To begin studying as an international student, there are a range of entry requirements you may have to meet. The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need to apply will vary depending on the level of education you want to study. For example, some courses will require you to have done a foundation course before applying for a degree. All universities and schools can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their websites carefully. Our counsellors are here to support you with guidance on the courses and locations that best meet your preferences. Find here the cost of study based on locations: Canada, Australia, UK, USA, New Zealand and Ireland.

Your career prospects will benefit hugely from your experience of studying, living and socialising overseas. It’s your opportunity to develop a wealth of new skills, perspectives and stronger English language skills and seek work experience from the kind of employers you’d like to work for. A recent study conducted with more than 4,500 ex-international students explored the exact skills employers in the US value when it comes to recruiting people that have studied overseas.

We recommend you to start as early as possible. This will give you enough time to ponder upon your interests and research according to your personal and academic goals and aspirations. Location, course duration, costs, accommodation, and living conditions are some of the other aspects that you need to figure out along with your program. Start planning at least one year or intake in advance. Of course, we are here to help you throughout the entire process.

The skills and qualifications employers and professional registration bodies require will vary from country to country. If, for example, you are working towards a career with strict entry requirements such as medicine, engineering, accounting or teaching, do some research with the relevant registration bodies in your home country for advice.

Working while you study can complement your study and living experience. If you pursue a course at degree level or above you may be permitted to work while on an international student visa. Before you undertake any paid work, you need to make sure that your visa allows it. The opportunity for students to work part-time during their studies varies from country to country. Many universities have a dedicated job centre on-campus for students that advertise job opportunities to help students develop skills. The university careers service is also a useful source of information.

While you can apply to study directly to an institution, you may choose to use the expertise of an international education specialist (also known as a student counsellor) to guide you through the process of choosing a university or school and enrolling. Using an accredited and trusted agent, like IDP, can help reduce the stress of choosing a school in another country, applying and preparing to leave. Our student counsellors are knowledgeable and up to date on curriculum changes, and have your best interests at heart. Most of them have studied overseas themselves hence can offer first hand advice every step of the way.

It’s natural for your family to be nervous about letting their children travel alone to a new country. Millions of students have done so and thrived, but this doesn’t make it less difficult for parents to accept. We encourage you to involve your parents in any discussions or appointments you have with IDP. With the reassurance of an international education specialist like IDP, your parents would feel more confident seeing you being assisted by a professional and responsible organisation in your applications and preparations.

IDP is a global leader in international education. We help students study overseas in English speaking countries. We’ve been doing it for 50 years, creating a huge network of opportunity across 32 countries. Our experienced education counsellors work with you to turn your study plan into a launch pad for professional success and personal growth.

Our service extends beyond study advice and applications. We can help you get all the essential services you’ll need while living abroad — health insurance, foreign exchange, accommodation, setting up a bank account and obtaining a SIM card. We organise pre-departure orientations that cover topics such as: student life in your new country, advice on adapting to the culture and how to deal with homesickness. We also host welcome activities when you arrive in your new city where you’ll meet fellow and former international students from around the world.