5 Countries Where it is Easy to Get a Student Visa

One of the many considerations when thinking about where to study abroad is the student visa on offer and the process of applying for it. It can be disheartening when you’ve successfully gained your place at your dream university and then a complicated visa process leaves you jumping over hurdles and worrying about it being rejected.

We have done some digging and found five countries that, in the endeavour to welcome more international students, have relatively easy student visa application procedures (you don’t need to submit as much extra information). This is not to say that a visa is guaranteed. You will still need to pass all the checks laid down in the country’s immigration laws and submit the correct documents.

Australia

The only country in the world to cover an entire continent; Australia has a lot to offer, from a world-renowned higher education system to (maybe) the best version of MasterChef. It is a multi-cultural hub which welcomes international students with open arms and an easy visa procedure.

If you want to study Down Under, you will need a student visa (subclass 500). You need to have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university along with proof of sufficient funds and Student Health Cover (OHSC). The Australian student visa carries a fee of AUD $630 (USD $475) and should take four weeks to be processed.

The student visa is valid for up to five years depending on your course. You can work an unlimited number of hours even during term time (but be sure to get your studying done!).

You can find more information on student visas in Australia and how to apply for them on our guide.

New Zealand

Not far from Australia, the island country of New Zealand is also known for its world-class universities. As an added bonus, you get to enjoy the scenic beauty and serenity of the archipelago.

For the New Zealand student visa, you need to provide proof of: an offer of place at a university; sufficient funds; and a character certificate to complete a visa application. However, you do not need any proof of language proficiency or health insurance to complete the application. The Study in New Zealand official website has a checklist of all the documents you need.

The student visa is valid for up to four years depending on your course. You are allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time with no limit during holidays.

You can also find more information about studying in New Zealand on our guide.

Canada

Canada is another popular destination for international postgraduate study, not only for the number of universities that rank highly but also for a relatively straightforward and welcoming visa procedure.

International students in Canada need to apply for two kinds of permits:

• The study permit which allows you to study at a university. This, however, is not a visa and does not allow you entry into the country.
• A visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) which allows you to enter the country. If you are applying for a study permit, the Canadian embassy or consulate will automatically issue an eTA for you. You can also check whether you need to make a separate application on the Canadian Immigration website .

You need to provide proof of: acceptance into a Canadian university: identity; and financial support to make an application. The Canadian Government has a list of required documents. The student permit carries a fee of CAD $150 (US $109) and students belonging to certain countries can apply within the Student Direct Stream which reduces the processing times to 20 calendar days from the usual 13 weeks if you are applying from outside Canada.

A Canadian study permit is valid for the duration of your course plus 90 days. You can work on-campus without restriction and off-campus for 20 hours per week (with no limit during holidays).

You can find more information on Canadian postgraduate study on our guide .

United Kingdom

Despite having been strict with visas in the past, the UK has opened up its doors to international students in the last few years. The student visa process is fairly easy so international postgraduates can study at some of the best universities in the world and enjoy the vast culture of the UK.

You will need a UK student visa which is valid for the duration of the course. To apply, you must have obtained a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). According to the new points system you will also have to provide proof of sufficient funds and English language requirements. The visa carries a fee (depending on where you apply from) and a health surcharge (depending on the length of your course). We have a detailed guide for the UK student visa .

You can work 20 hours per week during term time on the UK student visa with no restriction during vacations. Once your course is over you can apply for the new Graduate visa which is a post-study work visa valid for two years.

You can find more information on postgraduate study in the UK in our guides.

United States

Home to Ivy League universities, it is no surprise that the US is one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations. With the sheer number of international students that apply to and attend university in the USA, visa procedures are fairly easy to get through.

To study in the US you need to apply for the student visa (Type F). This visa is valid for up to five years.

To successfully apply for a Type F student visa, you need to have been accepted to an SEVP approved institution and be registered to the SEVIS. You must have a Form I-20 and a completed Form DS-160 along with all the required documents before your visa interview. Don’t worry, it may look complicated but once you have accepted an offer with a university, they will help you get registered with SEVIS and from there its simply sorting out some forms.

You will need to pay a fee of at least $510 for your visa application. This includes the $350 SEVIS fee and a $160 application fee. You can visit the US Department of State website for details on everything you need for your US student visa.

You can work 20 hours per week during term and unrestricted during holidays on a US student visa. You can find more information on postgraduate study in the US on our guide.

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