Embarking on the adventure of attending university in another country is both a huge and rewarding decision. Once you decide that’s the path you want to take, there’s the logistics of choosing a country, starting the university search, securing funding, submitting applications—and that’s just the admission process, which doesn’t even touch on the travel aspect and the transition to campus life. It sounds like a lot, right? That’s where we come in! We understand the extensive number of steps there are to the international university admission process, and we have advice to help you through it all. Compiled in one convenient place, this is the best of the best our experts and international student writers have to offer you for a smooth university journey from beginning to end.
Deciding where in the world you want to study
- All About Studying in the United States and How to Get Started: What makes the US a great place to earn your degree? Here are the top reasons, plus ways to start your search and make your university journey possible.
- 7 Questions International Students Should Ask to Start the US University Search: The US is a popular college destination, but the admission process is work. Ask these questions as an international student to start the university search.
- Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to College in Canada: Canada is a popular academic destination for students from around the world. Here's a comprehensive look at Canadian education, universities, and everyday life.
- Top 5 Reasons You Should Attend University in Europe: Does the price of a US education make your eyes bulge? Consider a seemingly more sophisticated (but much cheaper) option for a university across the pond.
Finding a good fit for you
- A Simple Guide to US Colleges and Universities for International Students: The US offers many possibilities for obtaining an education that fits your needs, but how do you begin searching through thousands of schools? Start here!
- 7 Important Steps to Finding Your Best-Fit US University: How can you know if you'll feel at home at a school halfway around the globe without seeing it in person? Going through these steps is a good way to start!
- 6 Questions to Ask About a University's Cultural Fit: Finding a good cultural fit in a university is important to being comfortable and happy on campus. Here's how to review schools through this cultural lens.
- 6 Helpful Resources to Pursue an International Education: Completing the international admission process can feel insurmountable, but these popular platforms can help make your dream of studying abroad a reality.
- University Search: Thinking Beyond Rankings and Name Brands: Your international university list may only consist of schools with big names that you're familiar with. Read on to find out why that's a big mistake.
- Top 4 Considerations and Resources to Choose Your University Major: Deciding to attend a US university is a big enough step as it is, let alone thinking about an area of study. Here's how to make this major decision.
- What If I Don’t Know What I Want to Study at an American University?: It can be hard for international students who don't know much about US programs to choose the right major. Consider this expert advice to help you decide.
Applying as an international student
- The Essential US College Admission Timeline for International Students: If you’re thinking about studying in the United States, here’s a list of exactly what you need to do to apply to a university—and when you need to do it!
- University Admission Exams for International Students: The Ultimate Guide: Planning to attend university in the US? Learn about potential SAT and ACT requirements and English-language proficiency tests you may have to take here.
- Everything You Need to Know About the IELTS Exam: The IELTS and other language tests are required for international students to attend university in English-speaking countries. Here's what you should know.
- A Beginner's Guide to the TOEFL for College Admission: Are you considering taking the TOEFL for US admission but know little about it? Here's an easy walkthrough of what to expect from this language exam.
- How to Handle Common Stressors as a University-Bound International Student: International students face a unique set of challenges in their university search. Stay on track and stress-free with this advice from a real student.
- Top Tips for Writing and Editing Your University Apps: Good organization, writing, and editing are important to any college application and admission essay. An international student offers her best advice here!
- 6 Must-Know Steps to Gain Your Student Visa for University: Wondering how to apply for a student visa? It's not the easiest part of the US admission process, but it's well within your reach if you follow these steps.
- How to Prepare for University Fairs and Really Get to Know Schools: University fairs allow students who can't visit international campuses to connect with their schools of interest. Here's how to prep for these big events!
- CollegeXpress Featured Colleges That Offer Virtual Campus Tours: If you can't visit universities in person due to time, money, or distance, that's okay—you're not the only one. In-person visits aren't always feasible for all students (especially international students in other countries), but online tours and virtual visits are a great substitute for the real thing—and we've made it easier for you to find them with this list!
Increasing your chances of admission
- 3 Steps to Help You Get Into Your Dream University: A student from Taiwan shares three things he wishes he'd known earlier in the college search process that can help you get into your dream school.
- 4 Ways to Stand Out as an International Applicant: It can be difficult to stand out in the application pool as an international student. Here are some ways to help your university applications shine!
- US University Admission: 5 Areas to Focus on to Increase Your Chances: What’s the secret to US university acceptance? There's no magic trick that helps, but it’s smart to focus on these five areas for a better application.
- 5 Easy Steps to Mastering Your International Admission Essays: You've completed applications, requested transcripts, and asked for letters of recommendation. There's only one admission hurdle left: the dreaded essay.
- How to Better Manage Your US University and Scholarship Search Process: Managing the US admission process while also searching for scholarships to pay for college is a lot for any student. Use this advice to balance it all.
- This Is How American Universities and Colleges Make Admission Decisions: US universities are looking for students like you, but what exactly are they looking for when they read your application? Here's what you need to know!
Paying for your international education
- Helpful College Search and Financial Aid Advice for Undocumented Students: Exploring colleges and starting the admission process can be scary for undocumented students, but with the right advice, it doesn't have to be!
- How to Find the Most Aid During Your US University Search: Many international students want to attend university in the US, but money may be an obstacle. Learn about schools that offer generous financial aid here!
- Important International Health Insurance Options for US University: International students are often required to have an insurance plan while studying in the US. Here's what you need to know about them and how to pick one.
- Great Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants for International Students: Need more money to pay for university? Here's a list of scholarships and fellowships for international undergrad and graduate students studying in the US.
- Top Financial Aid Tips for Disadvantaged International Students: University can be expensive for international students in the US. Here's how economically disadvantaged students can pay for their education.
- The International Student’s Helpful Guide to Financial Aid: US financial aid can be confusing for any student, and especially international students. Here's a guide to help you figure it out before you choose a school.
Acclimating to your new campus and surviving culture shock
- Your Best Resource for Adjusting to University: International Student Orientation: It's going to take time to adjust to your new US college campus, but one thing can certainly help you process your culture shock: student orientation.
- 3 Important Resources for Making Friends on a Foreign Campus: Making friends on campus as an international student can be intimidating. Here are three great resources to help you meet people naturally and comfortably.
- 10 Common Mistakes for First-Year International Students to Avoid: Going abroad for university can be stressful enough without worrying about having a bad experience. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid for a great first year.
- The Best On-Campus Resources for International Students: Planning to attend university in the United States? Check out these useful resources for international students that are available right on campus for you!
- The Best Ways for International Students to Get Involved at US Universities: The US university experience is about more than studying. Here's why international students should join clubs and organizations to get connected on campus.
- How to Stay Connected to Your Home Country While in the US: Staying in touch with your loved ones back home while at college in the US is crucial to the adaptation process. Here are easy ways to keep connected!
- 5 Tips to Make Adjusting to a New University and Culture Easier: Adjusting to college is difficult—and infinitely more so for international students in a new culture. Use these tips to help you adjust to university life.
Do you envision yourself at a US university? Check out our featured schools for international students to start exploring your options!
