When thinking about studying abroad, just like with any other important step in your life, it’s helpful to highlight the advantages that prove you won’t regret making this decision. Here are some of the factors that most often influence young people to choose studying at a university abroad.
Tuition-free or funded studies
Kastu represents and offers study opportunities only at public universities that provide tuition-free or funded education, or where tuition fees are affordable for students from across the EU.

Self-discovery
A new environment, new people, and new studies will inspire you to discover and try things you have never experienced before. Students abroad are often very active — they constantly seek new activities, adventures, travel opportunities, and new experiences. This is where you will lay the foundations for your personal growth, understand what drives you, recognise your strengths, and shape your vision for the future.

International friendships
Studying and communicating in a multicultural environment has a major advantage — you will gain friends and valuable contacts from all over the world that can benefit your future career.

Career opportunities
International students often stand out in the job market, and graduating from a recognised university abroad can leave a strong impression on future employers. Many graduates also receive exciting job offers from international companies connected to their university.

High-quality education
A wider choice of study programmes increases your chances of finding the most suitable and high-quality education. Studying abroad also enhances your overall knowledge, as you are exposed to diverse perspectives from around the world. Many universities combine centuries-old academic traditions with the latest technologies, and some train not only top specialists but also world-class researchers developing medicines, new materials, and solutions to global challenges such as climate change — and you could become one of them.

Practice-based learning and internships around the world
Practical skills are highly valued abroad, so the theoretical knowledge you gain in lectures will be applied in practice through project work or even placements in real companies. During your second or third year, you may have the opportunity to complete an internship anywhere in the world. Universities often collaborate with institutions and companies across different continents, offering placements in countries such as Japan, Brazil, or South Africa. Choosing where to go will not be easy.

General university entry requirements
When applying to universities abroad, your grades are often not the main deciding factor. Instead, universities focus on your motivation, ambitions, and personal qualities, which you can demonstrate in your motivation letter, portfolio, or during an interview.

Opportunities to work while studying
In many countries, hourly wages are higher than elsewhere, meaning that working just a few hours a day can allow you to fully support yourself. Living costs may also be more affordable than you expect, depending on the country and city you choose.

Regularly updated study programmes
Universities abroad aim to provide education that reflects the latest trends, ensuring your degree is relevant in today’s world and equipping you with the most in-demand knowledge in business, technology, or science — skills you can apply directly in the workplace after graduation.

Supportive relationships between lecturers and students
Abroad, relationships between students and lecturers are often open and friendly. In some universities, it is even common to meet in informal settings after classes. This encourages students to express their opinions freely and ask questions whenever something is unclear.

Expanded career opportunities
In countries with more developed economies, higher education is designed to prepare specialists whose knowledge is universal and adaptable to different situations. This means that what you learn can be applied in various countries and professional contexts. Alongside academic knowledge, you will gain valuable intercultural communication and language skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Prestige
Some study programmes and universities abroad are highly recognised by employers, international companies, and organisations around the world.

Foreign language skills
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to improve your foreign language skills, learn new languages and dialects. All Kastu partner programmes are taught in English — the most widely used international language — making it one of the most important skills for succeeding in the global job market. And what better way to learn a language than by using it every day, both in your studies and daily life?

Active cultural life
Student life abroad is vibrant and full of opportunities — from events, sports, and entertainment to an active nightlife. In major cities and economically strong capitals, cultural life is often much more dynamic than in many smaller cities. From “Introduction Week” and university festivals to world-class concerts by artists such as Coldplay or Black Eyed Peas, there will be no shortage of ways to make your student years unforgettable.

Multicultural environment
Living in a foreign country gives you the chance to explore a new culture and people, as well as to travel easily to neighbouring countries. You will study alongside peers from all over the world, work in multicultural teams, and learn about different mindsets, values, and traditions — skills that will give you a strong advantage in today’s global job market.

Experience of living abroad
Studying abroad helps you develop a wide range of skills and adapt to a new environment. You will quickly learn independence — managing daily tasks, solving problems, cooking, cleaning, finding work, and handling paperwork yourself. This life experience teaches you to organise your time effectively, make your own decisions, and build a lifestyle that works for you.

Foreign climate, nature, environment, and sustainability
Living in a different environment, with a warmer or cooler climate and unique natural surroundings, can have a positive impact on your well-being, productivity, and overall health — even within a short period of time.

Shorter study duration
Bachelor’s degrees abroad can often be completed in just three years, while master’s degrees can take as little as one year, allowing you to enter the job market sooner.
