Application Process for Abroad Studies: Guide From Starting to End

Friday, 12 Apr 2024

Study Abroad Concept.

Are you planning to study abroad from Nepal but need clarification about where to start? Well, you've landed on the right page because we are here to help you with that. Studying abroad is an exciting experience. You can meet people from different cultures and have an opportunity to learn many new things while studying abroad.

Yet, most of the aspirants need help figuring out where to start their process for abroad studies. This results in many students regretting their decisions later due to inadequate research. So, we have brought you a step-by-step guide that might help you in your process of studying abroad studies. But let's first know why students choose to study abroad.

Why do Students Choose to Study Abroad From Nepal?

The number of students pursuing their education abroad is increasing year by year. Only in Nepal, the number of students pursuing abroad studies was 44,225 in 2017, which doubled to 95,268 in 2022. This shows the rapid growth of students going abroad for studies. This boils down to one question: why are all these students going abroad to pursue studies?

Well, some of the reasons why students choose to study abroad studies may be:

  • The high-ranked universities abroad
  • Niche course which isn't available in the student's country
  • The extensive research opportunities universities abroad provide
  • High and attractive salary packages companies abroad provide
  • International exposure the student gets 
  • Opportunities to live there and work 
  • High standards of living and independence

These are some of the many reasons why students choose to study abroad. Now, let's look into the step-by-step process of studying abroad.

Guide to Application Process For Abroad Studies
Study Abroad Concept.

We have discussed the reasons why students choose to study abroad. You may also have your specific reasons. But, what most students lack is adequate research. This is the first step we will discuss in this guide to the application process for abroad studies.

1. Research

As we have mentioned before, research is the foremost and essential thing a student wanting to study abroad should do. We hear every time from our friends and/or family abroad how hard life is. It is hard to some extent, but it gets worse if you don't research the country or university well.

So, adequate research about your course, countries to study abroad, accommodation, and living expenses might be helpful for students.

2. Expert Counseling  

Self-research is excellent, but it is highly recommended that you get counseling from an expert. They can help you choose the right country, course, and university, considering your financials, interests, and capabilities.

Additionally, they can make it easy for you to make the right decisions and guide you throughout the process for studying abroad. However, there are many counselors out there who do not have your best interest in mind, so you have to choose wisely.

 We at Aims Consultancy are also very concerned about students making wrong decisions. We are available to help students in their process of studying abroad. You can reach out to us without any hesitation if you need help with your process of abroad studies.

3. Take Classes For Standardized Tests or Language Proficiency Tests

Proper research and expert counseling may have helped you determine if any language proficiency or other tests are required. If yes, you can take coaching classes and prepare for the test. Once your test results are out, you can proceed with the application process. You might have to take an English language proficiency test if you are applying to English language speaking countries and you may have to take another language if you're going to countries that speak other languages like Japanese, Polish etc.

4. Shortlisting and Applying to Universities

Once the results for test scores are out, you can shortlist the universities, check the eligibility, and apply to them. 

This process can be more straightforward with the help of consultancy services. While shortlisting, university students should also think about their financial status and can apply for scholarships if available.

Note: If the acceptance rate of a university is low, it will be better if you shortlist and apply to more than one. 

5. Applying For Scholarships

A happy student holding his degree.

Now that you have been shortlisted and applied to universities, the next step in the process of abroad studies is that you can explore the scholarship opportunities in the universities. Universities abroad provide many scholarship opportunities for international students.
Keeping that in mind, you can look into the eligibility criteria and apply to all the scholarships that better suit you. If you get offered the scholarship, this will cut the expense and help make the process smooth.

6. Make the Tuition Fee Ready / Loan

If you get scholarships, it's great. But if you don't get the scholarship and/or have financial problems, then it would be best to look for loan options. This will be best done right after applying because once the offer letter comes, you should be ready to pay the tuition fee. So, keeping the money ready beforehand will make the process for abroad studies smooth.
Once the application is submitted, the university will send an invoice with an offer letter. You must then pay the tuition fee and proceed with the student visa process.

7. Visa Processing

Visa processing is the next step in the process for abroad studies, which can be done after you pay the tuition fee. You can get help from education consultancies for student visa processing. If not, you can go to the website of the country you are applying to. There you will find every detail of the required documents and the process you must follow from then on.
Some countries, like the USA, take interviews with their embassies to grant student visas. You can find this on their site as well. If the country you're applying for also takes interviews, then you can prepare for the interview to present yourself better. Additionally, you have to do medical screening and collect the required documentation from your sponsors who are funding your studies abroad.

8. Book Ticket and Pack Essentials

This is the last step in this guide of the process for abroad studies before you take off for a bright future. After getting your student visa granted, please book tickets five to six days earlier before your university starts. Going five to six days earlier will make it easier for you to adapt to a new environment.
Additionally, you can get ready by packing the essentials. This way, you can have some time to say goodbyes to friends and family.

9. Join Pre-departure Sessions

After you book tickets, you should attend pre-departure sessions, which are mostly hosted by universities virtually. These sessions are crucial as they will inform you about the university and its dos and don'ts. Additionally, they will introduce you to professors and friends you will meet at the university.

These are the things a student can follow to smoothen their process of abroad studies and make the right decisions—this way they will know what to choose and what to expect later when they reach their destination. 

10. Additional Tips to Consider in Process of Abroad Studies

  • Research and apply early to ensure you get admission to the universities you want. This will also help you explore options. 
  • Keep track of university application deadlines so you can take advantage of it.
  • If you have friends or family who have already gone through the process, don't hesitate to ask for help. 

How AIMS Education Helps you to study in Abroad From Nepal

AIMS Education is one of the best consultancy in Nepal provides you with education support for students who seek to study abroad. We provide you with all the essential service support that covers all the needs for both pre-and post-arrival in various nations, including Australia, The USA, The UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and many more. 

FAQs on Studying Abroad From Nepal

1. How to study abroad step by step?

The step-by-step guide to studying abroad

  • Research
  • Expert Counseling
  • Classes for standardized or language proficiency tests
  • Shortlisting and applying to universities
  • Applying for scholarships
  • Making the tuition fee ready
  • Student Visa Processing
  • Booking tickets and packing essentials
  • Joining pre-departure sessions

2. What are the benefits of studying abroad?

The benefits of studying abroad are:

  • Students will get international exposure
  • They get extensive research opportunities
  • Students can pick and choose from a vast course curriculum
  • Students will get to experience a different culture 
  • They can learn to be independent and learn new things

Read similar blogs