Choosing a university involves more than finding a degree program. Students need to understand how their interests, school subjects and qualifications connect with the options available to them. At ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss, near Düsseldorf in Germany, University and Career Counseling (UCC) combines ongoing individual guidance with opportunities to meet university representatives directly.

The recent SRT International University Fair at ISR brought this approach into focus. Students in Grades 10 to 12 explored study opportunities and discussed admissions and university life with representatives from institutions around the world.

ISR’s university and career counseling begins in Grade 8 and continues through Grade 12. Early support helps students consider how their subject choices relate to potential careers and future university requirements.

Through group sessions and individual meetings, students explore their interests, research careers and receive guidance on gaining work experience. As they progress through school, the focus expands to comparing universities, understanding entry requirements and preparing applications.

In Grades 11 and 12, this support becomes more intensive. It includes personal statements and university essays, interview preparation and guidance on submitting applications. The UCC Team also helps students understand the requirements that German universities set for applicants with an IB qualification.

Bringing University Research into Conversation

A university fair gives students a chance to move beyond online research and ask questions directly. At ISR’s SRT International University Fair, participating institutions included IE University, Nottingham Trent University, Esade Business & Law School, ESCP’s Berlin campus, Constructor University and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, among others.

With study options spanning business, engineering, art, design and hospitality, the event offered students different possibilities to consider. Conversations covered degree programmes, admission requirements and student life, helping students connect their academic interests with potential destinations.

For students still exploring their options, these exchanges provided an introduction to unfamiliar pathways. For those with clearer plans, they offered an opportunity to ask more specific questions about their next steps.

The fair forms part of ISR’s broader approach to preparing students for life after school. University visits and personalised counseling give students further opportunities to investigate their choices and identify pathways that reflect their strengths and ambitions.

For families considering an international education, this continuity matters: choosing subjects, exploring careers and applying to university are connected decisions that benefit from guidance over several years.

ISR’s UCC Team, comprising Ms. Wacker, Dr. Corbin and Dr. Bayülgen, organised the fair and continues to support students throughout this process. ISR thanks the team and all participating representatives for helping students explore what their futures could hold.

Learn more about University and Career Counseling at ISR.