Have you ever had a dream of going to a famous university in another country. Although the idea sounds very exciting, applying often feels very overwhelming.  In this article, I’m going to take you through it bit by bit so that you can apply to universities across the world with confidence and gain the necessary qualifications.

Choosing the Right International School for You

Having chosen to apply overseas, you’ll need to do your homework on exactly which schools to send your application to. Where do you start?

First, think about the key factors that matter most to you. Consider things like:

• Location: Do you want to live in a leading world city such as London or Paris, or a small college town?
• Academics: OK, so if you’re going, what are you going to do? Does the school have your major, and is it the right major for you? How many kids are in the typical class? What is the number of students divided by the number of full-time faculty members? Is there plenty of research, and can you get involved in it?
• Cost: What is the tuition and cost of living? Do they provide scholarships for international students?
• Language: Will the course be taught in English or the local language? Do you speak it fluently?
• Culture: Is a liberal school rich in international students an asset or a liability? Or would you prefer an environment that allows you to be more immersed in the local culture?

Once your list of needs requirements is complete, you’re ready to start your research into schools that fit the bill.

Speak to friends who have studied abroad and check international university rankings to find the best options you can and make a list.

Submitting a Winning Application

You’ve picked some awesome schools – now you need to blow them away with your application! Here are some pointers to help you do just that:

• Make sure your grades stay high. Universities do look for consistently high grades. So keep working at your classes and do all you can to get the highest marks your teachers will give.
• Write superb essays. The essay is your opportunity to show your personality and help your application come alive. Spend time writing thoughtful, authentic responses that reflect who you are.
• Make sure your recommendations are stellar. Request teachers or mentors write you glowing recommendation letters and be sure to give them plenty of time to work on them for you.
• Excel at the language tests. Most schools ask you to provide evidence of language competency (TOEFL/IELTS etc.). Study hard and score highly on those tests.
• Meet all deadlines. Submit everything for each school by its individual due date. Don’t be late.
• Check requirements again. Make sure that your application is 100 per cent complete before submitting. Don’t miss the deadline because you didn’t read the application instructions closely enough!

The Challenges of Applying Abroad

While applying to school is tough enough domestically, going international tends to complicate things in a few key ways. Here’s some of what you may encounter:

Understanding Requirements

Each country and each university will have different requirements. Some will require you to have taken particular high-school coursework or sat entry exams; others will ask you to take language proficiency tests. Check these out carefully, don’t be surprised if they’re not the same as at universities in your home country!

Submitting Documentation

It’s a bigger paperwork package for international applications, with transcripts, letters of recommendation, finances affidavits, and English language test scores, all requiring either notarised and/or translated into official languages of colleges or universities. There’s a lot of waiting and uncertainty.

Competition for Places

With thousands of applications pouring in from around the globe to access places in universities where only hundreds of international students are selected, being highly competitive in the applicant pool is essential. Excellent grades and test scores are important, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Visa Concerns

If granted, obtaining the right kind of student visa for your destination country is now another set of requirements. It’s a good idea to apply early so that you have ample time to process your visa.

Financial Burden

Studying in foreign land is bound to have heavy repercussions on your pocket. Take tuition, travelling and living cost into consideration and you will easily go broke overnight. Cash flow problems are frequently faced by international students. A fool-proof financial plan is essential to fund your overseas excursion.

How International A Levels Can Give You an Edge

A key factor that can boost your chances for admission to overseas universities, as well as other institutions around the world, is enrolling on International A Levels. The question is why.

• They’re well-known globally: International Universities recognise International A Levels as evidence of achievement. They’ll improve your application.
• They can demonstrate a broad education: For International A Levels, at least three subjects (usually languages, sciences and humanities) have to be studied.
• They demonstrate a broad-based education: International A Levels require you study a wide range of subjects such as languages, sciences, humanities and maths. This will demonstrates to a university that you have a multidisciplinary knowledge base.
• They demonstrate important skills: The kind of skills you need to succeed in International A Levels. For example, the ability to think critically, research, write essays, and manage your time are skills that universities are particularly keen to see.
• They are available worldwide: International A Levels are accepted by thousands of schools around the world. You can study for them from almost anywhere.
• They allow you to experiment: You can sequence your subject combinations in ways that reflect your interests and your future major. Pick what you are interested in.
• They are standardised: International A Levels use the same letter grades everywhere, which makes them easier for universities to compare safely.

Although certainly intimidating, none of them are insurmountable – with careful preparation and a step-by-step approach you can clear any obstacle in your quest for an international university.

Final Tips for Application Success

If you have a dream to study in a prestigious international university, here are some last tips to help you achieve your goal:

• Stay organized and meet every deadline. Use checklists and calendars to stay on track.
• Demonstrate who you are in your special personal essay. Describe life-changing moments that led to new perspectives.
• Prioritize self-care during the demanding application period. Get enough sleep, nutrition and exercise.
• Be 100% honest throughout the entire process. Universities value authenticity.
• Highlight unique experiences like volunteering, hobbies and special talents that diversify your profile.
• Thank everyone who helped you get there: teachers, counsellors, parents.
• Believe in yourself! You absolutely deserve to study at a world-class university.

Take my advice and you’ll be over the border and studying there before you know it.