RSL Education Counselling

Student Visa Guidelines

Tue Aug 01 2023

With over a billion international students across the globe, student visas are now more in demand than ever. The idea of spending a semester or completing a study program abroad is highly appealing to young students everywhere. But, everyone who plans on becoming an international student must learn how to apply for a student visa.What Is a Student Visa?A student visa is a document that allows you to pursue a study program in a foreign country. Student visas are usually issued for short-term purposes, and you must have already been accepted to a university or educational institution to qualify for the visa.Student Visa GuidelinesTo make sure your student visa does not get canceled, you have to follow the student visa rules:You can only work limited hours (usually 20 hours per week) in campus jobs. You have to attend all your classes (unless there is an emergency).If you have a scholarship, you have to maintain a specific GPA. You cannot stay after your visa expires. You cannot apply for permanent residence under a student visa. Visas to Most Popular Study DestinationsThese are the student visas for some of the most popular student destinations:US student visa. The US student visa is also known as an F1 student visa, and it’s valid for one year. If your study program lasts longer, you must renew your F1 visa. To qualify for this type of visa, you must first be registered with the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). There are also some other types of visas which students can apply for in the United States.UK student visa. To qualify for a UK student visa, your study program must meet the course requirements depending on whether you are a full-time or a part-time student. You must also provide evidence of language proficiency.Australian student visa. Australia issues a student visa (subclass 500) for five years. You must be a student in an Australian institution and provide a language certificate to get this visa.Germany student visa. A student visa for Germany can be valid for three or six months, depending on your study plans. Usually, if you have a long-term student visa after entering the country, you can apply for a temporary student residence permit and no longer need a visa. See how to write a cover letter for a German student visa.Canadian student visa. The Canadian student visa is valid for the length of your study course plus an extra 90 days, which allow you to get your affairs in order before going back home. To qualify for this visa, you need to be enrolled in a Canadian institution and meet the financial requirements for a student visa.See other countries that offer student visas below:Austria student visa application.Switzerland student visa application.Mexico student visa application.Spain student visa application.Chile student visa application.Singapore student visa application.Japan student visa application.Finland student visa application.Turkey student visa application.Italy student visa application.How To Get a Student Visa?The application process for a student visa goes as follows:Apply for a study program. Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate.Gather your documents. Submit the visa payment. Attend your student visa interview.Apply for a Study ProgramTo be eligible for a student visa, you must be enrolled in a valid study program in a foreign country. So before you can apply for the visa, you have to submit your application for the study program of your choice.Make an Appointment at the Embassy/ConsulateOnce you’ve been accepted to a study program, you have to find a local embassy or consulate in your country and make an appointment for your visa interview. Please note that an embassy and a consulate are different units, and in cases where both are absent in your home country, you may be required to submit your application to a neighboring country’s visa office.Gather Your DocumentsTo submit your application, you must prepare the required documents. Make sure you make photocopies of any required documents, have them certified with an apostille stamp, and take your passport pictures. Also, check with the visa office to see which documents may require translation so you can get them ready.Submit the Visa PaymentYou have to pay the visa application fee in time. Some visa offices may ask you to do that before you attend your visa appointment, while others may ask you to do it on the same day— make sure you double-check with the proper authorities.Attend Your Student Visa InterviewFinally, all you have to do is attend the visa interview as scheduled. Make sure you don’t miss the date or the time, as it might be challenging for you to reschedule before your semester starts.Student Visa RequirementsYou will need the following documents for your student visa application:Passport (with six-month validity). Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you apply for your visa. If your travel document is about to expire soon, you should apply for a new passport.Student visa application form. You need to fill out the student visa application form with your details— you can usually find the form at the embassy/consulate.Passport pictures. You must also submit a few passport pictures that you took recently— the number of pictures required changes from country to country.Proof of admission. Submit your admission letter or enrollment records to show that you have been accepted to a study program in your destination country.Evidence of financial means. You must prove that you can financially support yourself during your study program. If your family supports you, provide financial statements from your family members. If you have a scholarship, you need to attach proof that you are a financial aid recipient.Civil documents. You must submit your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if you are married), and your CV.International student health insurance. Depending on the country that you want to study in, you might be required to purchase a health insurance plan, that covers the entire period of your studies.Previous university records. If you attended a university prior to applying for your foreign study program, you must submit your university records for the student visa application.How Long Does a Student Visa Last?A student visa lasts for the duration of your educational program. So, if you will be studying for two years in a foreign country, your visa will be issued for the same amount of time. Most study visas are issued anywhere between two to four years.How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Visa?It takes several months to finish processing your student visa application. Some countries may finish faster than others, depending on how complete your application is and how many people have applied for student visas.Student Visa FeesStudent visa prices range anywhere between $160 and $600, including your service and administrative fees. The fee for a student visa changes based on which country you will study in; some countries may waive the visa fee for students altogether— you have to contact the embassy or consulate to find out the required fee.Can I Extend a Student Visa?Some countries may allow you to extend your student visa if you are behind on your study program. However, the visa extension policy is different in every country, so you need to check with the embassy and your education provider.Can I Bring Family Members With Me on a Student Visa?Yes, but you can usually only bring your partner/spouse and minor children. Please remember that your family members will also need to apply for their visas.Common Reasons for Student Visa DenialYour student visa can be denied for the following reasons:You submitted an incomplete visa application.You have no proof of financial support.You have a criminal record.Your passport is not valid for the student visa.You are not enrolled in an educational institution.What Do I Do If My Student Visa Is Rejected?You have to re-apply for your student visa. Before you submit another application, make sure you identify the reasons for your initial denial and address them. However, you should also keep in mind that you might miss the deadline to enter the country for your study program if your student visa is rejected.In this case, there is a possibility that you might lose your spot in the program. At this point, you have to contact the admissions office and let them know that you are having issues with your student visa and see if they can give you an extension.

How to Apply to Foreign Universities

Tue Aug 01 2023

When famed novelist Harper Lee moved to the UK to study abroad at Oxford, she studied law. However, as time went on it soon became apparent that her interests lay elsewhere. Lee switched her focus to literature under the direct study of talented scholars in areas of literature, philosophy, and classicism. That short 6-week program would fuel her love of writing. Then, a decade later, she would go on to publish the American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird.Today, millions of students choose to study abroad at foreign universities. While it’s a rewarding experience, it’s not an easy one.Here’s everything you need to know about studying abroad. Learn how to pick the right program, how to apply to foreign universities, and tips for the 10 most popular countries to study in.Benefits of Studying at a Foreign UniversityThere are a host of reasons to study overseas, whether it’s to live in a new foreign city, see new cultures, or improve your career success. Other reasons to study at foreign universities are to increase career opportunities, gain new cultural experiences, and fulfill a degree requirement. In all, studying abroad is a great way to expand your own horizons and gain new perspectives. How to Choose a Foreign UniversityPicking a university can be stressful. After all, there are a host of factors to consider before you dig into how to apply to foreign universities. Here are six things to do to find the perfect fit for you. Choose a Discipline Before picking a university, first decide what you want to study. While you might change your major during your studies like Harper Lee did, try to choose a broader discipline to focus on. Major academic disciplines to choose from include:Business: Accounting, Finance, Management, MarketingHumanities: Creative Writing, History, Languages, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Performing Arts, Theater, Theology, Visual ArtsNatural Science: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physics, Space ScienceApplied Sciences: Agriculture, Architecture, Business, Education, Engineering & Technology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Journalism, Law, Library Science, Medicine, Public Administration, Social WorkFormal Science: Computer Science, MathematicsSocial Sciences: Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Education, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology Choose a CountrySome countries are well-known for specific programs and academic disciplines. However, before you figure out how to apply to foreign universities, you also want to consider other factors than just the reputation, like the cultural differences, campus life, and the location.For example, a more conservative country (like the United Arab Emirates) might come with some culture shock if you’re from a liberal country. Factors to evaluate when picking a country to study in can include:Student Visa ProcessAffordability & Live-abilityCommunity SafetyPrimary LanguageEmployment opportunitiesImmigration policiesStandard of livingConsider the University’s RankingsFor some, simply traveling abroad is the goal of their degree. In this case, a university’s reputation might be a low priority. For others, traveling abroad is a secondary benefit and they may choose a university based on its status and quality of education. To determine the university’s ranking, you can use resources like Times Higher Education, U.S. News Global University Rankings, and QS Top Universities.While these resources don’t always rank schools based on the same factors, it’s a good place to start. You should still consider seeking other types of evidence to learn the finer details of what universities have to offer. Read Reviews from Other StudentsAnother thing to consider before you work on how to apply to foreign universities, is the words of previous students. While there are websites dedicated to reviewing universities and their courses, you can also try more “out of the box” methods. There are student reviews and testimonials in all sorts of places. You can find reviews in places like:The University’s WebsiteReddit ThreadsStudentsReviewCollegeTimes (previously RateMyCollege)GetEducatedWhatUniAnd if you want to find real, authentic feedback, try asking former alumni directly. Not everyone is likely to answer, but if you reach out with a personalized message to a previous student on social media, for instance, there’s a chance they’d be willing to offer their opinion. Of course, you need to take everything you read online with a grain of salt. Don’t trust the first review you read. Look at the bigger picture to decide if the program will work for you before you embark on how to apply to foreign universities. Calculate the CostInternational programs are often more costly than local programs. As an example, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that international students in the United States paid an average of more than $26,000 per year in tuition and fees in 2019.This means you need to choose a program that’s within your budget since it’s likely to cost you more than studying in your home country. If your desired program is too expensive, find a way to fund your degree through grants, savings, scholarships, or student loans.Once you’ve decided what to study and where you want to go, you can start the more tedious process of applying to your chosen universities. How to Apply to Foreign UniversitiesApplying to foreign universities can be complicated, but there are plenty of resources out there to help you. If you’re struggling with some steps, don’t be afraid to reach out to the program coordinators directly.As a prospective student, the university’s staff are there to help you, so take advantage of them. Once you’ve settled on where and what you’re going to study abroad, here are the next steps to take. Pick a ProgramPick a program that aligns with your values. If you pick something you’re not confident you’ll enjoy, you may be likely to quit the program. This is money not well spent. The good news is that failure rates for international students aren’t significantly higher than the rates for domestic students. Check the Admission Requirements Before applying, be sure you qualify for your program of choice. Note the deadline so you can apply on time. You can also find helpful advice on government websites to confirm that your nationality is accepted.Tip: Consider the acceptance rates of your desired program. If there’s a low acceptance rate, come up with a backup plan. Acceptance rates for international students in the United States were an average of 43.8 percent for their national universities. Gather Your DocumentsOnce you’re ready to apply, get your paperwork together. Some of the common documents you’ll need to study abroad are: TranscriptsPassport & IDRecommendation lettersMotivation letter ExamsYou may also need to have your documents translated if they’re in a different language from what you’ll be studying. If you’re not sure, reach out to the admissions department to find out.Register for an Entrance ExamIf your program has an entrance exam, register right away. There are a lot of different exams out there, so you’ll need to find out which specific ones you need when applying. These generally fall into two types: Aptitude Tests: SAT, GMAT, GREEnglish Proficiency Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Book an InterviewAn admission interview is common for select programs at schools like the University of Oxford. In general, you can expect them to ask questions like:Why do you want to study there?What is your background?What are your future plans?As with any interview, practicing beforehand and being confident is the best way to nail it.Book a Visa AppointmentAfter you’ve passed the interview, you can finally book an appointment for a student visa. This is usually straightforward, and you'll do it after you get a letter of acceptance to your university. Some of the documents you'll want to prepare are: Application formYour passport Medical and background informationReceipt of payment for your university tuition feeBank statementsCreate a BudgetFinally, be sure you have the funds to study abroad. If there are scholarships available for international students, you’ll want to apply to those. If not, you’ll need to decide if you're using savings, student loans, grants, or other ways to pay for the program. Pros and Cons of Applying to a Foreign University by CountryWhile every country has its benefits, they also have downsides. To help you decide, here are some of the pros and cons of the 10 most popular countries for international students.  The United StatesPros: The United States is known for their high academic standards. There are good support systems for international students. Cons: Application requirements can be difficult as many universities require you to take SAT, ACT, and TOEFL or IELTS exams.The United KingdomPros: Many universities have rigorous and reputable programs. It’s a good choice for international students since cities are multicultural. Cons: Living costs are quite high. Students are encouraged to study more independently.  CanadaPros: Many of the country’s 1- and 2-year programs are highly regarded since they focus on hands-on experience and job readiness.Cons: Major cities have cold winters which can be a major adjustment for international students. AustraliaPros: Plenty of reputable programs. Warm climate for those who hate the cold.Cons: You’ll need to be financially stable as there are fewer scholarship opportunities for international students in Australia compared to other countries. FrancePros: A big selling point is affordability. Some cities have low-cost transportation and accommodations that are student-friendly. Financial aid is also easily available. Cons: One drawback is the language barrier when chatting with anyone outside your program. RussiaPros: As the country is trying to bring in more international students, the government offers scholarships for high-achieving international students. Other perks are the low cost of living and high-quality education for natural sciences. Cons: The downsides are the language barriers and lack of job opportunities upon graduation. GermanyPros: The country has an excellent education system. In some cases, tuition is free for international students seeking to study abroad. The cost of living can be quite low. Cons: The German language is difficult to master, but if you keep up then this is a great place to study. JapanPros: Japan has some of the best universities in the world for those who want to study technology. Cons: Drawbacks are the work-centric attitude, high cost of living, and language barriers. SpainPros: Spain is known for its fine wines and friendly people. There are plenty of highly-rated universities and various scholarships, so you’re not sacrificing education for fun and ambience.Cons: The main downsides are constant traffic, costly accommodations, and language barriers.Want to Study at a Picturesque Campus Without Sacrificing Education?Embark on your management and business administration journey with the one-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) at International University of Applied Sciences in Germany. This program will prepare you for the global job market with a hands-on, interactive approach and international orientation.Build a robust foundation in business administration and management and a diverse network of business contacts to help fuel your success on your professional journey. You’ll also get the opportunity to live in Berlin or Bad Honnef while earning your accredited degree through IU's flexible on-campus study option.

The Benefits of Studying Abroad

Fri Jul 14 2023

Why study abroad? Well, if you’re looking for a way to turn the pursuit of higher education into an adventure of a lifetime, set your sights on a study abroad experience you’ll remember forever.   If you’re asking yourself, ‘Should I study abroad?’, you should know that, not only will an international education open doors to exploring the world, but you will also learn many life skills and lessons while doing so. With so much to gain, it’s no wonder that the advantages of studying abroad extend beyond academics and towards personal and professional development.  If you need some extra encouragement, take a look at these benefits of studying abroad. Turn Your Education into an Adventure! Although you’re attending university to obtain a degree, that’s no excuse to completely set aside having some fun. That’s why study abroad programs are the perfect way to balance classes with having a good time.  One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is that every spare moment outside of class can turn into an adventure. Imagine the fun you will have exploring the streets of Barcelona after lecture or sitting in a café having an espresso in Rome on your lunch break.   Start Over Somewhere New!One of the most significant advantages of studying abroad is personal development. Whether you’re looking to break out of your shell or to just get a fresh start, one of the main benefits of studying abroad is that you get the chance to be someone totally new!  If you’re wondering, ‘Should I study abroad?’, then imagine yourself in a completely new environment. Being surrounded by a new city, a new culture, and new friends is the perfect way to discover who you really are. You can explore new interests, try new foods, and even experiment speaking in another language. By the end of your journey, you will have a deeper understanding of not only yourself but also the world.   Make the World a Better Place! It might sound like a hefty goal, but another one of the many benefits of studying abroad is that you are given a chance to explore the world. So, why not take the opportunity to make a difference along the way!  You’ll see why study abroad programs can make a difference when you start meeting new people hailing from all walks of life every day. Almost overnight your social network will double or even triple as you make friends from around the globe. Sharing experiences not only increases your cross-cultural communication skills, but also grants you the opportunity to generate understanding across a variety of cultural backgrounds- which is the foundation of peace.  Add Character to Your Resume! Employers are bombarded with stacks of resumes from interested candidates that all look more or less the same on paper. If you’re asking yourself, ‘Should I study abroad?’, then you should also ask ‘Do you want to make your resume shine?’ Highlight your study abroad experience!  Look at the advantages of studying abroad from the perspective of a future employer. Recruiters love it when a candidate has studied abroad. They consider it proof that you can take on a challenge, handle change, and think outside the box — necessary traits for any profession. Don’t forget to mention any languages you may have picked up along the way. In today’s global job market, the ability to speak across physical and cultural boundaries is a priceless skill.   Get Inspired!Why study abroad? In the end, no matter where you choose to study, the most important benefit of studying abroad is that it will inspire you on your life’s journey time and again. Immersing yourself in the vibe of a new city, country, and culture is the perfect way to challenge your worldview and grow from it.  Tour art museums, visit historic monuments, communicate in a new language, experience a new cuisine — the chances to expand your mind are limitless! The advantages of studying abroad don’t end after your studies have concluded. You will think back fondly on all the new memories you created and lessons you learned for the rest of your life.   Are You Ready to Study Abroad? So, are you still thinking, ‘Should I study abroad?’ The benefits of studying abroad are numerous and significant. You will take away practical skills that can’t be taught in the classroom while also gaining insight into yourself and the world surrounding you.  Students who have studied abroad are almost in universal agreement that their study abroad was a positive experience that enriched their education and their life for years to come. Now that you know why studying abroad is a life-changing decision, what’s holding you back?  You’ll see it’s not as hard as you might have thought to make your dream of living and studying abroad come true! All the advantages of studying abroad are just one search away.

5 great reasons to study in the UK

Tue Jun 27 2023

Education is one of life’s most important investments, and students who choose a UK degree will be well on their way to a confident, rewarding and exciting future.That’s why thousands of international students choose to study in the UK every year, and why our graduates are among the most employable in the world; progressing faster - and earning more - than peers educated elsewhere.In fact, there are many great reasons why the UK is the best possible place to study. Here are just five of them.1. The best possible educationEvery single one of our students gets the support and space they need to be imaginative, ambitious, curious and successful - with a world-class, disciplined education that’s built on the most solid historical foundations.Because we’re not just home to the English language, we’re also home to some of the world’s greatest universities and our institutions consistently top global rankings. That’s thanks to the UK’s unique style of teaching, which boosts students’ critical thinking skills and exposes them to new technologies, emerging theories and a fascinating range of opinions.And as we have one of the most diverse subject offerings in the world, international students will benefit from an unparalleled standard of education, no matter what subject they choose to study.2. The perfect start to a world-class careerOur graduates are among the most employable in the world, and it’s not unusual for students to receive job offers before they’ve even finished their studies.We’re a global leader in business, medicine, research, law and so many other popular fields, but international employers respect more than just our prestigious qualifications. They also admire our graduates’ excellent command of English, and praise their creativity, solution-focused mindsets and first-rate leadership skills.And as our universities have strong links with all kinds of industries - from science to the arts to management and more - international students will have the chance to gain real-life experience while they study, making lasting professional connections and gaining an unbeatable edge over the competition.So whatever their chosen subject, students will gain a clear and distinct advantage by being here.3. The chance to grow in a safe and supportive countryInternational students will feel really welcome in the UK and ready to get the very best from their time here. We’re proud to be a modern and progressive, multi-faith society where many languages are spoken and where people from all backgrounds are welcome. International cuisines and religious diets are fully catered for here, and every way of life is respected.Our universities also provide comprehensive support which starts before students travel to the UK, looks after them upon arrival and continues throughout their entire degree. Universities’ own pastoral teams are always on hand to give help and advice on everything from housing, financial and visa issues to educational and emotional support. They’ll also be there to help with any language problems, and with written or spoken English.Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, UK universities have maintained the highest quality of education, with teaching online and in person - adhering to government guidance that ensures the health and safety of everyone remains top priority. In addition, our universities have developed brand new services, including help with quarantine requirements, airport pickups and food deliveries as well as increased support around students’ wellbeing. So whatever the global health situation might look like in future, you can be confident that students will be well looked after in the UK.You’ll be further reassured by our country’s low crime rates and trustworthy police force, as well as by our National Health Service. It’s one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, providing comprehensive treatment for both mental and physical conditions. And as an Immigration Health Surcharge is included in the student visa application, students will always be able to access affordable care and support, should they ever need to.4. The beginning of new adventures and lifelong friendshipsInternational students make new and lasting friendships in the UK - and they’ll get the chance to experience everything that our beautiful country has to offer. It’s why the UK is the perfect place for them to become the most confident and promising version of themselves.Because our rich and historic culture has inspired some of the finest minds in human history (in fact, 38 per cent of Nobel Laureates and one in four world leaders have been shaped by their studies here) and we take great pride in the fact that our students get to develop a wide range of personal, academic and professional interests.Unlike in other countries, university life in the UK isn’t confined to the classroom or lecture theatre. Regular field trips, visits and excursions will accelerate students’ learning by applying it to real world situations. And our extensive range of university societies, clubs and events mean they’ll get to practice traditions from home - and to explore brand new interests.So wherever they study or visit in the UK - from the breathtaking scenery of the Welsh valleys, Yorkshire and the Scottish Highlands, to the dazzling nightlife of Glasgow, Cardiff and London - students will find something that really fires their imagination. And they’ll do all of this while making great friendships, with fellow students from all over the world.5. An unbeatable opportunity to get aheadInternational students can now gain even more of an advantage by studying in the UK, with our brand new Graduate Route.Every international student who successfully completes an undergraduate or master’s degree at a UK university can benefit from two years’ work experience in our country. And for students who complete a PhD, that period extends to three years.It means international students will have an amazing opportunity to gain professional experience, quickly upgrade their skills and abilities and to make important contacts and connections that will impress any employer, anywhere in the world.