7 steps to guarantee your admission to a university abroad

In recent years, studying abroad has ceased to be something unattainable. Students from CIS countries are increasingly enrolling in universities in the USA, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and other countries.

Foreign universities provide access to modern programs, practices, and research. Education there is focused on developing critical thinking, independence, the ability to create new projects, and solve real-world problems.

A diploma from a foreign university simplifies entry into the international job market, internships at large companies, and admission to master’s or PhD programs. For parents, this is often the main argument: education = investment in the future.

Also, contrary to a common myth, studying abroad is not always more expensive than studying locally. Often it’s even cheaper or completely free. Of course, we are referring to scholarships, which universities in the USA, Europe, and Asia readily offer to talented students from other countries. Every year, universities and organizations, as well as governments, allocate millions of dollars to finance foreign students.

With a strong profile, you can receive funding covering 50% to 100% of the tuition fees, and often additional expenses as well.

Before discussing the step-by-step process of applying to foreign universities, it’s important to understand the basic requirements. These vary from country to country, but there are common elements that are found almost everywhere.

The foundation is always academic performance. Universities look at grades from the last few years of study, but in addition to the GPA, it’s important to consider what subjects the student studied and whether there has been progress. However, a high GPA is not a guarantee of admission, especially when it comes to world-renowned universities. There may be many students with perfect academic records, but not everyone receives the coveted acceptance letter. So what else is important?

The issue of competition and scholarships is addressed at the level of the student’s personal brand. Here we mean their story, personal qualities, and motivation, which should be supported by extracurricular activities and projects. All of this is important to properly reflect in the motivational essay, portfolio, and letters of recommendation.

Language proficiency is also one of the mandatory requirements. For English-language programs, TOEFL or IELTS are most often required. A good command of the language is necessary not only for admission to the university, but also for studying and living abroad, which is why the teachers at our SelfStartEnglish school help students master English to the required level.

This is perhaps one of the most underestimated stages of the application process. It’s important to have an honest conversation with yourself and answer the question: “Why do I want to study abroad, and what do I hope to gain from it?”

Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing a major, especially when everyone around you is trying to influence your decision: parents say one thing, school teachers another, and friends something else entirely. Amidst all this, you need to understand what you truly want, what your aptitudes and potential are.

Universities always consider motivation, and when a student applies for economics because their parents decided it for them, it’s immediately obvious. Conversely, even an unconventional choice of major can be a strong point if it’s logically justified.

Clearly defining your goal helps you choose the right universities, write a strong motivational letter, and increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

The question of funding is one of the most sensitive, especially for parents. How much does studying abroad cost, and is it really possible to get financial aid?

Scholarships vary. In the US, these are most often grants from the university itself, which can cover part or all of the tuition costs. In Europe, government and university programs are more common, sometimes with more modest amounts, but also lower tuition fees.

When allocating funding, universities consider the student’s overall profile: academics, extracurricular activities, motivation, leadership, and social involvement. This is why a student’s personal brand directly influences the amount of the scholarship.

Once the documents are ready, the technically important and equally crucial stage begins – submitting the applications. Universities operate on deadlines, and missing a deadline almost always means automatic rejection, regardless of the strength of the applicant’s profile. In the US, applications are often submitted through the Common App platform, in the UK through UCAS, and in Europe through the universities’ own systems.

After submission, it’s important to track the application status, respond to university requests, and be prepared to provide additional documents. This stage requires considerable effort, especially if the student is applying to a large number of universities simultaneously.

Not all universities conduct interviews, but if one is required, it’s important to prepare for it. Of course, it’s not an exam, and if a student has already been invited for an interview, it means their application has interested the admissions committee.

The main goal of this meeting is to understand how the student thinks, whether they can articulate their goals, and how prepared they are for studying in an international environment. To this end, candidates are asked questions about their chosen field of study, future plans, and previous experience. It’s important to answer honestly, with examples and reasoning, but what’s best to avoid is using memorized and clichéd phrases.

Receiving an offer letter is the moment everything has been leading up to. But the admission process doesn’t end there. On the contrary, a new stage begins, where it’s crucial to avoid mistakes.

The first thing to do is carefully review the offer’s terms and conditions. This includes the scholarship amount, academic requirements, confirmation deadlines, deposit, and accommodation details. Sometimes a student receives several offers, and it’s important to compare not only the universities but also the actual financial burden.

After confirming the offer, the visa process begins. This involves gathering financial documents, filling out application forms, scheduling an interview, and preparing for it. It’s important to find out the requirements of the country and the university in advance.

Simultaneously, practical matters need to be addressed: accommodation, insurance, travel arrangements, and adaptation. A good university always helps with orientation, but the responsibility still rests with the student and their family. Thorough preparation for departure reduces stress and allows for a smooth transition into the academic process.

Applying to universities abroad can be done independently. However, the application process always involves dozens of complex decisions, deadlines, and nuances. A mistake in strategy, a weak motivational letter, or the wrong choice of universities can lead to rejections or loss of funding. This is especially critical if the student needs to secure a scholarship.

Expert guidance becomes crucial when:

• there is high competition for funding
• there is no room for error in terms of time or budget
• it is necessary to build a strong personal brand

A personal mentor will help develop a strategy: from choosing a field of study to submitting applications and receiving the coveted offer.

Many parents choose this support primarily for their own peace of mind. This way, they know that everything is under control, and the guarantee of a positive outcome is enshrined in the contract.

Applying to a university abroad requires time, strategy, and the right decisions. If you are just starting to think about studying abroad, begin by assessing your chances. A single consultation can help you understand where you stand now and what steps will truly lead to success.