What Every International Student Should Know:
A Comprehensive Guide
Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences a student can have. It offers academic advancement, cultural enrichment, global networking opportunities, and personal growth. However, navigating the journey as an international student involves detailed planning and careful decision-making. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know—from choosing degree programs and applying to universities to understanding living costs and visa requirements.
Choosing the Right Degree Program
Selecting the right degree program is the first and perhaps most crucial step. Your choice should align with your career goals, interests, and the global demand for specific skills.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Degrees
Undergraduate Programs: Typically last 3–4 years depending on the country. Common choices include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Graduate Programs: Include Master’s and PhD degrees. Master’s programs often take 1–2 years, while doctoral programs can take 3–7 years.
Popular Fields of Study
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): Highly valued globally.
Business and Management
Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Humanities
Creative Arts and Design
Certificate and Diploma Programs
Not all international students aim for a full degree. Certificate and diploma programs are excellent alternatives, especially for those seeking skill-based education or career enhancement.
Types of Programs
Certificate Programs: Short-term (3–12 months), focused on specific skills.
Diploma Programs: Usually 1–2 years; more comprehensive than certificates.
Why Choose These?
Cost-effective
Shorter duration
Often lead directly to employment or further study
Top Institutions Offering These Programs
George Brown College (Canada) – Hospitality, Business, IT
TAFE (Australia) – Vocational training in various industries
City University of London (UK) – Professional development courses
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Research
Identify universities and programs based on your academic profile, budget, and career goals.
Prepare Documents
Common requirements include:
Academic transcripts
Passport
Letters of recommendation
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume or CV
Language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Apply
Use the university’s application portal or national platforms like:
UCAS (UK)
Common App (USA)
DAAD (Germany)
Attend Interviews (if required)
Wait for Acceptance & Begin Visa Process
English Language Programs
Many students must meet English language requirements to study in English-speaking countries.
Popular Programs
ESL (English as a Second Language)
EAP (English for Academic Purposes)
Top Institutions Offering English Prep Programs
Kaplan International – UK, USA, Australia
ELS Language Centers – USA
ILSC Education Group – Canada and Australia
These programs often offer pathway options to transition directly into a degree program after improving language skills.
Visa and Immigration Process
Securing a student visa is essential. Each country has its own application process, requirements, and timelines.
Key Documents
Passport
Offer of Admission
Proof of Funds
Language Proficiency Test Scores
Medical Examination (some countries)
Visa Application Fee
Visa Types by Country
USA: F-1 Visa
UK: Student Route (Tier 4)
Canada: Study Permit
Australia: Subclass 500 Student Visa
Germany: National Visa (for study purposes)
Tips for Visa Success
Apply early
Be honest during interviews
Maintain financial transparency
Understand your rights and obligations as a student visa holder
Estimated Cost of Living (Stay and Food)
Costs vary significantly by country and city. Here’s an overview of average monthly expenses in popular study destinations:
| Country | City | Monthly Stay Cost (USD) | Monthly Food Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | New York | $1,200 – $2,000 | $300 – $600 |
| UK | London | $1,000 – $1,800 | $300 – $500 |
| Canada | Toronto | $800 – $1,500 | $250 – $400 |
| Australia | Sydney | $1,000 – $1,600 | $300 – $500 |
| Germany | Berlin | $600 – $1,200 | $200 – $400 |
Saving Tips
Use student discounts
Share accommodations
Cook meals instead of dining out
Use public transportation or student travel passes
Top Universities and Locations for International Students
United States
Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Stanford University (California)
New York University (New York City)
United Kingdom
University of Oxford (Oxford)
University of Cambridge (Cambridge)
London School of Economics (London)
Canada
University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)
University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)
McGill University (Montreal, QC)
Australia
University of Sydney (Sydney)
University of Melbourne (Melbourne)
Australian National University (Canberra)
Germany
Technical University of Munich (Munich)
Heidelberg University (Heidelberg)
RWTH Aachen University (Aachen)
Each of these universities offers a range of programs, scholarships, and resources specifically tailored to international students.
Additional Information and Resources
Health Insurance
Most countries require international students to have valid health insurance.
Some universities include this in their fees, while in others you must arrange it separately.
Working While Studying
USA: Up to 20 hours/week on campus
UK: 20 hours/week during term-time
Canada: 20 hours/week off-campus
Australia: Up to 48 hours every two weeks
Germany: 120 full days or 240 half days per year
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Erasmus+ (EU students)
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Fulbright Program (USA)
Canada Graduate Scholarships
Always check both government-funded and university-specific options.
Student Support Services
Orientation programs
Academic support
Career counseling
Language help centers
Mental health and wellness services
Conclusion
Becoming an international student is both exciting and challenging. From choosing the right program and country to navigating the visa process and managing living costs, there’s a lot to consider. Planning ahead, doing thorough research, and using available resources can make your transition smoother and more successful.
No matter where you choose to study, the experience of living and learning in a new environment will broaden your perspective, deepen your education, and connect you to a global network that will serve you for years to come.