Want to gain access to a higher quality education than is available in your country? Studying abroad in destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia or Japan can give you that, plus access to high earning career opportunities, a well-connected network and richer life experience.
But there are many pitfalls that can hinder your persuit of becoming an international student. This guide provides a high level overview of the steps you need to take to get your degree overseas.
The importance of early planning
A lot of people underestimate how long the whole process will take. Ideally, you should start planning a year or preferably 2 years before you intend to start your degree. Starting early gives you ample time to choose your target universities, focus on the right qualifications, figure out funding and your visa, and get yourself suitable accommodation.
Too late for that? Don’t let me put you off! It might be a bit harder, but you never know if you don’t try.
Choosing your destination and target universities
It’s a good idea to start by researching potential countries and universities to study at. You don’t have to have your heart set on any one institution. You might change your mind later based on your grades, scholarship opportunities or anything else. But choosing a specific goal gives you the motivation you need and guides your decision making.
Countries
When choosing a country to study in, it’s important to consider the distance from your home country, the vibe, the visas available (both for students and graduates), the career opportunities, the language they’ll be teaching in and the local language. Here are some popular choices to think about (though this isn’t an exhaustive list):
The United States of America
The USA is home to many of the world’s top universities, offering a wide range of courses and extracurricular opportunities. With its diverse culture and numerous cities to choose from, you can find a place that suits your vibe, whether it’s the fast-paced life of New York or the laid-back atmosphere of California. The application process is known for being a bit complex, often involving standardised tests like the SAT or ACT, as well as personal essays and recommendation letters. However, the effort can be well worth it, especially with the extensive scholarship options available. English is the primary language of instruction, but you’ll find a melting pot of languages on and off campus. Student visas allow you to work part-time, and if you’re hoping to stay longer, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program provides a pathway to gain work experience after graduation.
The United Kingdom
The UK offers a mix of historic institutions like Oxford and Cambridge alongside modern, industry-focused universities. Degree courses here are often shorter than in other countries—typically three years for an undergraduate degree—allowing you to save both time and money. The application process is streamlined through UCAS, where you can apply to multiple universities with a single form. The language of instruction is English, and the UK’s multicultural cities make it easy for international students to feel at home. For those looking to work during their studies, a student visa permits part-time employment. The Graduate Route visa also allows you to stay and work for up to two years after completing your degree, making the UK a strong option if you’re considering a career abroad.
Canada
Canada is known for its welcoming atmosphere, high quality of life, and relatively affordable tuition compared to other English-speaking countries. Universities here offer a balance of research opportunities and practical experience, with co-op programs that integrate work placements into your degree. English and French are the primary languages of instruction, depending on the region, so it’s a good choice if you want to improve your bilingual skills. The application process varies by province but generally requires proof of language proficiency and a high school diploma. Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) is a significant draw, allowing you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation, which can be a stepping stone to permanent residency.
Australia
Australia is a top destination for those who love sunshine, beaches, and a more relaxed pace of life. The education system is well-regarded globally, with a focus on research and innovation. Most courses are taught in English, so you’ll need to provide proof of your language proficiency as part of the application process. Tuition fees can be high, but a range of scholarships and part-time work opportunities help offset the cost. The student visa is straightforward and allows you to work up to 20 hours a week during term time. Post-graduation, the Temporary Graduate visa provides a chance to gain work experience in your field, making Australia a solid choice if you’re thinking about staying on.
Japan
Japan’s blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology makes it an exciting place to study. While many degree programs are still taught in Japanese, an increasing number of universities offer courses in English, particularly at the postgraduate level. Learning some Japanese, however, can make your experience much smoother and open up more opportunities. The application process can be intensive, often involving entrance exams and interviews, but the effort pays off with access to world-renowned education and unique research opportunities. Scholarships, such as those offered by MEXT, can make studying in Japan more affordable. The student visa allows part-time work, and for those hoping to stay, Japan’s strong job market for graduates—especially in tech and engineering—can be a major advantage.
Choosing a university
Every country has a unique selection of universities, and deserves its own guide. This is why we’ve already published articles such as Which US College? and Which UK University?, with more to come covering other countries.
As a general rule, these are the priorities you should think about when choosing a university in your target country:
- The university’s reputation
- The university’s prestige in your field
- Tuition fees, living expenses and scholarship opportunities
- Location
Check university rankings (and subject-specific rankings) specific to the country. You should keep in mind that the most important things are how good the degree will look on your CV or resume, and the opportunities and network the university will provide. Both of these things are strongly connected with the university’s overall prestige, which should be your top priority.
Figure out funding ASAP
Studying internationally tends to be very expensive compared to studying in your home country. Some countries such as the UK have capped tuition fees for nationals but not for international students, and offer government-backed student loans only for their own citizens. If you or your parents can pay out of pocket, you can skip this section. If you’re not so lucky, read on.
Tot up the expenses
Add up:
- Your target degree programme’s tuition fees for international students (may be higher than for local students)
- Living expenses in the area of your campus (consider rent, food, bills, other necessities and remember to budget for fun!)
- Travel expenses, especially for flights if you plan to visit home during the holidays
Ways to pay
Scholarships
These are your best option, but you’re going to have to put in the effort at school. Most scholarships available to international students are merit based, so you’ll have to compete with other high-performing students to get them. Needs based scholarships also exist, but they tend to be offered by elite institutions, and getting accepted to those is often just as hard as winning a merit based scholarship.
Some scholarships are offered by universities, others by government bodies or private foundations. There may be industry funded scholarships in your home country where they fund you to study abroad and in return you agree to work for them for a number of years. The UK’s Chevening Scholarship and Australia’s Australia Awards are fully funded scholarships, but they’re highly competitive.
Make sure you research all the scholarships that might apply to you, and persue all that you can for the best chance of success.
Student loans
These are a longshot, but not necessarily out of the question. International students are pretty much universally ineligible for government student loans, but private loans are a possibility. However, you’ll generally need a local cosigner, and the interest on such a large sum of money can be difficult to manage.
Part-time work
This should be your last resort. You’re investing a lot to get an education abroad, and ideally you should make the most of it by giving it your undivided attention. However, international students in many countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada) can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during breaks. This can add up to a significant sum.
One type of work I do fully endorse is internships. These are during breaks, so they don’t interfere with your studies. Depending on your degree, they can be much higher paid than being a burger flipper. Most importantly, they provide great work experience and can directly or indirectly lead to a permanent role after you graduate.
Be a great student
Use your vision of studying at your target university to motivate yourself to become a model student. Read the prerequisites for your chosen degree programme and work towards them methodically.
Qualifications
Make sure you choose the right qualifications to optimise your application. Take a look at what your degree programme expects, and aim higher. Try to avoid taking subjects just for fun. Instead, choose those that are most relevant to your chosen degree.
Extracurriculars
Most universities prefer students who show initiative and active involvement in the community. Join clubs, volunteer, engage in personal projects or participate in competitions. Just don’t allow your extracurricular activities to detract from your academic progress.
Language proficiency
You’re going to need to speak the language of instruction fluently, and it’s important to speak the local language as well if it’s different. Many universities require you to take a test to prove your proficiency.
If you need to brush up on a language or even learn it from scratch, I recommend Squeno. With Squeno, you absorb language naturally by engaging with interactive free content that’s updated daily. The stories are based on current news and classic tales, and have instant translations and slow, clear speech.
There’s also a web browsing feature which converts any web page into the language you’re learning, just at your level and with all the same features as the stories.
Standardised tests
Some universities may require you to take standardised tests. Here are some examples:
- SAT or ACT (Undergraduate, US focus): The SAT typically costs around $55 internationally, and a competitive score might be 1200–1400+ out of 1600.
- GRE (Graduate programs): Costs about $205 in most countries, with a combined Verbal + Quant score of 310+ often considered competitive.
- GMAT (Business programs): Costs around $275, with top-tier programs expecting 600–700+.
Application
Submitting your application as an international candidate from a non-English-speaking background demands meticulous attention to each institution’s specific procedures, deadlines and documentation standards. You’ll generally need to demonstrate strong academic credentials, provide official transcripts in both your native language and a certified English translation, and include any standardized test scores (SAT or ACT in the US, GCE A-Levels for UK-bound applicants, or the EJU for some Japanese universities). If your target country requires a centralized platform—like the UCAS system in the UK or the Common App in the US—make sure you familiarize yourself with their portals’ formats and submission windows. Canadian universities often use province-specific application sites or direct in-house systems, while Australian institutions sometimes let you apply through Tertiary Admissions Centres or directly to the university.
Your personal statement or essay component usually plays a decisive role, so highlight not only your academic achievements but also your motivations for studying overseas, your cultural adaptability and any life experiences that showcase leadership or resilience. Recommendations from teachers or mentors should similarly emphasize your intellectual promise and collaborative spirit; in many cases, you’ll upload these references digitally, so keep your referees aware of each deadline. Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL or PTE) is nearly always required in English-speaking destinations, while Japan-bound students might need JLPT results or other evidence of Japanese proficiency when classes are taught primarily in Japanese.
It’s common to pay an application fee, which can range from about $50 to over $100 per university; budget accordingly if you plan to apply to multiple schools. Once you submit, most institutions will update you through an online portal, asking for additional documents if needed. Respond swiftly and thoroughly, because missing secondary requests for financial statements or further attestations can delay your admission decision. Keep track of every step with a well-organized timeline, and double-check that each university has received all your materials before their final cutoff. Meticulous preparation of these documents and punctual communication with admissions offices can make your application stand out in a crowded pool of international hopefuls.
Visa
Securing a student visa is all about meticulous documentation, early planning, and strict adherence to each country’s regulations. Below, you’ll find key requirements and subtle differences for five popular destinations: the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
First, confirm your official acceptance. Most consulates demand an acceptance letter or equivalent document from a recognized institution. In the US, this is the I-20 form issued by your school. In the UK, you’ll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Canada calls it a Letter of Acceptance, while Australia labels it a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Japan generally requires a Certificate of Eligibility from your sponsoring institution.
Next, prove your financial capacity. Officials want to be certain you can cover tuition plus living expenses. Figures vary: in the US, expect to show funds covering 12 months of expenses (often estimated at USD 20,000–50,000, depending on location). The UK requires evidence for at least 9 months, generally in the GBP 9,000–13,000 range outside London and higher if you’ll be in London. Canada’s proof of funds can run from CAD 10,000 to 15,000 per year (plus tuition). Australia’s guidelines hover around AUD 21,000 for living costs. Japan commonly expects several thousand USD (converted to JPY) as proof of solvency. Always check official government guidance for precise amounts.
Language proficiency is usually a critical part of the visa review, even if your program is in English. For English-speaking countries, certificates like IELTS or TOEFL are widely accepted. Some Japanese universities may request language test results or additional interviews. A failure to demonstrate the right proficiency can lead to a visa denial, so keep your documentation clear and consistent.
Timing is everything. Student visa applications can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months or more to process, and you may face appointment backlogs. If you plan to start in the fall, aiming to submit your paperwork at least 3 to 6 months in advance is wise. If you miss a deadline, some universities will let you defer your enrollment to the following semester, but that’s never guaranteed—be proactive.
Health requirements also matter. Several destinations demand proof of medical insurance tailored to international students. Australia and Japan, for instance, often require compulsory local health insurance enrollment. In the US, certain universities mandate specific coverage levels or plans. If your policy doesn’t comply, expect to purchase a new one or upgrade upon arrival.
Finally, follow all post-arrival rules. Some visas limit on-campus versus off-campus work or restrict the number of hours you can work weekly (often 20 hours during term time). Misinterpreting these regulations can endanger your status. Keep track of any local registration steps you must do once you land—some places require you to register your address or personal details within a set timeframe.
In short, gather detailed financial evidence, confirm your enrollment, lock down your language credentials, and apply early. Each country’s system has its own quirks, but they all prioritize the same core elements: legitimate enrollment, adequate funds, and readiness to follow visa conditions. That’s the formula for a successful student visa application.
Pre-departure arrangements
If you are accepted into a university and successfully obtain a visa, contrats! Nothing can stop you now. Heres’s what you need to sort out before you go:
- Housing: Apply for on-campus accommodation early if available; spots fill fast.
- Travel: Book flights 3–6 months in advance for better deals.
- Insurance and health: Most countries require health insurance—budget USD 500–2,000 per year. Get any mandatory vaccines or health checks done ahead of time.
- Documents: Prepare your passport, visa, admission letter, financial proof, and insurance details in a single folder for easy access at customs.
- Finances: Open a local bank account if possible and bring some local currency (USD 300–500 equivalent) for initial expenses.
- Cultural prep: Learn basic local customs and keep contact info for your school’s international office and embassy handy.
When you arrive, don’t be afraid to ask questions. University staff will be happy to help you with anything you need.
Good luck with your international academic journey! Be sure to bookmark HowToStudyAbroad.com and check out our other articles. Thanks for reading!