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    Eligibility and Document Requirements For Studying Abroad

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    Quick Summary

    The article outlines global eligibility criteria for studying abroad, detailing bachelor's, master's, and PhD requirements across major regions and noting age limits, especially in countries like Japan and China. It also lists essential application documents and optional items, emphasizing early preparation to streamline the admission process.

    As you search for the perfect program at a variety of universities around the world, you will first need to know if you are eligible for a program before you apply. This can save a lot of time on your part.

    Entry requirements in global universities depend on the program you are applying to and the requirements of the individual country / region. We encourage you to search on the program page for the exact information because it does vary by program.

    The good news is that there are hundreds of thousands of programs and universities around the world! You will definitely be able to find a program for you on Global Admissions. In this article, we will walk you through the entry requirements, types of application documents, and other helpful information to start your application.

    Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

    The basic entry requirements for each university are different based on country. Here is a table showing the basic entry requirements for popular countries / regions:

    Country / Region
    Bachelor's Requirements
    Master's Requirements
    PhD Requirements
    USA
    High School Diploma/GRE
    Bachelor's Degree
    Bachelor's Degree
    UK
    High School Diploma
    Bachelor's Degree
    Bachelor's and Masters OR significant professional experience
    Germany
    High School Qualifications
    Undergraduate Degree
    Bachelors + Masters degree (or equivalent)
    Japan
    High School Diploma (12 years of formal education)
    Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
    Bachelor + Masters
    Australia
    Secondary School/High School Diploma
    Bachelor's degree
    Diplomas from three-four years of undergraduate study and two years of postgraduate study
    Canada
    Secondary School/High School Diploma
    Bachelor's degree
    Bachelors, Masters in related field, GMAT/GRE
    Spain
    High School Diploma
    Bachelor's degree
    Bachelor + Masters
    Taiwan
    High School Diploma
    Bachelor's Degree
    Bachelor + Masters
    China
    High School Diploma
    Bachelor's Degree
    Bachelor + Masters

    Most countries / regions have similar degree requirements, but the US is one of the only locations where you can apply for a PhD without a master's degree. This means you can go straight from undergrad into studying your PhD.

    Age Requirements to Study Abroad

    Some countries have very strict requirements...other countries, not so much. What are the age requirements to study abroad?

    Country / Region
    Bachelor's Age Requirements
    Master's Age Requirements
    PhD Age Requirements
    USA
    17+
    None
    None
    UK
    17+
    None
    None
    Germany
    17+
    None
    None
    Japan
    18+
    18+
    24+
    Australia
    18+
    18+
    18+
    Canada
    18+
    18+
    None
    Spain
    18+
    18+
    None
    Taiwan
    18+
    18+
    18+
    China
    18-30
    18-35
    18-40

    In most countries / regions, as long as you meet the program's requirements, you will be able to study abroad regardless of age.

    However, it may be harder for you to study abroad if you are older than 45, especially at the Bachelor's or Master's level. It will help if you have strong work experience in a related field, and if you apply through Global Admissions for our personalized, award-winning help!

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    Application Documents for Studying Abroad

    You will need to prepare these important documents regardless of where you will study:

    1. Passport
    2. Transcripts from previous degrees
    3. Diplomas from previous degrees
    4. Personal statement essay
    5. Application form for the university
    6. Language proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS for English, or your target country's language exam)
    7. Resume/CV
    8. National Test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, A-Levels, IB diploma, etc)
    9. Letters of Recommendation
    10. Entrance exams for your university

    You may also need the following documentation, depending on the country / region:

    1. Bank statement
    2. Invitation letter from university
    3. Non-criminal record
    4. Additional essays required by the university
    5. Vaccination Certificate
    6. Additional passport photos
    7. Employer references
    8. Extracurricular award certificates
    9. Health Check

    It's a very good idea to apply as early as possible. It takes students an average of 10 days to complete their applications, and universities prefer early applicants. Some of these documents can take several months to prepare.

    Watch our playlist explaining how to complete the application documents here:

    Browse courses and check out the application documents as soon as possible:

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