If you are planning to study abroad, knowing which questions to ask a university before applying can help you avoid making a decision based solely on rankings, social media recommendations, or a university website. Before you submit an application, you should understand what the university offers, what it expects from you, and whether the course actually fits your goals.

This is especially important for Nigerian students comparing universities in different countries. Two universities may offer the same course but have very different entry requirements, costs, course structures, and student experiences.

So before you apply, ask the universities these questions.

1. What Are the Entry Requirements for My Course?

This should be one of your first questions to ask a university before applying.

Universities set their own entry requirements, and these can vary depending on the institution, course, and qualification you have.

Ask the university:

• What academic qualifications do I need?
• What grades are required?
• Do you accept my Nigerian qualifications?
• Do I need an English language test?
• Are there additional requirements for my specific course?

Don’t assume that meeting the general requirements listed on a university website automatically means you qualify for your preferred programme.

Your course may have additional requirements.

2. What Does the Course Actually Include?

A course title can be misleading. Two universities may both offer a programme called Business Management, Computer Science or Public Health, but the modules, teaching style and assessment methods can be very different.

UCAS recommends comparing course content, modules, teaching methods and how the course connects to your career goals when choosing between universities.

Ask: What modules will I study? How is the course taught and assessed? Are there internships, placements or practical opportunities? Can I specialise in a particular area?

Don’t choose a university/course simply because you recognise its name. Make sure the actual course works for you.

3. How Much Will It Really Cost?

Tuition is only one part of the cost of studying abroad.

Ask about:

• International student tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Health insurance or other required costs
• Books and course materials
• Transportation
• Other mandatory fees

Also ask whether the university offers scholarships, bursaries or other financial support. UCAS recommends asking universities about scholarships, financial support and expenses when researching study options.

And don’t be afraid to ask for the numbers. “It’s affordable” means very different things to different families.

4. What Support Is Available for International Students?

Moving from Nigeria to another country for school is a major adjustment, which is why you must ask this question. You want to know what support exists once you arrive.

Ask about:

• International student support
• Academic support
• Careers services
• Accommodation assistance
• Student societies
• Wellbeing services
• Support for students from different cultural backgrounds

UCAS specifically recommends asking about student services, careers support, wellbeing, finance and other support services when comparing universities. You should also find out whether the university has a significant international student community.

5. What Happens After I Graduate?

Your university decision shouldn’t end with getting an admission letter. Think about what you want to do after your degree.

Ask:

• What career support does the university provide?
• Are internships or placements available?
• What industries do graduates typically enter?
• Are there opportunities to gain relevant work experience?
• What support is available for international graduates?

You should be careful with claims about employment or immigration outcomes. A university cannot guarantee that your degree will lead to a particular job or immigration status. The goal is to understand what opportunities and support the institution actually provides.

6. What Is the Application Process?

Before you leave the conversation, make sure you understand what happens next. Ask these questions to a university before applying.

Ask:

• What documents do I need?
• What is the application deadline?
• How long does the process usually take?
• Do I need a personal statement?
• Are references required?
• Is an interview required?
• Who should I contact if I have questions?

For international students, requirements may include additional documentation and English-language proficiency requirements, depending on the country, institution, and programme.

Write down the answers. A good conversation is not very useful if you forget everything five minutes later.

7. What Would You Recommend I Do Next?

This might be the most useful question of all. After you’ve explained your academic background and what you want to study, ask the representative:

“Based on what I’ve told you, what should I do next?” 

They may tell you to review a particular programme, prepare certain documents, check an entry requirement, or start an application. You don’t have to apply immediately.

The point is to leave with a clearer understanding of your next step.

Why You Should Ask These Questions Before Applying

Choosing a university abroad is a significant decision. It’s easy to focus on what you see online: rankings, beautiful campuses, impressive buildings, or videos from international students. This is one of the very important questions to ask a university before applying.

But those things don’t necessarily tell you whether a university or course is right for you. UCAS advises prospective students to look beyond reputation and consider factors such as course content, location, entry requirements, accommodation, student support and career prospects.

That is why conversations with university representatives can be useful. You can ask specific questions about your situation instead of trying to find every answer yourself.

Where Can You Ask a University These Questions?

One opportunity is a study abroad expo, where several universities and education representatives are available in one place.

The Japa Partners Study Expo 2026 will take place on 3 October 2026 at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos.

The event will bring together representatives from schools across the UK, USA, Canada, the EU and beyond. Participating institutions featured on the event flyer include Sheridan, Yorkville University, Algoma University, St. Lawrence College, Laurentian University and the University of Roehampton London.

It gives students an opportunity to have direct conversations with university representatives about courses, admissions, scholarships, and their study-abroad options.

So if you’re attending, don’t just walk around collecting brochures.

Come with questions.

Ready to Explore Your Study Abroad Options?

Whether you’re still researching or already know what you want to study, asking the right questions can help you make a more informed decision.

And if you want to speak directly with international university representatives, the Japa Partners Study Expo 2026 is happening on 3 October at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos.

Register for the Japa Partners Study Expo