You’ve Got Options: Alternate Undergraduate Programs to Consider

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Are you concerned that you won’t qualify for a particular program because you don’t meet the admission requirements, or all of the seats are filled up? Don’t worry, it’s not the end of your study abroad journey! International students should explore all of their program options before submitting their applications. Discovering programs you hadn’t previously considered could direct you to ones that will help you reach your career goals. Today, we’re highlighting alternative programs to consider if you plan on studying abroad in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

A screenshot of the Backup Programs feature's interface.

Application Backup Programs Feature

Before we jump into alternative programs you should keep on your radar, we want to tell you about the latest feature on the ApplyBoard Platform: Application Backup Programs. This feature allows students and recruitment partners to select up to three alternate options for each application before it’s submitted to the institution of their choice. To help increase your chances of acceptance, be sure to use this feature when submitting your applications on ApplyBoard!

A photo of Swinburne University of Technology.

Courtesy of the Swinburne University of Technology.

Australia

Engineering – Software & Computer Science – Network Design | Swinburne University of Technology

5-Year Double Bachelor’s Degree

Want to pursue your post-secondary education Down Under? Check out Swinburne University of Technology’s fantastic selection of programs—specifically its five-year Engineering Software and Computer Science Network Design double bachelor’s degree. This program is a great alternative to a conventional engineering and computer science double bachelor’s degree, as it offers a specialization in software engineering and network design in computer science. This specialization will help you successfully break into the job market.

This program is an excellent option for students seeking a career that combines technical expertise in an engineering field of their choice with skills in software development. With the saturation of technology in modern society, computer science and software engineers are in high demand. Graduates of this double bachelor’s degree program can pursue a wide variety of professional careers. 

Most commonly, graduates become computer programmers, web developers, software engineers, multimedia artists, and computer networking specialists.

A photo of Cape Breton University.

Courtesy of Cape Breton University.

Canada

Engineering Technology – Instrumentation, Electronics, and Controls (Optional Co-op) | Cape Breton University

3-Year Bachelor’s Degree 

International students thinking about studying engineering on Canada’s East Coast should consider applying to Cape Breton University. If you dream of pursuing a career as an engineer, look beyond traditional engineering programs and check out Cape Breton University’s Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree program. This program combines technology and engineering coursework, and is a solid alternative to many traditional engineering programs you may come across.

Engineering technology can be an excellent career choice for students who wish to enter the engineering field in pursuit of hands-on work. Graduates of this program will be in a good position to apply for entry-level roles as technologists or technicians. They can work in industries like engineering services, manufacturing, utilities, research and development laboratories, and with the federal government. 

As innovation drives the modern world forward, and engineering technology builds innovative technologies, companies will jump to hire graduates of this program. 

Check out more programs and academic institutions in Canada on ApplyBoard’s Platform!

A photo of Glasgow Caledonian University.

Courtesy of Glasgow Caledonian University.

United Kingdom

Finance, Investment, and Risk | Glasgow Caledonian University

4-Year Bachelor’s Degree 

International students who want to study abroad in the United Kingdom should consider Glasgow Caledonian University. If you’re interested in pursuing a traditional business management program, look into this Scottish university’s four-year Finance, Investment, and Risk bachelor’s degree program as well. This program will equip you with knowledge in risk, banking and international finance, personal finance, and corporate finance and investment. 

Enrolling in this undergraduate program will put you in a strong position to climb up the corporate financial ladder, particularly in Scotland. This program is specifically targeted at the local financial services sector, giving new graduates an edge over other recent grads. It has a track record of producing in-demand graduates with the expertise and knowledge to succeed in the growing and fast-paced world of finance. Graduates have gone on to become accountants, investment bankers, actuaries, and financial analysts.

Whether you stay to work in Scotland through the UK’s Graduate Immigration Route or take your knowledge elsewhere, this program will equip you with the skills you need to become an asset to financial corporations across the globe.

Studying in the United Kingdom: What You Need to Know

An aerial shot of the University of Iowa's campus.

Courtesy of the University of Iowa.

United States

Medical Anthropology (Included Field Experience) | University of Iowa

4-Year Bachelor’s Degree 

If you plan on pursuing your study abroad journey in the United States, check out the University of Iowa. International students interested in applying to infectious disease and medical programs should consider the university’s four-year Medical Anthropology bachelor’s degree program. This program combines science and culture to offer a holistic view of how the American political, economic, social, and religious systems interact.

Medical anthropology is an excellent option for students seeking a career where they can use medical knowledge to understand how cultural and social factors affect human health, the treatment of illness, and the spread of disease. Graduates of this program can work in various careers, from medical research and medicine to government and academia. 

As people are increasingly looking for a holistic approach to treat and cure illnesses, medical anthropologists are in demand like never before. That makes this program a great option for international students looking to jump into careers in the medical field after graduation.


Ensure you consider all of your program options before applying to academic institutions. And remember to use ApplyBoard’s Application Backup Programs feature when submitting your applications!

Ready to start your study abroad journey? Explore more exciting programs on ApplyBoard today!

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