USA
- Application form, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), financial proof, and student visa (F-1 or J-1).
- After acceptance, receive an I-20/DS-2019 form, pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule a visa interview at your local U.S. embassy.
- Public universities: $20,000-$40,000 per year (out-of-state), Private universities: $30,000-$60,000+ per year.
- Yes, 20 hours/week on-campus during the semester; off-campus work is allowed after 1 year of study via OPT/CPT.
- Personal savings, scholarships, student loans, and on-campus work are common sources of funding.
- Yes, many universities offer scholarships for international students, and you can also apply for external scholarships or government programs (e.g., Fulbright).
- You can apply for OPT (up to 12 months) or STEM OPT extension (up to 36 months) to gain work experience.
UK
- Universities (undergraduate, postgraduate degrees), Colleges (foundation courses, diplomas) and Private Institutions (specialized programs).
- Application form (via UCAS for undergraduates), academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
- For postgraduate programs, you may need a relevant undergraduate degree and sometimes work experience.
- After receiving an offer from a UK institution, apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
- You’ll need to show proof of acceptance, financial support, and English proficiency. Apply online through the UK government website.
- Tuition fees range from £10,000 to £38,000+ per year, depending on the program and institution. Arts and humanities programs tend to be cheaper than medicine or engineering.
- Yes, you can work up to 20 hours/week during term-time and full-time during breaks (if studying at a degree level or higher).
- Some visa categories (like the Graduate Route) also allow you to work full-time after graduation for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).
- Personal savings, scholarships, student loans, and on-campus work are common sources of funding. Some students also receive support from their home country's government.
- Yes, many UK universities offer scholarships for international students. Popular options include the Chevening Scholarship (for postgraduate students), Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific awards.
- Yes, with the Graduate Route visa, you can stay for 2 years after completing a degree (or 3 years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work.
- You may also apply for a work visa if you secure a job with a sponsor.
CANADA
- Public Universities (undergraduate and graduate programs), Community Colleges (diplomas, certificates, and some degrees), Private Institutions, and Technical Institutes.
- Application form, proof of English or French proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English or TEF for French), academic transcripts, proof of sufficient funds, and study permit.
- Apply online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) after being accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Provide proof of funds, a valid passport, and a letter of acceptance.
- Tuition fees range from CAD $7,000 to $29,000 per year depending on the program and institution. Community colleges tend to be more affordable than universities.
- Yes, students with a study permit can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during breaks. On-campus work is available, and off-campus work is allowed with certain conditions.
- Personal savings, scholarships, student loans, and on-campus employment are typical options for funding your studies.
- Yes, many Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students. Government programs like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are also available for graduate students.
- Yes, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing you to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing your program.
AUSTRALIA
- Universities (undergraduate, postgraduate degrees), TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges and Private Education Providers (specialized diplomas, certificates).
- Application form, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
- For postgraduate programs, you may need a relevant undergraduate degree and sometimes work experience.
- After being accepted into a course at a Registered Training Organization (RTO) or University, apply for a Subclass 500 student visa.
- You’ll need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution, proof of financial support, and health insurance (OSHC).
- Tuition fees range from AUD $20,000 to $50,000+ per year, depending on the program and university. Undergraduate degrees typically cost AUD $20,000 - $45,000, while postgraduate programs can range from AUD $22,000 to $50,000+.
- Yes, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the semester and full-time during university breaks
- Postgraduate research students can work unlimited hours during their course.
- Personal savings, scholarships, student loans, and part-time work are common sources of funding.
- You can also apply for Australian scholarships like the Australia Awards or university-specific awards.
- Yes, Australia offers several scholarships, including Australia Awards, Endeavour Scholarships and university-specific scholarships for international students.
- Yes, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to stay in Australia for 2-4 years depending on your qualification and work experience.
EUROPE
- Application form, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and sometimes a motivation letter or portfolio (especially for creative programs).
- For postgraduate programs, you’ll generally need a relevant undergraduate degree.
- Visa requirements vary by country, but in general, you need:
- Offer of admission from a recognized institution.
- Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living costs.
- Proof of accommodation (if required).
- Valid passport and possibly health insurance.
- Depending on the country, apply for a student visa (e.g., Schengen Visa for short stays or National Visa for longer stays in non-Schengen countries).
- EU/EEA students often pay lower fees or no tuition fees, especially in countries like Germany, Norway and Finland.
- Non-EU students typically pay between €5,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the country and program. Tuition fees are higher for private universities or certain programs (e.g., business, medicine, engineering).
- Yes, most European countries allow international students to work up to 15-20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays.
- Some countries (like Germany) allow students to work up to 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.
- Personal savings, scholarships, student loans and part-time work are common funding sources.
- Many European countries offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as the Erasmus+ program or country-specific scholarships (e.g., DAAD for Germany, Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for France).
- Yes, many countries and universities in Europe offer scholarships for international students. Common scholarships include:
- Erasmus Mundus (EU-wide program for international students).
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany).
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France).
- VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium).
- Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden), among others.
- Many European countries offer post-study work visas. For example:
- Germany allows graduates to stay for 18 months to look for a job in their field.
- France offers a temporary residence permit for up to 12 months after graduation.
- The Netherlands has a one-year stay-back permit for graduates to find work.
- Specific regulations differ by country
- Yes, most countries require international students to have health insurance.
- EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU students typically need to purchase private health insurance or a student health plan provided by their university.
- Most European universities have international student offices offering support with cultural integration, academic advice, and mental health services.
- There are also often student organizations to help you meet new people and connect with others from your home country.
- In many European countries, you can bring your spouse and children with a dependent visa, though the rules vary by country.
- Dependent family members may be eligible to work, but this depends on the specific visa regulations of the country.
- Yes, transferring between European institutions is possible, but you will need to check with both universities and ensure that your student visa remains valid. Some countries require notification to immigration authorities if transferring.
