Prepare to Study Abroad

If you’re thinking about going to university in a country other than your own, it’s important to plan ahead. About two years before you apply for admission, start researching universities and make sure you’re taking the right courses.

Connect with Universities and Scholarship Programs

Go to Student Search Service

Instructions

  1. Explore universities.

    Consider the school's location, cost, academic programs and majors, and campus life so that you can narrow the list of universities to which you want to apply.

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    BigFuture

    This website is full of useful information to help students discover and apply to universities all over the world. Includes financial aid and scholarship info.

    • Go to BigFuture

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    Student Search Service®

    Millions of students who plan to go to universities have joined Student Search Service. By opting in, you'll connect with more than 1,500 participating universities and scholarship programs.

    • Go to Student Search Service

  2. Consider taking AP.

    If you take AP, you'll show university admissions officers that you took challenging classes and are prepared for the rigors of university courses. There are 38 AP subjects to choose from; talk to you parents, teachers, or school counselors to see which subjects may be right for you.

    Download

    Choose AP. Stand Out

    This brochure, written in English and Chinese, gives an overview of AP courses and exams, with details of particular interest for international students.

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    • 1.73 MB

  3. Take the SAT.

    Universities look at many factors when making admission decisions, including your SAT score.

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    Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy

    This free online SAT practice tool give you a personalized practice plan to help you do your best on the SAT.

    • Go to Khan Academy

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    International SAT Registration

    Get details on when and how you can take the SAT in your country.

    • Go to International Registration

  4. Research admission requirements.

    Many universities require you to submit recommendation letters, personal statements or essays, and other items when you apply for admission. Most also require an English language proficiency exam, like TOEFL or IELTS, if your first language isn’t English and if your education wasn’t in English.

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    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

    Get details on taking the TOEFL test to show universities you’re proficient in the English language.

    • Go to ETS

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    International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

    Get details on taking the IELTS test to show universities you’re proficient in the English language.

    • Go to IELTS

    Article

    Find International Universities That Recognize SAT

    Colleges and universities around the world recognize SAT and SAT Subject Test* scores. See which institutions use College Board programs to inform their admissions, placement, or scholarship decisions. *Please Note: SAT Subject Tests will be discontinued outside the U.S. after June 2021. For the most recent admission policies, please visit the institution’s website or contact their admissions office to confirm the most up-to-date information.

  5. Make a financial plan.

    Figure out tuition costs and living expenses before applying by visiting the BigFuture website. You’ll also be able to search for scholarships and universities that award financial aid to international students.

    Download

    Higher Education Institutions Awarding Financial Aid to International Undergraduate Students

    This spreadsheet shows which universities around the world have recently given financial aid to international students.

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    • 194.54 KB

  6. Assemble your applications

    Every part of an application is important, including essays. Make sure that your application meets all the university’s requirements before you submit it.

  7. Submit your applications

    One of the easiest ways to apply to multiple universities is through the Common App, the Universal College Application, or the Coalition Application.

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    Common App

    The Common App lets you apply online to over 800 universities worldwide, including 25 in the U.K.

    • Go to Common App

  8. Decide what university you’ll attend.

    If you’re having trouble choosing where to go, talk to adults you trust to help you make your decision.

  9. Fulfill visa or passport requirements.

    Keep in mind: Every country has different student visa requirements.

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    Visas for Education Abroad

    Learn the student visa requirements for different countries so you can go to university in anywhere in the world.

    • Go to NAFSA

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    Apply for Your Student Visa

    This U.S. State Department website provides guidance on how to get a visa to study in the U.S.

    • Go to U.S. State Department

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