It is not common for international students to face home sickness, isolation and financial stress. But yes, the right mindset and support makes you win each goal.

An SOP is your story in an essay format that not just shows your background, hardships you faced and the passion you developed for your field but it also outlines your reasons to apply to a particular program and how your values align with the university’s.

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are very important for your application for any program in any university. LORs provide a third-party perspective on your qualifications and can be crucial in showcasing your skills, experiences, personality and potential. A strong LOR can give a candidate a competitive edge in admissions/hiring processes.

It depends on the country you are applying to. Most foreign universities will ask you to take an English language test like TOEFL or IELTS to gauge your language proficiency. While applying to a non-English speaking country, check if the course instructions are in English or the native language. Many international universities still use English for basic communication. Learning the local language helps you with other aspects such as using public transport, exploring tourist or hangout spots and even negotiating rental accommodation (if you want to stay off campus).

Yes. Statistically, universities are more likely to choose a candidate with all-round achievements over someone with good grades but no extra-curricular interests. Extra-curriculars give you a chance to shine in your application. To be able to grab a seat in a university of your choice, you need to stand out from the others.

Yes. Universities in most countries allow international students to extend their course duration, depending on their attendance and performance in the ongoing subjects. Once you are on campus, discuss your options with your academic advisor or faculty. Be sure to check the additional procedures for specialisation courses as these may not be a part of the program you initially chose.

Usually the student visa will not expire before the course. You need to inform your university’s international student offices about your travel outside the country and ensure to collect all the legal documents should you be travelling internationally. If incase, your student visa expires before completion of your course, you can apply for an extension online. You do not need to come back to India for a renewal. Do not forget to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the expiry date of the visa.

Once you are on campus, you may feel the need to transfer to a different university. In such scenarios, the consequences on the validity of your student visa will depend on your university. When you are granted a visa to study at a university abroad, it is usually based on the university’s requirements. If you wish to change to a different university, you may need to cancel your student visa and apply afresh, depending on the rules governing visas in the country you are studying in.

You can start repaying your student loan a year after your studies are completed or six months after getting your first job, whichever is earlier.

The Indian embassy plays a crucial role during your stay abroad. Within 24 to 48 hours of your arrival in the country, you must register yourself with the ministry of internal affairs. This legalises your stay in the country. The second step is to register at the local Indian embassy. Not only is the embassy a home away from home, but people at the embassy can also help solve any problems you may face during your stay, especially with your legal documents and procedures. The embassy is also a great place to connect with other Indians in the country you choose to study in.

Yes, in early 2024, Canada introduced caps on study permits due to housing shortages. Some provinces (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia) are more affected than others.

Yes, but ensure your college is on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list and offers a PGWP-eligible program.

Yes, as of January 2024, most international students cannot bring dependents unless enrolled in a postgraduate research program

Yes, studying in regional areas can provide migration advantages through additional points for PR.