Essential Insights Before Applying to an International University

Choosing the right country and university abroad can be a game-changer for your education and career. Here's how to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Daria Kroshkina

Founder of the international education project StudyFree.

When you think about studying abroad, common thoughts might include: "It's impossible," "Too expensive," "Only for the elite," or "I can't handle it." These concerns are widespread but increasingly outdated.

Today, international education is an attainable reality for many. Thanks to scholarships and grants, almost anyone can study abroad for free. Securing admission to your dream university with full financial support doesn’t require genius-level intellect.

Let’s explore the application process and where to start.

1. Choosing the Country and Educational Program

These two factors are closely linked. If you have a general idea of your field of study, selecting the right country is crucial.

For technical disciplines, consider Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United States—countries with strong traditions in advanced technology, engineering, and innovation. Asian countries like Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and China also lead in technological development.

If your interest lies in design or fashion, sunny Italy or elegant France—homes to world-renowned brands and couturiers—are ideal. For ecology, environmental protection, and human rights, Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway) and Switzerland are global leaders. Remember, exceptions always exist.

2. Selecting the University

Once you have chosen the country and field, find the university that best fits your needs. Consider both the institution’s overall ranking and the specific program’s reputation. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is a valuable resource.

Also, assess how supportive the university is toward international students, including adaptation assistance and international programs.

Decide between private and public universities. Private institutions rely on tuition and sponsors, often offering a more exclusive experience at a higher cost. Public universities receive government funding, making education more affordable—typically under $1,000 per semester.

Note that private universities are not always superior. For example, the University of California, Berkeley (public) and Stanford University (private) are both prestigious and competitive.

3. Preparing Application Documents

Document requirements vary by country, university, and program, but generally include:

• Notarized translations of your previous education certificates (high school diploma for bachelor's applications; bachelor's degree for master's).
• Notarized translations of transcripts.
• A motivation letter, one of the most critical documents to present yourself favorably.
• Recommendation letters.
• Language proficiency certificates. For English programs, IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL scores are required. Other languages require corresponding international certificates.
• Additional exams such as GMAT/GRE for business and finance master’s programs or portfolios for designers and artists.

4. Finding Scholarships and Grants

There are several main types of scholarships and grants:

• Government-funded: Offered by the host or home country governments, usually not tied to a specific university or program.
• University-specific: Provided by the university for its applicants.
• External organizations and foundations: Targeted scholarships covering specific fields or programs, often harder to find.

The availability of scholarships varies widely by country and discipline.

Key scholarship information portals include:

• Germany – DAAD;
• France – CampusFrance;
• China – CSC Scholarships.

These resources primarily provide information in English and other foreign languages. For Russian speakers, platforms like StudyQA and StudyFree regularly share updates on scholarships and grants.

5. Application Deadlines

Typically, university applications are submitted between March and June for a September start. By then, all exam results and documents should be ready.

However, scholarship deadlines are often much earlier. Major scholarship applications for prestigious universities usually close by September–October for programs starting the following fall. Some universities stop accepting applications between November and February. Most large scholarships do not consider candidates after March.

You must have your documents ready when applying for scholarships, so preparation should begin at least one to one and a half years in advance.

Getting into an international university with full funding is achievable. The key is not to fear the process, start early, choose your field and country wisely, and prepare your documents thoroughly. If the process seems overwhelming, educational agencies can assist you with all the necessary steps.

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