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.
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Find International Universities Recognizing AP and SAT
Use this tool to search for institutions outside of the U.S. that use AP and SAT scores to inform admissions, credit, and placement decisions.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.