Important Documents to Take For Studying Abroad

Every year, thousands of students travel from India to study abroad. However, preparing to study abroad involves more than just choosing a destination and program. One crucial aspect is carefully gathering the necessary documents to ensure a successful university application and visa process.

Students are advised to make a list of all important documents to take for studying abroad. Important documents for study abroad include several documents such as application letters, financial documents, academic transcripts, standardised test scores, resumes, scholarship certificates, health insurance, and more.

This Story also Contains

1. Important Documents to Take For Studying Abroad
2. What are the Documents Required to Study Abroad?
3. What Documents do you Need to Study Abroad?
4. Tips for International Students Before Moving Abroad

Following the checklist of important documents for international students required to study abroad, all students can carefully pack their documents to avoid last-minute hassles. This article provides a detailed list of important documents to take for studying abroad, along with a document checklist for Indian students planning to study overseas.

Important Documents to Take For Studying Abroad

Visas, passports, and travel documents are important documents for international students planning to study abroad. Other relevant documents are listed below:

• Carry the plane tickets.

• Accommodation-related documents.

• Academic documents

• Bank Statements

• Financial proofs

List of Important Documents Required for Study Abroad

Some of the most important documents for Indian students planning to move overseas are mentioned below:

Passport and visa: These are some of the most important documents for international students, required for immigration purposes at the arrival country. Applicants must make sure that they apply for visas in advance and keep copies of their arrival documents.

Admission letter: Students must have the admission offer letter from the selected university or college. The admission letter is proof that an individual has been accepted into the programme and is required for visa and pre-arrival procedure.

Passport-size photographs: Candidates should have passport-size photographs that meet the requirements of the selected university. These are used for visa applications and identification purposes.

Financial documents: Applicants must provide proof of funds to cover the costs of their education and living expenses. These can be provided in the form of bank statements, sponsorship letters, or financial affidavits.

Academic documents: Students must bring copies of academic transcripts from previous education. Apart from this, they must carry scorecards of standardised test scores such as SAT or ACT for undergraduate courses and GRE or GMAT for postgraduate programmes. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide a certificate of IELTS or TOEFL tests to meet the English language proficiency requirement.

LOR: Letter of Recommendation from previous employers or teachers can positively impact the university’s admission committee. Strong LOR can increase the chances of acceptance at the university.

SOP: Prepare a strong personal statement/ statement of purpose that demonstrates your academic excellence, work experience, and motivation behind applying for that particular course at that particular university.

Health and insurance documents: Different countries have specific regulations for international students. Candidates might be asked for their health insurance card and vaccination records. Hence, they must get a health checkup so that they have updated and recent reports.

Accommodation documents: Students are required to find accommodation, be it a university dormitory, private apartment, or homestay. They must provide proper documentation of their accommodation for visa and pre-arrival procedure.

Work experience documents: Most universities require work experience for both undergraduate courses or master's programmes, hence, students must get their internship or experience certificates from employers.

Scholarship documents: Candidates must bring their scholarship-related documentation if they are provided with a scholarship at the selected university.

Travel documents: Candidates must keep copies of their flight tickets for immigration purposes. They must also get travel insurance to cover undesirable events such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies during travel.

What are the Documents Required to Study Abroad?

International students must include self-attested academic documents, financial verification documents, and university admission letters on their packing list. All Indian students must carry the following important documents to take for studying abroad:

Academic Documents

• Academic transcripts

• Valid standardised test scores

• Copy of passport

• Degree certificates

• Proof of English language proficiency

• Resume / CV

• Passport size photographs

• LOR

• Essays

• Statement of Purpose

Financial Documents

• Proof of scholarship, if received by the university

• Emergency local currency

• Bank statements, proof of funds, and other financial documents such as affidavits

• International credit or debit card

Additional Documents

• Medical records

• Visa documents

• Travel Insurance

• Health Insurance

• Work experience certificates

Note: Some nations may demand both police clearance certificates and birth certificates.

What Documents do you Need to Study Abroad?

Indian students moving abroad must have the following important documents for study abroad before migrating from India to universities abroad:

• Letter of enrolment/acceptance letter

• Flight tickets

• Letter of acceptance

• Letter of enrolment/acceptance letter

• Flight tickets

• Copies of medical reports and history

• Blood group ID (not compulsory, but recommended)

• Student ID card

• Hard and soft copies of payslips and other fee receipts.

• Bank statements, salary slips, and other financial documents

• A rental agreement, if already arranged for accommodation

• Attested copies of academic certificates starting from your high school marksheets

• Scholarship certificate (if you received one)

• Certificates related to your vaccination

• Passport (with photocopies)

• Visa (with photocopies)

• Health insurance documents

• Travel Insurance

Also Read: Departure checklist for Indian students going to study abroad

Tips for International Students Before Moving Abroad

Before migrating abroad, all Indian students should consider the following points:

• Stay up to date on country-specific travel restrictions and protocols.

• Although most countries have removed COVID-19 test requirements, some still demand a complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate for international students, particularly in major countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

• Carry copies of your documents, and use a folder or document to keep them tidy and organised.

• Creating a list of required documents could reduce packing time for international students.