Studying abroad can be a life-changing opportunity for South Africans. It gives South African students a chance to gain high-quality education, cultural exposure, global networking, and valuable international experience to enhance career opportunities. However, preparing for study abroad can be overwhelming and requires careful planning. So here’s a complete guide on how to study abroad from South Africa.
Step 1: Explore your options
- Research potential destinations
Start by identifying your preferred countries and see what they offer.
- Consider your interests. Choose a study destination that aligns with your interests–academically and culturally.
- Explore university rankings. You can visit the following sources to check comprehensive information about the higher education reputation of different countries:
- Times Higher Education (THE) World Reputation Rankings
- QS World University Rankings
- U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities
- Student reviews and forums like Quora, Reddit and Studyportals
- Consider the cost of living. This can vary between different study destinations, which includes the following:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Daily expenses like food, transportation, and other personal expenses
- Healthcare
- Scholarships and financial aid options
- Check visa regulations. Understanding the visa regulations is crucial if you want to enter a foreign country legally and avoid complications in the long run. So you need to research the visa requirements for international students in your chosen country.
- Consider your safety. If you plan to live alone in a foreign land, you might want to check the crime rates in the area, health and safety regulations, and reliable emergency services.
- Evaluate your goals and preferences
Evaluate your goals, interests and academic strengths to help narrow down your potential fields of study.
What do you want to study? What degree level are you aiming for?
- Set a budget
While exploring options, it is also important to consider your budget. Setting a budget will help you understand what you can realistically afford and make informed decisions about your study destination.
How much can you spend on tuition, accommodation, travel and living expenses? Do you need scholarships and grants?
Step 2: Check entry requirements
Find out if you need a bridging course or certifications to enter your chosen university abroad. To do so:
- Visit the university website and look for specific entry requirements for international students.
- You can also contact the admissions offices of your desired universities to obtain detailed information about any necessary bridging courses, pathway programs or foundation programs.
Bridging courses, pathway programs and foundation programs are designed to help South African students prepare for university-level study, by filling in the gaps between the student’s current knowledge and the requirements of the desired program.
- Pathway programs: Tailored to specific university courses or degree programs, and typically shorter than foundation programs
- Foundation programs: A more comprehensive program that covers a range of academic subjects and skills, typically on a one academic year duration
- Bridging courses: Focused on specific academic skills or knowledge gaps, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months
Many countries offer the above-mentioned programs, especially those with well-established higher education systems. For example: Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Ireland, New Zealand and many more.
You will benefit from a bridging course if:
- you want to change your field of study and need to acquire additional knowledge
- you did not meet the minimum requirements for direct entry into a university degree program
- you need to improve your English language skills or academic knowledge
If this feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. You can reach out to a study advisor.
Step 3: Consult a study advisor
Once you’ve decided to study abroad and explored your options, you can seek personalised advice from a study advisor to help you navigate your academic journey abroad and make it less stressful. Get in touch with us and we will handle everything for you – free!
A study advisor will:
- Help you shortlist programs and universities that best fit your academic and career goals
- Provide information regarding the costs involved when studying internationally such as tuition fees, application fees, living expenses, etc.
- Guide you through the university application process
- Provide you information about the visa application process
Step 4: Prepare your application
Application requirements can vary between universities and countries, so it is better to check the specific requirements of each university you are applying to. Here are some of the common university application requirements that South African students need to submit:
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Standardised test scores like SAT, ACT, or equivalent tests, depending on the university’s policy
- Language Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL or IELTS
- Application fee
To avoid delays, make sure to read the university’s specific requirements and instructions carefully and follow them. You can also consult your study advisor if you need help or have questions regarding the application process.
Step 5. Apply to your chosen universities
The next step is to send your applications to your chosen universities This brings you one step closer to your dream of studying abroad, so you need to keep in mind:
- Ensure you have accurate and complete documents
- Keep track of the application deadlines.
- Submit your applications on time or preferably before the deadline.
- Pay any required application fees on time.
There are different ways of submitting your applications depending on the university you are applying to. Most universities already have their own online application portals, some use third-party application services and some still accept paper applications.
Step 6: Secure your student visa
Once you get that acceptance letter, the next step is securing your student visa. Check the government website of your chosen country for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the requirements and the cost.
Essentially, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Letter of acceptance
- Financial evidence
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- English language proficiency test scores
- Health insurance
Step 7: Prepare for departure
Receiving your student visa is an incredible milestone. It means you are already one step closer to achieving your dream of studying abroad. To prepare for your departure, you need to sort out the following:
- Arrange your accommodation (whether it is on or off campus)
- Book your flight
- Arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
- Get any necessary vaccinations
- Familiarise yourself with the new country’s culture and language
- Pack your essentials and important documents
Step 8: Arrive, adapt and ace it
Arriving in a foreign country can be very overwhelming, so most universities have a support system in place to help international students adjust to the new environment. Immerse yourself in campus life by joining student clubs and activities, and attend orientation sessions to meet other students. You got this!
Level up your academic journey now!
Study abroad ZA is here to guide you every step of the way, from course selection until you are settled in your study destination.
Our study abroad student advisors will provide you with the up-to-date checklist of necessary documents needed for applying to universities, assist you with your university application, liaise with the university on your behalf, guide you with your visa application and help you out with your interview preparations. We will help you stay on track, answer all your questions, and continue to assist with your pre-departure needs. All these to ensure you have a smooth study abroad experience.
Ready to get your degree abroad?
Get in touch with us at hello@studyabroad.co.za or call us at +27 11 0835091.