Located in North America continent, Canada, the world’s second largest country, has four major cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and capital city Ottawa. Canada’s…
Embarking on a journey of education abroad is a significant step towards personal and professional development. Student Visa Programs are designed to open doors to premier educational institutions worldwide. Not only does a student visa grant you permission to study in a foreign country, but it also exposes you to a multicultural environment, a diverse network, and a host of job opportunities for the future. Let us guide you through the selection of one of the top studying programs according to your educational goals and aspirations. The top countries for international students, and therefore for applying for a student visa, are often considered to be:
It’s always important to check the most recent rankings and visa regulations, as they can change from year to year.
The United States is a top destination for international students due to its academic excellence, flexible education system, robust support for international students, cultural diversity, and vibrant campus life. With a significant number of universities consistently ranking high globally, a flexible structure that allows students to explore various courses before declaring a major, and a support system that includes orientation programs, workshops, and round-the-clock assistance, the US provides a conducive environment for personal and professional growth. Experience the American Dream with the F Visa program.
Selecting the right college or university is crucial as it adds value to your course and shapes your career. The USA is home to top universities offering popular programs such as Architecture and Planning at MIT, Anthropology at Stanford, Computer Science at Harvard, Applied and Computational Mathematics at Caltech, and Environmental Science at the University of Chicago. These institutions are globally recognized for their excellence and can provide a solid foundation for your future.
To study in the United States, a foreign national must obtain a student visa (F or M visa), and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas, except for short periods of recreational study. The type of school and course of study determines the type of visa required. The process involves applying to a SEVP-approved school, registering in SEVIS, paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, receiving Form I-20, and then applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Spouses and children intending to live with the student in the U.S. must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for a visa, but do not pay the SEVIS fee.
There are several steps for the visa application, including completing the online visa application (Form DS-160), scheduling an interview, paying the application fee, gathering the required documentation, and attending the visa interview. A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S., and CBP officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission. Students with F visas must depart the U.S. within 60 days after the program end date listed on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training, or request an extension through USCIS. It is good to note that a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid for travel and admission to the U.S.
According to UNESCO, the top nationalities of international students studying in the USA in 2023, are China, with 343,761 students, followed by India, with 128,578 students. Other significant countries of origin include the Republic of Korea (46,996), Saudi Arabia (30,860), Canada (26,524), Vietnam (25,183), Brazil (16,086), Mexico (14,475), and Japan (14,166). These key indicators reflect the significant global interest in American educational institutions.
One of the friendliest countries globally, Canada attracts over 120,000 international students annually to its 96 universities, offering a variety of fields of study and post-graduate career options. The three most profitable fields for international students in Canada are Business Management, Chemical Engineering, and Geosciences.
The Canadian education plan encourages foreign students to work during their studies and stay for work opportunities after graduation. English is widely spoken, and universities offer English-taught degrees at all levels. Canada has several top-ranked universities, a diverse and cosmopolitan environment, and a high quality of life. Universities focus on research, and many groundbreaking discoveries have been made in Canada. The Canadian teaching style encourages communication, engagement, and creative and analytical thinking. Other popular study options include environmental science, social sciences, engineering and technology, medicine, and arts. With its excellent academic training, safe and diverse environment, and friendly cultural life, Canada provides all the ingredients for a successful future career.
According to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2023, the top seven universities in Canada follow: the University of Toronto tops the list and is the only Canadian university to feature in the world’s top 20, followed by the University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University, University of Montreal, University of Alberta, and University of Ottawa. These institutions are renowned for their research impact, global outlook, and quality of academic work. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, have a significant percentage of international students, and have produced notable alumni, including prime ministers, Nobel laureates, and Olympic medallists. According to UNESCO, figures below indicate the key countries of origin for international students choosing Canada as their destination for higher education in 2023. The highest number of international students in Canada came from India, with a total of 95,031 students. China followed closely with 81,006 students, and France was the third-highest contributor with 18,198 students. Other significant contributors included the United States (9,303), Vietnam (9,243), Iran (7,854), Nigeria (7,542), Korea(7,143), and Brazil (5,151).
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. To apply for a UK Student visa, you must be 16 or over, have a course offer from a licensed student sponsor, have sufficient funds, have English language proficiency, and have parental consent if you are 16 or 17. The application can be made from outside the UK 6 months before the course starts (decision usually within 3 weeks) or from inside the UK 3 months before the course starts (decision usually within 8 weeks). Your stay duration depends on your course level and previous UK study. After completing your course, you may extend your visa, switch visas, or switch to a Graduate visa. You can arrive up to 1 week (course lasts 6 months or less) or 1 month (course lasts more than 6 months) before your course starts but not before the visa start date. Application fees are £363 from outside the UK and £490 from inside the UK, plus a healthcare surcharge. Partners and children may join you. With a student visa, you can study, work as a student union sabbatical officer, and possibly work depending on your course and term time. You cannot claim public funds, work in specific jobs (e.g., professional sportsperson), be self-employed or study at an academy or maintained school. Successful applicants receive detailed visa conditions. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
The United Kingdom is home to some of the best universities in the world, which regularly top global rankings due to factors like faculty calibre, research quality, and post-graduate job placement. The most well-known are in England, including Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, London School of Economics, and Imperial College London. Scotland is home to the University of Edinburgh and the University of Saint Andrews, while Wales and Northern Ireland host the University of Cardiff and Queens University Belfast, respectively. These universities have produced many leaders in various fields, from politics to arts, and maintain high academic standards and selectivity in admissions, contributing to the UK’s reputation as a global leader in university education.
According to UNESCO, the leading nationalities of international students studying in the United Kingdom are quite diverse. China leads the pack with 143,867 students, followed by India with 55,232 students. The United States is next with 19,762 students, then Hong Kong, China with 16,332 students. European countries are also well-represented, with Italy sending 14,479 students, France 13,912 students, and Germany 12,445 students.
Australia Subclass 500 visa is your ticket to studying in this beautiful, developed country, with the added benefit of being allowed to work part-time during your studies. It allows international students to visit Australia for a course of study. As of July 1, 2023, students with this visa can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while studying, except for those already working unrestricted hours in the aged care sector as of May 9, 2023, who can continue until December 31, 2023. The visa has streamlined requirements for temporary applicants, costs AUD 710 unless exempt, and valid for up to 5 years, aligned with enrolment. Processing times vary, and the visa allows participation in eligible courses, travel in and out of Australia, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight during study sessions. Applicants must apply online, be enrolled in an Australian course, hold Overseas Student Health Cover or be exempt, be at least 6 years old, and prove welfare arrangements if under 18. If in Australia, they must hold an eligible substantive visa.
According to The Guardian, three Australian universities have ranked in the top 20 of the QS World University Rankings for the first time due to new metrics that prioritize international research and sustainability. The University of Melbourne ranked 14th, a historic high for Australia, while the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney tied for 19th. The new system also placed Australia 11th worldwide for sustainability programs and research. These rankings, reflecting the sector’s shifts and students’ changing priorities, resulted in Australia receiving the highest overall score of 40.7 out of 100 among the “big four” study destinations – Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK.
As per data from UNESCO, the majority of international students in Australia hail from China, with a significant 128,183 students, followed by India with 84,484 students. Other countries contributing to the international student population in Australia include Nepal (40,752), Vietnam (15,959), Malaysia (14,125), Indonesia (12,852), Pakistan (11,297), Sri Lanka (10,472), and the Philippines (10,082).
We can highlight several compelling reasons to study in Germany. First, education is affordable, with high academic and living standards but little to no tuition fees, and numerous funding and scholarship opportunities for international students. The most famous website to search for the most suitable scholarship is DAAD. Second, the country boasts outstanding research facilities, publicly funded research institutions, and international cooperations, all contributing to the global recognition of German degrees. Third, Germany is incredibly international student-friendly, hosting over 300,000 international university students. Fourth, Germany offers a wide variety of degree programs, including over 2,000 international programs, many of which are entirely taught in English. Lastly, Germany provides supportive programs for international students, such as the Studienstart International Plus at the University of Cologne, which aids international students in transitioning into the German education system.
To apply for a German student visa, you must submit an application to the German mission abroad before travelling unless you are an EU citizen or hold a temporary residence permit as a student from another EU country due to the EU mobility program. You must present documents, including university acceptance, and the mission will forward your application to the foreign authority in the university town for approval. The mission can only issue the visa once approved. Details and the application form are available on the German mission’s website.
Overall, Germany is an attractive destination for international students due to its affordable education, outstanding infrastructure, international student-friendly environment, diverse degree programs, and supportive programs for international students. According to UNESCO, the leading nationalities of international students in Germany vary widely, reflecting the country’s appeal to a global audience. China leads the way with 39,281 students, followed by India with 25,130 students. The Syrian Arab Republic contributed 15,769 students, while Austria and the Russian Federation contributed 14,514 and 11,055 students, respectively. Turkey, Italy, Iran, and France also have significant representations, with 10,862, 10,820, 9,319, and 9,283 students, respectively. This diverse mix of nationalities highlights Germany’s status as a desirable destination for students from around the world.
The general documents required for obtaining a student visa for international students are:
Deciding on a country, university, and field of study is a monumental decision that can be overwhelming. At CBF, we are here to help you navigate these choices by considering your educational background, certificates, and employment history. Our team of experts will work with you to gather your thoughts, assess your qualifications, and find the best fit for you. We understand that everyone is unique and are committed to providing personalized guidance to help you make the most informed decision possible. Let us help you confidently and easily take the next step in your educational journey.
