Less than a couple of decade ago student relied on word of mouth and the information available in their universities when choosing a Master's Program. Today, internet-based searching is the foremost source of advice when it comes to exploring opportunities for postgraduate education.

Students who are interested in studying abroad in particular turn to search engines and course-listing platforms in their search, and often make their decisions based on the information presented online. Using our own and published data about online behavior, it is possible to identify the key trends in how people search for study programs. Understanding these trends is vital for universities to stay competitive in the global educational market.

Timing

We promote postgraduate programs all year round, as academic calendars and application deadlines vary by country and study program. However, regardless of regional differences, the interest in Masters programs, in particular, tends to peak in March, although is high from October through to May. Make sure your announcement is published by the start of each calendar year so you do not miss this rush.

Course Aggregation Platforms

According to Google, most students search for listings of masters courses, rather than directly for specific courses or subject areas. As such, the presence of masters courses on platforms like INOMICS is an important way for students to find them. Additionally our active blog and advice articles, not to mention our resources for economics students means that more students find INOMICS every day. Check out our Multi-Channel Boost to target students across content, email and social media.

First-hand Student Experience

After identifying a country and programs of interest, students look for first-hand experiences before taking a more informed decision. As it is not always possible to contact alumni personally, they will search for available experiences online. Testimonials and videos with real students featured in them are without a doubt a powerful means of filling this information gap.

Quality of Information

Comprehensive and well-presented information online can become a key factor for prospective students in their decision to opt for a study program. This includes coverage of all relevant information like modules, entry requirements, student profiles, application details, fees and financial arrangements, internships, future career opportunities and support for international students.

Language Information

Many universities in non English-Speaking countries struggle to provide the necessary information for international students in English. Even if knowledge of the local language is vital for studies, pages in English are important for a university and its programs to be found online.

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