Applying to university abroad: a 12-month timeline

• Book your language test: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities), or TestDaF, DELF, JLPT for other languages
• Take any admissions tests required: GRE, GMAT, SAT
• Request transcripts and degree certificates, and arrange certified translations
• Ask two or three people for reference letters, giving them at least a month's notice and a summary of what you would like them to mention

8 to 6 months before: applications

• Write your statement of purpose or personal statement. Make it specific: why this programme, why now, what you will do after
• Tailor your CV to academic format
• Submit applications. Many universities in the US and Canada close between December and February. UK universities often accept applications until spring, but popular courses fill early
• Germany: many programmes use uni-assist for document checks, which adds several weeks

6 to 4 months before: offers and funding

• Compare offers, including total cost: tuition, rent, health insurance and living costs
• Accept an offer and pay the deposit
• Apply for university accommodation, which often fills on a first come basis
• Arrange proof of funds. This could be a bank statement, a scholarship letter, a blocked account in Germany or a GIC in Canada

4 to 2 months before: visa

• Apply for your student visa as soon as you have the necessary documents, such as a CAS in the UK, an I-20 in the US, a CoE in Australia, or a letter of acceptance and provincial attestation letter in Canada
• Book biometrics appointments and medical exams
• Buy mandatory health insurance if required

2 months to departure: preparation

• Book flights and temporary accommodation for your arrival
• Join university Facebook, WhatsApp or Discord groups for international students
• Set up a way to access money on arrival: a multi-currency card or an account that opens before you arrive
• Pack copies of every document, both paper and digital
• Plan your first week: registration, bank, phone, orientation events

Budget for the application itself

Students often underestimate these costs:

• Language tests: 200 to 300 US dollars each
• Application fees: 0 to 150 US dollars per university
• Translations and certified copies: 100 to 500 US dollars
• Visa and health surcharges: from about 150 US dollars to well over 1,000 depending on the country

A final word

Applications are a marathon. Keep a spreadsheet with every deadline, document and login. Ask your future university's international office when you are unsure, they answer these questions every day and would rather help early than fix problems later.

This guide is general information for planning. Rules and prices change, so always confirm with the official source before you apply or sign anything.