How many baskets should I put my eggs in?

Well, that’s a very big question. Sounds like you’re picking where to have your postgraduate study?

There is no magic number when it comes to postgraduate applications. The right number depends on your programme, qualifications, goals and personal circumstances. Instead of deciding on a number first, it is better to understand what should influence your choices.

Start With the Programme You Want to Study

Some postgraduate degrees are offered by many universities, while specialised programmes may only be available at a few. This can affect how many schools you have to consider.

Look at your academic profile and the admission requirements. Your grades, degree classification, professional qualifications and work experience should be compared with what each university requires.

Remember, having a nursing degree does not automatically qualify you for every postgraduate programme. Some may require specific undergraduate courses, professional registration, work experience or additional qualifications.

Let Your Career Goals Guide You

Career goals should also guide your choices.

Don’t just ask, “Where can I get admission? Which university is the best ranked?” Ask, “Which university or programme will take me where I want to go?”

If you hope to enter academia or pursue a PhD, for example, research opportunities, faculty expertise and the academic strength of the programme may be particularly important.

Consider the Cost and Location

Cost and location can make a big difference. This is the practical side.

Look beyond tuition fees and consider application fees, accommodation, transportation, books and other expenses. Also think about whether you are willing to relocate, commute or study remotely.

Compare the Actual Programmes

Once you have narrowed down your options, compare the actual programmes, not just the universities.

Look at the courses, areas of specialization, lecturers, research opportunities, facilities and what graduates go on to do.

A famous university is not automatically the best choice if another school offers a programme that fits your goals better.

Check Accreditation and Recognition

Accreditation and recognition should also be checked.

The programmes should be recognised by the appropriate authorities, and the qualification should be useful for your intended career or future studies.

Consider the Competition

Competition is not an unknown factor, and many admission losses can be attributed to it.

Some programmes are much more competitive than others. If your preferred programme has a highly competitive admission process, having additional suitable options can give you some flexibility.

Don’t choose alternatives simply because you think they are easier to get into.

Build Your List Strategically

A good strategy is to start by making a top three list of your preferred schools. These should be programmes that genuinely match what you want, not simply schools you think might accept you.

Then add a few alternatives that still meet your important requirements. This way, you are not putting everything on one school, but you are also not applying randomly.

Look at the course content, specialization, fees, location, research opportunities, entry requirements and how well the programme fits your long-term career plans.

Then, build around those three choices. Have strong alternatives in case you are not admitted to your first choices.

You can think of your options as your first choices, solid alternatives and safe choices. This gives you room to adjust without settling for a programme that does not fit your goals.

Don’t Choose Based Only on Rankings

Don’t fall into the trap of applying only to big-name universities or choosing based entirely on rankings.

There are plenty of lesser-known schools with strong programmes, good lecturers and valuable research opportunities. What matters is how well the programme fits you.

Choose the Programme That Fits Your Future

At the end of the day, you are not simply choosing schools. You are choosing programmes that fit your qualifications, circumstances and future plans.

The best decision is an informed one. Apply to schools that check your boxes, rather than schools you simply think might accept you.

Choosing a postgraduate school is more than just picking a school. It can shape your career path.

Nursiscope helps nurses make informed decisions by providing practical insights into postgraduate pathways, programme options, career opportunities and requirements, as well as what each choice could mean for their future.

Instead of choosing a programme simply because it sounds interesting, nurses can better understand where it can take them, how it aligns with their goals and whether it is the right fit for their career aspirations.

Our goal isn’t just to get you a postgraduate degree. It’s to help you get the right one.

Need Support on Your Postgraduate Journey?

Choosing the right postgraduate programme can be a lot easier when you have the right guidance.

If you are exploring postgraduate options and need support understanding your choices, requirements or possible career pathways, reach out to Nursiscope for postgraduate mentorship and guidance.

Get postgraduate mentorship and support:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omolade Adesugba is a Registered Nurse and Midwife trained at the Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba, Lagos. Her interests span nursing, midwifery, research, leadership, and global public health. She is passionate about research and data analysis and their role in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings. She hopes to advance into academia and global health leadership, combining research, teaching, and practice to contribute to improved health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.