From Oxford, England to Oxford, Mississippi, a diverse array of colleges and universities span the length and breadth of the English-speaking world. Countries in both the old world – such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta – as well as the new – such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa – rightly enjoy an unparalleled reputation for excellence in higher education. To take advantage of this world, however, you must submit a visa application and get approved before you can pursue your English program overseas.
Names With A Reputation
Illustrious names like Cambridge, Trinity, Harvard, and McGill provide inspiration to more than just home-grown talent, however – these symbols of greatness have long served as beacons of opportunity to aspiring international students from around the world.
Overcoming Barriers to Entry
Interest does not necessarily translate into access, however, as these countries, like all other countries, have laws and regulations concerning the activities of international students within their borders. Thus, in much the same way that the number of international students has reached at all-time highs in recent year, the interest in the UK and US visa applications has likewise lately surged. The specific process of applying for a student visa can change depending upon:
- your country of origin (the country you are applying from)
- your country of study
- the type of study you would like to pursue
Extra Requirements to Pursue An English Program Abroad
Depending on where you are from, international students may be faced with more paperwork to complete than their local peers. Indeed, in addition to the standard battery of exams and essays, international students must also wade through the relevant regulations in order to study in another country. As a result, while it is easy to say that all international students studying in another country are required to obtain a student or exchange visa, the exact process of obtaining that visa can be quite different for Carnegie-Mellon (typically a US F-1 visa) or Cambridge (tier 4) applicants.
Though this process of getting such a visa can at times seems intimidating, it does not have to be and, fortunately, we are here to help. First, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- As aspiring international travelers, all applicants will need a valid passport from their home country. Additionally, qualifying passports should be valid for at least six months after the student’s planned study start date.
- As aspiring international students, applicants should be ready with copies of all of their academic transcripts. These transcripts will be used by colleges and universities in the destination country to determine your eligibility and should be translated where possible.
- If you are not from a native English-speaking country but your desired coursework is to be completed English, applicants should be able to provide the results of qualified English Language Proficiency Assessments such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Be prepared to address further concerns of your target country’s immigration authorities either in writing or in the form of an in-person interview.
Though such inquiries vary drastically from country to country, you can learn more about these and other requirements by using one of the following student visa country guides:
