If you have decided to study abroad and process application ASAP, needed a time bound
action plan. Here is some information and guide lines that would help you move forward.
Understand the requirements.
A valid travel document like Passport is the primary requisite.
All academic documents including mark sheet and certificates from standard 10
onwards to date along with experience certificate if there is any gap.
Make sure that minimum academic entry requirement i.e., the percentage of marks
obtained for the last examination passed satisfy course requirement of the
university / college.
Qualify minimum English language proficiency requirement for the course or
university we select. (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE)
Qualify GMAT/SAT or GTE if required after verifying admission requirements of the
university and country.
Enough fund with its source or sufficient collateral for an education loan for course
fee, accommodation, airfare, health insurance and other living costs.
Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), Curriculum Vita
(CV), and Essays are requirements of most of the universities.
Health and character certificate required for visa processing
Laptop and other study requirements.
Which Country?
The idea of studying abroad can be fascinating yet challenging. Picking the best country
in the world to study abroad may seem easy until you actually start researching. There
are many factors you need to take into consideration.
Since most students studying abroad want to settle in the country, it’s important to
know if its rules and regulations will allow it. Prefer immigration friendly countries
having work permit program along with a post-graduation work permit program. Getting
a PR in countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand is a lot easier.
Study abroad programs aren’t always affordable. So it’s important to consider the
overall expenses involved like tuition fee, accommodation and food charges, cost of
transportation, scholarship offered, health policy etc. The expense of studying abroad
in a country will vary depending on the location, courses, and university you choose.
With crime rates increasing the world over, parents are concerned about their child’s
well-being. Pick a country that has lower crime rates and choose universities that are in
safer areas.
Traveling to another country for education can be a scary experience. But things can
become easier when you have a relative, friend or a well wisher around you.
Why Consultancies?
A lot of study abroad aspirants tend to save the consultancy charges by applying on their
own. Self apply is possible since everything is available over the internet nowadays.
Remember that the efforts pay off in many cases students end up with disappointment.
You would be glad to know that there are study broad consultants like Safe Hands
Abroad can help you in study VISA with their expertise without consultancy charges.
Most of the universities of various countries prefer application through consultancies.
Consultancies more convenient and trust worthy to universities in proper submission of
required documents, timely responses and continued communications till the completion
of process.
Right course and College/University
Choosing the right course is crucial to enjoying your time at university. So make sure you
really explore your options, even if you think you know what you want to study. Your
course will run for two or more years and your workload will feel much lighter if you
genuinely love your course.
Choose the course and university that suits you the most as per your career goals,
academic goals, and field of study.
Check out the structure and content of the course and consider how these might differ
from other universities you are applying to. Subjects at degree level can be quite different
from studying them at school.
Consider the courses that have work placements, courses that you meet the entry
requirements, courses that provide skills that are highly sought-after and add on to the
experience you have.
Narrow down your options regarding the courses and universities. You should list down
the pros and cons of each course and university based on the research you have done as
well as opinions from your parents, peers and your trusted consultants.
Prepare for eligibility Tests.
Once you have identified around few courses that you would like to study in, the most
important thing would be to assess your eligibility to enter into the course. Some courses
may have higher entry requirement test like GMAT such as Health Science courses or
MBA.
Check the University website or enquire consultants for admission requirements and tests
that you need to take.
You have to prepare and book the GMAT/SAT or GRE tests earlier than language
Proficiency tests. Check the English language requirements like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
for each courses and universities. The required score may vary in accordance with the
courses and universities.
It will take around two weeks for the results of the test to be declared. Keep in mind the
month of intake in case you want to retake the test because of any unforeseen or
undesired result.
The documentation process
The documentation process should start before a month from the application deadline.
Scanned copies of academic and travel documents should be in hand.
Language proficiency test result with required score should be ready.
Start constructing your SOP (Statement of Purpose).
Contact your immediate supervisors and professors for the reference letters if required for
the university.
Take the steps for ensuring the necessary funds for the education.
Start Application Processing.
Shortlist and decide the college or the university before the deadline.
Check the University website for the application forms or approach the consultants for
processing application.
If you are confident about the requirements and already qualified for eligibility test, the
next step is to apply for the course.
The application must contain your uniqueness as a candidate and show you in a good
light.
Fill and submit the application before the due date.
Get accepted to University/College.
If you are accepted at the University, you will receive a confirmation mail from the
University about the same. If you wish to go ahead with the University, you should reply
without waiting.
Some colleges and universities might ask for a video interview before sending their
Conditional/Full Offer Letter, so be prepared for that, too.
Do not wait till the deadline to confirm your allotment once the University has sent you a
mail or offer letter. Reply as soon as possible, with whatever you have decided regarding
the program you are accepted for.
Some Universities will also ask for a non-refundable confirmation fee. These fees also
have a definite deadline and should be paid before the due date.
After accepting the offer letter and payment of the fees, the student will receive an
Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment or Confirmation of Acceptance for Study via email.
The email will have information regarding the commencement of the course, course fee,
and complete tenure of the course.
Apply for Student Visa
The processing for student visa will also take time and that should always be considered
before planning. Once you have all the necessary documents, the visa process is not as
complex as it may seem.
Apply for Study loan if required as soon as you get confirmation from the university.
See if you are eligible for any Study abroad scholarships to study in Australia. You should
also apply for them as soon as you get the acceptance letter.
Tickets and Departure
The final step of the whole process is to book the flight tickets. But before that,
accommodation options should be sorted out in case you are not looking for an on-
campus stay.
Arrange an international credit or debit card before flying.
Make sure you have all your required documents in place before flying. Make a pre-
departure checklist and follow that so you do not miss anything important.
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
Original Passport and photocopies of your passport
Visa documents, allied travel documents
Air Tickets, travel insurance documents
University acceptance letter, admissions card, proof of admission to the concerned
program.
Proof of scholarship document, financial documents, loan statement
Necessary medical documents, certificates, prescriptions, health insurance
documents
All academic documents original Transcripts and attested copies
Resume, SOP, LORs
Certificates of GRE/ GMAT/ TOEFL/ IELTS, etc
Previous work experience documents, proof of employment, recommendation from
employers/ supervisors if applicable.
Having a driving license is always recommended
Be sure to carry minimum amount of concerned country’s currency denominations.
If your home bank has a branch in your host nation, then get an international
debit/credit card.
Laptop and other study requirements
A smart Phone for using a local SIM in the new country
Enough dress materials that suits to your new country and its climate.