Quick Guide to Studying Abroad for First Time Applicants
Quick Highlights
First-time applicants often feel lost, so this guide to studying abroad for first-time applicants breaks it down clearly.
- Research, shortlist countries, and consult verified agents for success.
- Financial planning and health insurance are essential for budgeting abroad.
- Pakistani student enrolments abroad rose by 56.3%, showing a growing demand for international education (Studyportals).
Are you one of those students who Googled “how to guide to studying abroad for first time applicants”? And your screen is flooded with complicated steps, new technologies, and dozens of tabs. And you still don’t know which steps are the right way to your dream.
The dream of studying abroad is one of the thrilling experiences for every student. It seems exciting, but it can be overwhelming for first time applicants. It feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. However, most guides on the internet are made for students already familiar with the process. But what about those who are applying for the first time?
So, we made this special guide for beginners. No jargon words, no assumptions, just a clear roadmap to your international academic excellence. So, let’s begin the guide to studying abroad!
Guide to Studying Abroad for First Time Applicants: Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Process
Research
It’s an important step most students miss that causes problems due to a lack of information. You have to do your research before meeting with a consultant. It helps you to get an idea of which field you want to pursue a degree in. However, you can check different universities, their reviews, courses, and locations.
Moreover, you may ask your friends and family if they’ve studied abroad. You can ask about their experience, get feedback, and get advice for a better understanding.
Shortlisting Countries
In this step, you have shortlisted some countries based on your personal preferences. Such as your financial standing, language, course of study, job rights, affordable accommodations, etc. The following countries are best specifically for Pakistani students.
- Canada: It’s best as it offers moderate tuition fees, also 60% scholarships available are for Pakistani students. English is widely spoken, and most universities teach in English. Also, provide top-tier courses in IT, business, and social science, and you can also work up to 20 hours during the semester. They have affordable options for accommodations in dorms and shared housing.
- Germany: Public universities offer free and lower tuition fees for international students. A guide to studying abroad for first time applicants suggests that it’s a good choice for students with having engineering and IT background. Moreover, there are multiple part-time opportunities for international students. Cities like Leipzig and Dresden have low-cost housing options.
- Australia: The Best point of Australia is that all courses are available in English. So, there is no language barrier for Pakistani students. Nursing, business IT, and hospitality are the top fields for study. You can also work 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. However, shared flats and on-campus housing are available at reasonable rates in smaller cities.
Quick fact: According to studyportals, Indian and Pakistani student enrolments abroad have risen sharply by 55.1% and 56.3% respectively, showing strong growth in demand for international education.
Prepared Documents And Language Test
For this step, you have to consult the verified and best foreign education consultants. They will also help you to clear the guide to studying abroad for applicants, along with the best options considering your needs. Once you’re satisfied with their consultation, do register yourself with them. So, they will guide you about the required documents according to the selected university application. These documents include the following:
- Educational documents
- Passports
- Student traveling history
- English proficiency test reports
- Affidavits
- Fund proofs
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Applications Procedure
After the verification of all the documents, it’s time to apply for the selected course and university. You don’t need to worry about anything because verified consultants will ensure legal
standards while applying. Guide to studying abroad for first time applicants, consultants will also contact the university for support and ensure the chances of acceptance. However, some consultants, like Safari Foreign Education and Immigration, will help to prepare and pass an English language test to qualify for your course. They can also proceed with more than one application upon your request.
Visa Application
These foreign education consultants will also prepare you for the interview, if required by the university, before the visa application. Once the student is ready for the interview and visa submission, the consultants will prepare your visa documentation. So, it includes affidavits, financial documents, and medical reports.
After the visa application is submitted, students have to be prepared for a visa interview. This interview will partially decide whether your visa is approved or not. So, you have to be confident and answer all the questions clearly for the best results.
Guide to Studying Abroad for First Time Applicants: What's the Right Time to Apply?
Planning to study abroad but unsure when to start the process? Let us help you with this. So, the best and right time to apply is 8-12 months before your intended intake. You may have enough time for research, test preparation, university application, and visa processing. However, most universities started admissions in fall (Aug-Sept) and in spring (Jan-Feb).
Starting early will ensure increased chances of acceptance and a smooth processing within strict deadlines.
Guide to Studying Abroad for First Time Applicants: Financial Planning
Financial planning is another crucial step in the guide to studying abroad for applicants. Once you have selected your destination, start researching the living costs. You may also talk about this with your foreign education consultant. So, create a monthly budget including accommodations, tuition fees, transportation, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Moreover, currency fluctuations may impact your budget. So, you have to track the exchange rates for better financial planning. You may also open a bank account in the host country to tackle losses from the fluctuations of exchange rates. Most countries provide part-time work opportunities to international students while studying. So, you can go for this financial relief and gain experience as well.
It’s a guide to studying abroad for first time applicants that healthcare insurance is expensive as well as mandatory in many countries. So, you must understand the healthcare system and the cost of the host country. Moreover, accommodation is another significant expense. You need to explore multiple options, like on-campus housing, shared apartments, and homestays, to get an affordable one. The guide to studying abroad also suggests that you be mindful while managing your daily expenses and save something for unexpected emergencies.
Safari Foreign Education & Immigration has been dedicated to guiding Pakistani students towards their dream study destinations, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, and beyond. With its head office and Karachi and branches in Ireland, Safari provides visa counselling, career guidance, and support to each student. Since its establishment, Safari has built a reputation for trust, transparency, and a proven track record of successful admissions, helping countless students join top-ranked universities worldwide and achieve their academic and career goals. Ready to begin your journey? Contact us today!
Conclusion
Overall, the guide to studying abroad for first time applicants will help you in different ways. It’s fine to feel overwhelmed, nervous, and confused at the same time. You’re not the only one, because every first time applicant feels the same way.
We hope this guide will help you a lot and ensure a smooth way to your dream destination. However, if you have any queries, you can contact us by filling out the form and connecting with us on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a statement of purpose SOP?
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a personal essay where you explain your academic background, career goals, reasons for choosing a specific course and university, and how it aligns with your plans. It helps universities assess your motivation and suitability for the program.
Q2: What is some genuine advice guide to studying abroad for first time applicants?
Some genuine advice for studying abroad includes:
- Talk to current or former international students for real insights.
- Choose your course based on long-term career goals, not trends.
- Keep both public and private universities in your options.
- Create a document checklist early to stay organized.
- Don’t rely solely on agents; do your research as well.
- Always double-check visa deadlines and procedures.
Q3: What are the final checklists for studying abroad?
Here is a final checklist for studying abroad.
- Offer letter and confirmed admission.
- Valid passport and student visa.
- Proof of accommodation and finances.
- Medical and travel insurance.
- All academic documents and SOP copies.
Q4: How to avoid scams and unreliable agents?
Always verify agents through official university websites or embassy lists. Never pay large fees upfront without receipts. Cross-check all documents and use official portals for application and visa processing. Avoid agents who promise guaranteed visas or admissions.
