To-Do Guide

Once you have a basic understanding of how the international study programs work, talk to related people and learn beyond what the Internet offers. Try connecting to alumni via LinkedIn and politely ask for advice. Ask your friends and family if they know someone connected to your shortlisted universities. Speaking to people who have had first-hand experience with those universities/colleges/programs will tell you information that you cannot find anywhere else.

This process can prove to be quite long and exhausting. But put your mind at ease and fix an appointment with one of our educational counsellors. Our team at HECS are experienced professionals with a wealth of wisdom. With your preferences in mind, they will broaden your perspectives and thoughtfully direct you to choose your right fit. Get in touch with our team now.

After zeroing in on one course and university or college, the next step is to fill out your application. Your counsellor at HECS will be by your side throughout the process and also will smoothen out your experience as much as possible. Our consultants will be in constant touch with your university ensuring everything is on track including legal requirements.

Further, your HECS counsellor will advise you on entrance exam preparations. Most courses require the candidate to take an English examination like IELTS to demonstrate his or her language proficiency. The exam will assess your grammar, vocabulary and will cover all aspects of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Once your application is filled in and sent across, you will have to wait for a few weeks or months to receive a reply. Your application will be minutely evaluated before informing you of your result. If your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter along with an acceptance form.

The acceptance form will have the acceptance criteria, terms and conditions of the offer letter. Before accepting the offer letter from the university or college, make sure you read it thoroughly with your educational consultant and check for any conditions they may request in the letter.

Each country has different procedures and formalities for visa applications. Based on your selected country, your counsellor will instruct you of your course of action. The most common documents that you will need to apply for a visa are:

• Proof of enrolment (acceptance letter from your educational institute)
• Residence permit applications
• Language certification (if needed)
• Parental/guardian consent (if you are below the age of 18)
• Proof of funding (proof of sufficient financial resources to pay for fees, living expenditure and transportation)
• Valid passport
• Passport size photographs
• Proof of vaccination (if required)

Thereafter, you will be called in for a personal interview at the particular country’s embassy.

Some colleges and universities offer on-campus accommodation for the first year of study. If your university doesn’t provide on-campus accommodation, you have to look out for apartments or rooms for rent in localities near your campus. Depending on your location, you might also find homestays and local hosts.

The cost of living varies from city to city. You will also be responsible for paying utility bills like electricity and the Internet. Places for rent near universities fill out fast. Make certain that you don’t wait till the last minute to finalize your stay options.

International travel can be expensive. Although, if you book tickets months in advance, the costs will be cheaper than usual. Check flights from different operators and different boarding locations in your country. Monitor prices for a while and book your tickets when you find them at their lowest. While booking your tickets, keep in mind to check for entry requirements of your host country.

You’re almost there! There are a few other minor things to take care of like international SIM cards, currency exchange, bank account, insurance and learning to adapt to a new country. Our extended team at HECS will always be there to help you with it all.

Be as methodical and organized as possible with the packing and moving as it can get confusing. Don’t leave anything to the last minute and be prepared weeks in advance. All the very best to you!