Physics Career possibilities: Astrophysicist / Astronomer?

[TheGliese]

Hello,
I am in the 11th grade in my high school, which is in Lithuania. This year I had to choose specific levels for my subjects and I chose physics, mathematics, informatics and English as A level subjects (more lessons, more material, better teachers) and left lithuanian, economics, history at level B.
Half a year I had difficulties with maths and English. Both averages were at approximately 60%, while physics and informatics were 90%+. My intention was to study computer technology and programming in either the UK or Netherlands, but after months of thinking I decided to change my mind. I chose astrophysics and/or astronomy as the profession I'd like to study.
My question would be - how real are the chances to enter a university which would provide high quality education for these subjects? And would it be possible for an lithuanian (we're part of the EU) to study in the United States?
Another question would be - what jobs would be available after such studies? I'd like to work on something where cosmic research would be involved, i.e. Terrestrial Planet research or something similar.
I'm looking forward for your answers and suggestions.
Yours faithfully,
D. Bartauskas

 

[mfb]

My question would be - how real are the chances to enter a university which would provide high quality education for these subjects?

I don't know about the Netherlands and the UK - in Germany, most universities accept all or most applications for physics, so if your grades in physics are good you should have a free choice. Some lectures could be held in german only, but exams should have both languages (check this in advance, of course).

Another question would be - what jobs would be available after such studies? I'd like to work on something where cosmic research would be involved, i.e. Terrestrial Planet research or something similar.

Those jobs are rare, and you need some luck to get a permanent job in academic research. But there are other jobs, not directly related to astrophysics, if you have a degree in physics (or similar).

 

[TheGliese]

I don't know about the Netherlands and the UK - in Germany, most universities accept all or most applications for physics, so if your grades in physics are good you should have a free choice. Some lectures could be held in german only, but exams should have both languages (check this in advance, of course).

Thank you for the answer.
The idea of studying in Germany is good. I have lived there for 3 years and learned the language quite well. I will definitely look into that.