Choosing to study abroad is a significant decision that helps build the foundation for a strong career, global exposure and financial independence. However, before embarking on your global academic journey, you should choose the right course, university, and country based on your interests and academic background. Here is a guide to help you make your study abroad plan in 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Why Do You Need a Study Abroad Plan in 2025?
- Step-by-step Study Abroad Plan
- How to Choose the Right Course, University and Study Destination?
- What You Need for Admission: Exams, Documents, and SOP?
- How to Plan Your Budget?
- Tips for Settling in and Adjusting to a New Country
- Abroad Study Plan Consultancy: When Professional Help Makes Sense
Why Do You Need a Study Abroad Plan in 2025?
Studying abroad is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Weighing all the pros and cons beforehand can help you make the right choice and avoid any uncertainties. Hence, a study abroad plan is really useful.
Before looking into the planning process, it’s important to understand why studying abroad remains a valuable investment:
- Better Career Prospects: Studying abroad in countries like Canada, the US, and the UK provides global exposure and a competitive edge in major industries like tech, finance and healthcare.
- High Quality of Education: You gain access to world-class education, advanced resources and modern facilities at top international universities. These institutions offer unmatched research opportunities, often not available at home.
- Diverse Specialisations: Universities abroad offer a wide range of academic courses, from research-based programmes to practical training and specialised courses. This variety lets you choose courses that match your academic interests and career goals.
Step-by-step Study Abroad Plan
Step 1: How to Choose the Right Course, University and Study Destination
Picking Your Course
- Course Content: Self-introspection is necessary to know your expectations from the course and the course choice. Ensure your chosen course aligns with your previous academic qualifications and future career goals. Compare syllabi in different universities to evaluate if core subjects, electives and the curriculum meet your learning goals.
- Language: Look for countries with universities offering English-taught programmes, especially important for countries like Germany, where English may not be widely spoken locally.
- Market Demand: Research the industry trends and job prospects in your field so you can choose the in-demand course.
- Course Duration: Keep in mind that bachelor’s programmes usually take 3-4 years, while masters take 1-2 years, and some specialised courses can last 5-6 years.
Selecting the Right University
- University Rankings: Refer to trusted ranking websites like the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings to understand the pedigree of the university.
- Job Prospects: Look into the graduate employment rates and the career support services they provide.
- Other Aspects: You can visit the university’s website to learn about the student-faculty ratio, research areas, faculty members’ expertise, accreditation, student life, campus facilities, and accommodation arrangements.
Choosing Your Study Destination
- Education System: Research the quality of education, teaching methodologies, and how well universities in your preferred field of study are regarded.
- Culture and Safety: Depending on your course, you will be spending ~3-4 years in your host country. Therefore, it is essential that you are part of a culturally sensitive and rich environment.
- Visa and Immigration Requirement: Different nations offer diverse levels of support, from part-time work during your studies to post-graduation employment options.
For instance, Canada offers a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows students to stay in Canada after completing their course for up to 3 years, depending on the study programme. With PGWP you can work or explore job opportunities. - Career Opportunities: Choose a destination with strong industry presence in your field of study. Tech students, for example, benefit from the US’s numerous innovation hubs.
Here are some top courses to study abroad that can help you secure a well-paying career:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Business Analytics
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Healthcare Management
- Robotics
- Finance
- Hospitality & Tourism
Step 2: What You Need for Admission: Exams, Documents, and SOP?
Here are basic eligibility requirements that students must meet:
- Official academic transcripts.
- Class 12 completion certificate when applying for undergraduate courses
- A recognised bachelor’s degree is required when applying for postgraduate courses.
- Work experience (not mandatory).
- English language proficiency exams, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
- The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) when applying for undergraduate programmes
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for graduate and professional degrees and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for business programmes, particularly MBA.
- Additional documents:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Admission Essays
- A valid student visa
Step 3: How to Plan Your Budget?
Good financial planning can help you pursue your study abroad dreams without unnecessary stress. It’s advised to start planning early and maintain disciplined spending habits. Education loans can be an excellent way to bridge the gap between you and your academic aspirations.
Tips for Settling in and Adjusting to a New Country
- Research your destination and learn about the culture and lifestyle before you go.
- Prepare and keep essential documents such as a visa, passport, university admission letter, education loan documents, health and travel insurance handy.
- Planning your finances based on monthly living costs can help you budget wisely.
- Understand the financial requirements for pursuing the course. An education loan can help support your overseas study plan.
- Arranging accommodation while you are still in your home country will help you settle comfortably and reduce stress upon arrival.
Also Read: Don’t Let These 5 Study Abroad Myths Stop You
Abroad Study Plan Consultancy: When Professional Help Makes Sense
Here’s how a study abroad consultancy can help you:
- They offer expert knowledge based on the country’s education system.
- They assist with the competitive application process, be it a university application or a visa application.
- They have access to advanced resources and up-to-date information, insights which can be helpful in understanding the programme and the university.
- They also prepare students for the cultural changes and provide complete support to adjust to a new life.
- They provide guidance for budgeting and financial planning to support your study abroad plans.
- A study abroad consultancy can help plan, ensuring you don’t miss out on any details related to universities and courses.
For studying abroad, you’ll naturally need to consider tuition fees, living costs and other education-related costs. However, you should not let finances limit your choices or dreams of quality international education. So, you can opt for an abroad education loan.
At Avanse Financial Services, we believe students shouldn’t have to compromise on their preferred course or university due to high educational costs. Our hyper-personalised education loans offer 100% financing with quick loan sanctions and flexible repayment options. You can calculate EMI for education loan using our online EMI calculator and plan your studies abroad with complete transparency. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to assist you.
