Guide to Getting a Student Visa

To ensure you give yourself the best chances of success, make sure to fill in your student visa application as thoroughly as possible, taking into account all the specific student visa requirements for that country. If you make a mistake in your application, make sure you correct it as soon as possible. If you fail to supply a required document or make an error filling in the forms, this may lead to your application being delayed or even rejected.

Once you have sent your application, be ready to promptly answer any further questions the visa authorities may have (check your phone, emails and post regularly) and make sure you have some free time to attend an interview in the coming weeks.

Although procedures vary, a face-to-face interview held in your home country is common among many countries’ student visa requirements. This interview is intended to ensure you are serious enough about your study abroad program and to gauge whether you were completely honest in your application. For this arranged interview, you will need to provide a number of documents. These typically include the following;

1. Proof of funding for the entirety of your stay

This is required to prove to the authorities that you have enough money to cover tuition fees, rent and living costs, either by showing evidence of a student loan, scholarship, savings or a family member who is funding you. The amount required varies significantly depending on the country in which you plan to study abroad.

2. Proof of acceptance onto your program

This will most likely be in the form of a letter, and must come from a recognized university or higher education institute.

3. Valid passport

This is your way in and out of the country, so don’t lose it. Often it is required that your passport be valid for at least six months after the end of your studies abroad.

4. Other requirements

In some instances you will also be asked to provide a clean bill of health from your doctor, English-proficiency test results, and proof of your intention to return home after completion of your studies (i.e. a return flight ticket).

Length of study

When applying for a student visa you should make sure to take into account how long your studies will last. Often if your course or program lasts less than six months, you will be eligible for a shorter-stay visa, while for very short study programs you may just need a regular tourist visa or no visa at all.

With this in mind, you should also think about whether you want to extend your visa to allow yourself some extra time to travel or work in the country after completing your study abroad program. If your visa expires before you leave the country, you may encounter some stern officials on your departure and maybe even a fine!

Student visa fees

Not many countries give out visas for free, so make sure you’re ready to pay an application fee. Although this differs from country to country, expect to pay in the region of US$100-$400.

In special cases, student visa fees can be waived, dependent on your country of origin.

For more specific information, visit our guides to getting a student visa for the following study destinations:

Europe

• Belgium
• France
• Ireland
• Germany
• Norway
• UK

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

US & Canada

• Canada
• US

Other guides

• Student visas for Indian students