Are you planning to study at a university or college abroad? Applying for your student visa sounds like a scary task—but it doesn’t need to be! From Australia to the US, we’re explaining how to get a student visa in five different countries. Then you’ll know your options when applying to study abroad in your dream destination!
Feeling unsure of which country you should study abroad in? Take a look at our blog to discover the benefits our destination countries can offer you!
Australia Student Visa
Planning on studying in sunny Australia? Read on for a list of what you’ll need for your visa application.
You can apply online for a student visa (subclass 500) once you’ve already:
- Enrolled in a course of study, and
- Set up Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Required Visa Documents
First, you’ll need to submit the following supporting documents on your online visa application:
- Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
- Proof of financial capacity to support yourself during your studies (and any family members travelling with you)
- Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (health insurance policy)
- Partner and dependant documents (if applicable)
- Proof of English proficiency level (language test scores)
Other Visa Requirements
In some cases, the Australian government may also ask you for the following:
- A health examination
- Biometric information
- Your participation in an interview: the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment
Student Visa Processing
The processing time for a complete study visa application varies. This means it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. You’ll be notified about the visa decision in writing after your application is processed. If you’re approved for the visa, the official communication will include the:
- Visa grant number
- Date the visa expires
- Visa conditions
If your visa application is rejected, the reasons will be included in the visa decision letter.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one of the most important documents when applying for a student visa. Use the tips in our blog for a breakdown on how to write your own!
Canada Student Visa
Interested in studying in the Great White North? Read on for a list of required documents when studying in Canada.
You can apply for a study permit (often called a student visa) once you’ve:
- Received an offer of admission from an institution listed under the Government of Canada’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list
- Paid your tuition deposit
Required Visa Documents
You’ll need to submit the following supporting documents on your online student visa application:
- Letter of acceptance (LOA)
- Proof of identity
- Purpose of visit
- Proof of financial support
- Letter of explanation
- Travel history
- Ties to your home country
Other Visa Requirements
In some cases, you may need to provide the following additional information:
- Biometrics
- Police clearance
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Student Visa Processing
The processing time needed to process a Canadian study permit application varies. Factors are based on a student’s home country, the type of application, and the volume of applications. We recommend applying at least 90-120 days before the start of the academic session. This allows for any processing delays, or to reapply if your application is initially rejected.
You’ll be notified about the visa decision in writing after your application is processed. If your visa application is rejected, the reasons will be included in the visa decision letter.
Upon landing in Canada, an immigration officer will issue your study permit if they are satisfied your visit is legitimate. For this reason, it’s highly recommended you bring all travel documentation in your carry-on luggage. This includes items such as your offer letter and proof of tuition payment.
It’s key to follow certain guidelines so your study abroad journey runs smoothly! Find out some do’s and don’ts of applying for a Canadian student visa.
Ireland Student Visa
There are two main types of visas to choose from to study in Ireland. In fact, many nationalities don’t actually require a visa. However, even if your nationality is exempt from visa requirements, you still need permission to enter Ireland when you arrive.
You can apply (with or without a student ‘C’ or ‘D’ Visa) once you’ve already:
- Enrolled and received acceptance in an approved course of study
Required Non-Visa Documents
If your home country doesn’t require a visa, you’ll need to submit the following when arriving:
- Letter of acceptance
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Sponsorship, if relevant
- Proof of financial support
Required Visa Documents
If your home country requires a visa, you’ll need either a Short Stay Visa (‘C’ Visa) or Long Stay Visa (‘D’ Visa). This depends on the length of your course. Since most courses last longer than 90 days, you’ll most likely need the Long Stay Visa (‘D’ Visa).
You’ll need to provide the following:
- Application summary document
- Two coloured passport-sized photographs not more than six months old
- Application Letter
- Your current passport and a full copy of all previous passports
- Proof that you’ve enrolled in a privately funded course
- Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
- Confirmation of fee payment to the college
- Affirmation that you have the academic ability to pursue your chosen course
- Documentation of your proficiency in English or Irish
- Proof of finances
- Evidence of private medical insurance
- Previous visa refusals, if any
Other Visa Requirements
In some cases, you may need to provide the following additional information:
- Biometrics
- A full translation of all required documents, if the original documents are not in English or Irish (Gaelic)
Student Visa Processing
The processing time needed to process an Irish student visa application varies. Factors include your home country, type of application, and volume of applications. We recommend to apply at least three months before the start of the academic session. This allows for any processing delays, or to reapply should your application be rejected.
You’ll receive a notification about the visa decision in writing after your application is processed. If your visa application is rejected, the reasons will be included in the visa decision letter.
Find an Irish institution that’s the right fit for you on our blog. Here we’ve highlighted some of our top picks!
The United Kingdom (UK) Student Visa
If you’re an international student hoping to study in the UK, you’re in the right place! Read on for a list of required documents and visa process information.
You can apply for a UK Student visa (formerly known as a Tier 4 “General” student visa) once you’ve:
- Received an unconditional offer of admission from a licensed sponsor
- Received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) with your offer of admission
Required Visa Documents
You can apply for your visa within six months of starting your course. You’ll need to submit the following on your online application:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
- Biometric information
- Proof of knowledge of English
- Evidence of financial capacity to pay the tuition, and support yourself during your studies (and any other family members travelling with you)
- Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent, if you’re under 18
- Evidence of your relationship with said parent or guardian, if you’re under 18
- Tuberculosis test results if you’re coming from one of these countries
- Immigration healthcare surcharge fee
Student Visa Processing
The time needed to process the study permit application varies. Factors include your home country, type of application, and the volume of applications. Visa decisions are generally made within three weeks of your biometrics appointment at the visa application center. Visa processing times for each country can be reviewed here.
You’ll receive a notification about the visa decision in writing after your application is processed. If your visa application is rejected, the reasons for it will be included in the visa decision letter.
Check out our blog for our best reasons to study in the UK!
The United States (US) Student Visa
Want to see what it takes to apply for a student visa in the US? Read on for a list of required documents and visa processing information.
You can apply for a student (F-1) visa once you’ve:
- Applied and are accepted by an institution in the US that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP).
Required Visa Documents
You’ll need to submit the following supporting documents as part of your online student visa application:
- Proof of intent to return to your home country after completing your studies
- Demonstration of sufficient funds to support your life in the US
- Demonstration of strong ties to your home country, such as a job offer after graduation, a house, land, bank accounts, or family.
F-1 Visa Interview
Applicants also may need to complete an F-1 visa interview. Note that some international students may be eligible for an F-1 visa interview waiver until December 31, 2023.
Common F-1 visa interview questions include:
- Why you chose to study in the US instead of joining the workforce in your home country
- Why you chose your institution of choice, and why it’s the best school for you
- What your test scores are (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS ), your GPA, and your overall performance as a student
- How you’re funding the entire duration of your education, including your tuition, room and board, transportation, and all other living expenses
- Whether you will return to your home country after graduating (the answer should always be yes!)
Other Visa Requirements
In some cases, you may also need to provide the following:
- Visa insurance fee
- Digital fingerprint scan
Student Visa Processing
The time needed to process the study permit application varies by your home country, type of application, and the volume of applications. We recommend applying at least 12-13 months before the start of the academic session. This allows for time to complete any pre-requisite classes for your program, or to physically mail certain documents.
You’ll receive a notification about the visa decision in writing after your application is processed. If your application is rejected, the reasons for it will be included in the visa decision letter.
It’s highly recommended that you bring key documents in your hand luggage, not in a checked bag. These should include:
- Your passport
- SEVIS forms
- Proof of financial resources
- Evidence of student status
- DSO contact information
- A letter from your home institution stating your intent to return (if applicable)
Check out your work options, as well as how to get work experience after graduating when studying in the US.
Now you know a bit more about the student visa process across five different countries! We hope you feel a bit more ready for your own unique journey. Best of luck with your application!
Whichever country you choose to study abroad in, ApplyBoard can guide you through the application process. Register now for free!
