How much should the percentage of women in a department matter when choosing a university?
The percentage of women can be worth considering if a supportive environment or having nearby peers matters to you, but it does not need to be a deciding factor by itself. Give priority to the curriculum, support systems, department atmosphere, and fit with what you want to study, and use the percentage together with other information.
Key points
- The percentage can be a useful reference when considering whether there may be students with similar experiences.
- By itself, it does not show the department’s atmosphere, how easy it is to seek advice, or the support actually available.
- Compare it alongside the curriculum, facilities, support, and commuting conditions.
Things to check
- The percentage and actual student experience vary by university, faculty or department, and academic year, so check current official information and, where possible, attend information sessions.