Studying abroad is a great way to enhance your career path and to add value and weight to your curriculum vitae. While getting into a university is easy, the visa application process is a bit more complicated.
Here is a quick guide on some of the common student visa related questions that individuals aspiring to learn abroad have in their minds:
Where to Begin?
Most countries require that you show a Letter of Acceptance or Confirmation of Enrolment or a similar document confirming that you have been accepted into the university or college. This is the first and the most important document, without which you cannot apply for a student visa. Therefore:
- Identify the country you wish to study in
- Select the course that you want to enrol in
- Pick the university/college/institution you want to your study in
- Apply for the course
- Once your acceptance is confirmed, proceed to apply for the visa
Some Common Requirements to Study Abroad
Besides a valid passport and qualifications of last education, there are some other necessities that countries require from a student. While most rules or requirements to study abroad will be similar, they will differ in fees, time period of visas, amount of financial need, etc. Here is a list of some requirements that most nationals require students to have/furnish:
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover fees, travel and cost of living.
- Valid health insurance
- Proof of language proficiency required for countries where you wish to learn a language in countries like Germany, UK, etc.
- Medical examination report
- Proof of scholarship
What Type of Visa Should You Apply for?
Every country has a student visa, and an individual looking forward to studying in an international country should apply for a student visa. The names for a general student visa is different such as in the US it is known as F1 visa, in the UK it is known as Tier 4, in China, it is known as X Visa, in Singapore, it is referred to as Student Pass, etc.
There are different categories in student visa in all countries. You must apply for the right visa else your application may be rejected. For instance, if you are going for a longer course, then a general student visa is what you should pick, but if you are going for a shorter course probably a language course or a vocational course, then you must apply for a short-term visa.
Go through the official website of the visa and immigration department of the country you will go to study to determine the exact type visa.
Where to Apply for a Student Visa?
A student will have to apply for a student visa from their country of residence. Depending on the country that you pick to study you will have to visit an application centre of the same to submit the documents and face an interview
- Some countries can apply for a visa online, book an appointment online, then submit the documents physically and face a physical interview at the embassy or consulate on the date.
- In other nations, visa application and documentation are done in visa application centres, and then a physical interview is arranged in the embassy or consulate.
Can You Work in a Student’s Visa?
Most countries permit the students to work on a general student visa. The students are allowed to work for 20 hours in a week off-campus. You can begin working once your course starts.
How Long Can I Stay in the Country?
A student is permitted to stay in the country until the duration of the course. An extension is allowed if the course requires it. Other than that, after you complete your studies, you may be permitted to stay for up to 4 months.
You must go through the official website of the country that you want to study in, to learn more about visa application and other details.
