How to Apply to University Abroad (in 3 Easy Steps)
It may sound cliché, but like all clichés there’s a lot of truth to it: the years you spend at university are some of the best years of your life. And for many good reasons – it’s your chance to continue your passion for learning, to start on the path to your future career, to make new friends, and to gain your independence. But finding the right university and the right course can be difficult, and this can be even truer when applying to university abroad. Luckily for you, we’ve come up with this short guide to make the process as simple and easy as possible.
1. Get expert advice
If your car breaks down and you know nothing about fixing cars, you wouldn’t pop the hood open and try fixing it yourself based on your gut instincts, would you?
It might sound obvious, but if you don’t know something, you need to find someone who does. For most people, going to university abroad is something they’ve never done before. You may have studied at one of our English language schools, but university is something entirely new. So it’s important that you get advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about. And the key thing here is that it’s trusted advice. Don’t take your car to the mechanic with a bad reputation; go to the one with lots of happy customers.
A good place to start looking for advice about applying to universities abroad is the Higher Education page on our website. Here you can find out the important information you need to know, or contact an advisor who can tell you all about your degree options, the application process, and visa requirements.
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2. Make sure you meet the entry requirements
Some of the most prestigious universities in the world are in English-speaking countries. Admission is difficult and competition is high. Add to that the fact that English might not be your native language, and you can see why getting into these universities can be challenging. But don’t let that put you off.
By using Kaplan’s University Placement Service (UPS), you can be sure that you get all the assistance you need to make a successful application, and you can even secure guaranteed admission to one of our 250+ college and university partners, as soon as you meet the entry requirements. As part of the service, we offer free English pre-arrival tests, so if your English doesn’t meet the required level, we can recommend the right course for you to improve.
3. Figure out the right path for you
Going straight to university isn’t the only option for getting a degree abroad. If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements, or if you want to get a feel for what higher education in an English-speaking country is like without committing fully to university life, then Community College or a Pathways program could be right for you.
These offer foundation courses which allow you to start with lower entry requirements, build up the academic knowledge and English proficiency that you need, and then transition to university when you’re ready. In fact, 45% of all undergraduates in the USA start at community college, and over 25,000 students a year choose Pathways, so these are options worth exploring.
Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions of your life, but don’t let it be more complicated than it actually is. If you explore all of your options and get the best advice that you can, the decision will be much easier and clearer. If you want to learn more about how Kaplan can help you go to college or university abroad, then contact one of our expert advisors today.
