Study Abroad Checklist

Complete Timeline (12-18 Months Before)

12-18 Months Before: Research

• [ ] Research countries and universities
• [ ] Check admission requirements
• [ ] Note application deadlines
• [ ] Research scholarships
• [ ] Calculate total cost (tuition + living)

10-12 Months Before: Exams

• [ ] Register for IELTS/TOEFL
• [ ] Prepare for language tests (2-3 months)
• [ ] Take IELTS/TOEFL exam
• [ ] Take SAT/GRE/GMAT if required
• [ ] Order score reports

8-10 Months Before: Applications

• [ ] Request transcripts from school
• [ ] Ask for Letters of Recommendation
• [ ] Write Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• [ ] Prepare academic CV/Resume
• [ ] Fill out application forms
• [ ] Pay application fees
• [ ] Submit applications before deadlines

6-8 Months Before: Acceptances

• [ ] Wait for admission decisions
• [ ] Compare offer letters
• [ ] Accept the best offer
• [ ] Pay deposit to secure seat

4-6 Months Before: Financial

• [ ] Apply for scholarships
• [ ] Apply for education loan
• [ ] Show proof of funds (bank statement)
• [ ] Arrange for GIC (for Canada)
• [ ] Pay first semester tuition

3-4 Months Before: Visa

• [ ] Gather visa documents
• [ ] Fill visa application form
• [ ] Pay visa fee
• [ ] Schedule biometrics appointment
• [ ] Schedule visa interview
• [ ] Attend visa interview
• [ ] Receive passport with visa

1-2 Months Before: Travel

• [ ] Book flight tickets
• [ ] Arrange accommodation
• [ ] Buy health insurance
• [ ] Get medical checkup
• [ ] Pack luggage
• [ ] Inform bank about travel
• [ ] Exchange currency

Required Documents Checklist

Academic Documents

• [ ] 10th mark sheet and certificate
• [ ] 12th mark sheet and certificate
• [ ] Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• [ ] Transcripts (sealed)
• [ ] IELTS/TOEFL score report
• [ ] SAT/GRE/GMAT score report (if required)

Financial Documents

• [ ] Bank statements (last 6 months)
• [ ] IT returns of parents
• [ ] Affidavit of support
• [ ] Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
• [ ] GIC certificate (for Canada)
• [ ] Tuition fee receipt

Application Documents

• [ ] Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• [ ] Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
• [ ] Academic CV/Resume
• [ ] Portfolio (for design/arts courses)
• [ ] Research proposal (for PhD)

Visa Documents

• [ ] Valid passport (with 6+ months validity)
• [ ] Visa application form
• [ ] Visa fee receipt
• [ ] Biometrics appointment letter
• [ ] Medical exam report
• [ ] Police clearance certificate
• [ ] Offer letter from university
• [ ] Tuition fee receipt
• [ ] Proof of funds (GIC + bank statement)

Estimated Costs

| Item | Cost (INR) | |------|------------| | IELTS/TOEFL | 16,000-18,000 | | SAT/GRE/GMAT | 15,000-22,000 | | Application fees (per university) | 2,000-8,000 | | Transcripts | 1,000-3,000 | | Visa fee | 7,000-60,000 | | Medical exam | 5,000-10,000 | | Flight ticket | 40,000-1,00,000 | | First semester tuition | 2-15 lakhs | | Living expenses (first 3 months) | 2-4 lakhs |

Country-Specific Requirements

Canada

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
• GIC: CAD 20,635
• Tuition: CAD 15,000-35,000/year

UK

• IELTS: 6.0-6.5 overall
• CAS letter from university
• IHS health surcharge

Australia

• IELTS: 6.0-6.5 overall
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• OSHC health insurance

Germany

• APS certificate
• Blocked account: 11,904 EUR
• IELTS 6.0-6.5 or German proficiency

USA

• IELTS/TOEFL
• SAT/ACT for bachelor's
• GRE for master's
• Visa interview letter

Quick Tips

1. Start early � 12-18 months before
2. Keep digital backups of all documents
3. Get multiple recommendation letters
4. Apply to 5-7 universities (safety, target, reach)
5. Check scholarship deadlines � they're earlier than admission deadlines

Starting early reduces stress. Keep tracking your progress weekly.