Four countries that see some of the largest numbers of international students, and the largest proportion of Indian students flocking to their shores, are the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia.

Do note that when you are applying to universities abroad, you must check the authenticity of the course, degree, and institution you are applying to – especially if you are unfamiliar with the institution. Remember that the embassy or high commission of that country, in your region, is the best place to start with when you’re starting your journey and looking for advice.

Below is our basic guide to what you should keep in mind when you apply to undergraduate programs in these countries.

Look at universities that provide a good match for your interests and academic background.

It is advisable to start the process at least 15 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission. You can download application forms from the university website, and send any questions to the admissions office there.

Note that the U.S. is very specific over the need to have completed twelve years of school-level education to be eligible for an undergraduate course.

Submit your secondary school report and transcripts of exam results. The school report should be filled out by an academic official at your school.

TOEFL is mandatory for international students and the SAT is required by nearly all universities. A few universities may also ask for SAT 2 subject tests or the ACT test in place of the SAT. These tests should be taken by the end of the second to last year of school.

Students should get letters of recommendation (following the guidelines given by the institutions) from teachers who know you well. Letters which seem impersonal can jeopardize an application.

Personal essays are important to helping university admissions officers evaluate your application so be sure to be thoughtful and honest when writing these. They can also lend support to any following application for financial aid.

Evidence of financial support is required by universities to issue documents needed for visa application. You will also be required to submit bank statements and documentation of your family’s financial resources to help the university assess your need for extra grants to cover the cost of attending.

Many Canadian provinces maintain databases of the programs offered by their institutions and some provide a centralized, on-line registration system: www.cicic.ca/679/postsecondary-programs.canada.

The Directory of Universities, Colleges and Schools in the Provinces and Territories of Canada: www.cicic.ca/395/directory-of-universities-colleges-and-schools.canada- lists Canada's recognized, authorized, registered, and licensed institutions.

Unlike many countries, there is no formal ranking of universities and colleges in Canada. Undergraduate university programs are considered to be uniform in quality.

Once you have decided where to apply, check the website of the institution’s office of admissions and ask for detailed application information and forms. They will inform you of documentation and visa requirements.

Most universities are accepting electronic applications these days, but some may still require the mailing in of a postal application – check with the institution you are applying to.

A test of English is mandatory – either TOEFL, IELTS, or one of the self-administered English proficiency tests which individual Canadian universities carry – which are generically administered by the CEC in India. Check which is required.

Decisions are usually announced 4-6 months after the application deadline, although this can vary.

Contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your region to find information on obtaining a visa. The university you have been accepted to will provide requisite letters, but you will need to request these.

Contact the financial aid office of the university you wish to attend, for information about scholarships and other awards.

Research thoroughly and think carefully about which course you want to pursue and why. Some courses will require an admission test, others particular skills and qualifications. Find out which test of English you will have to submit – it is usually the IELTS or the TOEFL in the U.K., though some institutions such as Cambridge University and Oxford University, have their own test requirements.

Use UCAS’s online application system: www.ucas.com. The site explains each section of the application, helps to assess your application eligibility – and notes closing dates. When you have completed the admission section, UCAS will send your forms to the institutions you have applied to.

You can check if you have been accepted, via the UCAS online tracking system, Track, which shows you your choices and decisions of acceptance made by the institutions. However, this offer is conditional based on results of your final exams, which will be received after the offer has been placed, in most cases.

UCAS receives test results for a set of qualifications including the International Baccalaureate (IB). It then sends the results to your chosen institution. If your qualification is not on their list, you are responsible for sending your test results to your chosen university.  

What happens next is determined by your exam results – if you meet the conditions for admission, you will be notified of your acceptance by UCAS.

The main intake of students is in February each year, with a second intake in July (some institutions also have an October intake).

Application deadline for the February intake is November/December – but some courses may have earlier deadlines, so do check carefully.

Visa requirements include a letter of a full offer of admission from your university, and proof of how you plan to pay for your education and living expenses during your time in Australia.