Student Guide

DBGS

Navigating Your Study Abroad Journey

  • Guide to Choosing Where and What to Study Abroad?
  • Before applying, consider the following points:
  • Academic goals & language: English vs. non-English programs
  • Budget: Tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships
  • Visa/work opportunities: Post-study work permits, part-time jobs
  • Institution quality: Rankings, accreditation, graduate outcomes
  • Lifestyle fit: Culture, safety, weather, and diversity

 

Higher Education Application Steps
  • Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet academic and language entry requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
  • Required Documents: Keep a check list of docs required before applying.
  • Academic transcripts & certificates: The certificates must be neatly and clearly scanned before uploading them.
  • Valid passport: Validity of the passport must be at least be 1 year from the date of the visa stamping.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement: Check on the content and grammatical errors and spell checks to be done before hand.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs): 3 Recommendation letters are required, 2 can be from your school / college and the third one can be from the Employer if you are show casing your experience.
  • CV/Resume: (if applicable)
  • Language proficiency scores: Score card must be clear and be valid. 

 

Student Visa / Study Permit
  • Core Visa Requirements (vary by country):
  • Letter of Acceptance from a recognized institution
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements, scholarships, or sponsor letters
  • Medical checks (in some cases)
  • Language proficiency
  • Visa application fees & biometrics

 

Common Student Visas:

Country

Visa Type

Canada

Study permit

USA

F-1 / M-1 (To study vocational or technical programs in the U.S.)

UK

Student Route (Tier 4)

Australia

Subclass 500

New Zealand

Fee-Paying Student Visa

Germany

Student Visa / APS (if required)

Ireland

Long Stay D Visa – Study

 

Pre-Departure Checklist
  • Valid visa and passport
  • Confirmed accommodation and airport pick-up
  • Currency exchange and international card
  • Health insurance or proof of coverage
  • Academic and travel documents (hard + soft copies)
  • Emergency contact list

 

Arrival & Immigration Procedures
  • Have your visa/study permit approval letter, Letter of Acceptance, and financial proof ready
  • Be prepared for questions about your studies and finances at immigration
  • Follow customs and health protocols (especially post-COVID)

 

Registration with Institution & Local Authorities
  • Attend orientation and complete university check-in
  • Register with local authorities (if required, e.g., in Germany or the UK)
  • Open a local bank account and obtain student ID
  • Apply for local SIM card and transportation pass

 

Academic Life & Campus Culture
  • Understand grading systems and attendance policies
  • Take part in clubs, networking events, and career fairs
  • Seek academic help early if struggling (tutors, writing centres, advisors)
  • Respect academic integrity: no plagiarism or cheating

 

Work Opportunities

  • Work variations on student visa

Country

Work Limitations on study visa

Canada

Up to 20 hrs/week during term; full-time during breaks

USA

On-campus only (first year), then CPT/OPT

UK

20 hrs/week during term; full-time during breaks

Australia

48 hrs per fortnight during term

New Zealand

20 hrs/week during term

Europe

20 hrs/week during term

Note: Rules vary by visa type and institution.

 

Health Insurance & Wellbeing
  • Most countries require health insurance for international students
  • Mental health resources are usually available on-campus
  • Emergency numbers and medical centres should be saved on your phone.

 

Accommodation & Living
  • Options: On-campus housing, homestay, private rentals
  • Research area safety, public transport, and lease terms
  • Budget monthly expenses (housing, food, transport, personal)

 

Post-Study Options
  • Post-study work visas (e.g., PGWP in Canada, OPT in the U.S., Graduate Route in the UK)
  • Pathways to Permanent Residency for eligible graduates (country-specific)
  • Plan your next steps early in your final year

 

Bringing Dependents (If Applicable)
  • Some countries allow dependents (spouse/children)
  • Additional visa requirements and financial proof will apply
  • Spouse work rights vary by country and education level

 

Visa Compliance & Legal Responsibilities
  • Keep your study permit/visa valid (renew before expiry)
  • Maintain full-time enrolment
  • Report address or program changes to authorities if required
  • Follow local laws and school policies to avoid penalties or deportation.

 

Need Support with Your International Education Plans?

Services offered by our qualified immigration specialists include:

✅ Application & documentation support

✅ Visa guidance & interview prep

✅ SOP/LOR drafting help

✅ Post-arrival and PR planning