It is likely to be a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing immersion in a new culture
(and often a second language), gaining a global mindset and expanding future employment prospects.
For some, the prospect of leaving home and heading off into the unknown is daunting but studying abroad is
also an exciting challenge that often leads to improved career opportunities and a broader understanding of
the way the world works.
The most popular destinations – Australia, Canada, Europe, the UK and the US
Once you've decided on your preferred study destination, it's time to consider selecting a program and
university. The GEE team is here to assist you in choosing the university that best fits your needs. We'll apply
on your behalf to five different universities, ensuring you have a range of options to choose from. Take your
time to consider what's best for you, and we'll support you every step of the way.
The length of time you spend studying abroad will depend on the program and level of degree you’re
undertaking. Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three or four years of full-time study (for example,
in the UK the typical length for most subjects is three years, while in the US the norm is four), while a graduate
degree such as a master’s degree or equivalent will take one or two years. A doctoral (PhD) program will
usually take three to four years.
Application deadlines will be different depending on the school, but, for programs starting in the fall
(September/October), applications will generally be open from early in the year (January/February) until
the middle of the year (June/July).
This depends on the country you wish to study in, and the language your course will be taught in. If you’re not a
native English speaker but wish to study a course taught in English, you will have to prove you can speak the
language to a fairly high level, by providing English-language test results. This is to ensure you will be able to
follow your course without any comprehension problems.
Common tests accepted as proof of English proficiency are the TOEFL and IELTS. If you need to prove your
proficiency in a language other than English, there are also similar tests in other languages, such as the
DELF/DALF and TCF-DAP (French) or the DSF and TestDaF (German).
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/résumé
- 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)
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.
If your chosen university has readily available campus accommodation, it is likely that you will be able to
apply for a place in these student halls. If this is not the case, you will need to find your own
accommodation.
If money is no object, you can consider renting your own flat, while those on a smaller budget can find
shared accommodation with other students or use spare room listings found online. In all cases, you should
make sure you do your research before signing anything or handing over any money. Your university’s
student support team and student union should also offer advice on how to find accommodation locally.