What’s It Like to Study Abroad at a Top University?

There is something exciting about seeing a university name you have recognized for years and realizing you could actually study there.

University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, University of Melbourne, Trinity College Dublin, University of Sydney, University of Auckland. These are names you might recognize before you ever start looking at study abroad programs—and IFSA puts them within reach. Plus, IFSA has more top-ranked universities to explore across England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand.

Choosing a prestigious university for study abroad means much more than adding an impressive name to your resume.

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Behind the elite reputation: Academic challenge

These schools are celebrated for many reasons: their academic communities, history, noted alumni, resources, influence in particular fields, and traditions developed over time.

Prestigious schools are sought after for many reasons, from rich resources like cutting-edge laboratories at University of Westminster and renowned libraries at Trinity College Dublin to academic traditions like tutorial-style teaching at Oxford.

“The Oxford teaching method—which involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, and much reading—really invigorated me to think deeply and critically, especially since I’d chosen a course outside of my major. Frequent class discussions and a condensed assignment schedule highlighted the value of collaborative learning. It also showed me how much progress I could achieve on an entirely new topic within three weeks.”

—Cindy L., University of Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall Summer

The goal is not to prove that one university is “harder” or “better” than another. It is an experience an environment that changes your view of education. And adapting to this new environment is well worth it. Most students come away with an understanding of what brings out their best work, a new passion for an area of study, and confidence in their ability to overcome a challenge.

Study abroad at an elite university is also a chance to dive into a different academic area at university with outstanding faculty and resources.

“Most of us have heard about Cambridge at some point: that it is one of the hardest universities to get into and only the most talented are admitted there. My decision to study abroad at Cambridge was partly informed by this childhood dream as well as a passion for knowledge and new ways of learning. I am lucky to say that I gained even more than I expected.”

—Elene J., IFSA University of Cambridge, Pembroke College Partnership

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Find out what happens when you raise the bar

Sometimes our most ambitious goals have the most rewarding outcomes. Maybe seeing Oxford, Cambridge, Melbourne, or Edinburgh on a study abroad list makes you think: Could I really study there?

That’s a great reason to look closer. Maybe you want to set an ambitious goal for yourself and see what you are capable of accomplishing. Study abroad allows you to do exactly that.

Keep in mind that the most valuable thing you bring home may not be a grade or a university name. It is the knowledge that you approached an unfamiliar environment, figured out how to navigate it, and became more confident in what you can do.

IFSA offers study abroad programs at universities that are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report for their international research reputation and academic performance. In the 2026-2027 Best Global Universities rankings, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge rank fourth and fifth globally, while University of Melbourne and University of Sydney rank first and second in the Australia/New Zealand region.

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Learn in a community that expands your perspective

Many noted universities have dynamic academic communities that might challenge how you think and approach new information. You may hear a counterargument you would not have encountered at home. You may discover that a topic you thought you understood looks different in a new context. You may become more confident explaining your own perspective and more willing to reevaluate it when someone else gives you a reason to.

Prestige may help you select a university, but the people and ideas you encounter there are what can make the experience matter.

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Choose prestige with a purpose

A top-ranked university is not automatically the right study abroad choice for you simply because it is highly ranked. Your academic interests still matter. So do your goals, learning style, location preferences, degree requirements, finances, and the kind of experience you want to have abroad.

Instead of asking only, “How prestigious is this university?” ask: “What could studying here allow me to experience?”

Maybe you are drawn to the academic culture, or maybe a particular university fits your field especially well. Maybe you are excited by the resources and opportunities available there. Or maybe you simply want to see what happens when you put yourself in an environment that asks something new of you.

Those are all more meaningful reasons to choose a university than the ranking beside its name.

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Find a leading university for your study abroad journey

Explore IFSA programs at top-ranked universities and find an experience that fits your academic goals, your field, and the challenge you’re looking for.