Study Abroad

STUDY ABROAD

USA

Visa Categories

The type of visa you need to study in the United States depends on your course of study and the type of institution you plan to attend. For academic programs such as university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or language training programs, you’ll require an F1 visa. If you’re planning to attend a vocational or non-academic institution (excluding language training programs), you’ll need an M1 visa.

Required Documents:

  • Before your visa interview, ensure you have the following documents prepared:
  • Apply to a SEVP-Approved School: The first step is applying and getting accepted to a SEVP-approved school in the U.S. Once accepted, you’ll be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  • Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. (exceptions apply for certain countries). Each visa applicant, including any family members listed on your passport, must submit a separate application.
  • Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160: Complete and submit Form DS-160, and bring the confirmation page to your visa interview.
  • Application Fee Receipt: If you’re required to pay the application fee before your interview, make sure you have the payment receipt ready.
  • Photograph: While completing the online Form DS-160, you will be required to upload a photo. If the photo upload fails, bring a printed photograph that meets the U.S. photograph requirements to your visa interview.
  • Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): Once your school enters your information into the SEVIS database, they will send you a Form I-20, which is your Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. F-1 visa applicants receive Form I-20 for academic and language studies, while M-1 visa applicants receive Form I-20 for vocational studies. Both you and your school official must sign the Form I-20, and your spouse or minor children (if accompanying you) will each need an individual Form I-20.
  • Schedule an Interview: Book an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
  • Make sure you have these documents ready and follow each step closely to ensure a smooth visa application process.

canada

Canada Study Visa with SDS ( Student Direct Stream ) Category

The Student Direct Stream offers an expedited study in Canada.To apply for a study permit through SDS, you must meet certain eligibility criteria

SDS Eligibility Criteria:

Acceptance from a DLI: You must have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

Tuition Fee Payment: Proof that you have paid the tuition fee for the first year of study is required.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): You must provide proof of purchasing a GIC worth CAD 20,000.

Language Proficiency: A minimum score of    6 in IELTS, with no band less than 6, is necessary. Alternatively, a TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening is also accepted.

Required Documents:

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

Acceptance Letter: A letter of acceptance from a post-secondary DLI (designated learning institution) in Canada.

Tuition Fee Payment Proof: Evidence showing that you have paid the tuition fee for the first year of your study program.

GIC Payment Proof: A certificate or letter of attestation confirming the payment for the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

Language Proficiency Test: Your IELTS TRF or TEF score card showing the required minimum score.

Medical Examination: A copy of your medical examination results from an authorized panel of doctors.

Academic Documents: Complete academic documents verifying your relevant academic background.

CAQ (Certificate of Acceptance): For students intending to study in Quebec, the additional requirement of a CAQ must be fulfilled.

Stay Back Period and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

To be eligible to stay back in Canada and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), the following conditions apply:

Course Duration: The program must be at least 8 months long. Courses shorter than 8 months do not qualify for a PGWP or the stay-back option.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Duration:

-If your course is less than 2 years, you will be granted a PGWP equivalent to the length of your course. For example, an 8-month program would allow an 8-month PGWP.

-If you complete a 2-year course (such as a master’s or diploma program), you will be eligible for a 3-year PGWP. For instance, a 2-year diploma or master’s program grants a 3-year PGWP.

-These conditions are critical for international students aiming to build their future careers in Canada after completing their studies.

Australia

Australian Student Visa Requirements

To study in Australia, obtaining an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500 is essential. You’ll need to demonstrate to the Department of Home Affairs that you meet the following key requirements:

Key Requirements for an Australian Student Visa:

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

Financial Capacity

English Proficiency

Health and Character Requirements

In addition to fulfilling these criteria, you’ll need to complete the visa application form, pay the application fee, and possibly attend an interview.

Here’s an in-depth look at the requirements:

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement:

Introduced in     November 2011, the GTE requirement ensures that the applicant’s intention is to stay in Australia temporarily for study or to accompany a student as a dependent (spouse or child) or as a guardian. Decision-makers from the Department of Home Affairs will evaluate several factors, such as:

-Circumstances in your home country (personal and economic ties that encourage return)

-Potential circumstances in Australia (family, employment prospects, or personal relationships)

-Value of your chosen course to your future career

-Immigration history, if relevant

Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at their nearest Australian embassy or consulate, while others may only need to fill out the visa application form.

Financial Requirements:

You must provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs (around AUD 24,505 per year), and travel expenses. If you have dependents, you must also show you can support them during your stay.

English Proficiency Requirements:

If you’re not from an     English-speaking country, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in English. The accepted tests are:

-IELTS   

-TOEFL IBT   

-Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic   

-Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)   

The required scores vary depending on your course level.

 Health and Character Requirements:

-Health Insurance: You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

-Health Examination: You may need to undergo a health examination depending on your country of residence.

-Character Requirements: A criminal record check or police certificate may be requested to ensure you meet character requirements.

Australian Student Visa Application Process (Subclass 500):

All international students must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which is done online. Follow these steps:

Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE): Before applying for your visa, you must obtain a COE or a Letter of Offer from an institution registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The COE will be provided in the form of an online code, which you must enter in the visa application.

Pay the Visa Application Fee: Ensure you have paid the appropriate visa application fee and tuition deposit, if required.

Submit Your Application: Complete the online visa application form, including the COE, and upload the required documents.

Change of Course or Study Package: If you wish to change your course to a lower Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level or to a non-AQF level course, you will need to apply for a new visa (unless you are changing from a PhD to a master’s degree). However, you may package your studies under the same visa by enrolling in two or more courses with clear progression from one course to another.

By following the updated process, you can ensure a smooth application for your Australian study visa.

New zealand

Studying in New Zealand offers international students’ world-class education, a high quality of life, and the opportunity to explore a beautiful country. To study in New Zealand, you will need to meet specific eligibility criteria and requirements to obtain a student visa. Below is a detailed overview of what is required for international students who wish to study in New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in New Zealand:

Acceptance by an Educational Institution: The first step to studying in New Zealand is being accepted by an accredited educational institution. This can be a university, college, or school that is registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Once accepted, the institution will provide you with an official offer of a place, which is a key document required for your visa application.

Student Visa: If your course is longer than three months, you’ll need a student visa. A student visa allows you to study full-time in New Zealand and usually permits part-time work during your course. For most students, a student visa is required for both academic and vocational courses.

Proof of Funds: To obtain a student visa, you need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself while studying. The New Zealand immigration office requires proof of funds to cover your living expenses. For most students, this is a minimum of NZD 20,000 per year. You also need to show that you can pay your tuition fees for at least the first year of your course. In some cases, you may need to provide proof of payment for tuition before your visa is granted.

English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you will need to prove your proficiency. New Zealand institutions generally accept tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. For most courses, you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher, depending on the level of study. Different programs and institutions may have specific requirements, so check with your chosen school.

Health and Character Requirements: As part of your student visa application, you must meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements. You may need to submit a medical certificate or undergo a health examination to prove that you are in good health. Additionally, you must provide a police clearance certificate from your home country to show that you have a good character.

Genuine Intent to Study:  Immigration New Zealand (INZ) must be satisfied that you are genuinely intending to study in New Zealand. This means you should show a strong academic record, a clear plan for your studies, and reasons for choosing New Zealand as your study destination. This could be demonstrated through your personal statement or supporting documents in your visa application.

Adequate Insurance: International students in New Zealand are required to have full medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay. This ensures you are covered in case of any health-related issues or emergencies during your time in New Zealand.

Requirements for a New Zealand Student Visa:

Offer of Place: You must have a letter of acceptance from a New Zealand institution that is accredited to enrol international students. This letter will confirm your course details and the start date.

Proof of Funds: As mentioned, you will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. This can be in the form of bank statements, scholarship details, or sponsorship letters.

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand.

Visa Application: You need to complete the student visa application form, which can be submitted online. You will also need to pay the visa application fee.

Medical Insurance: You must provide proof that you have adequate health insurance coverage for your stay in New Zealand.

Academic Documents: Include your previous academic transcripts and qualifications to support your application.

Health and Character Certificates: Provide any required medical or police clearance certificates to meet health and character requirements.

Studying in New Zealand is an exciting opportunity that comes with clear eligibility criteria and requirements. By meeting the financial, academic, and health requirements, as well as demonstrating your intent to study, you can successfully apply for a student visa to embark on your educational journey in this beautiful country.

uk

You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and meet certain criteria. The student visa allows you to pursue higher education or other eligible courses at a recognized institution in the UK. Here are the main requirements and details:

Eligibility Criteria:

Offer of a Place from a Licensed Student Sponsor: To apply for a student visa, you must first secure a place on a course at an institution that is recognized by the UK government as a licensed student sponsor. This means the school, college, or university must hold a valid license to sponsor international students.

Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and cover your tuition fees during your stay in the UK. The amount required varies based on factors like the length of your course, whether it’s in London or elsewhere, and your living arrangements. Generally, you’ll need to show funds for your course fees and living expenses for at least one academic year.

English Language Proficiency: It’s mandatory to prove that you can read, write, speak, and understand English at the required level for your course. You may need to take an approved English language test, such as the IELTS, unless you come from an English-speaking country or have previously completed studies in English.

Parental Consent for Students Under 18: If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide evidence that your parents or legal guardians consent to your studying and living independently in the UK. This includes providing a signed letter of consent, which you will submit with your visa application.

Child Student Visa:

If you are between 16 and 17 years old and are planning to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student Visa. This visa category has replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa and is specifically designed for younger students attending private educational institutions.

Duration of Stay:

The length of time you can stay in the UK depends on the level of the course you are pursuing:

If you’re 18 or older and studying at a degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), you can usually stay for up to 5 years.

If you’re studying at a below-degree level (such as a diploma or foundation course), you can typically stay for up to 2 years. It’s important to read the guidance carefully, as the duration may vary depending on your specific course and any prior studies in the UK.

Staying Longer in the UK:

You may be able to extend your student visa if you are eligible and want to continue your studies in the UK. For example, if you wish to enrol in a new course or continue from one academic level to another (such as progressing from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s), you may apply to extend your visa.

Additionally, if you are already in the UK on a different type of visa, you might be able to switch to a student visa if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Upon successful completion of your course, you may also apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. This visa is designed for international students who have completed a degree-level qualification and wish to work, look for jobs, or gain experience in the UK after graduation.

By meeting the above requirements, you can enjoy the opportunity to study in the UK while also exploring options for extending your stay for further education or work opportunities after graduation.

europe

Studying in Europe offers students a unique opportunity to access world-class education, experience diverse cultures, and gain international exposure. To study in Europe, international students must meet specific eligibility criteria and visa requirements. Here’s a detailed overview of the general eligibility and requirements to study in Europe.

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Europe:

Acceptance from a European Institution: The first step is to secure admission to an accredited European university or educational institution. You will receive an acceptance letter, which is necessary for your visa application. Each country may have its own list of recognized institutions, so ensure your chosen institution is accredited.

Student Visa: Most international students need a student visa to study in Europe. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a student visa, typically referred to as a “long-stay visa” or “national visa.” The visa process and requirements differ depending on the country. For shorter courses (less than 90 days), a tourist visa may suffice in some countries.

Proof of Funds: Students are required to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. The required amount varies by country but typically ranges from €6,000 to €12,000 per year. This can be demonstrated through bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters.

English or Local Language Proficiency: Depending on the country and program, students must provide proof of language proficiency. Many European institutions accept tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for English-taught programs. If studying in a local language, proficiency in that language is required (e.g., Test DAF for Germany, DELF for French programs).

Health Insurance: Having valid health insurance is mandatory for all students. Some countries require you to enrol in their national health insurance system, while others may accept private insurance plans.

 

By fulfilling these general requirements, international students can successfully apply to study in Europe and enjoy its rich academic and cultural environment.