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If you wish to pursue your higher education overseas, having a good knowledge of study abroad intakes is crucial. Most abroad universities offer three types of admission intakes, fall, spring and summer. A student can choose between any of them based on academic factors such as the type of course programs available, etc. However, despite the three choices available, the number of enrollments of international students at abroad universities remains high in either the Fall intake or the Spring intake. So, the question here is, which intake is the best or preferred one when applying to leading universities abroad? If you are planning to conduct your admission process and are confused about the same, this blog shines light on the differences between Fall and Spring intake to help you clear this confusion.

Everything You Need To Know About The Fall Intake

The Fall intake is one of the most preferred admission intakes by international students globally. If students apply for the Fall intake, they will start their academic classes between September to December. This admission intake is offered by most study-abroad destinations such as the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Australia and the Netherlands. While Fall intake continues to be a popular admission intake, the high competition amongst student enrollment applications can lead to a stringent acceptance rate.

Everything You Need To Know About The Spring Intake

The Spring intake is the second most preferred admission intake after the Fall intake. Students who opt for the Spring intake will attend an academic class between January to February. Students who require more time to pursue their higher education to research their academic interests can opt for the Spring intake. There are multiple universities that offer Spring admission; however, when it comes to academic offerings, most of them lack the essentials, such as limited course options, etc.

Spring vs Fall Intake: What Should You Choose?

The best way to eliminate your confusion related to which intake is best, Spring vs Fall intake, is to analyse what each of them can offer you. In simple terms, when you prepare for your study abroad journey, also consider the timeframe you wish to pursue your academics. Thus, to help you make a better decision, here is a table that represents the academic expectations as per the admission intake chosen.

An admission intake can be selected based on the needs of a student. If you wish to explore multiple academic choices, Fall intake is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you wish to take more time to pursue your higher education or apply to write your entrance examinations again, Spring intake serves as the better choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right study abroad intake is important as it will impact your academic and professional journey accordingly. Once you make the decision to choose between Spring vs Fall intake, it’s time to apply to universities that offer the same. Furthermore, if you wish to speak to an expert who can guide you through the process of applying to universities that offer spring/fall admission, our experienced study abroad counsellors can help. Book a free 1-1 counselling session today!

Congratulations on receiving multiple admits from the list of best universities to study abroad. You will surely be over the moon to see how many top universities abroad preferred your student application over the tons that were submitted. However, the battle isn’t over. It’s time for you to select your university. Choosing the right university is an essential process because it can make or break your academic and career goals. We understand that as an international student, you wish to leave no stone unturned when making an academic investment. Thus, to help you choose your ideal university, we have shared a list of tips which you should consider.

Which University to Choose Based on Your List of Admits?

During your university research process, several universities were shortlisted and applied to as they matched your study and job aspirations. Now, keeping these same factors in mind, it’s time to accept one university’s admission letter. Thus, the best way to do this is to compare them on the basis of numerous academic and professional factors. These include:

 

1. Check the university’s reputation

It is always better to select a university that exhibits a good reputation. Such universities are widely recognized, and availing a degree certificate from here can impact your job opportunities as well. To analyze your universities reputation, exploring official sources such as QS World University Rankings and so on will help.

 

2. Analyze the course offerings

The purpose of pursuing your chosen study program is to enable you to develop the right skills and knowledge needed to perform better in your dream job. Thus, you should consider the below factors during the course comparison from each admit:

• What are the topics covered under the course program?
• If I wish to pursue the course program further, are there any specializations available?
• Who are the faculties teaching this program? Are they experts in this field? What is their academic background?
• How does the university enhance the learning experience for this course program? Are there any practical activities? Is there any educational facility that supports the learning?
• Is the course curriculum updated?
• Are you developing the skills which the current market requires?
• Does the course program offer seminars, events or debates during learning?
• Will you engage with experts in this field?

3. Check the education cost of the university

Analyzing your budget is another vital factor to consider when choosing your final university. Students should first list down their academic budget and then compare the universities that match that budget. Failing to do this can impact your academic journey in a negative way. For instance, say that you have got accepted into two universities. Both the universities offer a great academic offering however, university A is more expensive than the other.

In such a case, what should you do? If you choose university A, you will face the issue of managing your academic fees during your study period. Failure to do the latter can result in you opting out of the program and wasting an academic year. Instead, you could opt for university B where the fees fit your budget, and just like university A, you receive exceptional education.

 

4. Explore the available list of financial aid offered when studying abroad

Studying abroad is an expensive affair. However, students can cater to these expenses with the assistance of financial aids. These include scholarships, grants, bursaries and fellowships. The purpose of these aids is that it helps supports international students financially by offering full or partial funding for tuition fees or other related expenses such as travel costs, rent, etc. Thus, you should always keep an eye on such universities that offer various financial benefits to assist you in any of your academic choices.

 

5. Get a campus tour

Before you invest in any of the universities, ensure you have either visited or conducted a virtual tour of the campus. The university will be your first home in which you will spend most of your day hours; thus, it is essential that you learn more about it. By conducting a campus tour, you will learn the following:

• What your campus looks like?
• What are the educational facilities provided by the university?
• What your classroom looks like?
• What are the amenities offered by the university?
• How big is the study area at the university?
• What extra-curricular activities are offered by the university?
• Where your campus is situated?

6. Analyze your living conditions

As you consider your academic offerings, there are also other aspects that require your attention. Before you can select any university, you should also consider your living arrangements. Here are a few things you should analyze:

• Which study abroad destination meets your lifestyle choices?
• Which area is best suited for you as a student?
• What is the cost of living for each university? Which is the most affordable one?
• How are the neighbours or residents living in your university area? Are they warm and welcoming to new cultures?
• Are there shops or markets nearby your university?
• What is the nightlife or social life in the university area?
• Is it safe to stay in your study area?
• What is the theft or crime rate in the area?
• How is the climate? Do you prefer living in such a climate?
• What is the cost of housing in this university area?
• Does the university offer on-campus housing?
• Is off-campus housing cheap?
• Which is the most student-friendly city?
• Are there affordable dining out options?
• How is the local transport?

7. Evaluate the potential job offerings

Apart from academics, students should also enroll in a university that can help them find a job that suits their career goals. Most abroad universities are either situated in the center of the corporate hub drawing attention from top corporate brands, or are partnered with reputed brands in the market. Either way, finding a job upon graduation shouldn’t be difficult based on your university choice. Here are a few things to consider:

• Ensure the university offers placement opportunities with only the best brands in the market
• The university should be partnered at least with top corporate brands in the country or globally
• There should be a support service at the university that could help students to find a job, such as guiding them to perform better in interviews or helping draft exceptional resumes
• The university should offer plenty of internship opportunities for students to analyze their work environment based on their course program and to support themselves financially via part-time jobs

8. Speak to the alumni community of the university

Ensure the university you choose has a good alumni network. One of the best ways to decide on which university fits your academic interests well is by speaking to past graduates from the same institution. You will be able to learn better how the university can enhance your learning experience academically and whether there are potential job opportunities available for you during or upon graduation. Also, having a good alumni network can also help you build good networking skills to make it easier to pursue your career goals.

9. Scan the student services offered

One more factor which most students should consider when choosing their final university is whether any student support services are offered. A good university will always offer a support service to assist their students in multiple ways, such as mental health, financial aid or equivalent. By offering these services, it is proof that a university genuinely cares to assist the needs of its students.

10. Review the class size as per your course program

Another key factor which you should also consider is the class size as per your study program. If you have the opportunity to choose between a large class size or a small class size, always opt for the latter. The core reason being with small class sizes, you will be able to receive individual attention from your expert tutors. This will enable you to pursue your study program better and clear any doubts on the spot.

11. Judge the academic teaching method

One of the prime factors to consider before selecting a university is the teaching method they exhibit. You should always opt for a university that goes out of its way to enhance a student’s learning experience. For instance, refrain from choosing an academic institution that focuses only on theoretical learning. Instead, choose one that offers more practical and creative thinking, encourages open discussions in classrooms, conducts workshops and more to improve your learning.

12. Read university reviews

Reading university reviews are other ways to learn better about a university. Visit as many review pages as possible to weigh the pros and cons of each university, thus making it easier for you to make a decision.

13. Check for education choices after your study

Also, ensure that the university offers multiple other programs to help enhance your education further. For instance, if you wish to make a career in the business world and have completed your bachelor’s in business, it is suggested to pursue an MBA. Thus, the university you wish to enroll in should offer a meaningful MBA program to enhance your learning further.

14. Make a list of other academic benefits the university offers

Apart from offering academic and professional opportunities, you should also see whether the university offers other facilities for you. This includes student discounts on travel, on-campus housing, part-time job opportunities on the campus, and health insurance perks or equivalent. Always opt for a university that enhances its educational offerings to cater to each international student’s convenience accordingly.

15. Speak to your friends/families/education consultants

Lastly, once you have the comparison list based on the above-listed factors, it’s time to get a second opinion from your friends and families. Discussing with them will help you see what suits your academic and professional interests better. Furthermore, if you prefer to seek expert assistance, speaking to a study abroad counsellor can help. At Collegepond, we have a team of such expert counsellors that have guided thousands of study abroad aspirants to their ideal academic destination.

Conclusion

You should be proud of yourself that you were able to gain multiple admits from your preferred choice of universities. Making the decision to choose the best university abroad can be nerve-racking, which is why making use of the above-listed tips proves to be helpful. However, if you still wish to seek assistance in taking the final call to choose the right university, you can get in touch with our expert counsellors, that can guide you through this process with their study abroad expertise. Book a free 1-1 counselling session today!

Multiple study-abroad destinations cater to varying academic and professional goals of international students. Each of them provides unique advantages in their offerings, such as diversity in courses, placement opportunities, access to networking opportunities and many more. Keeping these perks in mind, most international students tend to apply to multiple countries for studies for fear of missing an education opportunity from such recognised academic institutions abroad.

So, will multiple abroad university applications eliminate these fears? What are the benefits and disadvantages of having multiple prospects open? Is applying to universities across different countries a strategic approach? To answer these questions, an international student like you should first analyse this situation from both sides. Thus, to simplify this process, we have shared a list of pros and cons to answer these debatable questions for international students globally.

Benefits Associated with Applying to Universities Across Multiple Countries

When you send multiple study abroad application forms, you unveil various academic advantages. Here are the top ones:

1. Explore a Range of Academic Interests:

When you apply to multiple countries abroad, you widen the possible academic opportunities that matches your educational needs. As an international student, you will be able to witness, the different kinds of degree levels available, types of courses you can apply to, what are the learning mediums used to educate students and which course to select if you wish to pursue another degree post that. Having such a wide range of academic choices allows foreign aspirants to make a choice that will benefit them both academically and professionally.

2. Access Various Scholarship Opportunities:

Pursuing any academic studies abroad is no longer unaffordable. International students can now seek the assistance of scholarships to pursue their higher education anywhere. The purpose of a scholarship is to provide funding support to international students. Almost all study-abroad destinations offer a range of government and non-government scholarships to assist international students globally. In order to get scholarships to study abroad, students should apply for a relevant scholarship, meet the set eligibility criteria listed and complete the scholarship application form.

3. Decide On a Preferred Living Style:

Each international student has their own set of lifestyle choices. For instance, students that prefer to stay in cold places can pursue their academics in Canada. For those who like the beaches, Australia and USA are ideal locations. When you apply to multiple universities to pursue higher education abroad, the living factor is also important to consider. With a range of choices available, students can easily compare the best destinations that suit all their personal as well as academic requirements simultaneously.

4. Make A Strong Academic Decision:

It is always better to have options in order to make a good decision. This applies perfectly well when considering the best universities to study abroad. When you have one academic choice, students tend to adjust to what is being offered to them. However, when you have plenty of academic choices in front of you, students will be able to match each university offerings as per their academic, personal and professional interests.

Problems Associated with Applying to Universities Across Multiple Countries

Many international students are unaware that there are various problems associated with applying to multiple countries. The top ones include:

1. Lose Out on Admission Seats:

Admission intakes for each country vary. In order to secure your seat, students will be required to pay a deposit money. For a student who is applying to multiple universities abroad, the chances of losing out on a potential seat remain high. Let’s understand this with an example.  In Ireland, the universities have a small admission intake. For the 2024 August and September intake, the seats will start filling by October/November 2023.

Thus, to secure these seats, students will have to pay a deposit amount. Now this is a tight situation because if a student has applied to multiple universities abroad, they will have to wait to hear back from them. On the other hand, if they wait this long, they may lose out on a potential seat that is available at the moment in an Irish university. Thus, on both ends, a student remains in a puddle.

2. Few Countries Have Long Waiting Times:

The admission period varies from one study abroad location to another. While some have a quicker application process, a few have a longer waiting time. This is an issue for a student who has applied to multiple study abroad destinations. For instance, you have applied to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany and USA.

Your USA application letter has arrived; however, you are yet to hear back from the German university. This is one of the toughest scenarios for students for two reasons: fear of missing out on the available USA university seat and facing confusion about whether you will get accepted at the German university. On both sides, there is a risk that international students will face.

3. Visa-Related Issues:

When you’re applying to various study abroad destinations, you’re submitting multiple study abroad applications and conducting a study abroad visa process too. Students will face the issue of visa rejections since the former will await the results of all the universities they’ve applied to and then make an academic decision. This waiting period may not cater to certain study abroad destinations’ visa deadline dates.

For instance, say you want to apply to Germany and UK universities, with Germany being your first preference. Most German visa processes happen in July and August. It may be a bit too late to apply for the UK visa later on as UK universities start their session in September, and German universities start in October.

Conclusion

The process of studying abroad requires an international student to have sound clarity on their academic choices. While the above list answers the common question enquired, students will still need to eliminate this confusion to make an academic decision. Here is when Collegepond’s experienced counsellors come in. By booking a 1-1 counselling session, our counsellors will be able to clear all these confusions as well as build a student’s ideal academic pathway.

Have you decided on your career choice yet? If not, don’t worry. Choosing a career can often be confusing and difficult for students. The job market continues to evolve, and with this, multiple job roles continue to fall in or out of demand accordingly. Thus, as a student, it is normal to take your time to decide between good career options.

Choosing a career involves intense research. Based on your career options list, you must conduct the necessary actions, such as choosing a course that can help you cater to your career goals, applying for a related internship, etc. So, how can you conduct a meaningful and confident career selection process? Thus, to help you get started, we have a few tips for your reference.

Tips to Remember When Choosing A Career

As a student, you will have a vision in mind when choosing a career role for yourself. But when it comes to turning that vision into a reality, many would fumble. This happens due to a lack of knowledge related to the career opportunities available, unsure of your career goals, etc.  Thus, to help you seek better clarity during your career selection process, follow the tips shared below

 

1. Understand what your career expectations/goals are:

Before you can delve into the research aspect of understanding which career is better or the salary expectations of a particular career; you need to assess yourself first. Write down your aspirations and what you see yourself working as. List which career roles are tapping your attention and which you are more interested in exploring. It is always better to ask yourself related questions to seek better clarity on your career choices. Here are a few:

• Which industry are you keen to explore?
• Which job roles are you most interested in?
• How is the job market based on your career choice?
• Is there any growth related to the career choice selected?
• What are the salary expectations of the career choice selected?

2. Take an aptitude test:

The aptitude test has become a medium to help anyone confused about which career path to explore. The purpose of an aptitude test is simple. Answer a set of questions, and the test will then generate possible career options that suit you best.  Based on these findings, you can shortlist which career role is best suited for you. There are multiple free aptitude tests available online; conduct more than one of them to compare the results.

3. Refer to job portals:

Another great way to understand which are the top career options for you is via visiting popular job portals such as Indeed, LinkedIn and more. You can list the career roles you wish to explore and search for those professions in these job portals. With every job opening you click, you will be able to analyse the job responsibilities required and whether they match your career goals and skillsets. Based on this, you can then choose your ideal job roles accordingly.  

4. Create long-term career goals:

Another great way to decide upon potential career options for you is by setting long-term goals. For instance, create a plan on where you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years. For example, if you are interested in entering the creative space. List down what you see yourself doing, such as becoming a graphic designer, writer, video editor, editorial roles, etc. When you list all of them, it becomes easy to identify your career vision and what you can do to achieve the same from an academic front.

5. Analyse your academic choices:

Most students choose a career based on their current academic journey. For instance, you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. The course curriculum covers topics related to multiple aspects, such as marketing, statistics, accounting, etc. Say that you are interested in marketing.

So, you will continue choosing this specialization in your further education to learn more about the subject. Once you enroll for an internship program or continue to study further (like pursuing a Master’s in marketing), you can analyse what you wish to work as based on the market expectations related to marketing job roles.

6. Identify how you can upgrade your career:

As you work towards achieving your career goals, there will be moments when you require assistance to do better in your job. For instance, the job market will continue to change; there will be multiple trends you need to keep up with. In such cases, the best way to grow in your job role is to continue learning about the new trends and adapting the same in your work. . There are multiple ways you can upgrade your career choices. A few includes participating in workshops, seminars and completing related courses, pursuing higher education to explore your work field better, etc.

7. Make use of internships/part-time jobs:

Another way to analyse your career options list is by having a real understanding of what the job role demands of you. For instance, if you’re interested in marketing, you can apply for any internships or part-time jobs related to marketing, such as social media intern, marketing intern, etc. This will give you an overall experience of your responsibilities towards the chosen job role. Upon completion, you can then decide if you wish to pursue a full-time career in this role.

8. Learn about the job market:

The job market will continue to evolve with time. With the fast growth of technology and new trends, you will find multiple job roles being in demand and a few disappearing with time. It is always better to choose a career that has potential growth in the market. A growing industry determines better job opportunities and higher pay. Thus, shortlist those careers that have high growth potential as you switch between different career positions in the same industry during your career period.

9. Don’t stress:

Making a firm career choice is not easy. It will take time for you to understand from within what career roles are best suited for you. Don’t stress your mind if you are still unclear about your career choices. Instead, focus on framing your career goals to create a better career-oriented vision.

Conclusion

It is a tough situation when it comes to making a career choice. Based on your one decision, you will align your academic and personal goals accordingly. However, with the tips mentioned above, you can now set achievable career goals that match your interests. Having said this, if you still wish to seek expert guidance on how to choose a career and which academic goals can help you cater to your career goals better, then get in touch with our expert counsellors by booking a free 1-1 counselling session today!

Do you know what can tap the attention of the admission committee at your dream university? The submission of an effective letter of recommendation (LOR). The letter is one of the vital documents required to be submitted along with your admission application form. The purpose of this document is to help the admission committee at your dream university learn better about your academic, personal and work-related achievements.

You would be aware that you require the right recommender to draft a recommendation letter for student admission. But are you aware of how you can enhance this letter better? A well-drafted letter of recommendation can increase your chances to get accepted at your dream university. Thus, to help you take a step further towards your dream, we have shared common phrases which your recommender should use when drafting an effective LOR for your university admission.

What is the Format of a LOR?

Before we can jump into understanding what are the common phrases to use during LOR drafting, let’s be aware of the guidelines and the LOR format. Your chosen recommender must draft your LOR as per the set structure. Here are the 8 steps which they need to follow:

1. Date
2. Name of the recipient
3. Recipient Title
4. Recipient Address
5. Introduction: The recommender should state in the beginning itself about who they are drafting the LOR for and how they are related to you.
6. Body: Your recommender can make use of two paragraphs to explain in detail about achievements. In the first paragraph, let them emphasize more about your academic achievements, such as an overview of your academic performance, participation in related academic activities, etc. The second paragraph can emphasize more about your extra-curricular activities. The recommender should highlight the activities you’ve enrolled in, such as a debate group or joined the sports team, etc. By sharing such information, the admission committee at your dream university will be able to analyse how you function overall during your academic period.
7. Conclusion: When your recommender reaches the end of the letter, advise them to get up and personal when speaking about why you’re the right fit to pursue your chosen course at your dream university. Let them also create a bridge of contact between them and the admission committee so that if the latter wishes to learn more about you, they can do so by reaching out to your recommender.
   Signature: Lastly, close the LOR by mentioning your recommender’s name, designation, school/company name and their contact details.

Important Guidelines to Follow When Drafting an Academic Reference Letter

Before drafting a LOR, your recommender should familiarize themselves with the LOR guidelines. There are six factors to keep in mind which are:  

• LOR should never be handwritten. It must be typed
• The font size to draft a LOR should be size 11 and in black colour
• Be aware that all grammatical mistakes are eliminated
• LOR should ideally be between 500 to 600 words
• Explain each paragraph in simple words.

In case if you choose to apply to more than one university, ensure your chosen recommender drafts different LOR for each.

Common Phrases to Use When Drafting a LOR

Your recommender should use powerful and convincing phrases in every statement to draft an impressive LOR. Using the right choice of phrases can make your LOR more impactful and leave a lasting impression amongst the admission committee at your dream university. Here are a few phrases to make use of:

1. When drafting introductions, use the below phrases:

• am honoured to support him as a candidate
• am pleased to provide a reference for
• am pleased to write a character reference for
• am delighted to be called upon
• am happy to recommend
• first came to my attention when
• has worked under my supervision for
• has been a pleasure to supervise
• have no hesitation in recommending
• his qualifications and performance
• in response to your inquiry
• it is a pleasure to recommend
• was a student in two of my classes
• was employed by us from
• I am elated to be called upon as a reference for
• I am happy to write a recommendation for
• Based on my …..long association with him/her, I would rank him as one of the best students we ever had

2. When drafting your academic background, use the below phrases:

• a creative problem-solver
• always cheerful and dependable
• among her/his significant contributions to the company are
• always behaves professionally
• broad range of skills
• comments are well thought out and clearly articulated
• completely loyal and trustworthy
• gets along well with others
• handles responsibility well
• is personable and easy to work with
• is intelligent and ambitious
• outstanding leadership abilities
• Is a quick and competent learner
• Was an asset to the college
• Has an amazing capacity for taking challenges head-on

3. When drafting conclusions, use the below phrases:

• I highly recommend him/her without any reservations
• Rarely have I been able to recommend someone without reservation. It is a pleasure to do so in the case of…….
• Seldom have I been able to recommend someone with such confidence
• I firmly believe in his/her exceptional capabilities for…and strongly recommend him/her for your program
• would be a valuable addition to
• I willingly recommend…as a favourable candidate for your……program
• will measure up to your high standards
• I enthusiastically recommend…as a competent candidate for this program
• request your favourable consideration of
• should be given serious consideration
• hope this information proves helpful
• if you need additional information
• has my highest recommendation

Essential Tips for Writing a Good LOR

Creating an impressive LOR is not difficult. LOR Recommenders should follow a set of essential tips to ensure their submissions are of the highest quality. Here are a few things to remember:

Write unique content: LORs should always be unique. Your LOR content should be genuine and not copied from any other LOR student samples online.  The admission committee at your dream university will not accept any plagiarism in your LORs, and failure of this could lead to your application getting rejected.

1. Focus on Highlighting the student: The key focus of a LOR is to exhibit why the student you’re referring to is the perfect fit to pursue a course at their dream university. Use powerful phrases and statements when exhibiting the student’s academic qualities while writing.
2. Avoid sharing private information: It is not advised for your recommender to share any private information related to you unless it is necessary to explain a situation that impacted your academic journey.
3. Avoid sharing any academic scores: You will be attaching your academic transcripts along with your admission application. Thus, it is better if you’re recommender avoids mentioning your academic score for the second time.
4. Speak to the point: Avoid sharing too much information, ensure your recommender uses an active voice and a formal tone when sharing insights about you.
5. Follow the LOR format: There is a set LOR format which needs to be followed. Ensured the same is incorporated in your LOR.

Proofread and Review: Before submitting the LOR, take a thorough look at the same. Proofread to eliminate any grammatical errors.

Conclusion

The letter of recommendation which you will submit during your admission application process will play a role in determining your chances of securing a seat at your dream university. When using the above-listed LOR phrases, you are helping your chosen recommender to create a powerful LOR that will guarantee your admit chances. However, if you wish to seek expert guidance about the LOR drafting process, get in touch with our expert counsellors. Book a 1-1 free counselling session today!

Are you excited to finally travel to your dream study abroad destination? All the hardwork and endless preparations have paid off, resulting in you coming one step closer to achieving your academic goals. But wait, you might have to prepare for one last step. As an international student arriving in a new country, there are a set of post-arrival actions which you need to conduct.

The purpose of these actions is to help you have a smooth living experience in your new study-abroad destination. Thus, to help you prepare for it, we have listed a few post-arrival checklists which you should keep in mind and adhere to upon reaching your new destination.  

What Should You Do Upon Reaching Abroad? International Student Edition

Once you have landed in your study abroad destination, there are a set of checklists which you should follow at the airport and when arriving at your student accommodation. Each checklist serves a purpose that will go on to enhance your study abroad experience; thus, ensure all of them are ticked off accordingly. Here are the details:

Things to do Upon Arrival- Airport Edition

1. Contact your Family: Once you’ve landed at the airport, use the airport Wi-Fi to connect with your friends and family to let them know that you have landed safely and reached your destination.
2. Convert your money: It is important to exchange your currency with the local currency. There are multiple foreign money exchange booths available in the airport to assist you in this matter. You will require this money when travelling to your accommodation or buying anything in this new country (food, books, etc). You should preferably have conducted this task pre-departure, but in an emergency, you could use the airport exchange services as well.
3. Have your documents in hand: Always have your documents in hand, such as your visa, passport, university enrollment letter, etc., in case the immigration officials enquire for the same.
4. Choose a transport facility: You will have to seek the assistance of a transport facility to reach your university/accommodation. There are multiple options to choose from, such as hailing a taxi, cabs, airport buses and shuttles. At times, a few universities also arrange for a pick-up facility for international students upon request. (Examples include the University of Melbourne, Queen Mary University of London, RMIT University, etc.).

Things to do Upon Arrival- University Edition

1. Arrive at your student accommodation: Upon reaching your university, check into your accommodation. Set up your space accordingly and analyse if anything else is required to be bought by you (examples include extra bedsheets, bathroom facilities, etc.).
2. Attend the academic induction session: The university will have an academic induction session to welcome international students. This session aims to help overseas students learn better about the university, understand their class schedule, learn about the educational facilities, etc.
3. Attend the International student clearance session: Most study-abroad destinations will require students to schedule an international student clearance session where the latter will be asked to submit certain documents such as passport, etc. In the UK, this is a mandatory post-arrival action to conduct. Upon completion of this, students will receive other university-related materials such as ID cards, etc.
4. Collect your ID card: Ensure you collect your ID card as soon as you start your academic sessions. Your ID card serves a bigger purpose, such as getting discounts when travelling on public transport, access to rent library books, etc.
5. Purchase any related expenses: Check your university and accommodation needs. Make a list of anything that is required to be purchased before your classes start. This includes buying an extra sweater, additional notebooks, etc.
6. Join student groups/communities: Participating in extra-curricular activities is important as it enhances your learning experience outside the four walls of a classroom, too. On-campus you will find multiple student groups, clubs and communities which you can join to enhance your overall learning experience at your chosen university.
7. Take a tour of the campus: Once you’re on-campus, take the time to explore the same. See how the classroom setup is, where are the student support services department, and what academic amenities the university provides, such as library spaces, well-equipped laboratories, etc.
8. Apply for a part-time job: You will need additional income to survive at your new university. You will have a few academic and personal expenses to cater to. Thus, it is advised to apply for part-time jobs. Please keep in mind that you can only apply for the latter once your academic sessions start.

Apart from the above, there are a few generic checklists which you need to keep in mind as you kickstart your new academic journey in a new country.

1. Buy a local sim: Purchase a local sim and an internet pack to make communication easy between your friends there and family back at home. You can avail of the local sim by submitting a valid ID card.
2. Open a bank account: International students should create a bank account to make it easy to store money digitally. With this bank account, you can receive money from different sources, such as money received from your parent or via part-time jobs. Ensure you also apply for a debit card to conduct all your purchases abroad.
3. Explore your new location frequently: Take a tour of your locality to understand where you can find the following: nearest medical stores, hospitals, local shops to purchase essential items, restaurants, etc.
4. Learn the local language: Learn the local language as it can benefit you in two ways, one being easy communication with the local residents and second being learning a new language can enhance your resume and let you apply to companies there without worrying about language restrictions.
5. Be open to living with new cultures: You will be surrounded by a diversity of cultures when pursuing your academic studies abroad. It is wise to have an open mind when engaging with them and put in efforts to learn about their culture.
6. Safeguard your important documents: As an international student, you will have multiple documents that you need to safeguard. This includes student visa proof, study abroad admit documents, letters of approval of the admission officer, international student clearance documents and many more. It is better to store these documents in a file and keep it in a safe place. Apart from having a physical copy of these documents, ensure you also have a soft copy in your email to avoid any mishaps.
7. Keep a financial/expense journal: You will have multiple expenses to cater to, such as food, groceries, transport, book materials, and many more. It is always better to have a financial journal to analyse where your money is going so that arranging finances for your expenses becomes easy. This also helps align your expenses in a way where all necessary costs are being catered to timely. Regularly updating this journal helps eliminate unwanted expenses and frames your financial expense structure better.
8. Breathe through the process: You will face homesickness and find it difficult to adjust to the culture shock. Learn to breathe when the situation gets tough. Always remember why you made the decision to enter a new country. Adjusting to any new place will take time, but what makes it easy is the friends you make and your decision to be open-minded to learn new things.
9. Keep a list of emergency contacts: Being safe in a new country is important. It is always better that students keep a list of emergency contacts in case of any situation. This could include the local police, ambulance, university care team or equivalent. Students can access these emergency contacts via the university’s official website.

Conclusion

It’s now time to embark on your new academic journey. By catering to the post-arrival checklist above, you are making it easy for you to settle down in a new country. We hope you achieve all your academic aspirations in your chosen study abroad destination. On the other hand, if you require an expert assistance related to academics, visa, forex services, accommodation or other related services, feel free to book a 1-1 counselling session with our expert counsellors anytime.

Did you know that international students are liable to pay taxes in the United States? If you’re considering the USA as your study abroad destination, understanding the United States income tax is important. Most international students that plan or consider this country for higher education are often confused about whether they should adhere to the tax system in the USA.

There are different kinds of taxes in USA; however, there is a separate process of tax for international students in US. As a foreign aspirant, you will have multiple queries related to tax filing for international students in USA. Thus, to help you understand this topic better, we have answered common queries related to tax for students in USA.

Overview of the American Taxation

Any individual that earns income from a USA organization or source is required to pay the country’s tax. Here are four factors you should remember about American taxation:

• Any individual, including local residents or international students who earn money from this country, must pay a percentage of this income in the form of taxes.
• Taxes should be paid to the federal government and state government (state as per where the individual resides).
• Once you file your tax returns, the USA revenue department will settle the amount of taxes paid by you in a year against the tax amount owed by you. If you have paid an additional tax amount, the same will be refunded. However, you should clear the exhibited difference if the tax amount is less.

If you plan to pursue another degree or apply for permanent residency in the USA, ensure you file all your taxes on time since this action will be a contributing factor towards helping you process your US visas or consider you for a green card.

What is Considered a US Income?

Any income that is generated in the USA is considered US income. Payment of taxes in the USA varies between two individuals. A US citizen will have to pay taxes worldwide irrespective of where their source of income is generated. However, non-US citizens, such as an international student, are only eligible to pay taxes based on the income generated from the USA alone.

Are International Students Liable to Pay US Taxes?

Yes, any international student that has an F1 visa is eligible to pay US taxes. As a foreign aspirant living in this country, you will apply for a part-time job or internship opportunities to cater to your daily expenses. Since the income generated is from the USA, you will fall under the bracket of paying taxes here. 

Which United States Income Tax is Applied To International Students?

International students holding the F1 visa are termed ‘non-resident aliens’ for tax purposes. This means only income generated from the USA will be taxable. This income includes,

• Salaries
• Dividends
• Tips
• Wages

• Compensation
• Interests
• Any awards or prizes won
• Certain scholarship or fellowship grants

There are two types of taxes which international students should pay, which are:

• Federal Tax: The Federal Tax are taxes that the International Revenue Services (IRS) imposes yearly on the income of individuals, trusts, corporations and other legal organization. An international student has to pay this form of tax since their income is generated under the employment category. Thus, the latter is entitled to pay a corporate tax rate in the USA of 30% (on the gross amount of a specific income).
• State Tax: International students should pay a state tax per the state their residing in. The state tax can vary from one location to another. Based on your state, students will have to file their taxes accordingly. The tax forms will also vary; thus, students should consider this information before filing them. However, there are 9 states where no United States income tax is required, such as Alaska, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, New Hampshire (taxes applied only on income generated from investments), and Tennessee (taxes applied only on income generated from investments).

Note: Filing taxes can be tedious, especially when your income isn’t catering to your current financial needs. Due to this, your chances of dealing with tax debts remain high. But this can be eliminated by seeking the assistance of Community Tax. This tax-based company is dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with federal and state tax debts.

As an international student, moving forward with tax debt can hold you behind. Thus, with the help of a Community tax, students can let the former analyze their tax debt situation, find a solution to this problem and cater to and submit all required paperwork needed to the IRS or your state government agency.

Can International Students File a Tax Return?

Yes, international students should file a tax return when staying in the USA. Study abroad aspirants with F or J visas should apply for a tax return. This is a mandatory requirement even if students don’t generate any source of income from the USA. As per IRS, this is an important process, and failure of this could lead to student visa processing delays or any documentation hassles.

Process of Filing a Tax Return For International Students

To file a tax return, international students are required to submit certain documents and follow a list of steps. Ensure all of the below are checked:

• Students should first exhibit their resident status
• Students should then exhibit proof that they have received a US income
• If students receive a US income, they should exhibit either an SSN (Social Security Number) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Students should meet the eligibility criteria to apply to any one of the above. Students that generate no US income do not require an SSN or ITIN number and should instead submit Form 8843.
• Submit all required documents by uploading them to the IRS website (W2 form, SSN or ITIN, 1042s form (taxable scholarship), 1099 form (income generated from rent or other investments), a valid passport, Form 1-20 (visa status details and dates related to your US exits and entry as of last year and the current year)
• Submit proof that exhibits where your income is generated from
• Fill out the tax return form well. Avoid any errors or silly mishaps
• Analyze whether you owe any additional taxes and attach a cheque to clear the same
• Print out the filled forms, submit all listed documents, and send them to IRS via mail only at ‘Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215, USA’

When can International Students Receive their Tax Return?

If a student is eligible to seek a tax refund, the same will be processed to them within three weeks. It is suggested that students file their taxes at the earliest and not wait till the deadline date.

What Happens When International Students Fail to File a Tax Return?

It is important that international students file their tax returns on time to avoid any visa-related hassles. However, if a student fails to file their tax return before the deadline stated, they will be required to fill out Form 4868 to seek a 6-month extension on filing their taxes. Apart from this, students may have to pay additional fines if stated.

Should International Students Pay US Taxes On Any Income Received from their Home Country?

No, international students are not required to pay US taxes on any income they receive from their home country. This is acceptable only if the student has filed all the legal paperwork required during tax filing in this country and exhibited a legal status to reside in the USA with their F1 visa.

Are Scholarships Received by International Students Taxable in the USA?

Any scholarship amount that international students receive falls under two categories, tax-free and taxable. Here is what you should know in order to distinguish between the two:

1. When is a scholarship tax-free: Students should be enrolled at a recognized academic institution in the USA where the scholarship amount received will be used to pay tuition fees, enrollment fees, books and equipment or other academic fees required to pursue a study program at that institute.
2. When is a scholarship taxable: Students will use the scholarship amount to cater to room, board, travel, non-compulsory equipment, or any other incidental expenses. Any student receiving a scholarship amount in the form of payments (teaching, research or equivalent) is also taxable.

What is the Cost of Tax Filing for International Students in USA?

Students can file their taxes for free in the USA if they do it by themselves. If you wish to seek assistance from other sources, such as tax advisor firms, the cost can go up to $70 or more, based on your requirements.

Are International Students Liable for a Tax Treaty?

International students can seek a tax refund with the help of a tax treaty. In a tax treaty, two countries form an agreement to avoid double taxation. There are a few countries that are on a tax treaty with the USA, such as India, Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Korea and a few more.

To be eligible for tax treaty benefits, a student should:

• Be on a H1-B, J-1 or F1 visa
• Prove that you were a resident of the country that is in agreement with the USA for the tax treaty
• Prove that you receive an income from the USA in the form of scholarships or salaries
• You are a nonresident for tax purposes

Which Tax Form Should International Students Fill?

In order to file US taxes, international students should fill in the right forms. Based on your tax requirement, there is a list of forms which foreign students should consider. The details are listed below:

• Form 8843: Should be filed by students who are on F1 visas and generate no US income.
• Form W-4: Should be filed by students who are on F1 visas and generate income from the USA.
• Form 1099: Should be filed by students who receive a US income from dividends, contractors, prizes, rents, royalties or equivalent.
• Form 1040-NR: Should be filed by students who receive income from a US university, business organization or by an individual.
• Form 1040-S: Should be filed by students who have received a scholarship.
• Form W-7: Should be filed by students who require an ITIN number or need to renew or extend their ITIN.
• Form W8-BEN: Should be filed by students who can benefit from tax treaty. (Should be shared with the employer).
• Form 8233: Should be filed by students who wish to claim the tax treaty benefits. Apart from this, this form can also be used to help students receive an exemption from any compensation being retained due to their independent and personal services.

When Should International Students File US Taxes?

All taxes are filed in April every year. The tax filing for 2023 was completed on April 18^th, 2023. The tax deadline for 2024 is yet to be updated on the IRS official website.

Are There Any United States of America Tax Exemptions for International Students?

Yes, as an international student holding an F1 visa, you will be exempted from paying any social security or Medicare taxes.

Conclusion

USA has become one of the prominent study-abroad destinations amongst international students globally. Like how you learnt about American taxation, being aware of other information related to the USA, such as the academic opportunities, student visa process or equivalent, is also important. Thus, the best way to access all this information in one place is via Collegepond. Book a 1-1 free counselling session today with our expert counsellors to make the right academic choice when considering the USA as your top study destination.

Confused about which are the best study abroad universities? Are you still facing a dilemma on which are the best countries to study abroad? Making the decision to study abroad is difficult for first-time students. There are tons of factors to consider, such as which are the types of courses to study abroad, what is the study abroad application process, how to apply for study abroad scholarships and many more.

Every foreign student aspirant focuses on ticking every option in the checklist when it comes to choosing the best universities to study abroad. If you, too, are one of them, we understand the tedious and time-consuming process you have to go through. But do you know that you can make this process simpler? All you need is a set of tips to make a worthy academic investment from the list of best universities abroad. Here are 15 tips to remember when selecting the best foreign universities for Indian students.

The Ultimate Checklist To Finding Your Ideal Abroad University

When it comes to choosing from a list of top universities, there will be multiple choices. However, when it comes to making an academic investment, there will be only one right choice. Since you are committed to pursuing your academics abroad, it’s time to itemize your choice of the best universities abroad for you. The best way to do this is to ensure that your selected university ticks all of the below aspects on the checklist.

#1 List your academic and professional goals

Before you can select any of the top universities abroad, it is crucial first to list out what are your academic and professional goals. Identify which study program best suits your interests. For instance, if you plan to become an entrepreneur, pursuing a business-related course program will be ideal.

Apart from this, also make a list of your career aspirations. Ask yourself, where do you see yourself working in the next five years? For instance, if you wish to explore the data world, pursuing a data analytics study program will be more suited.

#2 Make a list of universities that match your academic interests

Once you identify your goals, it becomes much easier to select the right university for you to pursue higher education abroad. With your list, start shortlisting universities that match the former. When selecting your university, ensure they hold substantial repute. This indicates that such academic institutions are widely recognized, and availing a degree from the same will impact your job opportunities better.

#3 Analyze your course program

Once you have shortlisted the universities based on their world university rankings and repute, it’s time to analyze what they offer in the course program you wish to pursue. Your course program should include the following elements:

• The curriculum should be updated as per the recent job market demands
• All essential topics are covered related to the course
• The faculty teaching you this course should be knowledgeable and experienced
• The university should provide upgraded educational facilities to assist your learning experience with this course program

#4 Check the universities curriculum status

As mentioned above, students should check for one important factor when analyzing their course program. You are aware that technologies change from time to time. This means the requirements and job roles for every field will have newer developments. Furthermore, due to these changes, the industry will be keen to hire bright minds that are capable of performing their job roles with this new change.

Thus, it is important that when you choose your course program from the list of the best courses to study abroad, they should all have an updated curriculum that matches the practical expectations of the industry you wish to pursue your career journey.

#5 Identify your study location

Once you have your academics in place, you need to move your attention towards your living condition then. Every student has a different lifestyle which means their needs will vary accordingly. Students should research well about their study location so that they can live a fulfilling life in their dream destination that benefits them academically, professionally and socially too. Choose your student location by asking yourself the following questions:

• Which location is the university situated in?
• Are there any corporate hubs in the location?
• Is there public transport available to travel to the university?
• How is the climate like in that location?
• How is the student life there?
• Is the area expensive or affordable to live in?
• How’s the locality there? Are residents friendly?
• What are the costs of off-campus housing in the location?
• Are there nearby shops or markets?
• Is the area safe to live in?
• How is the nightlife in this location?
• Are there places to explore during the weekends?
• Will my student discounts work in this area?

#6 Analyze your budgetary needs

Next, you should move forward towards planning your budgetary needs. Your dream to pursue academics at institutes with good university rankings is possible if you plan your finances well. But before you can do the same, you should ask yourself the following questions to create a good financial map:

• What is the cost of studying at this university?
• What is your educational budget to pursue academics at this university?
• Will you apply for an educational loan?
• Does this university offer any financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants or fellowships?
• How can the university assist you with your financial conditions?

#7 Visit your campus

Before you can finalize any of the top universities, it’s important to get a tour of the campus. This can now take place virtually as well, irrespective of your current location. The purpose of your campus tour is to understand the university better. With the tour, you can witness the huge campus space available, where your university is situated, what it looks like, where are your classrooms, what are the educational facilities provided and more. You will be calling this university home for the next few years; thus, it is better to have a tour before you make your final decision.

#8 Consider student reviews

Another great way to decide upon an abroad university is to consider their reviews or speak to alumni. These are the two best sources to learn better how the university is, how it can benefit you academically and professionally, and why is it worth your investment. Access multiple reviews to compare and make a sound decision.

#9 Ensure the university has a library

Ensure your university offers a large library space. When it comes to studying after class hours, most international students spend their time in libraries. The latter serves as a space to help complete assignments and access related resources to enhance your learning experience.

#10 List of extra-curricular activities

While academics is one aspect that defines a university, you need also to ensure that the university offers multiple extra-curricular activities to enhance your skills outside the classrooms. These activities can include anything such as sports events, seminars, debates, workshops, student groups and more.

#11 On-campus housing and job opportunities

Most universities abroad also offer on-campus facilities with regard to housing and job opportunities. If you’re travelling for the first time abroad to pursue your academics, staying at the on-campus housing is a better choice. These housings are close to the university campus and offer various types of accommodations, such as private housing and sharing accommodation.

Apart from this, most campuses also offer part-time job opportunities for international students to help support their financial expenses. Information on the same can be accessed on the university’s official website.

#12 Offers potential job opportunities

Another factor to keep in mind when selecting a university abroad is the job opportunities it offers. Always prefer a university that offers you the following benefits:

• The campus is situated amongst reputed corporate hubs
• Offers plenty of internship opportunities
• Assists students to improve their interview skills and create an impressive resume
• Is partnered with top companies in the country
• Has a great alumni network to guide graduates to find a job quicker
• Offers meaningful placement opportunities

#13 Allows part-time job

Almost all of the best universities abroad allow international students to work abroad. Thus, ensure that the university you’re applying to confirms the same.

#14 Enforces unique teaching method

Another vital element which you should consider when selecting a university is its style of teaching. While theoretical teaching is standard practice, look out for universities that go beyond this. Most abroad universities conduct practical learning, open discussions and debates to enhance the learning process for a student. This will enable you to remember everything you learned in the classroom even after the session ends.

#15 Provides student support services

Lastly, always ensure that the university offers student support to cater to any of your concerns. Having these services is important to help international students deal with various issues such as mental health, finance and more.

Choosing the right study abroad university is essential since it impacts your academic and professional journey simultaneously. A good abroad university will help you develop the skills and knowledge required to shape your career goals better. While the above-mentioned tips can help you kickstart your search to choose the top universities abroad, do you know what can enhance this process and make it efficient? Seeking the assistance of an expert counsellor who can guide you through all the minor and major academic processes. Get started by booking a free 1-1 session with our expert counsellors today!

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have stated that by 2025, the number of international students will increase by 8 million thanks to the demographic shifts. So, you can expect tight competition when it comes to universities selecting the best study abroad applications globally. But let’s get straight to the point. Do you think that exhibiting an outstanding academic score is enough to confirm your enrollment at your dream university?

We believe that this is just one step from the many steps you have to prove to gain that confirmation letter. Do you know why most student application gets rejected? One of the core reasons is failing to conduct the study abroad application process the right way. We can help you avoid this mistake. All you need to do is refer to this blog to access the correct way of conducting study abroad registrations.

Application Process To Study Abroad For International Students

The application process for every study abroad university is standard. However, we suggest visiting the universities official admission page to learn better about your entry requirements. Here is a detailed overview of how you should commence this process:

1. Conduct a thorough research

Before you can apply to any universities abroad, you should first research several things. This includes:

• Which course do I wish to pursue abroad?
• Which study abroad destination is ideal to pursue this course?
• Which is the best university to pursue this course
• Does the university offer professional job opportunities too?
• What is the graduation and employment rate of the university?
• What is in the course curriculum?
• Who are the faculty that will teach you your course?
• Are the academic facilities provided up to date with the recent technologies?
• What is the teaching style for this course? etc

2. Focus on the eligibility criteria

Next, you should visit the universities official website to check the entry requirements. Every university will list 3-4 academic requirements that will help them analyse your capability to study at the former and pursue your chosen course.

3. Write and clear the entrance examinations

Most universities abroad enquire for an entrance exam score that varies based on the course program chosen. For instance, in the UK, if you wish to pursue a medical program, you should submit UCAT scores. The common entrance exam required are:

• English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge)
• GMAT/GRE test scores (for graduate programs)

Ensure you check the related entrance exam required from your end once you’ve selected the study program you wish to pursue abroad.

4. Create a powerful SOP

SOP or Statement of Purpose is a written essay submitted by a student to the university. The purpose of the SOP is to help the university understand your goals, motivations and expectations with regards to your academic and professional paths. When written well, an SOP proves to be a vital essay that could impact your enrollment chances.

Tip: Avoid mentioning scores or data that is already shared with the university recruiters (example, academic scores). Take your time to draft your SOP and make it meaningful so that the university understands you and you’re academic and professional aspirations better).

5. Submit a meaningful LOR

LOR, or Letter of Recommendation, is a document where key points related to a student’s academic or professional performance will be listed by the recommender. For instance, if you’re a student applying to pursue a graduate program abroad, you should get your LOR from your academic tutor, who will recommend your academic performance better.

Tip: It is always better to choose a person who can speak better about your academic or professional performance. For instance, if you’re a student, get your teacher or research guide to draft the same. If you’re an employee, get your manager or team leader to draft the same. These are the best choices to help universities understand your progress and capabilities.

6. Attach relevant documents

One of the most crucial aspects of your application process is the submission of relevant documents. Ensure all the below is checked:

• Previous academic transcripts (should be translated into English)
• Passport-size photos
• Passport copy
• Application form
• Receipt of application fee payment
• Entrance examination scores
• ID proof
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of Finance
• Bank statements
• CV/Resume
• Work Experience

Check the universities official admission page to attach any additional documents required.

7. Consider electronic mediums for sending documents

It is advised that students should send their documents electronically as the same is received by the university within 24 to 48 hours. This also speeds up your admission process as you can hear back about your application acceptance sooner.

8. Prepare well for academic interviews

A few study-abroad universities tend to schedule an academic interview to learn better about the student applicant. If you receive an invitation for the same, ensure you go well prepared for it. Here are a few things which you can do:

• Be presentable (for both face-to-face or online interview)
• Learn more about the university and what they offer as per the study program chosen
• List down your strengths and weaknesses to answer questions better
• Write down your top reasons to pursue academics at your chosen university to frame your answers better
• Don’t be late for the interview
• Avoid speaking fast and use confident language when conversing
• Have a set of questions to ask in the end to learn better about the university
• Be honest in your answers

9. Await confirmation

Once your interview is done, in a few weeks, you will hear back about your university acceptance via email confirmation. Ensure you read the letter and fulfil any requisites required from your end. Sign and send the confirmation letter as soon as possible.

10. Apply for a student visa

Once you have your confirmation letter in hand, it’s time to apply for the study abroad visa. It is essential to follow all the visa requirements to have your student visa ready before you fly to your dream destination abroad. It is suggested to apply for a student visa at least 6 months in advance. You can hear the results on the same within 3 weeks or more. Students will also be asked to attend a visa interview to submit the relevant documents such as:

• Passport
• Student visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• University confirmation letter proof
• Proof of health insurance
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of finances/bank statements
• English language proficiency scores
• Proof of visa application fee payment

11. Structure your finances

Once you have the above aligned, it’s time to prepare for your finances. There are multiple expenses to cater to, such as living costs and study abroad fees. Most students opt for a study abroad loan or apply for overseas scholarships. It is essential that students analyse the expenses required to pursue their academics abroad. Apart from availing of a loan, most international students apply for study abroad scholarships since the latter offers various types of funding mediums to assist students financially. You can access the list on most universities’ financial aid/scholarship pages.

12. Conduct remaining pre-arrival activities

Apart from the above, you should also conduct various other pre-arrival activities that include:

• Payment of health insurance
• Booking flight tickets
• Confirming your accommodation (on-campus or off-campus housing)
• Arrange all the documents needed to fly to your study-abroad destination

13. Consult overseas education consultants

The process to apply to foreign universities can be tedious and confusing. If you’re determined to get accepted at your dream university, fulfilling the study abroad application process the correct way is important. Thus, it is always better to seek assistance from expert counsellors who can guide you through the process.

Collegepond is one of them. We are a reputed study abroad consultant whose main focus is to develop a personalized study abroad plan that matches the academic interests of study abroad aspirants. Our team of expert counsellors are well-versed in guiding you through every step of the study abroad application process so that your dream of pursuing an academic at your dream university becomes true.

Conclusion

The study abroad space will continue to grow in demand due to the high quality of academic offerings and potential professional opportunities they offer to international students globally. Due to this, the number of student applications will increase year on year. The best way to help universities abroad consider your application is by orchestrating a powerful step-by-step process to study abroad. To help you get started, it is advised to seek the assistance of an expert counsellor who could guide you better to kickstart your new academic journey. Book a free 1-1 counselling session today!

To apply to top universities abroad, students are advised to exhibit outstanding academic scores. However, the university admission process overseas isn’t limited to your academic scores alone. There are multiple other criteria which university recruiters also consider when analysing a student’s admission application. Thus, this highlights that even if you display an average academic record, your enrollment chances are still pristine. So, how can you win over university admissions committee despite displaying a low academic score? To help you through the process, this blog covers all the essential tips an international student should remember when applying to universities abroad despite their average academic performance.

How to Get Accepted Abroad with Low Scores

Apart from considering the academic scores, university recruiters also have a standard requirement process which they evaluate simultaneously. Furthermore, there are also a few actions you can conduct when applying to pursue higher education abroad. Ensure all of the below are attended.

1. Scoring well in entrance examinations

Every university enquires about an entrance exam score based on the course program chosen. The most common ones are GRE, GMAT, SAT or any English language proficiency exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. The purpose of this exam is to help analyse a student’s skills and knowledge in multiple aspects. For instance, when a student enrolls for a course program in English, university recruiters ensure that the student is well versed in the same.

Thus, the best way to analyse this is via scoring good marks in any of the English language proficiency test exams. Each exam helps the university admissions committee understand how well a student is on the parameters of speaking, writing, listening and reading in English. As an international student, always ensure that you exhibit good standardized test scores, and prepare in advance for these tests to accomplish your target score.

2. Creating a powerful statement of purpose

A statement of purpose (SOP) is a personal essay where a student is able to exhibit their academic and professional interests to university admissions committee. You can use this medium to share meaningful insights related to you, such as reasons for your average academic record. Avoid sharing information such as academic scores or anything that is already mentioned in your resume.

It is important that you exhibit a well-written statement of purpose because it serves as a contributing factor that will impact your enrollment decision at your dream university.

To draft an SOP, ensure you include the following information:

• What are your academic interests?
• What career path do you wish to explore?
• Why are you pursuing the selected course?
• Why do you wish to pursue your higher education at the chosen university?
• What are your strengths?
• List your achievements, accomplishments and extra-curricular activities

3. Impactful letters of recommendation

The purpose of a letter of recommendation (LOR) is to help university admissions committee understand how a student applicant is with the help of credible recommenders. Most recommendation letters are written by teachers (if you are still a student) or managers (if you are working and wish to pursue higher education).

A strong LOR incorporates the following:

• LORs should only be drafted by an individual who can speak better about your academic or professional interest
• LORs should exhibit that you are equipped with the skills to pursue a particular course at the selected university
• LORs should explain the reasons why you are the ideal fit to be selected at the applied university

4. Open to enrolling on alternative admission programs

Every university abroad has a set eligibility criterion that needs to be catered to. If you are adamant about studying at top universities but are falling short on academic scores, it is better to enroll yourself in alternative admission programs. For instance, in USA, there are academic institutes known as community colleges. Students can pursue any course here and then apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree program accordingly.

Upon graduation, you can use this academic score to enroll yourself in any degree program at leading universities abroad. The time spent here provides you with an opportunity to improve your GPA score and successfully enroll at your dream university.

5. Applying to universities that accept low academic scores

Did you know that there are also universities abroad that accept students with low academic scores? That’s right, these universities might not be highly ranked; however, their degree certificates are still impactful to help you work with the best brands globally. These academic institutes offer a wide range of courses to choose from, affordable tuition fee packages and exhibit unique teaching methods that contribute to making a good academic investment here.

To name a few are:

• Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK (GPA score- 2.9)
• Louisiana State University, USA (GPA score – 2.0)
• University of Regina, Canada (GPA score – 2.9)

6. Get involved in extracurricular activities

Apart from exhibiting academic skills, university recruiters also have a keen eye on students that display great participation in extra-curricular activities. This includes partaking in any sports activities, working in a team for a research project, attending any workshops or seminars, etc. Most universities abroad will always prefer to choose a student applicant that balances the inside and outside classroom pursuits.

7. Balance your low academics with additional tasks

Another way to create a good impression amongst university recruiters is by undertaking additional academic tasks. This includes participating in internship opportunities or enrolling yourself on short courses that complement the study program you are keen to pursue. Exhibiting these actions is a great way to help the university admissions committee witness your will, motivation and determination to excel in your academic interests.

8. Showcase work experience

For students who are looking to pursue graduate studies abroad, exhibiting a good work experience background can create a better impression amongst university admissions committee. Ensure you demonstrate a minimum of two years or above of work experience.

9. Create a persuading CV/resume

Another way to persuade your chosen university to consider your admission application is by creating an impressive resume. With the help of your resume, university recruiters will analyse your career objectives, the work profile you worked in, your work conduct and other related information. This can prove to be a turning point when considering your admission application.

10. Be honest

Lastly, be honest in your answers. Whether you’re attending an academic interview or submitting the above-listed documents, ensure you list down real information that can help the university learn better about you. For instance, not every student will be great in academics, but that doesn’t mean they are not fit to pursue their chosen course. If you believe you’re the ideal fit, let the university understand the real reason behind your low scores.

Always remember, the university admissions committee will consider a student who, despite having low academic scores, displays the motivation and will to build a career for themselves.

Conclusion

The best factor about pursuing education abroad is that every student is given an equal opportunity to prove themselves to pursue education at reputed universities despite exhibiting low academic scores. Now that it is clear that having an average academic record is not an admission barrier, it’s time to shortlist abroad universities. While there are multiple of them on the list, it is always better to choose one that meets your academic interests. Thus, to help you fast-track this process, book a 1-1 free counselling session  today!