There are many reasons why students like to study abroad. For most students, the appeal is likely to be a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing a new culture (and often a second language), gaining a global mindset, making their resume more attractive, and expanding future employment prospects.
 
The prospect of leaving home and studying abroad is an exciting challenge that often leads to improved career opportunities and a deeper understanding of the way an interconnected world works.
Selecting the ideal location for your Studies is a nuanced decision. Beyond personal interests, it's crucial to consider factors like the overall costs of education (including Tuition and Living Expenses), potential career opportunities post-graduation (evaluating the job market for your chosen course), and ensuring your safety and well-being.
 
Align your interests with the study destination to maximize your International Experience. OEL's Expert Counselors are here to guide you in choosing the most suitable institution that aligns with your specific needs.
You would benefit from identifying the country you want to study in. Then think about choosing a programme and a university that meet your criteria. You can research leading universities on our portal or take advantage of the assistance of our counsellors. You will then want to look closely at the courses offered by the institutions on your shortlist, as well as research the local area and lifestyle, admission requirements, and costs.

Once you have decided on your preferred country, program, and institution, you may want to understand the application process, which differs depending on the university and the country. Generally, each institution will provide full details of how to submit your application on their official website, and our counselors will handhold you through the process.
In some cases, there is a two-step application process for international students, which means you must submit two applications: one for a place at the university and one for a place on the course itself. This information is available on the university's website. If you still have questions about the process, you may want to contact our expert counsellors for assistance.
 
You will not be able to apply for a student visa until you have received a letter of acceptance from your chosen university. OEL will support you in getting your visa stamped. Since each stage can take time, start early and allow as much time as possible for completing the process.
The length of time you spend studying abroad will depend on the program and level of degree you are pursuing. Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three or four years of full-time study, while a graduate degree, such as a master's degree or equivalent, will take one or two years. A doctoral (PhD) program will usually take three to four years.

There is also the option of studying abroad for a shorter period of time at many universities around the world. Student exchange programs allow you to study abroad for a year, a semester, or even just a few weeks. Information about these short programmes is available on our portal, or you could reach out to our counselors for the same.

 



Applying as early as possible is the best option, as the sooner you gain acceptance into a university, the sooner you can arrange and prepare for your travel. You must keep close track of all the relevant application deadlines. Application deadlines will be different depending on the school or university, but for programmes starting in the fall (September or October), applications will generally be open from early in the year (January or February) until the middle of the year (June or July).

Entry requirements vary widely between universities and countries, so be sure to check the information provided by your prospective university before submitting your application. This information is available on the OEL portal.
 
For non-native English speakers wanting to study in English-speaking countries, it is also highly likely that you will need to provide proof of your English-language proficiency by taking an English-language test such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Similar tests may be required for those studying other languages. OEL is willing to help you with these too.
You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Once again, requirements vary depending on the country and university, but international students are often asked to provide the following:

• Passport photos for identification
• A statement of purpose
• CV/Resume
• Academic references or letters of recommendation
• Certificates and transcripts of your secondary education
• Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g., a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language test
• Admissions test results (e.g., GMAT or GRE results for graduate programs)
This depends on the country you wish to study in and the language your course will be taught in. If you are not a native English speaker but wish to study a course taught in English, you will have to prove that you can speak the language fluently or to a fairly high level by providing English-language test results. This is to ensure better comprehension while you study.

English is also used as a language of instruction in a number of other countries worldwide, particularly for graduate programs and business degrees. OEL will assist you in preparing for and clearing these courses. Common tests accepted as proof of English proficiency are the TOEFL and IELTS. If you need to prove your proficiency in a language other than English, there are also similar tests in other languages, such as the DELF/DALF and TCF-DAP (French) or the DSF and TestDaF (German).