Do you want to study abroad and become an international student? This is the right guide for you! Sometimes the entry requirements to study abroad can be scary but you don’t need to stress out! The sooner you start your research and begin the process to apply, the higher are your chances of acceptance. What are the entry requirements to study abroad?
With this guide you will be able to know and prepare the basic entry requirements that you’ll need to apply to international universities. Here are the 10 most important entry requirements to list for an university:
1. Choose the best program for your goals
First, you have to decide where and what you want to study. It’s normal that you have more than one option, but consider your career prospects and choose the area and specialization that best suits you. You should also choose a university that is highly ranked.
Important: it is wise to apply to at least two or three universities, it’s normal for you to get rejected or for things to not go exactly as you want.
2. Record the requirements and deadlines carefully
You can’t apply to any institute if you don’t know its requirements and the deadlines to apply! Try to find information on the university’s website, send them an email or maybe join the students groups so you can talk with some of them and get exclusive insights. It’s also really important that you know the deadlines to make sure that you don’t miss the admission.
Most of this information will be available on the programmes web page, so you should just check them and see if they are up-to-date.
3. How can you apply?
Usually, you’re able to apply through the website of the university. Although, in some institutes you can apply on specific platforms. Some of these can even have settings that help you choose your degree, in case you still have doubts at the moment of application.
4. Prepare yourself for the TOEFL or IELTS test
If you want to become an international student and english it’s not your first language, you need to take an English language test. You can only study abroad depending on your score, if it matches the minimum grade that the university requires.
These tests are not easy, so you should book the test with time for you to prepare. Also, it can take time from the day you book the test until the day that you take it. If you apply too late, you might not get an opening.
5. Register for the entrance exam
In some countries you need to take an entrance exam that tests your knowledge in general, like natural science and your language skills, for example. It’s the case in India.
Don’t forget to record the date of the exam, it’s usually one month before the school’s opening day, and to prepare yourself for the test.
6. Write a remarkable motivation letter
Usually, universities require a motivation letter. And what is this? It’s a letter where you explain why you want so bad to study in that university, what you think you can gain and what have you accomplished to guarantee that you are up to the challenge.
You should always be honest as you share your experiences and evaluate your skills. You can find lots of examples on the internet, even though you need to make your letter stand out.
You may also want to read “How to write a memorable Personal Statement?”.
7. Ask for recommendation letters
It’s really important that when you’re applying to any university (not only in a foreign institute) you have recommendation letters. Ask your colleagues, teachers, mentors, if they can write you a reference letter where they explain why you’re such an important asset and corroborate the skills that you already said you have in your motivation letter. You can’t be shy when it comes to your future!
8. Translate and authenticate your documents
Don’t forget that probably in the country where you are going people don’t speak your native language. If so, you need to translate every document, including your diploma, to the country’s native language and the translation needs to be authenticated by a competent authority. Our advisers can help you with the translation of documents if you need! (link)
Also, prepare the documents as soon as possible so if something is wrong you still have enough time to change it.
9. Apply for your student visa
Once you receive a letter of acceptance at the university of your choice, you need to apply for a student visa – this is not necessary in every country, like in EU countries, make sure you know what is necessary in the country where you are going to study.
Getting the visa can take time so try to apply as soon as possible. The documents you’ll need are a bank statement, the application form, the receipt of payment for your application and university tuition fee, your passport, medical and background information.
10. Plan for the costs
Last but not least, make sure you have the money for all that’s necessary: costs relating to the school’s entrance exam, translating documents, booking the English language test, tuition fees, and visa application fees.
Make a good plan for your likely costs and it’ll be fine!
Did you enjoy reading “What are the entry requirements to study abroad?”? Don’t forget that every country has its own specific rules for international students.
We know that following all these steps can be difficult and overwhelming. That’s why our team is here to help you complete all the steps on this list. Talk to us.