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How to compare universities and courses

Published · Vithi team

University rankings can be one input, but they cannot decide whether a course fits your interests, budget and circumstances. Compare programs with the same questions.

Start with the course itself

Read the current module list, assessment style, entry requirements and available specializations. Note what is compulsory and what is optional. A familiar degree title can cover very different content at different universities.

Add practical constraints

Record tuition, living costs, location, language of instruction, access needs, placement options and scholarship rules. Use official university pages for current figures and confirm what applies to your residency status.

Use a weighted comparison

Choose three to five criteria that matter to you and explain why. Score each program against the criteria, then write one sentence about the tradeoff. The score is a prompt for discussion, not an objective verdict.

Keep sources and dates

Put a source link and date next to each important claim. Recheck requirements before applying. Ask a current student or admissions office about details that the website leaves unclear.

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