Your study abroad planning process will depend largely on the intake, university, and country you select. Once you decide to embark on your academic quest to study overseas, you must conduct thorough research to decide on the appropriate course, university, study abroad destination, academic intake, entrance exams, and other eligibility criteria. The fall intake (September to December) is the most popular intake among international students. The other intakes are spring (January to May) and Summer (May to August). It is advised to start planning at least 10-12 months before your chosen intake.
For instance, if you are aiming for a September 2025 intake, begin your planning process in July 2024. Keep all your documents, such as academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), etc., ready by September 2024. Start preparing for your entrance exams, such as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and your English proficiency tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) by October/November 2024. You can apply to your chosen university after passing your competitive exam and English language test. Around December 2024, you can start the education loan application procedure. You will receive a university acceptance letter between January and April 2025. Once you secure a seat at your dream college, apply for a student visa and complete your student loan process around May 2025. By September 2025, you will be ready for your study abroad journey.
