General FAQs:
Studying abroad gives you a chance to get an education in top-ranked universities across the globe. It also exposes you to different unique cultures and offers global career opportunities. Moreover, it paves the way to Permanent Residency in your host country.
It all depends on your requirements. Certain factors, such as your budget, ranking of the university you are interested in studying in, language requirements of the university, cost of living in a particular city of a country, and, of course, immigration policies if you are interested in settling after your graduation, must be considered before you choose a specific university in a particular country.
Basic requirements that you need to fulfill when you decide to study abroad include:
- Verified and apostilled academic transcripts and certificates.
- Your valid passport
- Your Language score (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, or whatever test your preferred university accepts.)
- Financial proof that you can pay your university fee and bear living expenses(a bank statement is often required as proof).
- A Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP)
It is advisable to start the application process well in advance, at least six months before, because visa processing can take more time for certain countries than the rest.
Most countries allow students to work part-time for 20 hours per week. However, policies and student visa rights vary from country to country. That is why it is always necessary to check all the details with the immigration authorities of your desired country.
Admission Guide:
Finding the best university or college to study abroad depends on the following factors:
- Total tuition fee with an initial deposit.
- Fully-funded or partially-funded scholarships for international students.
- Ranking & reputation of your desired university (Check out rankings on QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities)
- Courses available in the university.
- Faculty expertise.
- Campus facilities for international students.
- Student support services for international students offered by the university.
- Number of international students who graduated from the university and their success percentage.
- Employment opportunities worldwide after graduation.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a personal essay that details your academic background, career goals, and why you are a perfect fit for a particular university to pursue your academic career. A well-written and properly structured Statement of Purpose enhances your chances of securing admission to the university of your choice.
Not at all. As the statement of purpose requires you to explain why you would be a perfect fit in a particular university, writing one Statement of Purpose for all universities can seriously affect your admission prospects in your desired university. So, write a specific Statement of Purpose for every university or college you are applying to.
A Letter of Recommendation is a confirmation from your institute, professor, employer, or mentor highlighting your character, skills, & potential. It makes you stand out from the rest to secure admission to your desired university.
Typically, universities charge $50 to $150 as an application fee to international students. However, the application fee may vary from university to university. Check on the university’s official website before you start the application process.
Visa Guide:
Visa Guide:
A student visa is necessary for an international student to travel to a specific country for a particular study period. No international student can pursue his studies in a foreign country without a student visa.
Before applying for a student visa, you must get an acceptance letter from the university you are interested in studying. Then, you must do the following:
- Gather all the necessary documents required by the embassy.
- Please complete the online visa application form on the official website of the country you want to visit.
- Pay the student visa application using your account. (Your sponsor can also pay from their account if you have the proper documentation to prove the sponsorship)
- Attend the interview at the embassy if required. (Properly prepare yourself for the interview because if you fail to convince them that your reasons to study abroad are bona fide, you may not be issued a student visa.)
The following documents are required for a student visa application:
- An admission letter or offer letter issued by the university (In the UK, it is known as CAS (Confirmation of acceptance for studies); in the US, it is called an “Acceptance Letter”; in Australia, it is termed a “Letter of Offer “; in Canada, it is called a “Letter of Acceptance”. All the terms mean the same thing—an admission letter.)
- Your valid passport.
- Financial proof that you can pay your fees and living expenses (Typically, a bank statement for a specific period is required to prove your financial stability).
- Language proficiency test score if required by the university. (Some universities do not need a language proficiency score and allow you to proceed with your studies based on your MOI (Medium of Instruction) in the previous classes.
- Health insurance if required by the rules.
Visa application processing time varies from country to country, with some countries taking only a few weeks while others taking months. It also depends on your country of origin, as visa policies are stricter for certain countries than others. It is highly recommended that you apply well in advance for your student visa.
Yes, most countries allow student visa extensions, but the final decision is made according to the visa and immigration policies of your host country. You should visit the official website for details on visa extensions for your host country.
The following tests are widely recognized by universities worldwide:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- A few universities accept the DET (Duolingo English Test).
It depends on the requirements of the university you are interested in studying in. For example, if the university requires you to get certain bands in IELTS, you will have to pass it. Check the university’s official website before enrolling in a specific language proficiency test.
Financial Information:
The cost of studying abroad varies from country to country. Generally speaking, tuition fee ranges for the most popular destinations are as follows:
High-Cost Countries:
- USA: $10,000 – $55,000 Per Year (Cost is higher for private universities)
- UK: £15,000 – £40,000 Per Year
- Canada: $10,000 – $40,000 Per Year
- Australia $15,000 – $45,000 Per Year
Affordable Cost Countries:
- France $3,000 – $15,000 Per Year
- Germany $0,000 – $15,000 Per Year (Most of the public universities do not charge tuition fees while private universities charge the same)
- Netherlands $7,000 – $22,000 Per Year
- Malaysia $5,000 – $15,000 Per Year
- Singapore $10,000 – $30,000 Per Year
Low-Cost Countries:
- Poland $2,000 – $5,000 Per Year
- Hungary $3,000 – $7,000 Per Year
- Turkey $3,000 – $10,000 Per Year
China $2,500 – $10,000 Per Year
Yes, most universities offer different scholarships, such as merit-based and need-based scholarships. Some are fully funded, while others are partially funded.
Yes, most countries require you to show your bank statement for a specific period to prove your financial stability and pay your tuition fee and living costs. However, bank statement requirements vary from country to country.
Yes, many banks in your host country would offer you a student loan, which you must pay after graduation. However, you need to check the terms and conditions and interest rates for repayment before you decide to take a loan from the bank.
Accommodation and Living:
Following are the types of accommodations available for international students:
- On-campus residence in university dormitories
- Shared apartments (Off-campus) among the students.
- Paying guests with local families or Homestays
- Purpose-Built Student Accommodations
Many countries have made health insurance mandatory for international students. However, a few countries do not require health insurance. It is highly recommended that you check your host country’s health insurance policies.
Post-study work and career opportunities:
Yes, almost all the popular countries offer post-study work opportunities to international students. Favorable post-study work opportunities for some popular destinations for international students are as follows:
| Country | Name of the Post study work visa | Validity Period |
| UK | Graduate Route | 2 year |
| USA | Optional Practical Training | 1 Year for regular OPT and up to 3 Years for STEM OPT |
| Canada | Post Graduation work permit | Up to 3 years |
| Austraila | Temporary Graduate visa | From 2 to 4 years |
| Germany | Job seeker visa | 6 to 18 months |
The following documents are typically required for a Post-Study Work Visa:
- Valid student visa (The student visa should not expire at the time of application)
- Proof that you have graduated from your host country.
- Financial stability proof.
Yes, most universities help their graduates find jobs. However, international students must also make all-out efforts to find a career.
Cultural adaptation & student life:
You can make yourself comfortable in a new culture if you
- Try to learn local traditions and customs
- Try to learn local language greetings and common phrases.
- Attend local festivals and cultural events.
- Visit cultural heritage sites.
- Befriend local students.
- Keenly observe how locals interact with one another.
Common challenges facing international students are:
- Homesickness (Will fade away as you adapt to new culture)
- Language barriers (You can partially overcome them if you learn common local phrases and greetings)
- Adaptation to new culture, lifestyle, and teaching style.
- Financial constraints (Find a part-time job to meet your financial obligations)
- Understanding local rules and regulations and staying compliant in the beginning.
- Making new friends
Health, Safety, and Legal Matters:
Yes, it is safe for international students to live and study abroad. However, if you are concerned, you can check a few indicators, such as political stability, crime rate, health and safety standards, local laws and legal protection, the attitude of locals towards foreigners, and government travel advisories for the country you are interested in studying in.
Follow these steps:
- Report immediately to the local police station.
- Immediately get in touch with your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Apply for a new passport through your country’s embassy.
University ranking & accreditations:
Indeed, international rankings are one of the key factors you should consider before applying for a specific university course. However, this is not the only deciding factor. You need to consider the following factors as well:
- Tuition fee, living cost, and location of your campus.
- Reputation or ranking of the program you are interested in.
- Qualification & achievement of faculty members in your desired discipline.
- Employability percentage of alumni.
Yes, some universities allow you to transfer your course from one university to another subject, subject to specific terms and conditions, such as:
- Policies of transfer of credit hours.
- Criteria of acceptance by both universities.
- Visa regulations of the host and the receiving country.
- Timing of the transfer (Whether the transfer is allowed at the beginning or any time during the academic Year)
- Language requirements (Whether you need an additional language proficiency score to transfer your course or not)
- Financial considerations.
Yes, many universities offer research project opportunities to their students, even at the undergraduate level. What you can do is to:
- Work as a Research Assistant with your professor. (Apply and convince your professor that you are going to be a perfect fit)
- Keep an eye on summer research programs such as MITAC and DAAD and apply well in advance.
- Keep checking all government-funded research-related opportunities.
- Collaborate with student clubs focusing on research-related projects.
Language Requirements & Study without IELTS/TOEFL
Yes, there are a few universities that allow you to get enrolled without IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL subject to the following conditions:
- If your MOI (Medium of Instruction) in the previous course or degree was English.
- Can you produce an English language proficiency certificate from your previous college/university?
Travel & Packing Essentials for Studying Abroad:
You need to pack all your documents, including your valid passport, student visa, offer or admission letter, laptop, chargers, medicines (if any), and any other relevant document that you may need in the foreign country.
How do I manage jet lag while I travel to a different time zone?
You need to do the following practices to manage the jet log:
- Before the departure: Try to sync your sleep pattern with the time zone of the country you will travel to for 2 to 3 days.
- During the flight: Stay hydrated and avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol. Walk a bit to improve the circulation of blood and prevent stiffness.
- After arrival, expose yourself to sunlight to adapt to the new time zone and avoid taking naps during the day. Moreover, a light and balanced diet helps regulate your body clock.
Banking & Financial Management:
Although formalities vary from country to country, you can provide the following documents to the bank to open an account:
- Your valid passport
- Proof of your enrolment in a local university/college (Your admission letter)
- A local address in your host country. (The place where you are staying)
Should I open a bank account or use an international debit card as an international student?
It all depends on the length of your stay. If you are staying for a shorter period, such as 6 months, you should prefer using an international debit card. However, if you are staying for a longer period, such as one year or more than a year, you should preferably open a bank account to avoid conversion fees.
Legal Rights and Students’ Responsibilities:
Your entitlement to legal rights varies from country to country, but the following legal rights are available to international students in almost all countries. You have the entitlement to:
- The same educational opportunities are available to the local students.
- The same housing rights as the local students.
- Seek help from student unions or international student support services in case of discrimination.
- Work for the hours mentioned in the terms and conditions of your student visa.
- Avail healthcare and insurance benefits whenever in need.
- Freedom of speech and expression.
If your visa expires during your studies, apply for a new one immediately. Overstaying in your host country may result in a fine and deportation.
Yes, you can apply for Permanent Residency after your graduation. However, every country has its criteria for Permanent Residency. Check the requirements of your desired country before you start studying abroad.
Mental Health & Well-Being:
There are plenty of options that you can use to overcome homesickness. Some of them are:
- Stay connected with your friends and family through video calls and social media platforms
- Try making new friends in your host country and spending time with them.
- Engage yourself in productive activities to distract yourself from feeling alone.
You can manage stress by following these simple tips:
- Maintain study-life balance.
- Do not let homesickness get on your nerves.
- Take exercise regularly.
- Join some student clubs to keep you busy.
- Find a hobby to have some personal time for yourself.
- Practice meditation regularly.
- Take a good night’s sleep.
- Do not use excessive caffeine or alcohol.
- Set realistic goals to avoid disappointment.
Climate Adaptation & Seasonal Changes:
You may face the following challenges in university while you study abroad:
- Language Challenge (You may not be able to understand the local language of the people of the host country)
- Difference in teaching methodology of professors.
- The difference in the university grading system.
- Independent or self-study requirement (The University may ask its students to work independently, making it difficult for newcomers to adapt.
Many international universities hold cultural nights and encourage students to join international student organizations to promote different cultures.