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The basics
Study abroad : Applying to University

How to apply to university

Discover what it takes to get your university application right. We explain what you need to consider, remember and do to make the application process easier and more successful.

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Applying to university is a critical step for any international student. University application is the culmination of research, discussion, decision-making and final selection in line with your aspirations. It can initially seem a very complicated process with many elements to consider and remember. But by approaching it methodically and identifying key components, you’ll be in a great position to undertake the task effectively. We detail and explain the most critical aspects of any university application, offer advice on submitting a successful application and provide some insider tips.   

 

Understand university entry requirements

While this point may seem obvious, many admissions offices report receiving applications from students who do not meet the minimum requirements for a course. You must verify what you need for admission to your chosen programme. You can check your prospective university's website, consult the prospectus, or speak directly to the international or admissions office. Some of the most common elements you will need to understand are:

 

  • What are the minimum academic grades and results needed for entry?
  • Whether you will need a previous qualification or demonstrable academic achievement for entry.  
  • The test scores or examinations required. This may include the SAT or GRE/GMAT in the USA. Further, some universities may conduct admissions tests
  • English language requirements you must have. Understand what IELTS score or equivalent you need, especially what you must score in key sections of English tests. 
  • Does the university use interviews and auditions for certain degree programmes? This may also include submitting a portfolio of work. 
  • What are the financial requirements of the university? Submitting proof of financial means showing you can cover your costs. Proof can be provided using a certified bank statement or evidence of financial aid, such as a scholarship or loan. 

 

Not all universities have the same application procedures and entry requirements, so it’s always best to check directly before submitting your university application. Remember that an education counsellor can assist and help you with this too.   

 

Know the application deadlines and dates

Don’t ever leave your application too late. Early applications allow you to relax and can sometimes help secure your place, accommodation and funding. Plus, if there are any queries from the university or additional information they require, the more time you have to submit this the better. 

 

Get familiar with the term start dates of your prospective university and the country you want to study in. It’s recommended that you start and submit your application about a year to nine months before the date you want to begin your degree. Each study destination has a start to the academic year, so make sure you know yours:

 

  • UK: September-October (standard intake for the UK falls within these months)
  • USA: September
  • Canada: September
  • Australia: January-February
  • New Zealand: February

 

These dates reflect the most common start dates in these countries. However, there can be other start dates throughout the year, notably for postgraduate programmes, pathway programmes, associate degrees, diploma courses and pre-sessional or pre-masters courses

 

Don’t forget that you can also read our guide to the ultimate study abroad checklist, which can help you prepare for studying abroad. 

 

 

Have your application documents ready

Universities require you to submit several documents for an application. This will not be identical for all institutions. There is however a standard set of documents that most admissions offices require when evaluating your application. You will need:

 

  • Proof of identity. This will usually need certification and can be a passport or other recognised identity document. 
  • Certified academic transcripts. 
  • Certified copies of qualifications if required. 
  • Proof of English language proficiency with certified test scores.
  • A personal statement or letter of motivation that explains why you should be accepted and have chosen the university and course of study. 
  • Academic and personal references that support your application with a letter of recommendation. Universities will detail who the ideal people to provide your references should be. 
  • Financial statements and information to prove you can cover the cost of studying abroad

 

Some universities will allow you to submit online applications. In this case, you must scan copies of all your documents. Sometimes you will be asked to submit physical copies of your documentation. You can do so by using the post or a courier. Universities typically prefer receiving applications through their own online system or a central admissions service.

 

Understand your offer letter and application status

Once your application is submitted you will need to wait for a decision. The outcome of your application usually takes about six weeks. This can vary depending on the university. Keep in touch with the admissions office and use the online application portal to check your status. 

 

Usually, a university will send official communication informing you of their decision. This can be in the form of a letter, email, SMS or notification. Once you know if you're accepted you generally receive what is known as an offer. Not all offers mean the same thing, so ensure you verify what type of offer you receive. There are four distinct types of offers you should be aware of. These are:

 

  • An ‘Offer in Principle’ is an indicative offer that confirms your admission eligibility for a degree, programme or course. It does not mean you have been accepted. 
  • A provisional offer or conditional offer is usually granted with the understanding that you will still need to complete or meet key entry requirements, such as the required English language level or academic level. It may also be conditional based on available places once an application deadline has passed. 
  • An unconditional offer means that you are accepted and are permitted to study the course with no restrictions. 
  • A withdrawn offer indicates that the university will not accept you due to certain conditions not being met. This can include not successfully passing an entrance test; not performing well in an interview; not achieving the English language results needed; or if you have been accepted by another university. 

 

Your official offer letter is very important when applying for financial aid and your study visa. Make sure you have copies of this important document. 

 

                                       

Apply for a study visa

Once you're accepted by a university abroad, the next step is to apply for a study visa. The application process you must undertake will depend on the destination country and the country you’re from. Some destinations have certain requirements that you need to fulfil, such as supporting documents, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial capacity and so on. You can find out more about applying for a visa in the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand

 

When applying to study abroad, you have to factor in enough time for your visa application to be processed. Timelines for visa applications are not the same for every country, as outlined below:

 

  • UK: You can apply six months before your course start date and typically receive a decision within three to six weeks.
  • USA: Most students require an F-1 visa to study in the USA, which you can apply for up to a year before your course start date.
  • Canada: It is recommended you apply for a Canadian study permit four to six months before starting university. Given delays in recent years, you should also check with your university, the embassy or an education counsellor for the best time to apply.
  • Australia: You must apply for an Australian student visa at least six weeks before your course start date. Universities recommend applying for a visa when you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
  • Ireland: You should submit your application for a study visa about three months before your proposed departure date. 
  • New Zealand: You must apply at least eight weeks before your departure to New Zealand. Visa processing typically takes 30 working days for online submissions and 25 working days for paper forms.

 

When it comes to actually sending off a visa application, the process varies according to each country. For example, if you want to study in the USA, you may need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country where you will attend an interview. In other countries, you will create an account on the government website and apply for a visa through this online system or with a third-party provider.

 

With your new knowledge of how to apply to study abroad, you’re in a better position to make your application stress-free. If you want to further your research and learn more you can read our guides to application mistakes to avoid, key questions to ask your university before application, and your study abroad questions answered

 

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