Studying abroad will provide the opportunity to expand your perspective, reflect on your goals, and grow a global network of friends and connections that will stick with you for the rest of your life. One of the biggest obstacles students face when deciding to study abroad is the visa application process, which varies by country and circumstance. This guide will help you determine how to get a student visa, including what’s required, additional steps and hurdles added by the pandemic, and ways to manage the process to give the best chance of obtaining a student visa and studying abroad this year.Student visa requirementsThe requirements study abroad students need to meet to get a student visa will vary widely on the country they are studying in. However, there are a few general requirements you should be aware of. These include:

Note: Passport applications are currently experiencing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemicStudent visa requirements will also vary slightly based on how you study abroad. The three main paths are direct enrollment, an exchange program, and participating in a study abroad program through a third-party provider. If you are directly enrolling in a university overseas, the onus will be on you to determine all the requirements and ensure you qualify. This typically includes proving admittance into the host university, making a deposit, and passing a language proficiency exam. If you’re going through your university or a third-party provider, they will help facilitate the visa application process to make it as easy as possible. 

Student visa application process once you’ve determined the country you want to study in and the path you’ll take, it’s time to prepare for the actual application process. As mentioned, this will vary by country, but the general steps you need to take will remain the same.