Did you know that approximately 1.3 million Indian students were overseas to study abroad in 2022? That’s a pretty impressive number – and it’s set to keep growing.
Top-notch academic standards and global career advantages are a couple of the reasons. But choosing to study abroad is certainly not an easy or simple decision. To help you figure out whether it’s the right option for you, our EDU AUS International experts lay out the top reasons our students head overseas.
Global Recognition in Academic Excellence
38 of Australia’s 41 universities are among the global best according to QS World University Rankings 2024. The USA boosts the largest number of world-ranking universities, clocking in of 198 universities. This includes CIV #1 university, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Not to be left behind, the UK checks in of the #2 and #3 spots with the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford respectively. As of 2024, the UK sees 90 universities in the QS World Rankings. Meanwhile, Canada is climbing up these global ranks yearly, placing 31 universities in the same list
These numbers are a good indicator of the quality of education these countries promise. Some of the metrics that determine them include:
• Academic reputation
• Employer reputation
• Employment Outcomes
• International Student Ratio
• Citations Per Faculty
• and more …
Experience-Based, Industry-Focused Learning
Interested in a degree in forensic psychology? How about a prime business analytics program or a BSc in Agriculture? Looking at study abroad destinations can hugely diversify your options. While these programs may be available at home, a degree abroad gives you unparalleled opportunities to build a career out of them.
You can discover a degree to study anything from linguistics to filmmaking to neuroscience to biomedicine abroad. And with the right program at the right university, these degrees can accelerate your career opportunities in a field you are passionate about. You will access cutting-edge resources and facilities and learn under the leading experts in your field.
Alongside the exciting variety of programs abroad is their heavy industry focus. Faculties develop the study abroad programs available by looking at industry demands. This means you are not only developing in-demand knowledge and skills, but you’re graduating job-ready in the biggest economic and business epicenters of the world.
The EDU AUS Roadmap to Studying Abroad
Our Student Success Consultants work closely with us to co-design their roadmap to studying abroad. We prime your journey for success, aligning your dreams and ambitions to our expertise and connections with top global universities, diversifying your pathways to an excellent higher education abroad.
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Receive Personalized Program Recommendations
2
Connect with Universities One-on-One
3
Access Step-by-Step Application Support
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Discover Scholarships & Funding Opportunities
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Secure an Offer Letter from a Global University
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Explore Student Health Cover Options
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Build Solid Student Visa Applications
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Book Accommodation at Your Study Abroad Destination
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Hit the Ground Running with Our Pre-Departure Briefing
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Congratulations – You’re a EDU AUS Studying Abroad!
Preparing For Your Journey
Funding Your Studies Abroad
Finances tend to be one of the big factors in your decision-making when studying abroad. Making sure your program, living expenses, and more fit into your budget is absolutely necessary. Student visa applications for destinations like Australia, Canada, and the UK will ask for proof of your finances, in fact. Universities and immigration authorities want to be sure that you can fully cover your tuition and expenses while abroad.
So, how do you begin shortlisting programs and universities that meet your academic requirements and your budget?
Understand Your Expenses as an International Student
Your expenses as an international student will broadly consist of:
Application Fees
Universities usually charge an application processing fee. This fee amount will depend on the university. In some cases, universities may waive application fees. Some universities don’t charge application fees at all!
A couple of universities with no application fee for international students include:
- Queen Mary University of London – UK
- Coventry University – UK
- Bond University – Australia
- University of South Australia – Australia
Discover more universities with no application fee by contacting a EDU AUS International Student Success Consultant!
Enquire Now
Tuition & Administrative Fees
Tuition fees are of course the fees you will pay per semester for your program. Alongside tuition fees, there may be some administrative fees (for example, for international student services) packaged into the final total.
Important note – remember that you are looking into tuition fees for international students specifically during your research! Domestic student fees are typically lower than international student fees.
Tuition fees are a pretty big component of your overall costs of studying abroad. Here are the factors that impact tuition fees of universities in the same country:
- Ownership:
A private university may charge higher tuition fees compared to a public or state university. - Size of the University:
The bigger the university – in terms of physical size, student and faculty size, reputation, research output, etc. – the higher you can expect tuition fees to be for its programs. - The University’s Location:
Typically, the higher the cost of living in the city, the higher tuition fees will tend to be. The lower the cost of living – for example, in less urban, metropolitan cities – the lower tuition fees are likely to be. - Location Within the City:
Generally, the closer to the city center the university, the higher tuition fees are likely to be. The more suburban the area, the lower the tuition fees are likely to be.
Explore Tuition Fees
The Cost of Living
The next major consideration, after tuition fees, is of course your living expenses. Unlike at home, rent, meals, transport, utilities, and so on are all matters to factor into your budget to study abroad. The components of your costs of living will usually consist of:
- Rent
- Utilities (including things like electricity and water bills)
- Groceries & meal plans
- Transport
- Mobile phone bills
- Social activities
Like tuition fees, the cost of living varies broadly even within a single country. Your living expenses may vary depending on factors such as:
- Whether you live on- or off-campus
- Whether you live close to the city center (the closer to the city center you are, the higher rent and other costs are likely to be)
- Your lifestyle
- Whether you live in a major metropolis or a more suburban area
Discover your ideal study abroad location with our Student Success Consultants, based on budget!
Enquire Now
Scholarship Opportunities
One of the reasons costs can really vary for international students is the availability of scholarships. Global scholarships are both opportunities for students to access a global education and incentives universities use to attract diverse students. As a result, international universities generally set aside hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund international students.
Scholarships can fully fund your studies or partially cover your tuition. They can be merit- or need-based. Some scholarships automatically consider you as soon as you apply to a university. Others have specific application procedures. Some awards will contribute towards your research or provide an annual allowance for your living expenses.
There is such variety and number of scholarships that we can hardly summarize them all here. A couple of your options include:
- University scholarships by
- study level
- subject area
- sociodemographic factors, e.g., nationality, gender, ethnicity
- Third-party scholarships such as:
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Chevening Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
To explore your scholarship and other funding opportunities, including student loans, contact our Student Success Consultants today.
Discover Scholarships
Student Jobs
Students are always keen to learn about their work opportunities when studying abroad. Luckily, major study abroad destinations allow you to find part-time jobs for students. Your work rights will depend on your student visa authorizations:
| Destination | Working Hours for International Students |
| Australia | Subclass 500: Maximum 48 hours part-time over two weeks; full-time over holiday breaks |
| Canada | Study Permit Maximum 20 hours part-time per week; full-time over holiday breaks |
| UK | Student Visa Maximum 20 hours part-time per week; full-time over holiday breaks |
| USA | International students can only work part-time on-campus (this does not include Optional Practical Training, which is professional training relevant to your program) |
Some programs at these destinations incorporate an internship or job placement as part of your curriculum. This means that you complete hands-on work experience as part of your studies. There are excellent benefits for your career thanks to this, including offsetting some of your expenses if these are paying positions
Apply for Your Student Visa with EDU AUS INTERNATIONAL
Your student visa is your formal authorization from the government of your destination country to study in its institutions. Without this visa, you do not have the legal right to stay and study in the country – so it’s very important to be fully aware of the rights and regulations under it!
Subclass 500 – Australia
The Subclass 500 visa, or Student Visa, is your authorization to stay and study in Australia. To receive this visa, you need:
- A CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) from a CRICOS-registered Australian university
- Proof of identity
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Proof of finances for the duration of your study
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Proof of English language proficiency
- To meet the Australian character and health requirements
And so on. To understand the full procedure of applying for the Subclass 500 visa – and submit a strong application – contact a EDU AUS Student Success Consultant today.Get Started
Study Permit – Canada
The Study Permit is a very important document you must hold on to throughout your time as a student in Canada. Note, though, that the Study Permit is not the same as a Canadian visa! You will apply for the visa first to Canada’s IRCC. Once you have this and travel to Canada, immigration authorities at your point of entry will issue the Study Permit. To apply for the Canadian student visa and Study Permit, you need:
- A Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of identity
- Proof of finances for the duration of your study
- Letter of Explanation
- Medical exam report
- Biometrics, etc.
To explore all the requirements to apply for a Canadian student visa, contact us today. Get Started
Student Visa – The UK
The UK Student Visa is your proof of your student status to live and study in the UK. You’ll need the following documents to apply
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university
- Proof of identity
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Tuberculosis test report
- Immigration health surcharge
- Proof of finances for duration of your study
- Biometrics
- Credibility interview, etc.
To build a solid application for the UK Student Visa, including practice credibility interviews, contact us today. Get Started
F-1 Student Visa – The USA
The US student visa can be a little tricky, with the number of documents and steps you need to know and complete. Here’s a quick overview of the F-1 visa requirements:
- The Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified university
- Proof of identity
- Proof of SEVIS fee payment
- DS-160 visa application
- Proof of English proficiency
- Proof of finances for duration of your study
- F-1 visa interview, etc.
To better understand the components of the F-1 visa and submit a foolproof application, connect with us today.
Book Accommodation as an International Student
As an international student, the second you have your offer letter in and visa application done, your mind will be full of accommodation booking. Finding your home away from home is serious business. This is where you will be sleeping, eating, doing your homework, relaxing, and more
Types of Accommodation to Consider
On-Campus
Many universities offer on-campus accommodation for incoming students. Some even give priority to incoming, first-year international students! On-campus housing can include:
- Halls of residence
- Residential colleges
- Student apartments
Depending on your budget and preferences, you could look into single and shared opportunities. Some dorms offer access to single or double rooms with shared bathrooms for the whole floor.
Other residences take the form of student apartments. A typical layout includes single rooms for each occupant with a shared common area, such as a kitchenette with appliances like a microwave, fridge, washing machine, etc. Rooms often share an en-suite bathroom.
| Pros of On-Campus Accommodation 1. Close to your classes and student support services 2. No need to worry about coordinating with a landlord 3. No need to manage monthly utility payments (these are usually packaged within the overall price) 4. Easier to transition into student life while living and studying among other students | Cons of On-Campus Accommodation 1. There is usually a limit to the number of rooms available 2. Generally, more expensive than renting off-campus, due to the high demand and exclusive services 3. Some students may not enjoy sharing common spaces like bathrooms and kitchens |
On-Campus Housing: Catered vs Self-Catered
Catered: If your university offers this option, you can opt for the university’s meal plans. Depending on the university this gives you access to its dining facilities to cover your meals. Generally, you will pay a deposit for a meal plan package. Each of your meals deducts an amount from this deposit until you need to renew or upgrade the package.
Self-Catered: With self-catered accommodation, you have access to kitchen facilities to manage your own meals. You will have to shop for your own groceries and prep your own food. You will usually also have access to dining facilities if you pay the necessary deposits or fees
Off-Campus
Many students move out of on-campus housing after their first semester or first year. Off-campus housing can include a variety of options including:
- Private Student Residences
These are similar to the student halls and apartments universities offer, except private providers offer these options. Student residences typically populate the areas close to major campuses, so you still have the advantage of proximity. You are also living amongst other students, so you can enjoy the sense of community even off-campus. - Homestays
Homestays are an interesting opportunity for you to stay with a host family in your destination country! These families will typically rent out a room in their home to international students. You get to experience the way of life of your destination firsthand. The experience can help you integrate into the local community more smoothly. - Private Rentals
These are apartments or housing you rent by yourself or share with other room- or flat-mates. Private accommodation offers a bit more flexibility in terms of affordability and variety.
Generally, housing closer to the city center (and closer to campuses) will be more expensive. Housing farther out from the city center may be cheaper, though the commute is longer. Ultimately, your choice of accommodation would depend on your preferences. Is the opportunity cost of the lower price tag less important to you than being close to campus? Are you willing or able to split the rent with others? Your personal preferences will inform your choice of housing
Select Your Health Cover
What is a Student Health Cover?
Most universities overseas require students to hold some form of health insurance. For some countries, like Australia, getting insurance is a necessary requirement for your student visa.
Why is health insurance so important for international students? Especially as a student living in a foreign country, away from home, a student health cover gives you a measure of security by covering medical expenses, such as:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Medical emergencies (such as ambulance services)
- Prescription medicine bills
Health Insurance in Key Study Abroad Destinations
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)- Australia
The Australian government mandates the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a requirement for your student visa application. At minimum, the OSHC must cover:
- Doctor visits
- Some treatments at a hospital
- Ambulance costs
- Prescription medicine bills for certain medicines
You can supplement your basic OSHC with other items that may cover things like dental and optical treatments.
The Australian government registers a series of health insurers for you to choose from. To understand the ins and outs of choosing the right OSHC package, contact one of our Student Success Consultants today.
National Health Services (NHS) – UK
As an international student in the UK, you don’t need to apply for private health insurance. You are eligible for free healthcare services under the National Health Service (NHS), the UK’s state provider for healthcare!
Students who are applying for visas to study in the UK for six months or longer pay an immigration health surcharge of £470 annually. This entitles you to NHS service at no additional cost. These services cover doctor visits and medical treatments. So, be sure to register with a GP as soon as you can after arriving in the UK.
To understand your healthcare rights under your UK student visa, get in touch with us today.
Student Health Insurance in Canada
In Canada, the public healthcare system is administered at the provincial level. As such, how you access healthcare as an international student will depend on the province you are studying in. Some provinces extend access to public health care services by issuing international students the relevant health card.
In other provinces, the student has to arrange for their own private health insurance. Universities in the latter may have specific arrangements for international students to access healthcare insurance. For example, in Manitoba, students at the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and Brandon University can access the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP).
Student Health Insurance in the USA
International students don’t have access to universal healthcare in the USA. As a result, US universities often require their students to arrange for their own health insurance. In some cases, universities may offer group plans for international students to purchase basic private healthcare coverage.
EDU AUS INTERNATIONAL Pre-Departure Support
You received your offer letter, your visa is all set, and your accommodation is booked and ready. The next step is arriving in your destination country and making it home.
Landing on a new continent can sometimes make you feel like a fish out of water. Pre-Departure Support events exist to sync your expectations to reality. We walk you through handy tips on everything from the local culture, managing your money, and finding student jobs, to coping with homesickness and overcoming culture shock.
Eager to get a pre-departure low-down before arriving at your study abroad destination? Contact us today for your free one-on-one session, or sign up below to stay tuned for our Pre-Departure Events. Enquire Now
What to Focus on to Make Your Transition into Studying Abroad Easier
1. Minimize Culture Shock
The more you learn about where you will be living, the less unfamiliar and more exciting it will be. Overcome culture shock by knowing exactly what you’re getting into.
2. Money Matters
Learn everything you need to know about banking, foreign exchange, finding student discounts, and budgeting tips as an international student.
3. Student Jobs
Understand your work rights as an international student holding a student visa, and learn expert tips to find a job.
4. Find Student Support
Your study abroad destination invests a lot of resources to make your time as an international student smooth. We break down who to go to when you need support – with your academics, accommodation, job search, and even physical and mental wellness.
We are happy to cover all the above – from the ins and outs of your departure and arrival to what you should and shouldn’t pack. Get in touch with us for your Pre-Departure briefing and hit the ground running to study abroad!