Eleni pursued her Master's degree in Forensic Science at Uppsala University. She discovered her academic path through Online Result. We sat down with Eleni to discuss her personal experience navigating the search and application process for universities abroad.
About herself
My name is Eleni Liapi, and I am a 25-year-old student from Greece.
Currently, I am based in Cologne, Germany, where I am completing a one-semester research project for my Master's thesis. I am enrolled in the two-year Master's degree programme in Forensic Science at Uppsala University in Sweden.
I was drawn to study abroad by the specific specialisation this programme offered, which perfectly aligned with my post-graduate goals in Biology. Additionally, the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in the field was a deciding factor in my choice.
Studying alongside international peers has become increasingly common, and being part of a diverse classroom has consistently inspired me and broadened my perspective on global issues.
Searching for study options
I began researching Master's programmes roughly two years before graduating from the School of Biology in Athens. I ultimately identified this programme through a combination of using Online Result and independent research.
Uppsala University is globally recognized for its high-impact research, particularly within the biomedical sector. Furthermore, as an EU citizen, the benefit of tuition-free education in Sweden was a major advantage, alongside the university’s vibrant and diverse international community.
Online Result proved to be an invaluable resource during my search, as it clearly outlines all essential requirements, fees, and application deadlines in a practical, user-friendly format that simplifies the decision-making process.
Choosing a University
My primary priority was the curriculum's structure and content. I was specifically looking for a programme that demonstrated how scientific rigor could be applied to justice and criminal investigations.
The chance to attend lectures from international guest researchers at Uppsala University provided an invaluable learning experience. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of the programme played a significant role in my final selection.
The flexibility to conduct my Master's thesis abroad was another major draw, as it promised to enhance my practical skill set. I truly value the opportunity to learn from such accomplished forensic researchers.
I was also accepted into the University of Amsterdam (UvA). While their two-year Forensic Science programme is excellent, laboratory training is mostly concentrated in the final semester. In contrast, Uppsala University integrates hands-on laboratory experience into every course and semester, particularly leading up to the thesis.
While the UvA attracts students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, the cohort at Uppsala primarily shares a Biomedical foundation, creating a more cohesive group dynamic. Furthermore, Uppsala offers tuition-free education for EU citizens, unlike the semester fees required at UvA.
Before graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I completed a six-month laboratory placement in Sweden via the Erasmus Scholarship. This gave me an early, comfortable introduction to Swedish culture, lifestyle, and cuisine.
Uppsala’s location is ideal, sitting just 30 minutes from Stockholm. This proximity makes traveling to the capital for civil services easy and provides quick access to the main international airport.
I took the IELTS exam in Athens, which was a very smooth experience. With two months of dedicated preparation, I achieved a strong score, which I chose specifically because it is widely accepted by universities across Europe.
Recommendations
My advice to prospective students is to focus on your specific area of interest. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each university, communicate directly with programme coordinators, and make an informed decision based on your unique priorities.
I was fortunate to have family support to help cover the costs of my Master’s programme. Balancing a rigorous international degree with part-time work can be extremely challenging, so financial planning is key.
In Uppsala, students can work at student-run sororities, pubs, and restaurants to earn a bit of extra spending money. I highly recommend researching national and international scholarships early to secure additional financial assistance.
Relocating for a two-year Master's degree requires meticulous planning. You must account for significant setup costs, including rent, monthly transportation, textbooks, and daily living expenses.
Finally, securing accommodation is a critical step, as demand often exceeds supply. I strongly advise starting your "house-hunting" process as early as possible.
Did Eleni’s story inspire you to pursue your own studies abroad?
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