“How to Study Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide, Requirements & Checklist for International Students” 2025

“How to Study Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide, Requirements & Checklist for International Students”

Study Abroad

The landscape of higher education is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The dream of studying in world-renowned destinations like the USA, Canada, and Australia is no longer a distant aspiration but an increasingly accessible reality for students across the globe. Fueled by the promise of a superior education and lucrative job opportunities in the corporate sector, the demand for foreign universities, particularly from India, has grown exponentially. What was once a privilege for the few has now become attainable for middle-income families, thanks in large part to banks providing education loans at marginal rates.

Navigating the path to a foreign university, however, requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the legal procedures involved. This guide is designed to serve as your comprehensive roadmap, detailing the step-by-step process to successfully study abroad. From initial self-assessment to post-arrival settlement, we will provide crucial insights, compare the unique offerings of the USA, Canada, and Australia, and share essential tips to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. Embarking on a study abroad adventure is a transformative experience, and it all begins here with a solid plan.

Step 1: Self-Assessment & Country Selection

Key Questions:

• What course/field are you interested in?
• Are you aiming for PR (Permanent Residency)?
• What’s your budget?

Here are basic know about what are criteria and how difficult is the process.

Step 2: Research Universities & Courses – These are links where one can know which country and universities one can apply for

Use platforms like:

• USA: US News, CommonApp
• Canada: EduCanada
• Australia: Study in Australia

Check:

• Course curriculum
• Rankings
• Scholarships
• Internship/co-op options

Step 3: Prepare for Entrance Tests

Here are in detail which entrance examination to be given . An external link is also provided to log in to the sites for further details.

Tip: Start preparing 6–12 months before intake (Fall = Sep, Spring = Jan)

USA Undergraduate (UG) Admission Tests

(a) SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Purpose: For UG admissions (bachelor’s degrees) — tests college readiness
Sections:

• Reading
• Writing & Language
• Math (with and without calculator)
  🕒Duration: ~2 hours 14 minutes
  💡Scoring: 400 to 1600

🔗 Official Link: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat

(b) ACT (American College Testing)

Purpose: Alternative to SAT for UG programs
Sections:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Optional Essay
  🕒 Duration: ~2 hours 55 minutes (3 hrs 40 mins with essay)
  💡 Scoring: 1 to 36

🔗 Official Link: https://www.act.org

Note :- SAT vs ACT: Both are accepted by almost all U.S. universities. Choose based on strengths — SAT is more math-focused, ACT includes science reasoning.

USA Postgraduate (PG) Admission Tests

(c) GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Purpose: Required for MS programs in STEM, Social Sciences, etc.
Sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing
  🕒 Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes (new shortened format)
  💡 Scoring:
• Verbal/Quant: 130–170 each
• Writing: 0–6

🔗 Official Link: https://www.ets.org/gre

(d) GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Purpose: Required for MBA and some MS in Management programs
Sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Integrated Reasoning
• (Essay section optional or dropped in GMAT Focus Edition)
  🕒 Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes
  💡 Scoring: 205–805 (GMAT Focus Edition)

🔗 Official Link: https://www.mba.com

English Proficiency Tests (For UG + PG)

(e) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Purpose: Prove English skills for academic settings
Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Duration: ~1 hour 56 minutes
Scoring: 0 to 120
🔗 Official Link: https://www.ets.org/toefl

(f) IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Purpose: Accepted worldwide, including the USA
Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Duration: ~2 hours 45 minutes
Scoring: 0 to 9 band scale
🔗 Official Link: https://www.ielts.org

TOEFL vs IELTS:

• TOEFL is more common for U.S. universities
• IELTS is also widely accepted and sometimes easier for Indian students due to accents
•  

Canada & Australia – Entrance Exams Overview

(a) IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Purpose: Primary English proficiency test for both Canada and Australia (UG & PG)

Sections:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

🕒 Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
💡 Scoring: Band score from 1 to 9
🎯 Minimum Score:

• UG: Band 6.0–6.5 (no section below 6.0)
• PG: Band 6.5–7.0 (varies by university/program)

Accepted by: All Canadian & Australian universities, visa offices

🔗 Official Website: https://www.ielts.org

(b) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Purpose: Alternative to IELTS; accepted by many Canadian and some Australian universities

Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Duration: ~1 hour 56 minutes
Scoring: 0 to 120
Minimum Score: 80–100 (PG), depending on university

🔗 Official Website: https://www.ets.org/toefl

Accepted by:

• Most Canadian universities
• Some Australian universities (check with each institution)

 (c) PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

Purpose: Computer-based English proficiency test
Sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
Duration: 2 hours
Scoring: 10–90 scale
Minimum Score: 58–65+ depending on university

Highly accepted in:

• Australia (also for student visa by the Australian government)
• Canada (growing acceptance in colleges & some unis)

🔗 Official Website: https://www.pearsonpte.com

👉GRE / GMAT (for Select PG Programs)

Though not mandatory for most PG programs in Canada & Australia, these are required or preferred in:

• MBA / Business / Management
• Some Engineering or Data Science programs at top universities

👉GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Purpose: Required for MS, Analytics, or STEM programs in some top universities
Sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes (shortened version)
Scoring: 130–170 (per section), 0–6 (writing)
Top Schools may prefer 310+ score

🔗 Official Website: https://www.ets.org/gre

Popular in:

• University of Toronto, McGill, UBC (Canada) — for STEM
• University of Melbourne, UNSW (Australia) — for STEM or research-based courses

👉MAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Purpose: Required for MBA & business programs
Sections:

• Quantitative
• Verbal
• Integrated Reasoning

Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes (GMAT Focus Edition)
Scoring: 205–805
Top MBA programs expect 600+

🔗 Official Website: https://www.mba.com

Required by:

• Rotman (Toronto), Sauder (UBC), Schulich (Canada)
• Melbourne Business School, AGSM (UNSW), Monash (Australia)

Summary Chart

Step 4: Apply to Universities 

• Apply to 4–8 universities across 3 tiers:

• Safe, Moderate, Ambitious
• Prepare:
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Resume
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Valid Passport
• Use platforms: Direct university portals or Common App (USA), OUAC (Canada UG), UAC (Australia UG)

Step 5: Arrange Finances

• Tuition + Living costs:
  • USA: $30k–$60k/year
  • Canada: CAD 25k–CAD 45k/year
  • Australia: AUD 30k–AUD 50k/year
• Show Proof of Funds for visa
• Explore Scholarships & Education Loans (public/private banks or NBFCs in India)

Step 6: Apply for Student Visa

Visa Tip: Practice mock visa interviews (especially for USA).

Here are details of Key requirement for F-1 Visa in detail

I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility)

• A document issued by your U.S. university once you are accepted.
• It proves you’ve been admitted to a full-time academic program and are eligible to apply for a student visa (F-1).
• What does it contain?
  • Your personal details
  • Course start and end dates
  • SEVIS ID number (starts with “N00…”)
  • University details (school code)
  • Estimated cost of attendance (tuition + living)
  • Funding sources
• Why it’s important?
  • Needed to pay the SEVIS fee
  • Must be presented during visa interview
  • Required at immigration when entering the U.S.

DS-160 Form (Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application)

• An online application form for U.S. non-immigrant visas (including F-1).
• Completed via the U.S. Department of State’s official site.
• What you’ll need to fill it:
  • Passport details
  • SEVIS ID (from your I-20)
  • Personal info (address, travel history)
  • University details (school name, address)
  • A recent passport-size photo (digital)
• After submission:
  • You get a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
  • Print it — it’s required for your visa interview at the                                     embassy/consulate.

🔗 Official site: https://ceac.state.gov/ceac

SEVIS Fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

• A mandatory fee of $350 USD for F-1 visa applicants.
• Supports the U.S. government’s system to track foreign students.
• How to pay:
  • Go to https://fmjfee.com
  • Enter your SEVIS ID (from I-20 form)
  • Pay via credit/debit card
  • Print the payment receipt
• When to pay?
  • Before your visa interview
  • Best done immediately after receiving the I-20

Just a Step wise process after getting through Entrance test

Step 7: Prepare for Travel

• Book flights, arrange airport pickup
• Finalize accommodation (on-campus or private)
• Attend university orientation
• Get local SIM, currency, and medical checkups

 Step 8: Post-Arrival Tips

• Apply for local ID (e.g. SIN in Canada)
• Open a student bank account
• Understand public transport
• Follow visa work regulations (e.g. part-time limits)

 Just a View :

• Canada and Australia are better for students looking to settle long-term.
• USA offers more global university options but has tougher PR rules.
• Always write a strong SOP — it’s a deal-breaker in many admissions.
• Community colleges are budget-friendly entry points, especially in Canada and the USA.
• Stay updated with post-study work policy changes (immigration rules are evolving fast).