How to Get a Student Visa to the 5 Best Study Destinations in the World

Dreaming of studying abroad?

Imagine walking the old university halls in England, the colourful city campuses in the USA or studying in the midst of the stunning nature in Canada! These are only some of the best study destinations in the world, which ensure great education, great cultures, and great opportunities.

Now, let’s be realistic.

There is one step that is between you and your dream study abroad destination—the visa. It is not wrong to say that a study visa is your ticket to an overseas education venue.

That’s why we have come up with this short yet essential guide to help you learn about getting a student visa to the 5 most popular study destinations: the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany!

 

First Things First: Common Steps for ALL Countries

 

Regardless of the preferred location of your study, the following general steps are almost always required.

 

Get Accepted!

This is the BIGGEST step. You must have an official letter of acceptance or confirmation of enrolment to a recognised school in the country you want to apply to.

Show Funds:

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition (school fees) and living costs (rent, food, and transportation) for at least one year of study. This is an important step to ensure that the educators that you are financially sound to fund your stay in their nation.

A Commitment to Go Home Once the Course is Over:

A majority of the countries like to learn if you will be back home once your study period is over. This is called demonstrating "ties" to your home country. This could be showing property ownership, family commitments, or job prospects back home. However, you could stay there to work by getting a work visa or as per the guidelines of the host nation.

 

Good Health and Character:

You are likely to be required to pass a medical exam and demonstrate that you do not have a criminal record.

Valid Passport:

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.

 

Understanding the Unique Study Visa Requirements of Each Country

 

The United States of America (USA)

 

The USA is home to thousands of universities offering a variety of subjects.

 

 Type of Visa: F-1 Visa (academic students)

·         Get an I-20 Form: When the U.S. school accepts you, they will send you an I-20 Form.

·         Pay SEVIS Fee: You have to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee.

·         Fill DS-160 Form: Fill online Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-160)

·         Schedule an interview at an embassy or a consulate in your home country.

·         Attend Interview: Be prepared to discuss your study plans, why you decided to study in the U.S., and how you are going to finance your studies with your interviewer. They would like to know that you are a real student.

 

The United Kingdom (UK)

 

The UK has the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, such as Oxford and Cambridge, making it a top study destination for international students.

 

 Type of Visa: Student visa (previously Tier 4 General student visa)

 Key Steps:

·         Get CAS Number: Your UK institution will provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. You need this to apply.

·         Demonstrate English Language: You should be well versed in all forms of communication in English, which include speaking, reading, writing and comprehending English. This typically involves the passing of an approved English language test (such as IELTS).

·         Show Funds: Show sufficient funds to cover your course fees and living expenses (exact amounts will vary depending on your UK location of study).

·         Apply Online: Fill out the student visa application form online.

·         Biometrics: Visit a visa application centre where you will be required to give your fingerprints and a photo.

 

Canada

 

Canada is known for its friendly culture, scenic landscapes, and good universities.

 

 Type of Visa: Study Permit (this is your visa)

 Key Steps:

 Get Letter of Acceptance: Get it from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) - a school that is accredited by the Canadian government.

 Evidence of Finances: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient finances to fund yourself in Canada (tuition, living costs, travel).

 Police Certificate: It may require you to have a police certificate to prove that you do not have a criminal record.

Medical Exam: You may be required to undergo a medical test depending on the study destination.

Apply Online: The majority of the applications are made online.

Biometrics: You will normally be required to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

 

Australia

 

The nation is known for an intriguing lifestyle, multi-cultural cities and education of the highest standards, especially in research.

 

 Type of Visa: Student Visa (Subclass 500)

 Key Steps:

Get CoE: Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with your Australian education provider.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): This is a very crucial section for Australia. You will be required to write a statement as to why you want to study in Australia, the reason you have selected your course and that you do intend to go back home after your studies. This establishes that you are not looking for a permanent settlement.

 Financial Capacity: Show that you have sufficient funds to cover your fees and living expenses.

English Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL scores).

Health and Character: You will probably have to undergo a medical check and police background checks.

 Apply Online: The whole process of application is normally online via the Department of Home Affairs site.

 

Germany

 

It boasts of good engineering and science institutions, and there are numerous free or low-cost tuition universities in the country!

 

 Type of Visa: National Visa (D-Visa) as a study visa

 Key Steps:

·         Get Acceptance Letter: You will get it from the German university to which you have applied.

·         Proof of Funds (Blocked Account): In Germany, you normally have to open a special blocked account and deposit around EUR11,208 (this may vary) into it. You can only withdraw a certain amount each month, ensuring you have funds for the year.

·         Health Insurance: You need to be properly insured in terms of health.

·         Evidence of German Proficiency (where necessary): In case your course is taught in German, you will have to provide proof of your language proficiency.

·         Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form.

·         Interview: You will visit the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country for an interview.

 

How to Make Your Study Visa Application Successful

 

Apply Early: Visa processing is time-consuming, and thus, apply as early as you can after you have all your documents.

 

Arrange Your Paperwork: Make the required documents organised. Make a checklist and check them off as you collect them.

 

Be Honest: Always provide the right information to the concerned authorities. Any misinformation can cause rejection of your visa.

 

Check Specific Requirements: Visa regulations are subject to change! The official government immigration site of the country of your choice should always be consulted immediately before you make your application. Don't rely on old information.

 

Interviews Practice: In case an interview is needed, consider what questions they may ask and how you will respond. Make sure to present a genuine answer.

 

Seek Professional Help

 

So this is essential info on getting a study visa to popular study destinations. If you think it is quite overwhelming to go through the visa process, getting professional help can save you hassles.

If it seems overwhelming and complicated, reach out to us, Landmark Global. Our study abroad visa consultants will guide you through every step of the process, whether it is paperwork, choosing the right universities, arranging funding or a loan and finding accommodation.

Good luck!