Application deadlines & session dates

Planning note: Start your preparation 12–14 months before your target semester. Sit the GRE or TOEFL by Month 4–5 so scores arrive before application deadlines. Apply to at least 6–8 universities. After receiving your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee and book your embassy interview at least 2–3 months before your session start.

Planning note: For Oxford and Cambridge, the October 15 UCAS deadline is absolute. For all other UK undergraduate programs, the January 15 UCAS deadline is the main one — late applications are possible via Clearing in August but places are limited. Book your TB test and arrange maintenance funds (showing £1,334/month for up to 9 months) well before the visa application.

Planning note: Canada's study permit processing times can vary greatly — from 2 weeks to 12 weeks depending on application volume. Apply as soon as you have your offer letter and PAL. The PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) requires attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — confirm your institution is on the DLI list before applying.

Planning note: The Genuine Student (GS) statement replaced the old GTE test — you answer targeted questions about your background, study plan, and return intentions. Your answers must be detailed and consistent with your documents. Arrange OSHC before applying for the visa. Budget the 485 Temporary Graduate visa (AUD ~2,000+) into your post-study plan.

Planning note: Bangladesh requires the APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) — an academic document verification process run by the German Embassy in Dhaka. Apply for APS as your very first step: it takes 6–8 weeks and is required before your university application can be submitted. Then open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) once you have your university admission. Book the Embassy appointment in Dhaka early — slots are limited and fill 6–8 weeks in advance.

Planning note: Italian university deadlines, Universitaly windows, and DSU scholarship opening dates shift each year. Monitor universitaly.it and the Italian Embassy Dhaka site from January onwards. Legalise and translate all academic documents (apostille + sworn translation into Italian) before February — document preparation takes 4–8 weeks in Bangladesh.

Planning note: The Netherlands has no centralised application system for master's programs — apply directly on each university's portal. Study.EU and Studyfinder.nl are useful to find programs, but always apply on the official university website. The Holland Scholarship application is submitted through the university (not British Council) — deadlines vary per university, typically January–April.

Planning note: Register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 90 days of arrival in Ireland to formalise your Stamp 2 permission. On-campus accommodation in Dublin is very limited — apply as soon as you receive your offer letter. The GoI-IES scholarship application (€10,000) is separate from your university application — monitor the HEA website from January for the annual call.

Planning note: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (€1,181–€1,400/month) is nominated by the French institution — your university must submit your nomination by January, so apply to your university well before that. The French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale) is automatic for students aged 16–28 upon university registration — arrange a top-up 'mutuelle' plan for expenses not covered.