Study Abroad

Requirements:

SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved school which further issue Form I 20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status).

Visa Types:

There are three main types of student visas: F (for academic study), J (for exchange programs), and M (for non-academic or vocational study). 

English Proficiency:

Most U.S. universities require proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. 

Standardized Tests and Percentage:

Undergraduate programs may require SAT or ACT scores, while graduate programs may require GRE or GMAT scores. 

A minimum percentage of 65% and above is required for the USA after 12th for the humanities stream in class XII.

70-80% and above is required for the Science/Commerce stream in class XII.

Cost:

The cost of studying in the U.S. can range from $25,000 to $45,000 per year, including tuition and living expenses.

Scholarship:

Fulbright Program: A flagship fully funded scholarship for both international and Pakistani students. Gates Millennium Scholars Program: For underrepresented groups in higher education. Chevening Scholarships (in collaboration): Fully funded opportunities for leadership-focused students

Gap:

A one-year study gap is accepted by the US education system, but if a student has a gap longer than one year, they must provide a valid reason and evidence.

Requirements:
A UKVI-licensed sponsor (approved UK institution) which issues a CAS (Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies) required for the UK student visa.
Visa Types:
• Student Visa – for degree-level courses
• Child Student Visa – for students aged 4–17
• Short-term Study Visa – for English language courses (6–11 months)
English Proficiency:
Most UK universities require IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, languageCert or Oxford ELLT
Some universities accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) or offer pre-sessional English
courses.
Standardized Percentage:
• Minimum 60–65% for Humanities after Class XII
• 65–75% for Science/Commerce after Class XII
(Top universities may require higher scores)
Cost:
The cost of studying in the UK ranges from £18,000 to £35,000 per year, including tuition
and living expenses.
Scholarship:
• Chevening Scholarship – Fully funded, leadership-focused
• Commonwealth Scholarship – For high-achieving students
• University-specific scholarships – Merit-based tuition fee reductions
Gap:
The UK accepts study gaps of 1–3 years.
Longer gaps are acceptable with proper justification, such as work experience, skill
development, or professional training.

Requirements:
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by the Canadian government, which
issues a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) required for a Canadian study permit.
Visa Types:
• Study Permit – for academic and professional programs
• Student Direct Stream (SDS) – fast-track visa for eligible countries (including Pakistan)
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) – required for studies in Quebec (in addition to
study permit)
English Proficiency:
Most Canadian institutions accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
Some colleges accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) or offer pathway / ESL programs.
Standardized Percentage:
• Minimum 60–65% for Humanities after Class XII
• 65–75% for Science/Commerce after Class XII
(Top universities and SDS cases may require higher scores)
Cost:
The cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 per year, including
tuition and living expenses.
Scholarship:
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For PhD students
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships – For international students
• University-specific scholarships – Merit-based and need-based awards
Gap:
Canada accepts study gaps of 1–2 years easily.
Longer gaps are acceptable with strong justification, such as relevant work experience,
internships, or professional certifications.

Requirements:
An Australian CRICOS-registered institution (approved by the Australian Government)
which issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) required for the Australian student visa.
Visa Types:
• Student Visa (Subclass 500) – for full-time academic and vocational studies
• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) – for guardians of under-18 students
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – post-study work visa (after completion)
English Proficiency:
Most Australian universities accept IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo
(selected institutions).
Some universities accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) or offer English Language
Intensive Courses (ELICOS).
Standardized Percentage:
• Minimum 60–65% for Humanities after Class XII
• 65–75% for Science/Commerce after Class XII
(Top universities may require higher academic scores)
Cost:
The cost of studying in Australia ranges from AUD 25,000 to AUD 45,000 per year,
including tuition and living expenses.
Scholarship:
• Australia Awards Scholarships – Fully funded for international students
• Destination Australia Scholarship – For regional study
• University-specific scholarships – Merit-based tuition fee reductions
Gap:
Australia accepts study gaps of 1–2 years.
Longer gaps are acceptable with valid justification, such as work experience, professional
training, or skill development relevant to the chosen field.

Requirements:
Instead of SEVP, European institutions must be state-recognized or accredited by the
national Ministry of Education in their respective country.
Proof of Eligibility: Once accepted, the university issues an Acceptance Letter or
Letter of Admission. This serves as the equivalent of the Form I-20 and is the
primary document needed for a visa application.
Visa Types:
• European student visas are generally categorized by the duration of stay rather than the
“F/J/M” classification:
• Type C (Short-stay): For courses lasting less than 90 days (e.g., short language
courses).
• Type D (Long-stay): The standard “Student Visa” for full degrees. It allows you to
reside in the country and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any
180-day period.
English Proficiency:
• IELTS/TOEFL: Widely accepted across all European countries for English-taught
programs.
• Medium of Instruction (MOI): Many European universities waive English tests if
your previous degree (High School or Bachelor’s) was taught entirely in English.
• Local Language: If the program is in the local language (German, French, Italian),
you will need certificates like TestDaF (German) or DELF/DALF (French).
Standardized Percentage
Academic Percentages:
• Humanities: Minimum 60% in Class XII.
• Science/Commerce: 70% or higher is generally competitive for public
universities. Germany, in particular, focuses heavily on your
CGPA/Percentage.
Cost:
The cost in Europe is often significantly lower than in the U.S.:
• Public Universities: In countries like Germany, Norway, and Iceland, tuition is often
free or very low (under €3,000/year), even for internationals.
• Private/Other Countries: In the Netherlands, France, or Spain, costs range from
€6,000 to €20,000 per year.
• Living Expenses: Usually requires a “Blocked Account” or proof of funds of
approximately €11,000 to €12,000 per year.
Scholarships
• Erasmus+: The flagship EU program providing fully-funded scholarships for
Master’s degrees (Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters).
• DAAD (Germany): Massive funding body for international students in Germany.
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France): For top-tier Master’s and PhD candidates.
• Government-Specific: Many countries offer “Invest Your Talent in Italy” or
“Holland Scholarship” programs.
Study Gap
Europe is generally more flexible regarding study gaps than the U.S., provided they are
“justified gaps.”
• Acceptance: Gaps of 2–5 years are often accepted without issue if the student was
working in a relevant field or gained professional certifications.
• Evidence: You must provide work experience certificates, salary slips, or proof of
internships to show the gap was productive.

Requirements:
A UAE Ministry of Education recognized university which issues an Admission Letter /
Offer Letter required for the UAE student visa.
Visa Types:
• Student Visa – for full-time academic programs
• Internship / Training Visa – for practical training or internships
• Dependent Visa – for family members accompanying the student
English Proficiency:
Most UAE universities require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for programs taught in English.
Some universities accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) from previous studies.
Standardized Percentage:
• Minimum 60–65% for Humanities after Class XII
• 65–75% for Science/Commerce after Class XII
(Top universities may require higher percentages)
Cost:
The cost of studying in UAE ranges from AED 60,000 to AED 120,000 per year, including
tuition and living expenses.
Scholarship:
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships – Merit-based
funding
• University-specific scholarships – Merit or need-based tuition support
• Government / Emirati Sponsorships – For high-achieving students
Gap:
UAE universities generally accept study gaps of 1–2 years.
Longer gaps may require explanation with supporting evidence, such as work experience,
professional training, or personal development.

Malaysia

New Zealand

Ireland

Turkey