nobel Prize or Field Medal for Mathematics


• 60% is for articles and citations in various publications

10% is to allow for the size of the institution

The Times Higher Education Supplement’s ‘World university rankings’

• 50% of the ranking is based on a survey of academics and who they think is ’top’
  
  
• 10% is based on the percentage of overseas students and staff


• 20% on the staff to student ratio and 20% on staff citations

Things you NEED to  know

Rankings are becoming more common and are a growing influence on students when choosing where to study. They make it easier to compare institutions around the world. But there are some things you need to understand about them to help you make the right choice.

Firstly, most rankings are largely based on research outcomes for the institution. And these rankings may influence their government funding and student demand for places. So what does this mean for you?

Check to see how the rankings are calculated. Do they measure things that are important to you – like student satisfaction, course and teaching quality, support services and career outcomes?

When you are on campus, the number of Nobel Prize winners might be less important to you than getting helping with your studies or finding a job after graduation!

Secondly, most universities are looking to boost their performance in the rankings and in research outcomes to secure more funding and students. They may move resources from teaching to research to achieve this.

We understand it’s difficult knowing which university or college to choose. That’s why we provide you with a global course search and free study advice to help you find the right course for you.

For more information and help with your application ask a StudyLink counsellor today.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of ‘How to choose a Uni or College’ in next month’s Student Adventures.

Don’t miss out on your course of choice: Important deadlines for your application

Australia and New Zealand – April 15th is the application deadline to start in July/August 2007. You should submit your application and supporting documents to us now. Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. We are also accepting early applications for students who want to start in February/March 2008. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

USA and Canada – The main term starts in September 2007 for most institutions. English language schools and some other institutions allow students to start throughout the year. Application deadlines vary and we encourage you to apply well in advance for best consideration and to allow time to apply for a visa (for example, apply soon in order to start in September 2007). Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK – Apply now to start in September 2007. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible for best consideration. Applications should be submitted to StudyLink by the end of June. Our counsellors are happy to help you find a course and institution to meet your background and interests. Contact a counsellor to discuss your study plans.

What ECU’s industry links could do for you

If you’re looking to study an internationally recognised qualification that’s been designed in collaboration with industry and professional bodies then look no further than Edith Cowan University.

ECU has created strong links with industry, government and research institutes in Australia and overseas to ensure their courses are relevant, practical, creative and careers-focussed.

The majority of ECU’s courses offer industry-focussed project work and work placements to give you a competitive edge in the job market.

The university’s links with industry are demonstrated in its relationship with IBM. ECU was the first Australian university to strike a partnership with the global technology giant. This two-way relationship means students have access to the latest and best information technology. The IBM partnership also means ECU gains access to world-class research from IBM in the key areas of curriculum design and academic development.

As an international student you’ll be in good company at ECU. Over 3,500 of the university’s 23,000 students are from over 80 countries around the globe.

Suhaib Abeer Shaikh, a Bachelor of Business student from India, said course structure was one of the most important reasons for his choosing to study at ECU.

“The teaching process in this university is very practical,” Suhaib said.

“Working projects gave me a chance to communicate with companies and organisations,” he said.

Michael Lim, a Bachelor of Sports Science student from Singapore, also commented positively on the course structure at ECU.
"The (Bachelor of Sports Science) course is well structured with lots of practical and applied components,” Michael said.

“Programs within ECU provide numerous opportunities to interact and learn from the lecturers who are often very willing to share and provide opinions,” he said.

Western Australian-based ECU has three campuses in Perth and one in Bunbury, which is approximately 200km south of Perth. All campuses offer a wide range of study and recreational facilities as well as a variety of services such as cafeterias and book-stores.

To find out more about studying at ECU, contact a counsellor.

History meets modern teaching methods at Bath Spa

Being the UK’s only World Heritage City and one of its most visited tourist attractions, Bath is a unique study destination.

Just 90 minutes from London, Bath combines a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere with stunning Georgian architecture. The university, which also houses fine examples of such architecture, has a history stretching back to the 19th century.

Today Bath Spa is a 'teaching-led' university. This means all the institution’s other activities, such as research and links with business, are measured by their contribution to the quality of student teaching, to the student experience and to student employability.

This approach has seen Bath Spa achieve a 4.1/5 score for teaching quality in the National Student Survey 2006 and an average score of 22/24 for 'teaching excellence' under the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) national assessment scheme.

Bath Spa University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate across the disciplines of Art & Design, Fashion, Performing Arts, Music, Humanities, Education, Environmental and Food Sciences, Psychology, Health Studies and Business & Management.

The university also offers a wide range of programs to help students whose first language is not English. The Undergraduate Course for International Students (UCIS) is one such program and provides language and academic support for first year international students. Each subject is covered by an English language tutor who is a specialist in that particular subject. The tutor prepares students in small groups for each individual lecture, and afterwards checks the material has been understood. UCIS tutors will also give you advice on every essay, presentation and exam.

If your English level is insufficient to allow direct entry into one of the undergraduate programs or the UCIS program, then the university’s Foundation Courses are an option.

Other programs for non-native English speakers include: a Pre-Master’s course, a Portfolio Building course for potential Art & Design students, summer school, a pre-sessional course, study abroad courses, and English Language Programs of varying lengths which can be started at any point between September and June.

As an international student, you’ll have a smooth transition to campus life with the support of the university’s social and academic programs. Social events, which generally occur every fortnight, include trips to London, Oxford, Salisbury and many local attractions.

For more information on what Bath Spa can offer you, contact a counsellor.

PLU extends its application deadline

Pacific Lutheran University is inviting applications from interested students up until July 1. This deadline differs from the March cut-off at most other US institutions and means you have more time to decide which course is right for you.

PLU’s liberal arts and professional programs combined give you more choices than you’ll find at a small institution and more personal attention than you’ll find at a large public university. With majors ranging from Anthropology to Women’s Studies, PLU is sure to have the subject field you’re searching for.

Based in the Seattle-Tacoma region, PLU has students from more than 24 countries and International Student Services geared to help with the complexities of living in the US.

Madeleine Jonsson, a PLU international business student from Sweden, said she made a great choice in PLU.

“The people here are so open and welcoming,” Madeleine said.

Upon graduation Madeleine plans to stay in the Seattle area and hopes to apply the skills she learned at PLU within a large multinational corporation.

• PLU looks for students who:


• Demonstrate success in a challenging university preparatory curriculum


• Desire academic and personal challenges


• Communicate clearly


• Serve in their community, church or school/university


• Will share unique or special talents

Each application is reviewed based on grade point average, class rank, transcript patterns, standardised test scores, personal essay, and an academic recommendation.

Contact a counsellor to learn more about applying to PLU.