This handbook covers all the most frequently asked questions regarding studying abroad. We’ll answer your questions regarding application criteria, deadlines, expenses, financial assistance, visa requirements, language requirements, cultural differences, internship possibilities, support services, and what to do if you are rejected.

Also, read Study Abroad Funding: A Comprehensive Guide to Arranging Your Finances

1. What transcripts, recommendations, and test scores are needed to study abroad?

Depending on the university and country, application criteria for studying abroad differ. However, frequent application needs are:

• Official Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide to Answering Your Top  Searched Questions from prior schools is required. Transcripts should indicate your GPA.
• Letters of recommendation: You must submit two or three letters from instructors, professors, or other experts who can testify to your academic ability and character.
• Test results: You may need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove your English competence. Other standardised examinations, like the SAT or ACT, may be required by some colleges.
• Personal statement: Write an essay on your academic and personal objectives. This essay is your chance to inform the admissions committee why you want to study abroad and your goals.
• Resumes, portfolios, and financial assistance applications may also be required.

2. When is the study abroad application deadline?

Before studying abroad: Some US institutions have this deadline. For example, you would need to apply in autumn 2022 to study abroad in autumn 2023. Many UK and Australian institutions have this deadline. You must apply in winter 2022 to study abroad in autumn 2023.

Some universities, notably in Canada and Europe, have a spring deadline for applying to study abroad. You must apply in spring 2022 to study abroad in autumn 2023.

These are recommendations. Check with the university you want to apply to for their deadlines. The rolling admissions procedure and application deadline are significant. Some universities assess applications on a rolling basis. You’ll be considered for admission sooner if you apply early.

Why apply early?

Applying early to study abroad has several benefits:

• You have additional time to apply. This comprises standardised examinations, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
• It improves your admission chances. International students have limited room at many colleges, so applying early increases your chances.
• It allows more time for housing and other preparations. If you plan to study abroad in a country where you don’t speak the language, this is crucial.

3. How much would studying abroad cost, including tuition, fees, housing, and living?

Studying abroad costs depend on your lifestyle, university, and country. Tuition, fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other costs are expected.

• Tuition: University and country tuition fees vary. Public university undergraduate tuition in the US ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. Private university undergraduate programmes cost $20,000–$50,000 per year.
• Costs: Student activities, health insurance, and technology costs may be added to tuition. These annual fees might be several hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Housing: Location and kind affect housing expenses. Rent costs $500–$2,000 per month.
• Food: Food prices depend on your diet and the cost of living in your study country. Food costs $200–$500 monthly.
• Transportation: Costs vary by mode of transportation. Public transit costs $50–100 per month. Cars cost more.
• Books, entertainment, and travel are other costs. Lifestyle dictates these costs.
• Studying abroad costs $20,000–$50,000 per year. These estimates are simply that—estimates. Research and budget before applying to study abroad.

4. Are scholarships and grants available for students studying abroad?

Study abroad students have several financial aid choices. Scholarships, grants, and loans are available.

5. What are the visa requirements for studying abroad, and how can I get one for my selected country?

Study abroad visa requirements differ by country. Students need a student visa to study in most countries.

Student visas require the following documentation:

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for six months after your study abroad programme.
• A visa application form: Get one from the embassy or consulate of the country you want to study in.
• Proof of admission: You must show proof of admission to a university or other educational institution in the country you wish to study.
• Financial support: You must prove you have the money to study abroad.
• Medical exam: You may require a medical exam to get a student visa.

Start the student visa procedure early as it might take a while. For visa requirements and application information, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to study in.

6. What if I don’t speak the country’s language?

Study abroad language requirements vary by country. Some nations require students to achieve a particular degree of fluency in the country’s language before they may attend university.

Language tests may be necessary if you don’t speak the country’s language. The language test will indicate your readiness to study in the country.

Some nations provide foreign student language programmes. These programmes might boost your language abilities before school.

Before applying, check the language requirements for your desired country. This will help you satisfy prerequisites and prepare for study abroad.

Also, read 10 Steps to Get Admission Abroad after 12th

7 . What cultural differences should I consider when studying abroad in a foreign country?

When studying abroad, be conscious of the cultural differences between your home country and the host country. This includes cultural variances.

International students may encounter:

• Different communication styles: Some cultures consider direct eye contact disrespectful, while others value it.
• Different ways of exhibiting emotion: In certain cultures, it’s nice to show emotion, whereas in others, it’s not.
• Addressing authority figures: Some cultures honour authority persons by their titles, while others use their first names.
• Different business practises: Some cultures value building connections before doing business, while others value getting right to business.

Before studying abroad, explore the country’s culture. This will prevent cultural gaffes and enhance your trip.

8. Does study abroad provide internships or research?

Study abroad programmes include internships and research. Many universities include internship and research programmes for overseas students. Internships can help you obtain experience in your field and network with professionals. Research opportunities can provide you with hands-on experience and help advance your field.

Start researching internships and research opportunities early if you want to study abroad. This helps you select programmes that match your interests and academic level.

9. What help is available to international students abroad?

International students abroad have several support services. These programmes aid with housing, cultural shock, and academic adjustment.

The most prevalent foreign student assistance services are:

Orientation programmes: These programmes assist overseas students adjust. These programmes include cultural differences, academic expectations, and housing possibilities. Student counselling programmes can help overseas students with culture shock, homesickness, and other issues.

International students receive English language help at several universities. Classes, tutoring, and other help are available. International students studying abroad should use support services. These services can enhance your success.

10. What academic and English language competence examinations are necessary for studying abroad, and how can I prepare?

Study abroad academic and English language competency assessments differ per country. Some frequent tests are:

• TOEFL: English proficiency test. Many overseas colleges demand it.
• IELTS: Another English language test. It’s like the TOEFL, although various universities and schools utilise it.
• GRE: The GRE tests overall intellectual aptitude. Some universities and colleges demand it for overseas students.
• Practising exams, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking and listening can help you prepare for these tests.

Conclusion

We hope our definitive guide to answering your top study abroad questions has given you great insights and knowledge to start your study abroad trip with confidence and passion.

Studying abroad provides many opportunities for personal growth, intellectual enrichment, and cross-cultural understanding. We addressed your concerns and offered advice on application requirements, deadlines, costs, financial aid, visas, language requirements, cultural differences, internships, and support services to help you make informed decisions and navigate the path ahead.

Studying abroad is about immersing yourself in a new culture, making lasting friends, and acquiring a global perspective that will affect your future. Embrace the uncertainty, challenges, and amazing opportunities.

Continue your research, contact study abroad counsellors, interact with alumni and use every opportunity to broaden your horizons. Embrace variety, new experiences, and studying abroad’s metamorphosis.

Also, read Best 10 TOEFL English Preparation Tips

Offered by the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, this online program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills in AI and data science, providing industry-aligned learning, global exposure, and flexible exit options.

For more information and application submission, applicants can visit office website: www.iitg.ac.in/oes/odp/

About the program

Prof. Hemant B. Kaushik, Dean, Online Education and Skilling, IIT Guwahati, spoke about the program.

The application portal for the 2025 batch of our Online BSc (Hons) in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is now open, said Prof Hemant of IIT Guwahati.

This program is a gateway to the future, designed to equip students with the most in-demand skills in the rapidly evolving fields of Data Science and AI.

At IIT Guwahati, we believe in making world-class education accessible to all, he said.

‘Our flexible, interactive, and industry-aligned curriculum ensures that students not only gain strong theoretical foundations but also hands-on experience with real-world applications.’

Whether you are a recent high school graduate or a professional looking to upskill, this program offers an opportunity to learn from renowned IIT faculty and industry experts without geographical constraints, said Prof Hemant of IIT Guwahati.

This is more than just a degree; it is an investment in your future! The program is designed to be highly affordable, with a very low fee structure, ensuring quality education from IIT Guwahati is accessible to all aspiring students, he said.

I encourage all prospective students and supportive parents to explore this incredible opportunity, he said.

Why choose IIT Guwahati’s B.Sc. (Hons.) in DS & AI?

The B.Sc. (Hons.) in DS & AI at IIT Guwahati follows a trimester system with three terms per year, offering:

Ø Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers fundamental to advanced topics, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on training.

Ø Industry-Relevant Learning: Includes internships, term projects, and a final-year capstone project to ensure practical exposure.

Ø Engaging Course Structure: Each 12-week course features interactive video lectures, real-world case studies, and live sessions by IIT Guwahati faculty and industry experts.

Ø Global Student Community: Over 1,700 students from 21 countries, including the USA, Canada, China, UAE, Singapore, UK, Bangladesh, and Japan, are already enrolled.

Ø Recorded Lectures & Live Sessions: Attend recorded online classes by IIT Guwahati faculty and industry experts for flexible learning, with live doubt clearing sessions.

Ø Hands-on Industry Tools: Access to tools like Jupyter Notebook, RStudio, and VS Code via Coursera labs, eliminating the need for additional setup.

Ø Supercomputer Access: Leverage PARAM Kamrupa & PARAM Ishan, India’s most powerful supercomputers, for computational tasks during the capstone projects.

Ø Optional IIT Guwahati Campus Visit: A 4-week on-campus immersion (spread over four slots) for in-person training and networking.

Ø Annual IITG AI Confluence: Attend the annual AI confluence at IITG campus, a celebratory and collaborative event designed exclusively for IITG students, showcasing diverse academic and professional activities in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

In addition to this, the program allows students to exit at different stages with recognised certifications. These include:

· After 1st year – Advanced Certificate in DS & AI

· After 2nd year – Diploma in DS & AI

· After 3rd year – B.Sc. Degree in DS & AI

· After 4th year – B.Sc. (Honours) Degree in DS & AI

Students who exit at Certificate, Diploma, or B.Sc. degree stage can rejoin after a one-year gap to continue their education.

The program is designed for a diverse range of learners, including high school graduates from both science and non-science backgrounds who wish to pursue a dual degree or earn a second degree from a premier institute.

It is also ideal for working professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to upskill in AI and Data Science, as well as individuals looking to transition into new careers or expand their expertise in high-demand fields.

Ø Mathematics as a compulsory subject in Class 12 or equivalent

Ø Direct admission for candidates who were eligible for JEE (Advanced) in any year

Ø Other candidates must pass an online qualifier test (a preparatory online course is available to help students prepare)

Industry standards

With a curriculum designed to meet industry standards, students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving job market in AI and data science.

Graduates of this program can pursue roles such as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Big Data Engineer, and AI Consultant, among others, say sources from IIT Guwahati.

Upon completing the B.Sc. (Hons) degree in DS&AI, students will be eligible to appear for GATE and other competitive exams, enabling them to pursue higher education or advance into professional roles, say sources from IIT Guwahati.

As part of this initiative, a career readiness program has been designed, featuring curated courses, interactive workshops with industry veterans, and exclusive networking opportunities.

This program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to accelerate their careers in today’s competitive job market.

Also Read – AAT 2025 Registration Begins from 2 June 2025, For B Arch in IITs