Who does not want to study in universities like Harvard, Oxford or MIT? As the world gets more competitive, the quality of the university you get your degree from can determine a lot about your future. Getting a degree from a foreign university can give you an edge over graduates of local varsities. This article is all about how to apply to international universities. Read on!
Related: How to apply for scholarships in international universities
Many applicants do not realize that applying to an international university is not just the matter of submitting an application form; it’s about planning and researching each and everything, from choosing the degree program to shortlisting the universities you want to study in.
So, if you’re interested in studying abroad, then we’re sharing the steps you need to follow to apply to international universities.
Choose Preferred Degree Program and University
Start by deciding what you want to study and where. Once you have decided the degree program, then look for the universities that are offering your preferred degree program. From faculty to student life they are offering, you need to extensively search for all things related to the university and degree. You can get all the information from the university website. After completing your research, make a list of the universities which you think are the best for you.
Now head over to the selected universities and check their degree requirements, admission deadlines and fee structures. This is important because you have to meet the university’s set requirements and fees. After looking at all these things, you need to start the application process.
Prepare and Take Standardized Tests
To get into the foreign universities, you have to take English languages proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, and some standardized tests like SAT, GRE, GMAT etc. In most of the international universities, you need to take SAT for undergraduate program and GMAT and GRE for Master’s Level.
Related: How to ace IELTS Exam
The language proficiency test is compulsory, however, it depends on the university which they have requested. In the US, usually, TOEFL is requested and universities in Australia and Britain prefer IELTS.
Related: How to get good score in SAT, GRE and TOEFL
Note: The universities will ask for the proof of these tests during the application procedure.
Fill the Application Form
Once you have got a minimum score in the standardized tests, you need to head over to the university official website and fill in the application form. Most universities demand the following information and documents.
- All personal details such as name, address, age etc.
- High school and college grades
- IELTS or TOEFL test score
- Preferred degree program
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of Purpose/Motivational letter
Once you have entered all the required information and attached the required documents, you have to pay the application fee and submit the application form.
Note: You can get a recommendation letter from your professors or high school/college principal.
The statement of purpose or motivation letter is demanded by some universities. It is just a way of explaining to the university that why studying at that university means so much to you and what you’d gain while being their student.
Be completely honest while writing this letter because most of the times a good motivational letter can help you to get accepted even if your grades are not good. So, take your time and put all your efforts in writing this letter. Some universities require you to take a personal interview as well.
After applying, you need to wait for the response from the university. If they have selected you then you need to start your visa process.
Applying for Visa
After getting a confirmation letter from the university, prepare all your documents and apply for your visa in the nearest consulate or embassy. The documents you need are:
- University confirmation letter
- Bank statement
- Valid passport
- Verified academic documents
- Photograph
All of the above-mentioned documents are compulsory for the visa application process. The bank statement is important because it shows that you can pay for your studies and can bear all your living expenses. The letter must be signed and stamped by the bank and should be written in English.
After submitting the visa application, you will be called for an interview. It will be a virtual interview and you will be asked a few questions regarding your education visa request. After the interview, you have to wait for your visa request to be accepted. Once accepted, pay the university semester fee and book your flight ticket.
Some students think it is near impossible to get to international universities. However, thousands of students get into the overseas universities of their dream each year. So, it is possible and those who get into these universities have the right information, advice and strategy.
There you have it! This is all about how to apply to international universities. If you have found this article helpful, then let us know in the comments.