How to Study Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know the best way to study abroad? Pay4Me has answered some of the frequently asked questions in this article, from tuition fees and visa processing to applications and scholarships.
Is studying abroad a good decision?
If you plan to study abroad, you should do it because it opens doors to opportunities and new people and lets you experience other cultures.
Can I study abroad?
Yes, you can. However, several universities and scholarship bodies stipulate certain requirements and eligibility criteria before you can study abroad.
I am below 18 can I study abroad?
Yes, you can. If you are below 18, your parent or guardian will have to write a letter indicating that they are aware you are going abroad for studies and are the ones funding your studies.
What countries can I study in as an International student?
The list is numerous. Several first-world countries allow expatriates from less developed nations to study in their schools.
What benefits do I have access to as an International student?
As an international student in another country, you can enjoy medical care and scholarships for international students, rent good houses at affordable prices, open a bank account, and even own a vehicle if you want.
What steps do I need to take to study abroad?
Once you have made up your mind to study abroad, the first thing you should do is to find the best countries for international students can comfortably study. Once you have found such countries, depending on your budget, look for affordable universities in those countries that offer the course or courses you want to study, find their stated requirements and start applying if you meet them.
Is it safe to study abroad?
Studying abroad can be quite safe for international students if they adhere to the prescribed safety measures. Before you apply for studies in a country, you can also check the crime rate.
What are the challenges of studying abroad?
A new environment comes with unique challenges: Culture shock, homesickness, loneliness, financial difficulty, and language barriers.
What is the eligibility for studying abroad?
Eligibility requirements vary from one institution to another. Typically, students must be at least in their second year at the time of departure. The minimum cumulative GPA usually ranges between 2.50 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, while more competitive programs have a higher GPA requirement. Other qualifications may include a personal statement or letter of recommendation.
What are the documents needed to study Abroad?
Birth Certificates, SSCE Results (Certificate and Statement of Results), BSc Certificate or Statement of Results (For Post Graduates), Academic Transcripts, Valid Means of Identification, Reference Letters (Personal and Academic), Recommendation letters, Essay Write-ups, GRE/GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS (Differs from Schools), etc.
Do I Need To Be Able To Speak The Language Of The Country?
Language proficiency is not compulsory in many countries. However, you need to try to understand that country's basic words if it's not an English-speaking nation.
Must I have IELTS or TOEFL before studying abroad?
While having an IELTS or TOEFL result is a necessity for Studying Abroad in various countries, most countries can wave these things if you studied in a country where you were solely taught in the English language or previously completed a study in a major English-speaking country like Canada, UK, or the USA. But, again, check the school's admission requirements to be sure you don't need these things.
Can I process my visa to another Country while studying abroad?
Yes, you can start making arrangements to go to another country while you still an international student in another country. However, it is better to do so toward the end of your program of study.
Can I decide to reside permanently in the country I studied in?
Yes, you can. If the country has the option for international students to become permanent residents in their country after their studies, then they can apply for a residential permit to stay in the country.
Can I stay back after my studies and work as an international student?
Yes. As long you have your work permit, you can decide to get a job in the country. Find out how certain permit works should you want to extend your stay after your studies.
Who is an international student?
An international student is a student who is not a citizen of the country they want to study in. For instance, a Nigerian student studying in Canada is an international student.
What do schools look for in international students?
Schools usually look for students who show a personal or professional interest in a course and are passionate about it, with a solid reason for wanting to study at the university.
Your reason could be the university's ranking or the facilities provided to students.
Can I combine two courses at once?
Yes, you can do that. Certain universities abroad offer students the option to major in two or three courses simultaneously. You can study all the course combinations at once.
How do I know if my grades are good enough to gain admission?
If you want to know if your grades are high enough to gain admission to a university, you can use a Grade Conversion Tool like WES to convert your grades to the acceptable grading system of the country you are going to.
You can also submit your results to the school, and the faculty of the course you want to study will determine if your grades are good enough.
Can I study abroad if I have a low grade?
Yes. Although most universities have a required grade for international students, students with low grades can still study in them. However, you may be required by the university to do something to make it up.
Must I fill out a university application form to study abroad?
Yes. Filling in an application form is the first and most important thing you should do while applying to the university. This form is how the admission office contacts you and collects your personal information.
Must I write a letter of interest to a university?
Writing a letter of interest, letter of intent or personal statement is your one chance to convince the university's admission board that you indeed have what it takes to be accepted as a bonafide student of their university. So you must write one, it is crucial.
What should I include in my letter of interest?
When writing your letter of interest, it is essential to include why you want to study at that university, why you want to study your chosen course, what personal or professional experience interests you, and why you are a good fit for the course.
Some schools give specifications for writing a letter of interest, and you can use the points they gave.
How do I correctly submit a letter of reference?
Put in the name or names of the person you want to write you a reference letter on your application form. The university will now send them an email with a link where they will submit the reference letter. Note that you do not submit the letter by yourself unless the school states otherwise.
What is an offer letter or LOA?
An offer letter or letter of acceptance is a confirmation that the university sends you if you have been successfully accepted to study in their school. When you get this, it means you are now a bona fide student.
How long does the application process take? “
We recommend you begin your application process at least a year in advance to give enough time for your applications to be processed and prepare for your overseas time.
Remember that the academic year begins at different times in other countries. Therefore, semester dates tend to run as follows:
Australia
Semester 1: starts late February/early March to late May/early June
Semester 2: starts late July/early August through to November.
New Zealand
Semester 1: from February to June
Semester 2: from July to November
UK
Term 1: from September to December
Term 2: from January to April
Term 3: from April to June
USA
Fall Term: from August to December
Spring Term: from January to April
Summer Term: from May to August
The above dates are a guide only. You should always check the exact dates with the university or college you are applying to.
Can I get a student loan abroad as an international student?
Yes, financial platforms like Pay4Me offer international student loans to Africans in collaboration with a major student loan company, M Power Financing.