Student Visas for International Students to Study Abroad

Applying for and then maintaining a student visa can be challenging. The good news? It’s not nearly as complicated as it seems. The bad news? There are several things you need to know before you start the process. It’s important to remember that your continued presence in the country is contingent on how compliant you remain with the conditions of your status. Your visa could be revoked if you break these rules or fail to maintain a specific intent while studying.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a document that permits you to enter a foreign country. A student visa is only given out to people with a confirmed place of study at a registered institution for a set period. Different countries have different visa requirements, so your first port of call should be the embassy website of the country you want to study.

You should always apply for a visa before you travel to your study destination. You will generally have to wait until you have a confirmed offer from a university before submitting your visa application. You may have to apply in person at an embassy. Allow enough time for any complications or exchange of information to take place before you intend to travel. Your university should be able to provide you with more details.

The exact name and type of visa you need will vary from country to country, but you will likely need a non-immigrant student visa. This means that you do not intend to take up permanent residence in that country and that your stay is for temporary study. However, to find out the exact type of visa you need and, therefore, the appropriate application form, go to the embassy or consulate of your intended study destination in your home country (this must be where you legally live or where you are a national).

How to Apply for Student Visas for International Students

Before applying for your visa, there are specific requirements you must meet and steps to follow, which might vary depending on the country you choose to study in. However, we've provided below detailed information on student visas of some of the top study destinations for international students. Follow the links below to read more.

F1 (United States) Student Visas for International Students

Each year, many international students apply to US schools to study full-time in the US. But to attend school in the States, you need a US student visa. Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a permit, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa... Read more.

Canada Student Visa

Canada is a top destination for international students from all over the world. Every year, over 130,000 international students choose to study at Canadian universities. Besides being a popular tourist destination, Canada is also attractive to students. It is a highly developed country with an excellent teaching methodology and valuable degrees... Read more.

German Student Visa

The number of foreign people choosing Germany for their studies abroad is increasing yearly. If you’ve accepted a place in a program in Germany as an international student, then you’ll need to ensure you have the correct visa. A German Student Visa is necessary for many international students. Most international students will likely need to get a German student visa at a German consulate in their country before they can come to Germany to study... Read more.

UK Student Visa

If you want to study in the United Kingdom (UK), you might need to apply for a student visa. This is an immigration condition for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, post-doctoral research, or short courses, including learning English. There are different types of student visas, each with its requirements and costs attached, which can be confusing. However, you’ll usually need a Tier 4 (General) student visa for full-time university study. A UK student visa costs around £348 if you apply from outside the UK, and you’ll also have to pay a healthcare surcharge, the cost of which can vary depending on your home country... Read more.

Australian Student Visa

The Student visa (subclass 500) visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for five years, in line with your course. Whether you want to enroll in a long-term degree course or a short-term diploma, international students need to have an Australia student visa. Out of all the Visas types, candidates must apply for Subclass 500 to pursue higher education. On the Subclass 500 Visa, you are typically allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during study breaks... Read more.

FAQs

Furthermore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about student visas for international students to study abroad.

How long will it take to get your visa?

Depending on the country and your nationality, visa processing can take as little as a couple of days to several months. Ensure you leave enough time to get your visa sorted, as trying to rush an application is not advised – and can even mean you miss out on your place.

Can you extend your visa while you're there?

This entirely depends on where you study. In some countries, extending your visa is very simple; in others, it is challenging, and you may even have to leave the country to extend/renew your visa.