International University Application Process: Planning to pursue a degree overseas? Understand that pursuing a degree overseas is a significant decision, not only to expand your intellectual pursuits and professional opportunities but also to grow socially, culturally, and personally.
The International University Application Process can feel overwhelming. Do you also wonder where to start? How to start? In order for you to understand how to move forward with the application process smoothly, you need to understand everything step-by-step.
This article works as a guide for you to understand the internal application process more clearly and in manageable steps.
Difference Between the Global and Indian Admission Procedures
Before you learn anything related to the international application process. You must understand the difference between the global and Indian admission procedures.
Unlike Indian universities, where the admission process lean towards a more straightforward, step-by-step, and exam-driven approach. With the international application process, the approach is slightly different. Applying to international universities requires greater emphasis on various other aspects. Admissions here in India are more dependent on either board exam scores or entrance test performance. In India, the admission process doesn’t change much from one institution to another, with fixed cut-off marks and almost the same rules for all the institutions. Most Indian universities do not require any recommendation letters, resumes, or rarely ever consider personal achievements or extracurricular activity profiles.
Students who come from academically high ranking CBSE schools, such as Matrix High School which is offering integrated learning, often find it easier to build strong academic and extracurricular profiles suitable for global applications.
On the other hand, if we discuss the International Application Process specifically for undergraduates, the admission procedure emphasises a holistic approach. You will be not only examined based on merit list, but also on your personal potential, communication skills, and clarity of goals.
International University Application Process
The International University Application Process requires strategic planning and the ability to present yourself more than just a marksheet. To apply for foreign universities, you need to follow multiple steps, for which proper research and timely planning are a must for a smooth admission journey.
Plan Your Timelines Well
Students often delay beginning the international application process, thinking they have enough time. To apply for foreign universities, students/ parents need to understand that the procedure involves several different aspects. Moving too slowly may invite trouble in meeting the deadlines. Steps such as:
- Refining your SOP, consulting with recommenders,
- or waiting to receive official documents like a passport upgrade,
- financial documents, or credential evaluations, make the process to apply for foreign universities complicated, if delayed.
To avoid a last-minute rush, keep the following point in mind:
- Create and plan a monthly calendar which includes all the important outlines or details for a stress-free international university application.
- This will help you keep track of the progress of your work.
- If you are currently in high school, consider beginning the international university process in the junior year to ensure you meet all the deadlines and requirements.
Research & Shortlist
The very second step is to understand your needs. Is there any specific experience of studying abroad you crave? Or is it only academic-specific? What we recommend is:
1. Choose a country/university based on your specialisation. It should align with your interests and goals.
2. Financial Considerations: Before proceeding with the international university application process, students/parents should be mindful of their financial constraints. Remember to look beyond academic and tuition fees, as it is important to keep track of living expenses while living abroad.
3. Look beyond the rankings/reviews, status of the country/university. Does it resonate with you? Ask Yourself. Shortlist the ones which resonate with your desires. For example, if you’re interested in mathematics, you should research top universities in engineering or finance abroad.
4. The Country You Choose: Shortlist countries based on your language requirements like English, German, Spanish, French, etc., friendly immigration policies, visa approval rate and rules for international students. Select the country based on your requirements.
5. Some other aspects to consider: Make sure your shortlist supports the following aspects:
- Lifestyle and culture.
- Skill shortages in your shortlisted countries.
- Job availability/ opportunities in your field.
- Availability of scholarships for international students.
- Entry requirements, such as minimum marks required to clear the enrollment process. Standardised tests: SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL.
- Travel time, flight cost.
- Long-term plans.
- Feedback from other students who are settled abroad.
- Faculty expertise.
Deciding on the Intake
The International University Application Process follows a significantly different pattern. Unlike Indian Universities, where only one procedure is followed, which begins in June or July every year. While with international universities, this is not the case. The International University Application Process offers multiple intakes, giving students more flexibility in terms of when to begin their studies.
Every country has its own admission criteria and procedure, which highly impact its admission requirements. Let us first start by understanding it with a short example:
- In the US study abroad landscape, ‘Intake’ usually refers to ‘Fall’ (beginning in August or September) and ‘Spring’ (beginning in January).
- In the UK, these intakes are called ‘Autumn Intake’ (September/October) and sometimes a ‘January Intake’.
- Germany and other European countries use terms like ‘Winter Semester’ (WS) and ‘Summer Semester’ (SS); WS starts around September/October, and SS starts around March/April.
- Spring intake: It begins in January/February because it’s more competitive and has fewer seats.
Note: It must be noted that before making your choice of ‘intake’, not all international universities have a spring intake.
Understand Admission Requirements
As discussed earlier, every country has its own admission criteria. So now, what’s next? Different countries have specific documentation or visa requirements. The requirements are as follows:
- Standardised test scores like: SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS (Language test), TOEFL (Language test).
- Transcripts: Minimum academic scores from previous schools or colleges.
- Valid passport.
- SOP: Statement of purpose.
- LORs: Letters of recommendation.
- Resume: (CV) for postgraduate or professional programs.
- Portfolio of your achievements, specifically in creative fields.
- Sponsorship letters.
Visa Application Process
- Check the status of your passport. Whether it’s updated or not. You must have a valid visa.
- Gather all the required documents.
- Bank account statements.
- Loan approval letter. (if needed)
- Loan disbursement letter. (If needed)
- Sponsorship letter.
- Tax information.
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FAQs
1. When should I start preparing for study abroad applications?
Ans. If you are currently studying in your high school, then consider beginning 12-18 months prior. This gives you enough time to research, prepare for necessary tests and requirements, and ensures a smoother journey.
2. Can I apply without final year marks?
Ans. Yes, you can apply without final marks or with your available transcripts. Final results can be submitted later, as per university guidelines.
3. Should I seek help from a professional while applying, or should I do it on my own?
Ans. The process involves many different aspects. While the final decision is your own call, it is highly advised to apply for foreign universities; one should proceed under a guardian’s vision.
- Are extracurricular activities important in my application?
Ans. As discussed, they are very important as the international university application process requires skills that are more than one’s marksheet, unlike the Indian admission process. Universities like a well-rounded profile.
Final Words
We wish you the best of luck in finding the best university for yourself. Understanding the International University Application Process step-by-step makes the international student admission process smoother and hassle-free. With the right research and timely action, you can secure your admission to your dream university abroad. Studying overseas opens a door for various opportunities which later help in personal growth and character development.