How to Shortlist Universities Abroad Without Getting Overwhelmed
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
The day is crystal clear in my memory when I opened my laptop to search for the best universities abroad. One of the biggest mistakes ever was jumping right into searching the top universities online, like study in Europe for Indian students, study in Germany, study abroad in Italy, study in Dubai for international students, etc. I had zero clarity, but 50 tabs open in my laptop screen showing me multiple courses offered by various universities in UK, USA, Australia, etc.
If you’re planning to study abroad, trust me, feeling overwhelmed is a part of the process, but shortlisting a university doesn’t have to be so difficult and stressful if you break it down smartly.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Best University for Me
The first thing I learned was to stop thinking country first and start thinking profile first. Many students jump straight into options like study in Germany or study in Europe for Indian students because they hear it is affordable. Others look at study in Dubai because of the location and lifestyle. All of these are good options, but only when they match your academic background and goals.
My advice is to start with your course selection first, not the university. Whether you are looking at engineering, business, or creative fields, list what you actually want to study. When I did this, my list became shorter automatically. For example, some universities in study abroad in Italy focus more on design and architecture, while study in Germany are stronger for technical and research-based courses.
Next you should think about eligibility. Students must be honest with their grades, test scores, and budget. This is where language tests come into play. While shortlisting, I realised how important IELTS preparation is. Many students I spoke to were enrolled in the best IELTS coaching in Pune or the best IELTS coaching in Lucknow just to improve their chances. Others preferred flexible options like IELTS training in Hyderabad because of work or college schedules. Your IELTS score can open or close doors, so factor it in early.
Wrapping Up…
Study abroad consultants from Meridean Overseas helped me look beyond university rankings. Upon their suggestion, I explored reading student reviews, course structure, part-time work options, and post-study opportunities that matter more in real life. While exploring study abroad in Italy, I found that some lesser-known universities offered better industry exposure than popular names.
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