It's simple to get carried away by the anticipation of the journey when making plans to study abroad.  International students, however, frequently miss important application-process details that could significantly affect their academic and professional objectives. 

As the CEO of Shakil Education Group, with over 17 years of experience guiding students toward their study abroad dreams, I have seen firsthand the common mistakes students make before applying abroad. This blog highlights these errors and provides essential tips to help international students avoid them.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is not researching enough about the country, university, and course they are applying to. Every country has a unique education system, job market, visa policies, and culture. It is crucial to understand these aspects to make an informed decision. If you fail to do so, it can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Why This Matters:

• Educational System: Different countries have different teaching methodologies and grading systems, which could impact your learning experience.
• Visa and Immigration Rules: Every country has specific visa requirements and restrictions for international students. Understanding these in advance can save you time and effort later.
• Living Conditions: Each country has its own cost of living, climate, healthcare system, and social norms. Being aware of these factors will help you plan better and reduce culture shock.

Solution: Spend time researching online, speaking with alumni or current students, and consulting with experienced education consultants to get a comprehensive understanding of your options.

Missing application deadlines is another common mistake. The various deadlines for applying for courses, scholarships, and visas are often unknown to students. If any of these deadlines are missed, admission may be delayed, opportunities may be lost, and time may be wasted.

Why This Matters:

• Course Deadlines: Universities often have strict deadlines for applications, especially for competitive programs. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you may lose your spot in the desired program.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden. However, they also have strict application deadlines, which students often miss.
• Visa Processing Time: After receiving your offer letter, the visa process can take weeks or even months, depending on the country. Missing the visa application deadline could delay your study plans.

Solution: Create a detailed timeline of all relevant dates. Set reminders for each step of the process, and seek guidance from your study abroad consultant to stay on track.

Many students neglect to fully explore scholarship options. However, there are a variety of scholarships available for international students that can significantly reduce the financial strain of studying abroad. Many students assume scholarships are hard to get, but this is not always the case.

Why This Matters:

• Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and student loans are essential for many international students. Not researching them can result in missed financial opportunities.
• Cost of Education: The cost of education abroad can be significant. Many countries, especially in Europe and North America, offer scholarships for international students to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Solution: Look into various scholarships available for international students in the country you are applying to. Submit applications for all the scholarships you qualify for to increase your chances of securing financial support.

Standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT are often required for admission to international universities. Sometimes students undervalue these tests or don't study enough, which leads to poorer scores that can hurt their chances of getting in.

Why This Matters:

• Test Scores: Many universities have minimum score requirements for standardized tests. A low score can limit your study options and reduce your chances of securing admission to your preferred program.
• Admission Requirements: The requirements for standardized test scores may vary amongst programs and universities.  To improve your chances of being accepted, you must meet or surpass these requirements.

Solution: Start preparing for standardized tests well in advance. Use practice tests, attend preparation courses, and seek guidance from experts to improve your scores.

One important but frequently overlooked part of studying abroad is the visa requirements.  Processing delays or visa denials result from some students applying for their student visas too late or from others not submitting the necessary paperwork.

Why This Matters:

• Visa Application Process: Each country has a different process for student visa applications. Some countries require interviews, while others may need additional documentation or health screenings.
• Approval Delays: The visa approval process can take weeks or months. Applying late or with incomplete documentation can cause delays, leaving you with little time to make travel arrangements.

Solution: Carefully review the visa requirements for the country where you plan to study. Start the process early and ensure that you have all the required documents in place to avoid delays.

Instead of considering how a program fits with their long-term career goals, many students choose it based on convenience, peer pressure, or trends.  This may cause them to lose motivation while they are in school and ultimately lead to an unfulfilling career.

Why This Matters:

• Career Alignment: Selecting a program that aligns with your long-term goals is essential for professional success. If your program doesn’t match your interests, it could lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of career opportunities post-graduation.
• Job Market Relevance: Some fields may have better job prospects in certain countries. Failing to choose a program that is in demand in your destination country can limit your post-graduation opportunities.

Solution: Take time to assess your career interests and research the job market in the country you plan to study. Choose a program that aligns with both your interests and your career ambitions.

While focusing on tuition fees, many students fail to consider the total cost of living, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other day-to-day expenses. It leads to financial problems. Moreover, it adds stress during your study period.

Why This Matters:

• Living Expenses: Living costs can differ significantly between countries and even cities within the same country. Failing to account for these expenses can lead to financial difficulties.
• Unforeseen Costs: Besides regular expenses, students may encounter unexpected costs such as medical bills, emergencies, or travel back home, which can affect their budget.

Solution: Make a thorough budget and research the cost of living in the city where you plan to go.  To make sure you are financially ready for your time overseas, account for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and emergency funds.

Many students fail to consult with study abroad experts or advisors who have experience in the application process. This can result in missing important guidance and support, particularly when dealing with complex application processes and visa requirements.

Why This Matters:

• Expert Guidance: Expert advisors can assist you in determining which universities are the best fit for you, walk you through the application process, and give you information about your options for scholarships and visas.
• Streamlined Process: Study abroad consultants can help you save time and avoid common mistakes, ensuring a smoother application process.

Solution: Consult with an experienced study abroad consultant like Shakil Education Group to get personalized advice and ensure that you’re on the right track.

Q1. What is the most common mistake students make when applying to study abroad?

The most common mistake students make is failing to thoroughly research the country, university, and course they are applying to.

Q2. How can I avoid missing application deadlines?

To avoid missing deadlines, create a comprehensive timeline with all relevant application dates. Set up reminders for each important step, and consider working with an education consultant to ensure you stay on track.

Q3. What are the best ways to find scholarships for studying abroad?

Start by researching scholarships available through universities, government programs, and independent organizations. Your education consultant can also help you identify additional financial aid opportunities.

Q4. How do I prepare for standardized tests like IELTS or GRE?

Begin preparing well in advance by taking practice tests, attending preparation courses, and seeking expert advice. Focusing on your weak areas and consistently practicing can improve your scores.

Q5. What should I do if I don’t meet the visa application deadline?

If you miss the visa deadline, contact the relevant embassy or consulate as soon as possible to discuss your options. They may allow for expedited processing in certain cases, but this is not always guaranteed.