International College Planning

Thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree outside the U.S.?

Whether you’re interested in lower tuition, shorter programs, or the opportunity to experience life in another country, this page is a great starting point.

You’ll find key resources to help you begin exploring, applying, and preparing for international college options, as a U.S. high school student. Use this guide to take your first steps toward a global education!

Is Study Abroad Right for You?

Researching Colleges

International Applications

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Transition & Preparation

FAQs

💭 1. Is Study Abroad Right For You?

Studying Internationally for a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s not for everyone. Below are some key factors to consider when deciding if an international bachelor’s degree is right for you:

✅ Reasons It Might Be a Good Fit
  • Lower tuition and living costs in countries like Germany or Norway.
  • Faster degree completion (3 years in the UK or Australia).
  • Access to unique programs (e.g., international relations in Europe, sustainability in Scandinavia).
  • Strong desire to explore the world or live outside the U.S. long-term.
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
  • Fewer support systems for U.S. students (no federal aid, limited career services).
  • Cultural or language barriers.
  • Difficulty transferring if you want to return to a U.S. school mid-degree.
  • Limited on-campus housing or student life compared to U.S. campuses.

Another Option: Study Internationally During Your U.S. Degree

Another option is to remain enrolled at your U.S. college while studying abroad for a shorter period—whether it’s a few weeks, a semester, or a full year. This allows you to experience international education while still earning your bachelor’s degree from your home institution, often with the ability to transfer credits and maintain your financial aid. Learn more on websites like CIEE, ISEP Study Abroad, and IES Abroad.

🌍 2. Researching International Colleges

Before you start your application journey, it’s crucial to know where to look for the best international colleges. This section will provide you with the top resources for finding universities and programs worldwide, ensuring you have a range of options to explore, from the UK to Canada and beyond.

  • US News – Best Global Universities Rankings
  • Times Higher Education – World University Rankings
  • Top Universities (QS Rankings) – Search by country, subject, and degree level.
  • UCAS – UK university admissions system with program listings and application tools.
  • Study in Europe – Portal for all EU countries offering English-taught degrees.
  • DAAD – German academic exchange resource with searchable English bachelor’s programs.
  • EduCanada – Portal for Canadian institutions.
  • Study in Australia – Official Australian government site.
  • Beyond the States – U.S.-based platform focused on English-taught programs in Europe.

📝3. Application Process

Applying to universities abroad can seem daunting, but with the right resources and understanding of the process, it becomes much more manageable. Here, we break down everything you need to know about the application process, including the centralized systems in various countries and essential academic requirements.

Centralized Application Systems

  • United Kingdom – UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
  • Canada (Ontario) – OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre)
  • Netherlands – Studielink
  • Ireland, Australia, Germany, etc. – Typically through each university’s website.

Academic Requirements

  • Transcripts – Must be officially translated and possibly evaluated.
  • SAT/ACT – Sometimes optional; many schools use AP scores, IB diplomas, or school GPA as criteria.
  • Credential Evaluations may be required. Credential evaluation is like translating your academic achievements from one country’s education system into another country’s system. Popular services are:
    • ENIC-NARIC Networks – Helps students understand how their academic credits and qualifications from one country will be recognized in another
    • WES – World Education Services
    • ECE – Educational Credential Evaluators

English Language Proficiency Exams

Most non-native English-speaking countries may require one of the following language proficiency exams to show your ability to understand and communicate in their language:

  • French: DELF/DALF exams (levels A1 to C2)
  • German: TestDaF, Goethe-Institut Certificate, or DSH
  • Spanish: DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language)
  • Italian: CELI or CILS
  • Japanese: JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
  • Korean: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
  • Mandarin: HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi)

Important Notes about Language Proficiency Tests:

  • Required scores vary by university and program
  • Tests are valid for specific time periods (usually 1-2 years)
  • Some universities might waive language requirements if you’ve studied the language for several years
  • Some schools accept multiple test options
  • Cost ranges from $50-$250 depending on the test
  • Testing locations may be limited in the US

Additional Materials

  • Personal Statement/Essays – Especially for the UK, Canada, and Australia.
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Portfolio (for arts-based programs)

💰 4. Financial Aid & Scholarships

Studying abroad can be a financial challenge, but sometimes it’s more cost-effective compared to institutions in the U.S. Also, there are numerous scholarships and financial aid options available to international students. This section highlights key scholarship opportunities and provides tools for budgeting and financial planning to help make your dream of studying overseas more affordable.

Using U.S. Federal Aid Abroad

Scholarships Specifically for International Study

Financial Planning Tools

✈️5. Transition & Preparation

Once you’ve been accepted to study abroad, it’s time to prepare for the big transition. This section will help you navigate the logistics of travel, securing visas, and settling into a new culture, along with resources to help you feel ready for the adventure ahead.

Logistics and Travel

❓ FAQs: What Students Ask Most

Curious about studying abroad? This FAQ section answers the most common questions U.S. students have when considering earning a bachelor’s degree internationally. From visas to the recognition of your degree, you’ll find clear and helpful answers to help guide your decision-making process.

Q: Will my degree be recognized in the U.S.?
Yes, if the university is accredited in its country. Always confirm national accreditation and check if U.S. grad schools accept it.

Q: Can I use FAFSA for international colleges?
Only some schools are FAFSA-approved. Check this list of eligible foreign schools maintained by Federal Student Aid.

Q: Will I need a visa?
Yes. Student visa requirements vary by country. Start the process as soon as you accept an offer.

Q: Is college abroad cheaper?
Often yes! Many European countries offer free or low-cost tuition for international students, especially if taught in English.

Q: Can I work while I study abroad?
In many countries, yes—but typically with limits (e.g., 20 hours/week during term in the UK or Australia).