Applying to study in your preferred country takes careful planning. Use our checklist to record your progress.
Up to 3 years before enrolment
- Find the college or university of your choice, and check the version of IELTS you need to take and the IELTS score required. Find out how to register for IELTS.
- Maintain a good academic record at your current institution.
- Find your nearest IELTS test center, check for a convenient date and book your test. You should plan to take the test around 12 – 14 months before enrolment on your course.
- Start preparing for IELTS – even if you are a native English speaker. You should familiarise yourself with the format and timing of the test.
- Find out if the institutions you are interested in require an admission test. Start planning to take the test(s) required by your chosen institutions.
15-18 months before enrolment
- Look at information about studying from organisations such as
- Education USA for USA
- Study UK and UCAS for UK
- Study in Australia for Australia
12-14 months before enrolment
- Take the IELTS test and receive your score within 1-5 days. Visit our courses and resources page for ideas about how to do better next time if you did not achieve the required score.
- Prepare a folder for each institution you want to apply to so you can organise all forms, correspondence and receipts.
- Carefully read all application materials and fulfill all requirements by their due dates. Create an application calendar to stay on track.
10-12 months before enrolment
- Complete the admission application for the institution(s) you have chosen.
- Complete your financial aid and scholarship applications.
- Check the visa requirements.
6-9 months before enrolment
- At this stage you should know which institutions have accepted you as a student.
3 months before enrolment
- Ensure your visa application is progressing as required.