Dear Prospective International Students,

Hello. I understand that you may be wondering. Should I study abroad? Should I require an agency to help with application or handle by myself? If I want to apply by myself, how should I go about the application process? I was once in your shoes, feeling uncertain. Many years ago, I had the desire to study abroad, but I didn’t have any relatives or friends around me who could guide me, and my dream of studying abroad was put on hold. Later, when I again developed the desire to study abroad, it was because most of my colleagues in the Data Science department had experience of studying abroad. This reignited my passion to go abroad, as I thought it would be a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and add new experience. At the same time, a few friends and colleagues also had the desire to study abroad after the citywide lockdown in Shanghai from April 2022, and with guidance from those with study abroad experience, we successfully chose our destination country and completed our applications. I am now here to share my DIY study abroad application experience with you.

First, identify your study abroad goals based on your needs, such as the desire for international experience, specialized research, immigration, or gaining work experience. Your needs will determine your choice of destination country. For example, if your primary goal is gaining international experience, a one-year master’s program may be a better fit. Countries like the UK and Ireland etc. offer many one-year master’s programs. If your goal is specialized research, a two-year research-based program might be more suitable, with countries such as the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands etc. being ideal choices.

Second, confirm your target country, taking into account factors such as your study budget, collective safety, acceptable course durations (typically one or two years for master’s programs, and if you plan to change fields, a one-year conversion course is recommended), application deadlines, language test requirements, and whether conditional offers are available, and so on.

Third, research a list of universities in your target country and identify the ones you wish to apply to. It’s recommended to categorize universities into three groups: the first group includes those you aspire to attend but may be harder to get into; the second group includes universities that offer suitable programs and that you are eager to attend; and the third group includes fallback options that ensure you have the chance to study abroad. After getting several offers, you could compare them and choose one. Of course, if you already have a clear target university, that will save you much time, and you can focus your efforts on that one, but make sure to secure a backup offer as well.

Fourth, understand the requirements of your target university and program. 

(1) Program requirements, such as the need for your undergraduate background to be related to the field of study. For example, if you have an undergraduate degree in the arts, you cannot apply for a computer science program unless you are applying for a conversion course for one more year. 

(2) Language requirements: For fields such as computer science and engineering, a typical language requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, with minimum sub-scores. It is important to note that if your language score does not meet the requirement, you can still apply for a conditional offer, as long as your other application materials are satisfactory. When I applied, I wasn’t aware of this, and because my language scores were not sufficient, I hesitated to apply, delaying my study abroad plans by a year. I hope this will not happen to you. Time is valuable. 

(3) Application materials: Generally, you will need a resume, a cover letter, official academic transcripts or an official proof of average grades from your school, language test scores, your undergraduate diploma, your bachelor’s degree certificate, and 1-2 letters of recommendation and your passport. The cover letter should explain why you are applying to that university and that major, you should highlight your talents related to the major.

Fifth, apply for an international student credit card. Popular banks include the Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank, which offer student Visa credit cards. Typically, you will receive your credit card within a few weeks after applying.

Sixth, apply through the university’s official website and submit the required materials. Most universities will ask for an application fee, which may vary by institution.

Seventh, once you receive your desired offer, congratulations! You can now proceed with the next steps of preparation.

Eighth, based on your start date, book your flight as early as possible to secure a low-priced ticket. If you have a lot of luggage, make sure to book a student ticket, which allows for two checked bags and one carry-on bag.

Ninth, apply for accommodation, which is also as important as your application because it refers to your personal safety, commuting time to school, rental costs, and other related factors. For priority, recommend on-campus accommodation. Usually, on-campus accommodation is allocated via a lottery system, so if you don’t get a spot, you will need to start searching for off-campus apartments or accommodation as soon as possible. I recommend looking for apartments near the university or in convenient locations. Prices may be higher, but they are safer and offer better privacy. You can apply directly on the website or by email to reach them. 

At this point, one crucial factor must be considered. Be cautious of scams, whether the contact is a fellow Chinese student or an overseas agent. Never pay a deposit until you have seen the property and confirm.

Finally, pack your luggage and prepare for the new journey ahead. Wishing you a fulfilling and enjoyable experience of studying abroad in advance.

Best regards,
Qin