How to Apply to a Foreign University (and Acquire a Visa)

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methods

1 Basic Game Plan

2 Application Papers

3 Visa Application

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Expert Q&A

Tips and Warnings

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References

Co-authored by Stacy Blackman and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 2, 2021 References

Going to school in a new country is a fun and exciting adventure, but it can definitely be a little daunting at first. Don’t worry! While application requirements can differ depending on the university and country, you can still stay organized and on top of your application with the right forms and documents. You’re one step closer to attending your dream school!

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Basic Game Plan

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   Check the application requirements for different universities. Visit the “admissions” page on the university’s website. See what the GPA requirement is, what test scores you need for your application. Additionally, look at the requirements per program—some universities require extra test scores and credentials for certain academic programs.

   • The application requirements might be different for underclassmen and upperclassmen. Double-check the “admissions” page to clarify the university requirements.
   • For example, to enter the biomedical field at the University of Oxford, you need to submit a Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) with your application.
   • If you’re applying to the University of California as a freshman, you’ll need at least a 3.4 GPA. If you’re a transfer student, you only need a passing grade, or 2.0 GPA, from your old university.
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   Confirm that the university teaches courses in your language. Language barriers are important to consider during your application, especially if you aren’t fluent in the country’s native tongue. Browse the university’s website and see if your desired program is taught in the host country’s language. If it is, you might want to apply elsewhere.

   • Some foreign universities might have you register for a class in their country’s language.
   • For example, if you’re applying to a school in Spain, check if the classes are taught in Spanish or English.
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   Write down important deadlines for different universities. Many foreign universities will have entrance exams in addition to application deadlines. Write down all of these dates and keep them in a safe place, so you don’t miss any important deadlines.

   • If you aren’t sure about certain deadlines or requirements, contact the university for more information.
   • Universities may have different deadlines for fall versus spring admission.
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   Scroll through the website to see if you can apply online. Online applications take out a lot of the hassle and extra fees of mailing your application internationally. Hop onto the university’s website—many schools have a special platform where you can submit and apply online.

   • Some online platforms let you apply to more than 1 school at a time.
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   Submit applications to at least 3 universities. It’s great to have a goal in mind, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to be prepared along the way. Aside from your top choice, apply to at least 2 other foreign schools, so you have a better shot at being accepted. Look up acceptance rates online to help you get an idea of which schools are more selective, so you can plan and apply accordingly.

   • You might apply to 1 selective school as your top choice, and then apply to 2 more lenient schools as back-up options.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Application Papers

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   Check the university’s website for their admission requirements. Depending on the country, different countries will request different kinds of documents, along with your basic application. Certain schools request standardized test results, like the SAT, while other schools prefer different documents and certifications. Along with your school’s website, reference the steps below for documents you’ll likely need for your full application.
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   Fill out the base application. This can get a little confusing; although it’s called an “application form,” this document is only a fraction of your actual application submission. Answer all the questions on this document—this form just collects your personal details, as well as the academic program you’d like to join. If required, sign the bottom of the application with your signature.

   • Applications will differ depending on the university you’re applying to.
   • The Common App helps you apply to multiple universities at once. Find more information here: https://www.commonapp.org.
3. 
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   Send in your transcripts from high school or college. Double-check your school’s application guidelines—some universities may ask your old school to send your records over directly.

   • Showcasing advanced coursework on your transcript is a great way to stand out in your application.
   • At the University of Texas in San Antonio, your home university or high school needs to send a sealed copy of your transcript to the admissions department.
   • In the UK, the International Baccalaureate (IB) group can send your transcripts.
4. 
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   Scan over a copy of your passport. The school needs a copy of your passport so they can send you a visa letter. Like the name suggests, a visa letter of invitation formally invites you to stay in a specific country, and is very helpful to have on hand when submitting your visa application later on.

   • For instance, at Radboud University, you need to scan the section of your passport that lists your personal details, along with any pages that have visas or stamps.
5. 
   5
   Submit TOEFL or IELTS test results if English isn’t your native tongue. Australian universities use the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), while American universities prefer the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. If you haven’t taken this test yet, schedule an exam as soon as possible, so you can complete your application.

   • If your native language is English, you don’t need to take this type of exam.
6. 
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   Send over your standardized test results if you’re applying to an American school. If you’re applying to an undergraduate program, you may need to submit your old SAT scores. If you’re applying for a graduate program, you may need to send over your GMAT or GRE scores.

   • Other countries might request standardized test scores, too—double-check the admissions page on the university’s website to be sure.
7. 
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   Present a financial statement to prove you can live in another country. Print out a bank statement, so the school gets a good grasp of your financial status. Additionally, ask your bank to submit a letter describing how much money you have, and how that correlates to the foreign currency in question. Check that this letter is signed and stamped by your bank before adding it to your application.

   • If you’re an American student applying to study in France, your bank would describe how your bank accounts translate from USD to Euros.
   • For example, at University of Westminster, you’ll need enough money to cover tuition fees and living costs.
8. 
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   Write a motivation letter to go with your application. Some universities might ask for a motivation letter, or a document that describes your interests and capabilities as a student. Describe all the different skills you have to offer, and what you can bring to the university as a potential student.
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   Draft an essay if the school application requires one. Pick out a prompt for your essay—most applications give you several options to choose from. Write down all of your ideas on the page at first; then, edit and fine-tune your draft until it sounds polished and professional. For extra security, ask a friend or family member to look over your essay for you.

   • A good essay helps showcase your individuality to the university, and represents all you have to offer.
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    10
    Collect reference letters from past teachers and mentors. Ask some of your favorite instructors to write a recommendation letter, or a personal note describing your strengths and capabilities as a student. Ask for this letter in advance, so your instructor has plenty of time to write it.

    • If possible, contact an instructor who taught you more than once—their testimony can help your application really stand out.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Visa Application

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   1
   Wait to get accepted to a foreign university. Don’t apply for your visa too early! Instead, wait for confirmation that the university has formally accepted your application.

   • Getting a visa can be a long, pricey process—you don’t want to jump in until you absolutely have to.
2. 
   2
   Fill out a visa application for your country of choice. Most foreign countries will require you to fill out a student visa, which lets you live and study in the country for a set amount of time. Visit the website of your university’s government to find the appropriate visa application.

   • Types of visas may differ depending on the country you’re hoping to study in. Check the website or call the embassy if you need any extra help!
   • The visa application will depend on the country you’re visiting—check the country’s government website for specific information.
3. 
   3
   Set up a visa appointment. Call your local embassy and see if you can schedule a meeting. Bring all of your visa application documents with you, like the physical application, a bank statement, your passport, medical documents, and more.

   • During COVID-19, you might not be able to schedule an in-person meeting.
   • Depending on the country, some visa appointments may be different. For instance, at a UK visa appointment, you’ll get your photo taken and fingerprints recorded.
4. 
   4
   Wait for your visa to be processed. Unfortunately, there’s no set processing time for a student visa—it really depends on the country you’re traveling to. In some places, your visa will be ready in a few days, while it might take months for other countries.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do I choose a foreign university?

  

  Stacy Blackman
  MBA Admissions Consultant

  Stacy Blackman is an Admissions Consultant and the Founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC), a company that specializes in consulting individuals who want to earn Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. SBC offers a video series, runs live and virtual workshops, and has a publishing arm, with 25+ e-guides covering different aspects of the MBA admissions process. Stacy has professional experience working in private equity at Prudential Capital Group, launching Stryke Club, and evaluating businesses as a Resident Entrepreneur at idealab!. She earned a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

  

  Stacy Blackman

  MBA Admissions Consultant

  Expert Answer

  The first thing you should do is to research the programs. Go online to learn about the program, and if you can, visit the campus so you can talk to students, alumni, and the Career Center professors. Every program is different in some ways, and international programs can be very different from the programs in your country.

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Tips

• Some foreign universities might conduct an interview as a final stage of the interview process. This is more common in competitive schools, like the University of Oxford, where the admissions team narrows down a small pool of candidates.
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• Call the school ahead of time so you can introduce yourself to the admissions office, international students’ office, along with faculty members in your academic program.
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• Double- and triple-check your application before submitting it. This way, you’ll know that everything’s perfect!
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Warnings

• Don’t put off your visa application until the last minute! Getting your visa can be a long, slow-moving process.
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