Nowadays, many students choose to study overseas. Studying in a foreign land allows students to experience the differences in education between their home country and overseas. Further, studying overseas gives access to diverse subjects and allows students to obtain an internationally accepted degree.
Further, studying abroad is an adventurous experience as students travel the world, meet people from different ethnicities, and discover different languages and cultures. It gives them a chance to restructure life, handle unforeseen situations, and become self-reliant.
Once you have found a program that aligns with your pursuits, it’s time to begin preparing. If you are wondering what the requirements are for studying abroad, this article got you covered.
Once you’ve chosen your desired university overseas, it’s time to apply! To make this step easier, it is necessary to be acquainted with all the forms and documents required.
Here is a list of documents required to study abroad for a well-structured application.
Academic documents are a must for applying to any university abroad. This includes degrees and the courses that you have taken in the past. You must record all your grades, credits, and degrees you have received while studying in India.
In most cases, academic documents required for studying abroad must be signed and stamped by the issuing authority to confirm validation. Your academic transcripts should have the following documents.
Name/Roll No/Photo ID proof (Passport or Adhaar Card)
Marks & valid certification
Degree & Year of issue
List of subjects & Marks/grades obtained
Accreditation of the current/previous academic institute
International Student ID Card (If provided by the university abroad)
There are a few financial documents that you need to submit while applying to study overseas. These documents are needed to establish that you can handle the education and living expenses.
Hence, financial documents are required to ensure you can pay for the expenses during your study course. You may also present student loan information or any income proof at the time of visa application.
The financial documents are provided by financial institutions like banks. Here is a list of financial documents that are accepted internationally.
Bank Letter
Affidavit of Sponsorship
Loan Capability Certificate
Loan Disbursement Letter
Property Evaluation Report
Proof of Accounts (Bank Statement)
Chartered Accountant Certificate
Each country’s visa application needs you to provide specific health certificates, health insurance cards, or vaccination certificates to ensure you are not entering their country with some infectious disease.
Each country’s embassy will have a list of authorized clinics and diagnostic centers in every city where you must have a few health checkup tests done. Here are a few health certifications required while applying to study overseas.
Health Insurance Certificates
Covid 19 Test Reports & Vaccination Certificates
Vaccination certificates (like yellow fever if traveling to the African continent)
A Statement Of Purpose (SOP) is an important document. It requires your ingenuity and intelligence to work so your paper stands out amongst many applications. Here are a few elements of an SOP document.
Your statement of reason to study abroad.
Your academic highlights, experience, and career plans.
Your professional and individual interest in the university and its course.
While applying to study abroad, you would need your English proficiency test scores. Universities overseas need these scores to assess your command of the English language.
India holds various tests like IELTS and TOEFL, which can grant you entrance to foreign universities. Some other tests are GRE and GMAT. While the GMAT and GRE will test your aptitude and are more general, the IELTS and TOEFL focus on evaluating your English proficiency.
Therefore, do check which test applies to your university of choice and send the required document.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a resume is required to give details about your academic and professional timelines. You can get professional assistance while designing your CV. Here are a few details you must include in your CV.
Name & About Me
Objective
Academic Background (Degree, Year, School & College Names, Marks obtained)
Internship or Work Experience (Company Name, Designation, & Duration)
Awards & Honors
Grants & Scholarships
Any publications or Professional Associations
Volunteer work (if any)
Professional Skills & Language Proficiency
Pursuits & Interests (optional)
Personal/ Contact Information
Apart from these primary documents required for studying abroad, here are some additional documents required with them while applying for a study program abroad.
Travel Documents
Valid Student Visa
Passport Size Photographs
Proof of accommodation
Valid Passport for the duration of study/course
Letter of Recommendation
While arranging documents required for studying abroad, a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from a professor, and principal, highlighting your accomplishments, aptitudes, and extracurricular contribution is an undoubted need.
LOR is a determinant for the admission council as they get to understand your experience. Usually, a student applying to study abroad needs two LORs (academic and professional).
Click here to get a full checklist for preparing to study abroad.
Traveling to countries and continents to get the best education is a privilege. If studying out of India is on your mind, you must be well informed about all the prerequisites.
Through this article, we have attempted to give you a complete list of documents required to study abroad. However, do get an application assessment from a proficient career advisor while applying to rule out any trials.
If you require help comparing courses and universities overseas or any additional assistance, feel free to contact Affinik study abroad - the experts will evaluate your situation, requirements, and other factors to help you select the best possible course for you in no time!