Applying to College Abroad? What You Need to Know

If you’re living in the United States and getting ready to apply for college, it may feel inevitable that you will end up at a university here in the US. After all, there are so many prestigious, specialized, and incredibly varied undergraduate options around the country. But there’s no reason to limit yourself to what feels inevitable. If you’re looking to widen your net of options or step outside the expected path, you may want to consider adding some international schools to your list and applying to college abroad. 

Maybe your family has cultural ties to a specific country. Perhaps you’re looking into a specific field or career path where it would benefit you to study and live in a particular region or with particular mentors. Or, maybe you and your family are concerned about the current political climate and want to open up possibilities for living elsewhere. Or maybe you’re concerned about the rising costs of college in the US, and are curious if there are better financial options abroad. Whatever your reasons are, we’re here to help you decide whether applying to—and ultimately attending—college abroad is the right choice for you. 

The International Admissions Process

Do I have to speak another language to apply to college abroad?

Definitely not! While fluency in another language (or a willingness to immerse yourself in a language you’re still learning) will certainly widen your pool of international options, there are plenty of international degree programs offered completely in English. This is true not only if you choose to study in an English-speaking country such as Canada, Australia, Ireland, or part of the UK. There are also many great English-language programs in countries where English is not the primary language, which could give students a good opportunity to get the most out of their studies while also being exposed to a different language and culture outside of the classroom.

Which credentials matter most for international admissions?

International admissions are also, on the whole, more focused on the hard facts of the academic record, rather than extracurriculars, references, or essays. Students who know they want to apply to college abroad will do well to focus their efforts on their GPA, and on taking the most advanced coursework available to them, especially in their desired field of study. In contrast to the very involved college admissions process in the US, international admissions tend to be a more straightforward and streamlined process.

However, it’s important to note that some universities may have additional academic requirements that a standard US high school diploma alone will not fulfill. It’s important to research the specific requirements for each school you are interested in. 

Will I need to take additional tests?

Not always. While each country has its own approach to testing, there is more of a focus on high school grades than external standardized tests. However, depending on the school and the degree program, you may be required to submit SAT, ACT, and subject test scores, or to complete additional entrance exams showing proficiency in your chosen field of study. If you’re looking to study in a degree program that isn’t offered in English, there may be language proficiency requirements as well. 

Do international schools have different admissions timelines than US schools?

Yes! International schools tend to have slightly later admissions windows than US schools, although the specifics can differ widely. While some deadlines can be as early as October, others are open for applications anywhere from January to June (for a fall start date). This is why it is important to give yourself plenty of lead time for making your college list and researching specific timelines and requirements. Unlike with the Common App in the US, many international schools will require you to apply directly to the university through their portal. Many also use rolling admissions, which means it will be to your benefit to apply at the earlier end of a window rather than cutting it close to the end date. 

What are my actual chances of getting into an international university?

In comparison to the high-octane and unpredictable landscape of US college admissions, students and families will find that international admissions are much more transparent and, in many cases, more accessible. Many international schools have specific stated grade cutoffs, and anyone who meets those requirements is admitted. Some of these requirements can be different for international students, especially if there are additional entrance exams or language proficiencies needed. But most international degree programs do set aside a portion of the seats in their classes for international students, with 10%, 20%, or even 50% of their students coming from outside of the country. 

What are the most common mistakes US students make when applying to college abroad?

Some of the most common mistakes students make revolve around deadlines, finances, and majors:

• Not paying attention to differing timelines between US and international schools. This can lead to missed application deadlines or having to apply at less favorable times in a rolling admissions window.
• Not thoroughly investigating the costs for international students. Neglecting to research international fees, eligibility for aid, and the cost of living in another country may cause difficult financial circumstances down the line.
• Not wanting to commit to a specific program. Many international universities admit students to particular programs (what we would call “majors”), which means that international degree programs can often be completed in three years rather than four. Although international schools can be particularly good fits for students who already have a very clear idea of what field they want to study in, they often aren’t a great fit for students who aren’t sure what they want to study or hope to explore outside of their focus area.

Navigating Logistics & Finances

Will I need to get a student visa or green card?

Yes, you will need to obtain a student visa to complete your undergraduate studies abroad. The types of visas and their requirements vary significantly, but in general, you will need to have an acceptance letter in hand from the international institution of your choice before you can apply for a visa. But this doesn’t mean you should wait on researching the specifics ahead of time! Some countries offer different types of student visas, including those that allow you to hold a part-time job during your studies or on breaks. Some require that you have a certain amount of savings, or restrict your ability to travel in different ways. In most cases, you will also need to renew your visa annually in order to continue your studies.

Will it cost a lot more to go to college abroad?

Not necessarily! There are a number of factors that may make studying at an international school a comparable or even less expensive option than studying in the US. But there are also some more “hidden” costs that could make international study more expensive, depending on the specific situation. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to finances:

• You may still be eligible for federal financial aid even if you decide to complete your entire degree outside of the country. There is a robust list of institutions outside of the US that participate in the Direct Loan Program.
• Because higher education is subsidized in different ways outside of the US, there are many countries where undergraduate tuition is significantly cheaper than many of our domestic options. There are also some international universities (such as public universities in Germany) that are completely tuition-free, even for international students.

However, while tuition may be more affordable in some cases, it’s crucial to consider other financial factors, such as the cost of living (housing, meal plans), the cost of traveling home (and how often you’ll need to travel), and logistical costs for living abroad (e.g., visas, insurance, and emergency funds).

Future Impact

Will an international degree make it harder or easier to get a job after graduation?

This will depend on what you would like to do—and where—after you complete your degree. If you intend to stay abroad after graduation, you’ll need your employer to sponsor your work visa. Because of this, students who choose to study more in-demand fields or skillsets will have an advantage on the international job market. It’s also important to consider that if you are completing an English-language degree program in a non-English-speaking country, you will have more difficulty finding a job if you are not able to learn the language while in school.

If you’re looking to move back to the US after college, an international degree will not necessarily help or harm you in the job search. American companies and recruiters are often looking for hands-on experience and particular skillsets more so than academic particulars. You may find that questions about your overseas degree come up in interviews, so be prepared to discuss your decision-making for studying abroad as well as the unique benefits you got out of being immersed in a different culture.

An additional unique aspect about international universities is that you can start studying law, medicine, dentistry, and other specialized fields directly out of high school. While this may be appealing for some students, it’s important to consider that those who return to the US with these specialized degrees in hand may face some barriers or additional credentialing before being able to practice in the US.  

Final Thoughts

There are both benefits and difficulties worth considering when applying to and attending college abroad, and these issues will be slightly different for each student. Highly motivated and independent-minded students may find studying abroad to be an exciting challenge, but some students might struggle with the different cultural expectations and requirements in and out of the classroom.

Every student’s situation is unique, from their academic record to their intellectual passions, from their family history to their financial picture. Only you can decide whether an international university is the right choice for you. We hope that tackling some of these common questions has helped clarify that answer for you a little bit more. Ready to get started?

• 40 Best International Colleges for US Students – 2026
• Best Universities in Canada for US Students (Dataverse)
• 15 Best Business Schools in Europe