If one were to do a cursory search on the internet, one would see many questions and curiosity about how to apply to study abroad. The answer to the question is more complex than many factors that a student gets evaluated, and they must show strong proficiency.
The journey to reach the final destination can be arduous and require patience and planning. Still, there are always intelligent tips and tricks to increase the chances of getting applied and avoid late-stage issues.
This blog will give you all the tools to optimise your application best and, in the process, answer your burning questions that you may have.
Six Tips On How To Apply To Foreign Universities
Tip-1 Timing
Students often ask us the question: when to apply for study abroad? And like all significant decisions in life, timing plays a crucial part in ensuring that you are at the right time and place to start your journey. On average, you need at least 1 and a half to 2 years before you start your college program.
Ensure that your application is ready early for the fall season (August- December), as the seats are often offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so always keep that in mind.
Tip-2 What To Look For In Colleges
Students who work hard and work closely with consultants can get offers from various great universities. When there are too many options at hand and not a lot of time, it can feel like an overwhelming, at times paralysing choice as making the wrong move can feel like the end of the world.
It is essential to take a deep breath and look at the facts and features of any given college. Here are some questions that can help you boil down your choices-
- What are the supplementary educational facilities like?
- Does it have a library or labs to experiment with?
- Is the accommodation provided satisfactory or feels inadequate?
- Does it encourage you to explore your program and have other extracurricular activities?
It is essential that one avoids getting overwhelmed by uncertainties of things going wrong.
Decide with your heart in place, but act swiftly, as indecision can stop you from leaping forward.
Tip-3 Understand The Requirements Of Colleges
One of the biggest reasons why many student applications get rejected is because they apply as broadly as possible with the hope that it can increase their chances. The issue that can arise from using everywhere is that the amount of documentation can burden one and cannot create a perfect profile for any college.
Try to apply to many colleges, but always ensure cultural similarities within the top 5 or 10 college picks you have made. When there is a good enough overlap in the culture, curriculum, and accreditation, you can be much more confident that you are meeting the requirements of the colleges instead of aimless applications.
Also read: Principles of Study Abroad Application Essay and Sample Included
Tip-4 Maintain Robust Documentation
The second key to answering the question of how to apply to study abroad. You must maintain a strong documentation ethic and have a proper folder where you have assembled all the documents. Download all the documents, brochures and other college documents in advance and in hand all the time.
You will be required to prepare for the following aspects-
- Student Visa
- IELTS, TOPLE
- Prepare SOP and Personal Essay
- Apply for College exams( if needed).
- File For GRE, GMAT and other exams for Masters.
All the documentation will take a lot of time and effort and requires one to be diligent.
Maintain good contact with the study abroad consultants in Delhi, who will guide you through the process and help you explain the various intricacies of the documents.
Tip-5 Get Experience And Testimonials
Abroad colleges have specifically started focusing on what experiences a candidate has partaken in and what their teachers’ principal thinks about the overall behaviour pattern. It is essential to gain a great experience letter from the teachers you have a strong bond with, as a good recommendation letter with a lot of heart and love is a strong signal for a college recruiter.
Candidates can work with NGOs to gain valuable experience, and in turn, they provide students with certificates and showcase the strong moral and ethical characteristics of the following candidate. You can always take some time off from college or school life and go backpacking to teach in underprivileged schools before applying to study abroad.
Tip-6 Factor In Living Cost
When going abroad in a foreign country, you must always look at the cost of living as it can be significantly higher than your hometown. Students always factor in significant costs like accommodation or tuition fees but need to research the average living cost of the region.
When living in a foreign country, sudden and unexpected expenses can arise. Even drinking the usual coffee or ticket costs can increase significantly.
Looking at the national average costs and calculating the recurring expenses in your overall budgeting is essential. What is the average per-hour wage, and does that support your general living costs?
Also read: 8 Tips to Ensure Choosing the Right Study Abroad Program
Top Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions On How To Apply To Study Abroad?
Q1. What is the eligibility to study abroad?
Ans- There are two types of tests that students need to clear to apply for foreign universities-
- Generalised Tests- These types of tests are the basic requirements that are required to be cleared by all to get admission. Students from countries that do not have English as their primary language will have to take IELTS, PTE and TOEFL exams.
Every University has a minimum score requirement, so you must prepare accordingly.
- University Oriented- Every University has specific standard examinations that need to be cleared before applying to them. Exams like the SAT, GRE, ACT and GMAT are the competitive exams primarily used for admission.
Beyond the two exams, universities often look at 10th and 12th grades to further assess the student’s profile. Some colleges will accept students with a 65% grade, so having a high score is beneficial but optional.
Q2. How can I study abroad for free?
Ans: Being able to study abroad for free entirely depends upon the strengths of the educational past and requirements. Many colleges provide students with grants and scholarships that can cover a range from 50 to 80%.
A 100 percent scholarship is not guaranteed, but working part-time can easily cover the rest of the expenses. However, in certain countries like Germany, public universities have 100 percent free tuition.
So yes, it is possible to study for free by intelligent financial management and availing opportunities.
Q3. Which course is best for studying abroad?
Ans- Technical courses related to science, mathematics, engineering, technology and medicine are highly valued in foreign countries. Students can get a pay scale of $50,000 starting out and rise to $100,000 annually.
Furthermore, having a Business or management degree can lead to senior positions of power with a high salary guaranteed.
Q4. Which country is best for Indian students?
Ans- Studying Abroad is a massive trend among Indian students, as there are more than 200,000 going abroad annually. The general preference for Indian students is to be in a highly cost-effective program with good earning opportunities and a good community aspect.
USA, Canada, and Australia are the top choices for Indian students, but choosing what is best for you is personal. Select what you feel suits your educational needs.
Q5. Who is eligible for the SAT exam?
Ans There is no eligibility for applying for the SAT exam, but getting the best benefits out of it is recommended when being in an undergraduate program. SAT exams require a mastery of multiple skills, from language, mathematics, and verbal, and evaluate students’ aptitude.
You will have to take a written exam for 2 hrs 14 mins and be evaluated with 1600 marks.
Final thoughts
You have now learned valuable tips and tricks on applying to study abroad and answered some popular questions regarding abroad application. Applying to a foreign university can be long and requires patience to navigate the challenges.
Always focus on covering every aspect of your profile and try to think from a recruiter’s perspective. You will have to undergo a lot of training in your communication skills and consult the best study-abroad consultants in Delhi.
You will find the journey scary, but it is a simple process if you consistently work on your application.
