So, you’re considering studying in Europe but not sure where to start. There are lots of things to consider when it comes to international study and it can feel overwhelming. We understand that and it’s completely natural to feel that way.

We’ve answered these frequently asked questions regarding the requirements you need to fulfil to study abroad:

• How do I choose the right university and course?
• What are the entry requirements?
• Do I need to be fluent in the language?
• What documentation will I need?
• Do I need to apply for a student visa?
• Do I need to have a lot of money to study in Europe?

How do I choose the right university and course?

Once you’ve decided where you want to study, you should start to think about choosing a university and course to suit you. Europe is home to many fantastic universities. Discover the best fit for you by researching the local area and lifestyle.

You should consider what sort of experience you wish to have during your studies. Do you want to live in a big lively city or a small university town? Whatever you’re interested in, be sure to complement it with your university location so that you really enjoy your international experience.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements can differ widely between universities and even between countries. Be sure to check the information provided by your prospective university before submitting your application and keep to deadlines.

Usually, if you’re applying for an undergraduate degree, you’ll be asked for evidence that you have completed your secondary education to a standard that is equivalent with the required grades for the course you’re applying to.

If you have an international qualification and aren’t sure whether this is accepted, you should contact the admissions department of the university for guidance.

Do I need to be fluent in the language?

If you’re not a native English speaker but want to study a course taught in English, you will have to show evidence that you can speak the language at a good level. You can do this by providing English-language test results which will ensure you will be able to complete your course without any comprehension problems.

Most universities offer pre-sessional English courses to help students develop their English to the standard required for the course, so it may be worth looking into it.

If you need to prove your proficiency in a language other than English, there are also similar tests in other languages. Before taking a language test, make sure you confirm which results are accepted by your chosen university so you don’t spend money or time on the wrong test.

What documentation will I need?

You’ll be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application to the university. As noted before, requirements can vary depending on the country and university.

However, international students are often asked to provide the following:

• passport photos for identification purposes
• visa documents if needed
• personal bank statements and salary slips of the last six months so you can show that you have enough funds to support you in the country
• a personal statement for the university to consider
• academic references/ letters of recommendation to enhance your personal statement
• proof of English-language proficiency or other language tests (depending on the country you’re studying in)

Remember, you’re applying for something that has limited availability. You don’t want to miss out just because you didn’t provide the correct documentation.

When’s the deadline and when should I apply?

If you’re certain on the location, course and university, you should get your application process started as soon as possible. Each process will be different depending on the institution but the quicker you start, the better.

Universities will typically provide full details on how to submit your application on their official website. For the majority of courses, the cutoff date is 15th January although certain universities and courses may have their own deadline.

Read more about application deadlines here.

Do I need to apply for a student visa?

Student visas are important and shouldn’t be left until the last week before completion. In fact, it’s one of the most vital requirements to study in Europe.

Not all international students will need a visa to study in the UK. For example, if you’re an EU citizen planning to study in another EU country, you don’t need a visa. If you live outside of the EU though, you’ll likely need a visa but it’s worth looking online.

Get your student visa application submitted well in advance of when you plan to leave for university. In some cases, the process can take up to six months so it’s advisable to start as soon as your offer is confirmed.

There are lots of important things to know when it comes to your visa, such as how much do they cost and how long can you stay? Reading up on this beforehand will make your life as an international student so much easier.

Do I need to have a lot of money to study in Europe?

You need to consider the tuition fees for international students in your chosen country, as well as the cost of living. You’ll have to provide evidence that you can support yourself financially during your course or you won’t be able to study abroad.

Your chosen university is the best place to get information regarding funding relevant to you so take a look at their website for advice or contact the university directly. This is also where information about scholarships offered by the university can be found, along with details regarding eligibility and how to apply.

Although many international students may find it difficult to secure a student loan to fund their studies, there are many other funding opportunities available.

Checking if you’re entitled to a student loan for studying abroad should be prioritised as it can be a big help. Many scholarships are granted based on academic or athletic merit and are spaces are strictly limited, not to mention highly competitive.

Have your university experience in Europe

The biggest attraction of studying abroad is the knowledge you’ll gain. Europe is full of culture and exciting opportunities to grow and learn as a student. Choosing to do your degree in a place as diverse as Europe is rewarding and memorable.

For more information about becoming an international student, have a read of our guide for everything you need to know when it comes to studying in Europe and what exciting experiences you can have.