We recommend planning for your study abroad program about a year in advance. So if you are applying for a fall session, application work starts almost a year if not more in advance to give the student enough time to work on all aspects of an application process. Most schools for an undergraduate admission in US have a January-March deadline. Most UK universities for a master’s program are based on rolling admission – which means it has no deadline and once course is full the admission closes. In order to succeed in getting into the top choice of school, it is better to apply early. Application process also depends on the semester you plan to join. There are typically three terms – Fall being the most popular time to join university, Winter and Summer.

Eduabroad strives to provide you with as many high-quality programs as possible so you can find a program that’s a perfect match for your needs. However, we know that looking at a long list of programs can be daunting! Here are some things to think about when you’re trying to narrow down your options:

Academics
  • What do you hope to accomplish academically with your study abroad experience? Do you wish to take major requirements? Minor requirements? Breadth requirements? Electives? If you are hoping to take major or minor requirements, first narrow down your search by major.
  • How comfortable are you with the idea of a different academic system? Are you the type of student that needs to hand in homework every day to gauge your progress, or are you comfortable with more independent learning? If this is a consideration for you, you may wish to research the academic system in the countries you’re considering.
  • Do you want a traditional study abroad classroom experience, a research opportunity or an internship?
Location
  • Is there a particular place in which you wish to study abroad? Our online system allows you to search by location.
  • How comfortable would you be if English were not the native language of your study abroad destination?
  • Do you prefer a larger, more cosmopolitan city or a more rural, traditional town?
Time
  • How long do you wish to study abroad? Programs range in length from one week to two years.
  • Do you prefer to follow the U.S. academic calendar, or can you be more flexible? Would it bother you to be overseas for certain holidays? If so, you may wish to compare programs by date.
Finances
  • How much do finances play a role in deciding your study abroad program? If finances play a large role, you may wish to consider a program whose location capitalizes on the exchange rate of U.S. dollars, or the less expensive short-term programs.
  • Consider also the living expenses in various destinations if finances play a role. While the cost of living is much higher in Paris than Cleveland, the cost of living in Bangkok is much lower.
Personal style and preferences
  • Are you an independent traveler, or do you prefer more direction? Exchange programs are excellent opportunities for independent travelers, while short-term programs and a few others offer more logistical assistance to students who prefer more direction.
  • Would you thrive or feel uncomfortable in a situation where you might be the only Indian in a program?
  • Would you prefer to stay in a homestay, residence hall or apartment?
Eligibility
  • Different programs have different GPA requirements. Do you meet the GPA requirement for the program?
  • Do you wish to study abroad as a freshman, senior or graduate student? If so, you may want to consider short-term study abroad. (See who can participate in semester-long or year-long study abroad programs? above.)
  • If applicable, do you have the required language skills for the program?

Entry requirements vary widely between universities and between countries, so be sure to check the information provided by your prospective university before submitting anything.

Speaking generally, however, if you are applying for an undergraduate degree you will be asked to show that you have completed your secondary education to a standard that is in line with the required grades (e.g. your GPA, A-level grades or equivalent) for the program you’re applying to. If you have an international qualification and are unsure whether this is accepted, you should contact the admissions department of the university.

For non-native English speakers wanting to study in English-speaking countries, it is also highly likely that you’ll need to provide proof of your English-language proficiency by taking an English-language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Similar tests may be required for those studying in other languages. For more information about language tests, refer to question 8.

It is entirely up to you! Program duration is an important factor to consider when thinking about studying abroad. It can be more cost-effective to go for a longer period of time, but you need to consider course options and your degree program as well to determine the most appropriate option for you.

Housing options vary widely from program to program. Housing can range from living in a residence hall or dormitory to living with a homestay family to living in an apartment. Different options have different benefits as well as advantages and disadvantages. It is largely dependent on you to determine which arrangement you are most comfortable with.

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week and full time on holidays while completing their graduation.

No. While knowing a foreign language is always helpful, most programs offer courses taught in English and guides that can help you get around your host country. If you are interested in learning a foreign language, many even offer a wide variety of intensive language courses.

Students undertaking an IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum typically study six subject groups. Three of these are at a high level (with more teaching hours devoted to them) and the other three at a standard level.

To complete the IB, the student must also complete a Theory of Knowledge Course (TOK), an extended essay, as well as a separate mandatory programme that emphasises Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).

In contrast, the A-Level approach can really benefit students who have a passion for a particular subject or a desired career trajectory. Students undertaking the A level curriculum typically have the option of choosing three to four subjects from a list of more than 40.

The A-Level study programme is divided into Advanced Subsidiary (AS Level) and A2, with 50% of the student’s final grades coming from each of these. Critical exams as well as coursework are carried out in both AS and A2, though there can also separate endorsements for practical skills and the option of an Extended Project Qualification.

Whereas IB is graded on levels ranging from 7 to 1, A-Levels follow the standard and more widely-recognised A-E format.

MBA and Masters refer to two different academic courses between which some differences can be highlighted. MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. On the other hand, Masters refer to a qualification of specialization which can apply to many disciplines. One of the major differences between MBA and Masters in a specialised field is that an MBA typically requires some work experience where as a master’s degree can be done straight after graduation. Also an MBA tends to be more general in nature and whereas a master’s degree allows to the student to gain specific knowledge about one chosen field.

Yes, this is an admission requirement for those students who are from countries where English is not the native language or who completed high school in a country where English was not the sole medium of instruction.

The SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. SAT measures literacy and writing skills that are needed for academic success in college. It assesses how well the test takers analyse and solve problems—skills they learned in school that they will need in college. However, the test is administered under a tight time limit (speeded) to help produce a range of scores. SAT scores are valid for 5 years. The SAT is administered seven times a year in the United States and six times per year internationally.

The ACT or the American College Testing is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam accepted and valued by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and covers math, English and Logical reasoning skills.

99% of colleges these days regard the SAT and ACT as equals, so they encourage you to take whichever one you feel that you’ll do better on. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator.

Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock, while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question.

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test (CAT) intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA. It requires knowledge of certain grammar and knowledge of certain algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. GMAT assesses analytical writing and problem-solving abilities, while also addressing data sufficiency, logic, and critical reasoning skills that it believes to be vital to real-world business and management success. It can be taken up to five times a year. Each attempt must be at least 16 days apart.

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is a standardised test used to get admission in various graduate schools or business graduate schools in various English speaking countries, especially the United States. Canditates interested in pursuing a master’s degree, specialised master’s course, MS, MBA, MEM or doctoral degree can apply for the GRE Test. GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of learning.

Read this to understand the difference between GRE and GMAT and what is correct for you:

GRE vs GMAT

The Statement of Purpose is the single most important part of your application that will tell the admissions committee who you are, what has influenced your career path so far, your professional interests and where you plan to go from here. The SOP is your chance to talk directly to the admissions committee. To make yourself stand out from among a multitude of similarly qualified candidates. To convince the committee that you have the spark, the thirst for knowledge that could add value to your class.

Benefits of a good SOP

SOP helps applicants to stand out among others with similar grades, academic scores, work background and projects to the admissions committee the real “YOU” beyond numbers. It helps the committee assess that you are a serious student and a clear thinker, gives them a clear understanding of where you have been and where you choose to go. A statement of purpose helps the admissions committee make a decision in your favour. In a sense, it is the applicant’s assessment of who he/she is, as a student and as a well-rounded individual.

A well written SOP enhances your chance of admissions to your preferred universities and reflects your ability to portray clearly and intelligently through your writing skills.

It is one of the most important items of the application packet to U.S. universities. It can ‘Make or Break’ an application.

Contents of a good SOP

Statement of Purpose should consist of the following:-

  • Applicant’s Background
  • Education & professional experience
  • Interest in the field chosen
  • Immediate and long term goals
  • Reasons for deciding to pursue education at a particular institution
  • Extracurricular activities and honours
  • What is special about the applicant?

You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Once again, requirements vary depending on the country and university, but international students are often asked to provide the following:

  • Passport photos for identification
  • A statement of purpose
  • CV/Resume
  • Academic references/ letters of recommendation
  • Certificate and transcripts of your secondary education
  • Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language test
  • Admissions test results (e.g. GMAT/GRE results, for graduate programs)

Congratulations, you’re in! Now all that’s left to do is to prepare for your studies, pack up your life into a single (large) suitcase, get your travel documents in order, apply for your student visa, research your accommodation options, and look for funding… don’t panic, it’ll all be worth it!

In fact, as soon as you gain acceptance from a university, the first thing you should start to consider is your travel documentation. Ensure you have a valid passport and travel insurance, as well as a student visa if you need one. Make sure you have sufficient time to get your passport/visa approved so that you’ll be able to travel legally!

Planning accommodation is also very important due to the limited on campus houses that are available. As international students, one is almost guaranteed accommodation for the first year on campus, but this needs to be applied for early. After accommodation, its Visa time! Visa documentation differs from country to country and it’s important to read each country’s visa policies. For more information on what documentation you’ll need to travel, you should visit the government website of your chosen country to find information for travellers, visitors and international students (e.g. Gov.uk for UK travel information). All the travel information you need should be listed on these official sites.

At Eduabroad we have a Pre departure where we inform students about money matters, campus living, things to pack and connect students via our huge alumni network with other students either studying or previously studied at that university/school.