How to Study Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Thinking of studying abroad but feeling a bit overwhelmed? No wonder! On Mastersportal alone there are close to 100,000 degrees listed, and they’re from universities all over the world. The good news? You’re not alone! The process might seem complicated, but if you take it step-by-step, you’ll be packing your bags before you know it. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand everything you need to know — from picking the perfect course to hopping on the plane. 

Why should you consider studying abroad?

Studying abroad isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s about growing as a person, having amazing experiences, and making friends for life. The insights below really show how studying abroad can boost your confidence, open your mind, and make your journey through life even more exciting.

• Broadening Horizons: Studying abroad gives you a fresh take on life. It pushes you to grow on your own, making you more adaptable and confident. This kind of growth isn't just good for your career; it's also great for you as a person. Professor Kevin Pimbblet really drives home how much it can impact you.
• Irreplaceable Experience: Associate Professor Brad Carey talks about how not studying abroad is one of his biggest regrets. It really shows how unique and valuable the experience can be—getting to dive into other cultures, learning how things are done elsewhere, and building friendships that last a lifetime.
• Different Perspectives: Paul Greaves points out how travelling helps you see things in a whole new light. Being exposed to different ways of thinking can give you a more balanced view, which is super useful both in school and in your career.

Here are some insights from professors at reputed international universities:

Professor Kevin Pimbblet, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling, University of Hull, UK: "Travelling abroad broadens your horizons. You’ll make lifelong friends and valuable contacts, giving you a fresh perspective on your life and future direction. Studying abroad also boosts your confidence as you learn to navigate challenges independently. It’s both an opportunity and a challenge, and overcoming it will set you up for life. The experience can make a significant difference to your career and personal growth in the long run. It’s about achieving your goals and realising that you can succeed, no matter how tough things may seem."

Associate Professor Brad Carey, Director of Project Management Programme, Curtin University, Australia: "Not studying abroad is probably my biggest regret regarding my education. What I really missed out on was experiencing how things are done in other parts of the world, immersing myself in new cultures, and meeting people from across the globe. When I talk with friends who studied abroad during their degrees, it’s always the number one thing they mention: ‘I studied abroad, and that was where I learned the most, had the most fun, and built lifelong relationships.’ Those kinds of experiences are irreplaceable."

Paul Greaves, Programme Director of Sport Development & Coaching, University of Stirling, UK: "One thing I've learned from travelling is that we often learn things a certain way in our own countries, and we normalise those behaviours and perspectives. But when you travel to a different country, you gain a new outlook. It broadens your thinking, allowing you to understand things differently. It’s not just about tunnel vision; it’s about seeing the bigger picture. Collaborating with people from different countries and cultures helps you think in diverse ways, and that’s a significant strength. It gives you a well-rounded approach, which is invaluable when studying or exploring a new place."

Preparation Timeline Overview

Before diving into details, it’s good to have an overall timeline in mind:

1. Decide what to study

Some of you might already know exactly what you want to study, and that’s awesome! But if you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Think about what interests you the most. What would you be excited to do every day?

Popular options like Business, Engineering, and Medicine are always solid choices, but make sure it’s something you enjoy! Here you can have a look over thousands of degrees in the most popular disciplines on our portals:

• Business and Management  
• Computer Science and IT  
• Engineering  
• Law  
• Medicine  
• International Relations  
• Psychology  

Try tools like personality tests or career quizzes to help narrow down your options. If you’re really stuck, a gap year can be a great way to figure things out while gaining some real-life experience.

• Take Studyportals’ personality test.
• Think about what you enjoy and enjoy doing, even without external rewards.
• Look at the people you admire and ask yourself if you’d like to do what they do or something similar.
• Read or watch student reviews of multiple disciplines to better understand the curriculum, the effort required, and the outcome of studies.
• Eliminate the things you don’t want to study; not knowing what you want often clears the space to figure out what you want.
• Look at various job descriptions, career paths, and opportunities available. Which ones attract you the most?
• Take a gap year! Spend one year volunteering at home or abroad or getting an entry-level job—it will help you learn more about yourself.

Learn about different types of Bachelors and different types of Masters you can study abroad.

2. Decide where you want to study

Once you know what you want to study, it’s time to pick a country. Think about things like language, work opportunities, and cost of living. For example, would you be okay studying in a non-English-speaking country, or do you want a place where English is widely spoken? What countries or universities excel in the field you want to study?

Use comparison tools like Studyportals’ country test to help you decide. It’s a great idea to choose a few favourite destinations and then compare them based on what’s most important to you:

Tips on How to Decide Where to Study**

• Language: Consider whether you're comfortable living in a non-English-speaking country or prefer a place where English is widely spoken. This can make a big difference in your daily life and studies.
• Work Opportunities: Check if the country allows international students to work part-time. This could help you support yourself financially while studying.

• Cost of Living: Compare the cost of living in different countries. Do you want to live in a big city or a quiet town? Tuition fees and living expenses vary greatly from country to country or city to city, so choose a place that fits your budget.

• Climate: Consider the climate of your potential destination. If you hate the cold, you might not enjoy studying in a country with long winters.
• Cultural Fit: Research the culture and lifestyle of the country. Would you enjoy living there? How easy will it be for you to adapt?
• University Reputation: Look into the reputation of universities in different countries for your chosen field. Some countries have stronger programmes in certain areas.
• Distance from Home: Think about how far you want to be from your home country. Being closer can make it easier to visit family while being farther away might offer more independence and adventure.
• Student Life: Check out student forums or testimonials to learn about each country's social life, extracurricular activities, and overall experience. You must feel comfortable and happy with the environment outside of your studies. y Guide to Studying Abroad**

Try picking 2 or 3 ideal destinations. Then, start comparing the pros and cons of each. If you apply to universities in multiple countries, your final choice might not be entirely in your hands. Let’s say you applied to UK, Finland, and German universities. But only those in the UK accepted you, despite Finland being your ideal destination. Keep this in mind and give it a chance. Remember the saying: when one door closes, another one opens.

Find Master's degrees abroad

3. Choose Your Study Programme

You’ve reached the point where you know the country and discipline you want to study. Congrats! But now, which study programme should you choose? Each university offers one (or multiple) study programmes in the same discipline.

Each programme has a specific curriculum and various academic goals. It would be best to be careful before choosing — you don’t want to realise halfway through your first academic year that you’ve enrolled in the wrong degree.

The simplest way to avoid this is always to check the programme’s overview or list of courses. See what you’ll study and how. Some degrees are more focused on theory, others on practice. Have any questions? Never hesitate to contact the university. A representative should be more than happy to help you.

Other factors worth looking at are:

• the duration of studies: most Bachelors take 3 or 4 years to complete, while Masters take 1 or 2 years. But there are exceptions! Highly specialised disciplines can take 5 or even 6 years of studies. This will also increase your expenses, so don’t overlook this factor.
• full-time or part-time: each approach has its benefits; part-time studies allow you to work on the side and take care of other responsibilities. Full-time studies will take less time and will allow you to enjoy the full on-campus experience.

If you want to apply for a degree abroad, Studyportals can help. Our websites—Bachelorsportal, Mastersportal, and PhDportal—have an awesome feature that lets you quickly compare your favourite study programmes. You only need to create an account, select your favourite programmes, and you’re ready to see them side by side.

Learn more about Studyportals’ comparison tool.

4. Studying abroad means expenses: set a budget

Let’s talk money. Studying abroad is an investment, and it’s crucial to understand the costs. Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses all add up. But don’t worry; there are scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to help.

Tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes vary significantly, but there’s always something for everyone’s budget.

Bachelor’s degrees tuition range

• Bachelors that cost between 0 and 5,000 EUR/year
• Bachelors that cost between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR/year
• Bachelors that cost between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR/year
• Bachelors that cost over 20,000 EUR/year

Master’s degrees tuition range

• Masters that cost between 0 and 5,000 EUR/year
• Masters that cost between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR/year
• Masters that cost between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR/year
• Masters that cost over 20,000 EUR/year

Don’t forget to take into account living costs as well. Depending on the city and country where you’ll live, you can spend anywhere between 300 and over 1,000 EUR per month.

5. Apply to multiple universities

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Even if you’re confident, applying to a few universities is smart. This will improve your chances of being accepted somewhere you love. Check each university’s specific requirements and deadlines, as they can be quite different.

Even if you have top grades and an impressive motivation letter or essay, you shouldn’t apply to only one university. It’s true, you might get accepted, but what will you do if you aren’t? This is why you should apply to at least 2 or 3 universities.

Just make sure you read the admission requirements carefully and follow the procedure:

• some countries use a centralised system through which you apply to multiple universities
• in other countries, you’ll need to apply individually to each university
• some universities only ask for digital copies of your documents
• others require physical copies to be sent via post in addition to the digital scans

6. Pass your English language test if you haven’t already

To study an English-taught programme at a university abroad, you’ll first need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Most universities accept one of the following English language certificates:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced

You’ll need to pass one of these tests before your university enrolment. Depending on your current English level, you might be able to pass a test with only a few days or weeks of preparation. But if your English could use some improvement, take at least a few months to prepare.

International English exams evaluate 4 main skills:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Writing
• Reading

The format of each test is different, but it involves listening to speakers with various accents, answering multiple-choice questions, writing letters and essays, answering questions based on different types of texts, and many other types of tasks.

The best advice we can give you is not to treat these tests superficially. They will evaluate your grammar, vocabulary, understanding, and many other abilities. As long as you become familiar with the test format and practise long enough, you should be able to ace any test.

Learn more about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic.

 7. Apply for scholarships

Scholarships are your best friend when it comes to funding your studies. There are loads of options out there, from academic scholarships to grants that support underrepresented groups. Some scholarships need to be applied for during your university application, while others you apply for after being accepted.

What you need to know is that there are different types of financial aid programmes:

• scholarships
• grants
• student loans

Some of them need to be paid back, while others, like scholarships or grants, don’t. But scholarships and grants are given away just like that. Learn the difference between these three and how can each help you.

There are many types of scholarships for international students. Some are awarded based on academic achievement, others based on financial need, others for research purposes and so on. Don’t hurry up to apply if you don’t meet the criteria. Chances are, you won’t even be considered.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to find scholarships to study abroad.

Bonus round: we have our own scholarship, the Studyportals International Distinction Awards, and you can apply right now!

Find a scholarship to study abroad using our Scholarship search engine.

8. Confirm your place after receiving the admission letter

This is, by far, one of the most enjoyable and rewarding steps. You’ve found the ideal programme, you’ve passed your English test, you’ve applied, and now the university’s response has arrived — you’ve been accepted!

Congrats! You’re on your way to quickly become an international student! But what if you’ve been accepted to multiple universities?

Well, you’ll need to look over the options carefully and make a decision. If you already have a favourite, it’s easy. If not, don’t hurry up and answer immediately. Take at least 2 or 3 days to clear your mind and see what option is best for you.

Afterwards, send the confirmation to the university and make sure they receive it. During this process or after it, you might be asked to send additional documents or official copies.

9. Apply for a student visa (if required)

Not all students going abroad need to apply for a visa. But if you do, do your research properly. Many documents are necessary, and the visa issuance can take a few weeks to a few months! This is why you should apply early on so that you won’t miss the beginning of your studies abroad.

If you’re an EU/EEA student enrolling at a university in the EU/EEA, we have excellent news: you won’t need a visa to study in a European Union/European Economic Area country if you already come from one.

In all the other situations — with a few exceptions — you will need a visa. Here are a few examples:

• you’ll need a visa to study in Canada
• you’ll need a visa to study in the US
• you’ll need a visa to study in China
• you’ll need a visa to study in Australia
• you’ll need a visa to study in the UK

And the list can go on and on. The main piece of advice here is: you should check if you need a visa early on and learn how long it takes until a visa is issued. Then, based on when your studies are scheduled to start, apply for a visa so that you’ll receive it in time.

10. Plan your travel

Time to get excited! Now that you have everything sorted, think about how you’ll get to your destination. Plan ahead to get the best deals, and check baggage limits so you don’t get caught out!

If you’ll study on a different continent or in a faraway country, taking the plane is by far the best option. Sometimes even cheaper, but this varies on many other factors. You’ll need to check how much luggage you can take with you, as all major airlines have limits. You’ll need to pay extra for additional suitcases or baggage.

Some students might choose to travel by train or bus. This can be more or less comfortable depending on the distance itself and how long it will take to get to your destination. The advantage is that it can be cheaper, and there’s no baggage limit — still, don’t think you can just occupy half of the storage space with your things. Other travellers certainly won’t appreciate it.

For Europeans who move to another European country, taking a car ride, alone or with the family, is a valid option. You get to travel together with the people you love, and they’ll help you set up the place and get used to your new surroundings.

Tips and tricks for travelling

• Based on the start date of your studies and when you can move into your new place, plan accordingly, so that you’ll get there early on; it’s ideal to have a few days to accommodate to your new surroundings.
• Check the cancelling or change policy for tickets, especially if you travel by plane.
• If you need to change the means of transport, think about what you’ll do and where you’ll stay during the layover/waiting period.

Find Master's degrees abroad

11. Choose an accommodation option and make arrangements

It’s important to decide where you’ll live abroad because it will have a major impact, both on your expenses and on your experience. These are the most popular options, together with their pros and cons:

Student dormitories

• They are also called ‘student halls’ or ‘university halls of residence’.
• Student dormitories are by far the most affordable option, but you’ll often have to share a room with 1, 2 or sometimes even more students.
• The costs of utilities are usually included in the monthly fee.
• Private student dormitories (not owned by universities) are often more expensive than university student dormitories.
• Many students live in a dormitory for 1 or 2 years to have the popular on-campus experience, and then they choose to rent a private place alone or with friends.
• Not all universities offer student halls, and often the number of places is limited.
• The conditions and facilities of each dormitory are different from one university or country to another.

Renting a private flat

• This is the second most popular type of accommodation among international students.
• Renting is more expensive than living on-campus, but you can reduce the costs by sharing a flat with other students.
• The closer you get to the city centre they higher the prices get.
• Utilities aren’t always included in the monthly fee; this is something you need to discuss with your landlord.
• You’ll need to pay a deposit that’s worth 2 or 3-months’ rent. This is to cover potential damages or problems you might create. Based on your contract, you should get the deposit back (or a part) when you move out.
• Some universities assist students who look for private flats and make sure they don’t get scammed or tricked into overpaying.

• If your university doesn’t provide this support, you’ll need to do research beforehand to avoid scams or other issues.

Moreover, you can contact amber – a trusted student housing booking platform – to help you find suitable accommodation. Whether you are looking for student accommodation in London or student housing in Chicago, their booking executives will provide you with one-on-one, free assistance in locating your ideal abode. 

Living with a local family

• This is not as popular as the other two options, but it’s chosen by students on a very low budget or by those who want a hands-on experience of the local culture and lifestyle
• It’s usually very cheap, sometimes cheaper than student dormitories. But this often depends on how you negotiate and what is included in the overall price. For example, some families even offer one meal a day in the monthly fee.
• You need to speak the local language to live with a family, at least at the conversation level. Or they should speak English well enough. The point is: you can encounter language barriers.
• You’ll have to share the kitchen, possibly even the bathroom and other utilities. If you’re not comfortable with this situation, living with a local family isn’t for you.
• It can be a great opportunity to learn local recipes, discover traditions, understand life from others’ perspective, and make friends or deep connections.

No matter which option you choose, prices will range wildly. You can spend anywhere from 100-200 EUR to over 700 EUR per month based on where you want to live.

Always pay attention to the contracts you sign, don’t hesitate to discuss any confusing clauses and don’t take the first option you find. Compare what’s available on the market and then decide. Remember, an informed buyer is an empowered buyer.

11. Decide what you’ll pack and the size of your luggage

How much luggage you’ll take will mainly depend on your means of transport. But no matter how you travel, here are a few items that are essential:

• Laptop, power adapters and converters
• ID, passport, birth certificate and copies
• Medicine or prescription drugs, especially if you have an allergy or other medical conditions
• A regular backpack for daily use
• A photo or something to remind you of your home/dear ones
• Headphones, perhaps 2 pairs in case one stops functioning

It would be best if you also packed toiletries, clothes for different types of weather, towels, and any other items you use regularly.

Depending on the climate, you might not need to take winter clothes. But if you do, your parents can send them via post or a specialised courier. You can also relax knowing this option is available if you forget to take anything.

Don’t bother to take all your clothes abroad, though. The truth is you’ll find plenty of shops where you can buy new ones, especially if you spend at least 2 or 3 years in your new home country.

12. Culture and Lifestyle Preparation

Moving to a new country is a huge change; preparation can make all the difference. Learning about the culture ahead of time will help you adjust more smoothly. Start by picking up a few basic phrases in the local language — even a simple 'hello' or 'thank you' can go a long way.

Take time to read up on social customs, such as typical greetings, dining etiquette, and public behaviour norms. Explore online groups or student forums to connect with others who’ve been there, and don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions about their experiences.

Watching videos or vlogs from international students can also give you a realistic insight into daily life. To feel more connected to local topics of conversation, consider familiarising yourself with the country’s current events and popular culture.

>> Also, read this article if you want to know more about What Are the Most Common Issues of Studying Abroad, and How to Overcome Them

And that’s it! You’re ready to go abroad! Excited? You should be. You’re about to begin one of your life's most interesting, fun, empowering, and difficult chapters. And you’ll be a much better person at the end of it. Now go and create some awesome memories!

Tips and tricks before you get started

• English-speaking countries are the hottest study-abroad destinations and the places where tuition fees are the highest. The USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK are the top destinations for international students.

• Countries in Europe provide excellent universities at more affordable costs. Public universities in Norway and Germany offer free degrees to all international students, regardless of nationality.

• Students from EU countries can travel and study in other EU countries and enjoy the same rights as domestic students. 

• Students from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) can study for free in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden as well.

• Most public universities in France and Austria offer study programmes for under 2,500 EUR per year to all international students.

• Student loans are one way to cover the costs of your education but don’t be too eager to apply for one. Many students regret this decision and, in the US, for example, you have to pay the money back even if you drop out or don’t graduate.

• You can work while studying, but only part-time, and this can increase your stress levels. If you decide to do this, make sure you follow the rules and regulations; in many countries, international students can only work for a limited number of hours per week.

Discover some of the most affordable EU countries for international students.

Additional resources

• How to Apply to an International University in Italy
• 6 Tips on How to Apply to an Ivy League University
• How to Apply to a University in South Korea
• What is the SAT and How to Apply for an SAT Test
• How to Apply to a Master’s Degree from an Ivy League University in the US
• How to Apply to a Master of Science at a University Abroad
• How to Apply to a University in Europe
• How to Apply to Universities Worldwide and Tips for Being Accepted
• How to Apply to an International University in the US
• How to Apply to an International University in Germany