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While leaving friends and family behind can appear a daunting decision for most students, choosing to study a postgraduate programme abroad can broaden horizons and offer a whole host of international opportunities. Learning a new language, experiencing another culture and even taking up new interests are just some of the exciting opportunities awaiting students looking for a challenge of a different kind. In fact, studying a postgraduate degree abroad will help students develop new life skills, cope better under pressure and even become more independent in the long run – all excellent traits to have, and much sought after in todays highly competitive job market.

According to UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics, the number of students studying abroad is growing by around 12 percent every year. What is more, it needn’t break the bank, with various international scholarships and bursaries on offer for postgraduate applicants to lower living costs.

International students have a huge choice from outstanding global locations offering excellent postgraduate programmes. Australia remains a firm favorite, thanks to its laid-back lifestyle, wide range of outdoor activities and high quality of life. Thanks to its strong reputation for excellence and quality across its higher education and training programs, Australia is a world-class choice for postgraduate international students. From the country’s stunning Gold Coast home to cosmopolitan Brisbane, vibrant Perth or the nation’s capital Sydney, Australia offers programs which suit all budgets and bank balances. In fact six of the top 30 student cities are Australian, with Melbourne currently taking second place to Paris, according the QS Best Student Cities 2015. Qualifications awarded from Australian institutions are globally recognised, meaning that students can make a firm impression in the increasingly competitive global job market.

Pic: Monash University

Thanks to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand remains a firm favourite for students and tourists alike. In fact all New Zealand universities are consistently ranked amongst the world’s best by QS World University Rankings, and rank in the world’s top 100 in 31 subjects, according to Prospects. Thanks to the country’s fascinating Maori culture, out-of-this-world scenery and friendly New Zealanders, postgraduate students can expect to access an education system based on the British model  – highly recognised and respected by employers and universities across the globe.

Further north, Canada’s photogenic scenery and extensive lakes and mountains have seen the country rise in popularity ratings for international postgraduate students looking to live in one of the world’s most desirable settings. Low crime rates, clean cities and excellent health care are just some of Canada’s benefits, in addition to the country’s high quality postgraduate programs. In fact, Canada has one of the highest living standards in the world and is consistently ranked in the top 10 on the UN’s Human Development Index. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage as well as providing postgrads outstanding educational opportunities in both English and French.

Thanks to its close links with the Chinese mainland and proximity to other popular Asian destinations, Hong Kong offers postgraduate students a wide range of fantastic opportunities in a vibrant and dynamic location. In fact, Hong Kong is one of the largest trade centres in the world and is a thriving international business hub. Postgrads can choose to study at Chinese institutions or look into courses at Asian departments of leading European and American universities with campuses on the island. Postgraduate students can look to explore the city’s harbour, numerous cultural attractions and delicious and exciting cuisine. Upon graduation, students can enter into a challenging and fast-paced job market, an ideal location to pursue career paths in Asia or to apply for positions with other respected and recognised international firms.

With so many high-caliber options available, making the right choice can appear daunting for postgraduate international students. Despite high levels of English language required for most courses, institutions offer increasing levels of help thanks to pre-programme ESL courses and IELTS preparation. Looking to study a postgraduate qualification at a world-class institution? Interested in obtaining a qualification which will help you stand out from the crowd? Read on below to find out more about some of the fantastic postgraduate opportunities on offer at unique international institutions:

Pic: Monash University

MONASH UNIVERSITY – AUSTRALIA
Monash University follows a progressive outlook, opening its doors to students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Students at Monash are encouraged to challenge and follow new, fresh ideas and beliefs, producing fully equipped graduates ready to make a positive impact in the workplace and beyond. The University has five Australian campuses, a campus in Malaysia, a joint graduate school in China, a learning centre in Italy and a research centre in India. Monash University courses are also delivered at other locations, including at Monash South Africa. At Monash, students receive guidance and support on every step of their degree program, thanks to the University’s excellent teaching staff. Monash University’s current rankings speak for themselves: it is ranked 73rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015/16, placing it among the top 1 percent of universities in the world. Read the full profile…

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON – NEW ZEALAND
Since its founding in 1897, Victoria University has established close-knit ties with local and international industry. Victoria fosters a modern and international approach to teaching and its rapport with students. The University aims to develop and support students with a thoroughly global perspective both inside and outside of the classroom. Victoria’s warm campus environment is a home-from-home for international students. The University also celebrates and values New Zealand’s Māori and Pacific communities. Victoria University is proud to be one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious tertiary institutions with an excellent tradition of academic excellence.

HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – HONG KONG
Since 1965, Hong Kong Baptist University has supported academic excellence in a welcoming setting which values the heritage of Christian higher education. The University aims to be a premier institution providing creativity-inspiring education and a distinctive contribution to the development of knowledge through both research and scholarship. International students are welcome at Hong Kong Baptist University and can expect a thoroughly modern, global education by sharing cultures, languages and learning with their fellow students. The University offers specialized internships, student exchanges and prepares students for a diverse and global world, in the workplace and beyond.

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA – CANADA
The University of Alberta is a top five Canadian university, home to more than 170 graduate programs, 200 undergraduate programs and 450 active student groups. Located on a diverse and dynamic campus, students can expect to be both challenged and supported during their time at UAlberta, thanks to outstanding teaching on offer and the University’s modern facilities. Located in the vibrant city of Edmonton, Canada, the city offers a great urban lifestyle with a beautiful, natural environment. International students can benefit from UAlberta’s top-ranked library system and smart classrooms, set across five leafy campus locations. A mild climate and laid back lifestyle make UAlberta an excellent choice of study destination.

Top image: University of Alberta

This article originally appeared on Latin Correspondent.

 

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