Studying abroad is not merely a fad anymore. It is an academic goal for millions of students and for all the right reasons. From a truly global exposure to world class education, the new generation is keen and eager to pursue some part of their higher education from abroad. And its only right.
Studying abroad not merely helps you expand your network while gaining global degree, it also gives the student the chance to understand a culture (usually of the place he/she is studying in) and sometimes also a language. The thoughts and ideas, how different human societies function and think, all add to the basic understanding and development of the mind.
But while all understand how beneficial it is, many do not understand what to do and where to begin. The problem of a decade ago is still there…the reason, different. A decade or two ago, students did not know where to begin due to lack of information. Today, it’s too much information.
Internet is filled with ‘self-appointed’ experts that tend to provide a single vision to the child. So how to begin? Presenting a basic guideline on Study Abroad. Simple articles to explain what studying abroad entails, how to start and what it means. Today, let us start with understanding timelines.
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Study Abroad Timelines: How Application Process Works
Let us start with basics. Universities abroad (barring a few which have entrance examination for specific courses), have a subjective application-based admission process. Students need to submit their academic transcripts (marksheets, certificates, degrees, etc.) along with the University application form. Now these applications begin much earlier than the beginning of the actual session.
Undergraduate Admission Timelines (For US, UK, Europe)
New Session begins in the month of August or September – this may vary from country to country.
- The application process begins about 10 – 12 months before the start of the session. For example, application process for admission to September 2025 session opens in August – September 2024. Similarly, application for admission to August 2026 session will now open in the month of August 2025.
- While a few universities do have rolling admissions, for undergraduate courses, the window usually opens for a specific period of time
- Most universities abroad have single sessions for top undergraduate courses. Spring and Fall sessions are usually for post-graduate courses.
- Many universities continue to accept applications for the upcoming session till end of April and some even May of the same year. However, due to the visa timelines, the process is often very difficult to complete in time to attend the said session.
Post Graduate Admissions
- Much like UG admissions, applications for postgraduate or PG admissions also begin about 12 to 14 months before the start of the academic session
- Most of the PG courses have two admission cycles, but August – September cycle remains the primary admission cycle
- Students shortlisted for September cycle can get their course shifted to January Cycle as well
Note: Academic cycle for Australia and New Zealand are completely different from the rest of the world. Australian University sessions begin in February and July and for New Zealand, there are three intakes – February, July and November. Admission process for February session usually begins from October of previous years. Similarly, applications for July session begins around February and ends by May of the same year.
Starting Study Abroad: When to start thinking
To break it up, for undergraduate admissions, students in their Class 11 should start researching about the options and the possibilities. As for post-graduate admissions, it can be as early as second year of your college degree.
The reason to do so is to have enough understanding of how the process works. Starting early will give students enough time to do thorough research, make necessary enduements in their applications for a higher success rate. Also, starting early will give students ample time to understand the financial implications and accordingly work on it.
As the old adage says – early bird catches the worm. Start early to find the best route for yourself. Have a question, leave a comment and we will try and do an explainer on that.