Should we consider universities beyond the US and UK region for grad school?
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What are some important similarities and differences in the application processes of the U.S. and European graduate programs?
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You should consider applying to China, Japan, Middle East, e.g., CMU Qatar and NYUAD. These are highly reputable satellites campuses of top U.S. universities and they are internationally recognized as well. However, for many of these countries, you need to learn their native language, and cultural adaptability is a little difficult compared to the North American region.
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Australia and New Zealand share a similar admissions process with the UK, where PhD programs typically span three years. In contrast, PhD programs in the US and Canada often require 5-6 years to complete and accept students directly from their bachelor's degree. However, most PhD programs in Europe, the UK, and New Zealand require a master's degree first, making the total duration comparable. These regions typically expect applicants to have a research proposal ready and to discuss it with a potential advisor before admission, a practice not commonly required in the US.
Countries like Singapore, Korea, and Turkey also have reputable universities that are worth considering. When researching these options, focus on what each university can offer in terms of unique value propositions and the potential impact you could achieve. Consider where you might want to reside post-graduation.
From a broader perspective, regions like North America and Europe generally have more established research ecosystems. However, many other areas offer excellent opportunities for learning and research that you should explore thoroughly.