How To Apply for Studying Abroad: Basic Procedures Even Before You Decide Where to Study

“A dream is a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and deadline.” - Henry MacKay.

As aptly put forth by the above quote, we often dream but fail to follow up with actions and a plan, killing the dream before it can become a reality. For most of us students, the question regarding the uncertain future is often nerve-wracking and filled with incertitude and impending crucial decisions. Usually, in a country like India, only a certain section of society emphasises higher education in a prestigious institution abroad. Most of their scepticism is attributed to the economic condition at home and the subsequent haste to get employed for a stable paycheck instead of investing in further education.

If you are a student who is considering studying abroad, there are several factors that you need to give thought. Most aspiring applicants deal with the uncertainty regarding where they would like to study and apply until the application process commences in universities abroad. However, that isn’t any reason not to be prepared before the actual start of the application window. Most universities, irrespective of the program and country, follow similar procedures for considering admission of international student candidature. It is imperative for one to begin planning and to know what is to be expected. Here are some steps to follow for a headstart en route in fulfilling your dreams of studying abroad:

• Research about programs you are interested in:

Direct those regular searches on Google towards the future you envision. You can start by researching programs in your field that align with your academic goals and long-term plans. Consider the location of the university, the tuition fees, scholarship options, language requirements, opportunities, and the average cost of living that suits your lifestyle. 

• Eligibility criteria:

Evaluate and ascertain if you are eligible for the programs you are interested in. Most of the study programs abroad, undergraduate or postgraduate, have a specified mandate for clearing pre-requisite courses with a minimum GPA and language proficiency exams. Some universities and countries require their students to be adept with the local language, particularly in Europe and Latin America.

• Fix up a meeting with an academic counsellor:

While many people consider fixing up meetings with academic advisors and counsellors to be an utter waste of money and resources, especially with the unapologetically mighty know-it-all, the Internet, that can provide one with answers in a few nanoseconds, it is important for one to discuss their goals and to ensure that their stance is right and on track for achieving the same. An academic counsellor with a lot of experience is competent enough to guide one smoothly through the application process. They can help one analyse their shortcomings, help with the technical aspects of the process, i.e., with eligibility evaluation and visa application procedures, and lastly, with the statement of purpose that every student is supposed to present to the university that they are applying.

• Research funding opportunities:

Studying abroad can be very demanding financially and can drain your pockets. Searching for funding opportunities like scholarships, grants, and student loans is always advisable. Many universities abroad have financial assistance cells for international students with tie-ups and special scholarships often offered to students from certain countries with whom they share tie-ups or exchange programs. Other than government or university-funded scholarships and grants, one can also consider approaching external organisations that offer to fund international education if you fulfil their requirement criteria.

• Timeline planning:

To start prepping for applying abroad, you must plan your timeline according to when you want to study abroad. Many students like to apply for postgraduate education right after graduation, while many like gaining some job experience and facilitating savings before they consider higher education. Keeping in mind that the application process can be long and cumbersome, taking up several months, it is important to determine an academic timeline to ensure you have enough time to gather all required materials and documents that need to be in order.

• Application materials:

Once you have decided on a program, you should gather all the necessary application materials like transcripts, letters of recommendation, a letter stating your purpose for applying for higher education abroad, and essays. The required documents and materials may vary depending on the university and the program offered. Before you apply, an updated passport and citizenship proof for verification is advisable. Ensure that all the steps and instructions are followed as the university prescribes.

• Application:

It is important to adhere to deadlines prescribed for applications for international students. You must double-check all the required materials in your application before submitting the same. Once your application is complete, you must inevitably wait several weeks or months for a decisive answer to determine your future.

If you are considering education abroad, proceed with a plan to ensure you attain your goals. All the best for your future!