What documents are needed to study abroad and how to prepare them

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Basic documents for entry abroad

Admission requirements to a foreign university vary depending on the chosen institution, but there is a basic set that is required almost everywhere:

Application for admission

This is the first and most important part of the application. It must be completed accurately, without errors, and in accordance with the instructions. In addition to the main form, additional forms may be required, such as those regarding accommodation preferences or special needs.

Certificate or diploma

Your high school diploma or university degree must be translated into the language of the country you’re applying to. The translation must be done by a professional translator and notarized. In some cases, diploma evaluation and an apostille may be required. The apostille process confirms the authenticity of the documents and their validity internationally.

Motivation letter

This is your chance to show the university why you deserve a place on their program. Your motivation essay should highlight your academic achievements, interests, goals, and experience. It should be compelling, original, and reflective of your personality.

Letters of recommendation

You should select recommenders from among professors, project managers, employers, and other people who can provide a strong reference for you.

Language test results (TOEFL, IELTS)

Foreign universities require proof of English proficiency—usually the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Which one you take depends on the chosen university and program: some accept both, while others only accept one. Each university also has its own minimum score requirements, so it’s important to check the requirements in advance.

Photos

Typically, several passport photos are required. It’s worth checking the number and requirements on the university’s website.

Documents to confirm financial solvency

These include bank statements, scholarships, sponsorship letters, and letters of guarantee. Universities require proof of applicants’ financial solvency to ensure they can cover the costs of tuition and living expenses abroad.

Medical documents

Some universities require medical certificates or test results. This may be due to visa requirements or the specifics of the university’s program. However, health insurance is mandatory for most student visas. This insurance must cover medical expenses for the entire duration of your stay in the country.

To avoid errors or inaccuracies, entrust document preparation to professionals. At SelfStartGlobal, every document undergoes a two-stage verification process before being delivered to the client.

Translation and notarization of documents

All documents submitted in a foreign language must be translated into the language of the university’s country. The translation must be performed by a qualified translator and notarized.

This is a mandatory requirement for the documents’ legitimacy!

There are several proposals for providing documents:

Through the official website of the university
This is the most common and often preferred method, which allows you to track the status of your application online.

Through educational companies
Agencies can help prepare documents and submit them to the university for you, while you can do, for example, preparing for exams.

Physical mail
In some cases, documents can be submitted by mail. However, this method is less reliable and it is important to ensure that the documents arrive intact.

 

Submission requirements may vary by country. For example, in the US and UK, online application portals are widely used, while in some European countries paper applications are preferred.

Document submission deadlines

You should begin preparing your documents well in advance. It’s crucial to strictly adhere to the application deadlines, which vary by university. Some universities begin accepting applications a year before the start of their studies, and there may also be two intakes per year.

If possible, it’s best to submit your documents several months in advance. This will increase your chances of admission in a highly competitive environment, as it demonstrates your responsibility and motivation. Furthermore, application processing takes time, and if you submit too close to the deadline, your application may not be considered in time.

Some universities offer early bird scholarships—scholarships awarded by universities or other organizations to students who apply for admission or participation in a program before a specific deadline. This is a form of incentive for prompt and proactive submission.

Common mistakes when submitting documents and how to avoid them

When preparing independently for admission abroad, students often make the same mistakes:

Incorrect completion of the questionnaire Плюсик

It is important to fill in each field correctly, according to the regulations.

Incomplete set of documents Плюсик

Forgetting a letter of recommendation or ignoring a financial or any other document is unacceptable.

Late submission of documents Плюсик

Applications should be submitted in advance, several months before the deadline.

Poor quality translation of documents Плюсик

When translating documents independently, there are often grammatical, stylistic and other errors.

Lack of health insurance Плюсик

Many people think that this document is not mandatory, but in fact it is almost always required.

Be careful when preparing documents for international admission. Follow the application requirements, checklist, and deadlines to avoid the risk of admission being denied for this reason.

Obtaining a visa to study abroad

Obtaining a student visa is a separate and important step. In addition to the documents listed above, you may be required to provide additional documents for the visa interview. It’s important to be prepared to answer questions about your plans, the reasons for choosing your university and country, your financial means, and so on.

To ensure you receive your student visa, we recommend seeking the assistance of a visa specialist. Our expert, Antonina, knows everything about obtaining a student visa, having personally gone through this process and now helps other students obtain theirs.

SelfstartGlobal Recommendations

  • Make sure all your documents are in excellent condition. Avoid creases, damage and dirt. If the documents are in electronic form, they must be in the correct format and with good resolution.
  • Check the expiration date of all documents, including language certificates.
  • Make sure you have notarized all necessary copies of documents, not just the originals.
  • Take getting a visa seriously, because a refusal will nullify all efforts to enter abroad.

If you have any difficulties with preparing documents, contact us for help. Our experts will provide advice and assistance in collecting and preparing documents.

FAQ

What are the main documents required to apply to a university abroad? Плюсик

Application for admission, certificate or diploma (with translation and notarization), motivation letter, letters of recommendation, language test results (if necessary), financial documents and health insurance.

How to translate and certify documents for admission to a university abroad? Плюсик

Consult a professional translator and have the translation certified by a notary. In some cases, an apostille may be required. If you want to simplify the process, entrust the document preparation to specialists who will do everything to the best of their ability.

What language tests are required for admission to foreign universities? Плюсик

TOEFL or IELTS are required to confirm English language proficiency, depending on the specific university and country.

How to prove your financial solvency to study abroad? Плюсик

Provide bank statements, proof of scholarships or grants, sponsorship letters or letters of guarantee from financial institutions.

How to prepare documents for a student visa to study abroad? Плюсик

Gather all the necessary documents as specified by the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to travel to. Be prepared for the visa interview.

Popular universities

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University

Italy
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Netherlands
Bachelor's degree: from €9,000 to €15,000 per yearMaster's degree: from €10,000 to €18,000 per yearDoctorate: free or about €2,500 per year
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USA
Bachelor's degree: from $55,000 per yearMaster's degree: $15,000 - $40,000 per yearDoctoral studies: $10,000-$30,000 per year
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USA
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Countries

Austria
Austria is renowned for its high-quality education, particularly in the sciences, attracting students from around the world. An Austrian degree is highly regarded worldwide, opening the door to exciting international careers.
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Belgium
Belgium isn't just about delicious chocolate and waffles, it's also about high-quality European education. Although it's not yet the most popular destination among students from the CIS due to visa and procedural complications, 99% of our applicants receive offers on their first attempt.
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France
France leads non-English-speaking countries in terms of the number of international students. French universities are renowned for their high academic standards, and degrees are valued worldwide, opening up broad career prospects. Scholarships are available, and the combination of European-quality education and a rich cultural environment makes France particularly attractive to prospective students.
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Germany
Germany
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Portugal
Portugal combines a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and a high standard of living, making it increasingly popular among international students. Local universities offer high-quality and affordable education, and close cooperation with the UK opens up opportunities for dual degrees. Studying in Portugal offers European standards at a reasonable cost and a comfortable environment for living and studying.
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United Kingdom
Dreaming of studying at Oxford, Cambridge, or another English university? Earning a British degree is possible, and you don't need millions to get there. We explain the unique features of a British education and how to apply to the UK with a scholarship.
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USA
A US education offers prestige and limitless opportunities. American degrees are highly valued worldwide, and graduates from leading universities are eagerly sought after by international companies. US universities consistently occupy top positions in global rankings. Studying here opens the door to a global career and a unique student experience.
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