Studying abroad provides a new avenue for opportunities and learning, and becoming an international student isn’t simple. There are many things you need to consider as each country has a different application process.
Some students ask, when do I apply? There’s no date or deadline we can give you, as it depends on the institutions and countries you want to go to, but we can tell you when you should start preparing, and that time is now.
Here are a few questions students need to ask themselves before setting their sights on a university to apply to:
Where do you want to go?
Figure out which country interests you and what you need to do to get there. Most countries would require you to take an English proficiency test, and some countries require you to study an additional language as well. For instance, you may be required to take a German language test to apply for courses in Germany. Learning an additional language early would definitely make your application process easier.
Besides that, the culture and environment of the country is important as well. If you come from a tropical country, would you be able to handle winter? Some people may not be able to adapt to the weather or experience culture shock, which may make them feel unhappy or lost. Read up about the places you want to go study in to get an idea. It’s good to be prepared to handle the differences between your home country and the place you’ll be studying at.
What do you want to study?
Choosing your course can be intimidating, between the myriad of courses and different fields you can pick from, and the countless questions from your relatives. You can’t just say ‘engineering’ without being met by ‘what kind of engineering?’ in response. Some students do have ideas of what job they want to have in the future, but some draw blank when asked about their study interest.
You can narrow down your interest by asking yourself ‘What do I enjoy learning about?’ or think about any school topics or chapters you really liked. Learning is a long-term process and it’s best to try to study what you are enthusiastic about, rather than just focusing on the job or pay aspect. University is different from school, and you will be really focusing on your subject. You can look at the course structure and learn a bit about potential courses you want to apply to.
What will you need?
Many universities will provide you a checklist of information you need to provide during your application. Be prepared to provide two letters of recommendation and also a personal statement. If you are unclear about the requirements, you can contact the university hotline to get more information, or send them an email.
To boost your chances, don’t only focus on your academic achievements. Extracurricular activities matter as well. An interview with a college admissions expert in the U.S. mentions they focus on quality more than quantity. Participating in a lot of activities but not winning awards or holding positions can indicate that you may not be dedicated to your task as you have too many to focus on.
Will you be applying for scholarships?
Your dream university may seem out of reach because of finances, but should you remove it from your list? No! Find out about the scholarships the institution offers. While most scholarships are merit-based, there are some scholarships given to athletes or are citizenship-based. Don’t limit yourself because of the cost, institutions want to help students achieve their dreams as well.
Applying for scholarships can also affect your application process, so make sure you look up the deadlines and offers, or use our platform to find scholarships you can apply to!
