Complete A-to-Z Guide to Applying to Universities Abroad
Introduction: Is Studying Abroad Worth It?
Studying abroad is a major investment — in time, money, and energy. But for many, the benefits far outweigh the costs:
Benefits of studying abroad:
- Education quality — Many foreign universities rank in the global TOP 100
- Global network — Classmates from various countries, professors with international connections
- Cultural experience — Living independently abroad builds character and perspective
- Career prospects — International graduates often have higher competitiveness in the job market
- Language immersion — Total immersion for 1–2 years dramatically improves language skills
But consider:
- Higher living and education costs
- Being far from family and friends
- Cultural and climate adaptation
- Complex administrative processes
If you're ready, let's dive into the detailed steps.
Phase 1: Research and Planning (12–10 Months Before)
1. Choose Your Target Country
Consider these factors when choosing a country:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Education Cost | US and UK most expensive; Germany, Norway, France more affordable |
| Living Cost | London, Sydney, New York > Berlin, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur |
| Language | English-speaking countries easier; Germany/France may need language certificates |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Check availability of government and university scholarships |
| Career Prospects | Some countries offer 1–3 year post-study work visas |
| Culture and Climate | Can you handle winter? Are you comfortable with very different cultures? |
| Indonesian Community | Is there an Indonesian community for initial support? |
2. Choose Universities and Programs
Don't rely solely on rankings. Consider:
- Curriculum fit — Do the courses match your interests?
- Faculty — Who are the professors in your field?
- Facilities — Labs, libraries, career centers
- Industry connections — Does the university partner with companies?
- Alumni network — How strong is the alumni presence in Indonesia?
Research resources:
- QS World University Rankings
- THE World University Rankings
- Official university websites
- Indonesian alumni WhatsApp/Facebook groups
- LinkedIn — find alumni from your target programs
3. Understand Entry Requirements
Requirements vary by university but typically include:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | Usually 2.5–3.5 (4.0 scale) depending on program |
| English test | IELTS 6.0–7.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–100 / DET 105–135 |
| Academic tests | GMAT (business), GRE (PhD/scholarships) |
| Work experience | Required for MBA and some professional programs |
| Portfolio | For art, design, architecture programs |
Note about DET: DET is now accepted by over 5,000 global universities, including many TOP 100 schools. Check your target university's website to see if they accept DET. If they do, it can save you time and money.
Phase 2: Document Preparation (10–6 Months Before)
1. English Language Test
This is the most crucial step. Choose the test that fits your needs:
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL | DET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $245–255 | $190–240 | $59 |
| Location | Test center | Test center | Online (home) |
| Duration | 2h 45m | 3 hours | 1 hour |
| Results | 3–13 days | 6–10 days | 48 hours |
| Score | 1–9 (band) | 0–120 | 10–160 |
Recommendation: If budget is limited and your target university accepts DET, go with DET. Cheaper, faster results, and can be taken from home.
2. Prepare Transcripts and Certificates
This process takes time:
- Request original transcripts from your university (1–2 weeks)
- Get them translated by a certified translator (3–7 days)
- Legalize at your university and/or notary (3–5 days)
Tips: Start this 3–4 months before the deadline. Don't wait until the last minute.
3. Academic CV
A scholarship CV differs from a job CV. Focus on:
- Education — GPA, thesis title, relevant courses
- Organizational experience — Student associations, volunteering
- Professional experience — Internships, part-time work, freelance projects
- Publications — Papers, articles, conference presentations
- Certifications — Online courses, workshops, training
- Awards — Scholarships, competitions, academic honors
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The SOP is the most important document in your application. See our dedicated article on SOP Writing Tips for a complete guide.
5. Recommendation Letters
Tips for choosing recommenders:
- Choose professors who know you academically and personally
- Not a high-ranking professor who doesn't know who you are
- Give them 2–3 weeks to write
- Provide your CV, SOP draft, and program information
- Send a reminder one week before the deadline
Phase 3: Application (6–4 Months Before)
1. Application Systems
Most universities use online application systems:
- University portal — Each university has its own
- UCAS — For UK universities
- Common App — For US universities
- Campus France — For French universities
- Uni-Assist — For some German universities
2. Application Fees
| Country | Fee per Application |
|---|---|
| USA | $50–$150 |
| UK | £20–£80 (via UCAS) |
| Australia | AUD 50–AUD 125 |
| Canada | CAD 50–CAD 200 |
| Germany | €0–€75 |
| Netherlands | €0–€100 |
Tips: Apply to 3–5 universities with different difficulty levels (safety, match, reach).
3. Important Deadlines
| Intake | Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | October–March | September |
| Spring | June–September | January |
| Summer | October–November | May |
Phase 4: Scholarships (Parallel to Applications)
Don't wait until you're accepted to look for scholarships. Many scholarship processes run parallel to university applications.
Indonesian Government Scholarships
LPDP — Most popular
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, insurance
- Minimum DET score: 115
- Deadline: March and September (2 waves)
- Tips: Emphasize your contribution plans for Indonesia
Other Government Scholarships
| Scholarship | Country | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | Full |
| DAAD | Germany | Partial |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Full |
| Fulbright | USA | Full |
| MEXT | Japan | Full |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Full |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Full |
University Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships based on:
- Merit — High GPA, good test scores
- Need-based — Financial situation
- Diversity — For students from developing countries
- Athletic — Sports achievements
Phase 5: Visa (2–3 Months Before)
Student Visa Documents
- Acceptance letter (CAS/I-20) — From the university
- Financial proof — Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
- Passport — Valid for at least 18 months
- Visa photos — Meeting specific requirements
- Health certificate — Depends on the country
- English test certificate — Original or certified copy
Estimated Visa Processing Time
| Country | Processing Time | Visa Fee |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 2–8 weeks | $160–$200 |
| UK | 3–6 weeks | £490 (includes IHS) |
| Australia | 4–8 weeks | AUD 710 |
| Canada | 4–12 weeks | CAD 150 |
| Germany | 6–12 weeks | €75 |
| Netherlands | 2–4 weeks | €210 |
Phase 6: Departure Preparation (1 Month Before)
Pre-Departure Checklist
Logistics:
- Flight tickets (book 2–3 months ahead)
- Temporary accommodation (hostel/Airbnb for 1–2 weeks)
- Travel insurance
- Some foreign currency
Documents (3 photocopies, separate in different bags):
- Passport and visa
- University acceptance letter
- Transcripts and certificates
- Language test certificate
- Insurance proof
Packed items:
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Personal medications
- Laptop and charger
- Power adapter
- Indonesian instant foods
Administration:
- Renew passport if needed
- Arrange international driver permit (if needed)
- Notify bank about overseas travel
- Activate roaming or buy local SIM
Adaptation Tips in a New Country
First Week
- Arrive 1–2 weeks before orientation for acclimatization
- Explore the neighborhood (supermarket, transport, ATMs)
- Open a local bank account
- Register with a doctor (GP)
- Buy a local SIM card
First Week of Classes
- Attend all orientation sessions
- Get to know classmates from different countries
- Note all deadlines and assignment schedules
- Visit the library and campus facilities
Dealing with Homesickness
- Schedule regular video calls with family (e.g., once a week)
- Find the Indonesian community in your city
- Cook Indonesian food yourself
- Remember your original purpose — this is temporary
Summary Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12 months before | Research countries, universities, programs, scholarships |
| 10 months before | Start language test preparation (DET/IELTS/TOEFL) |
| 9 months before | Take language test, request transcripts |
| 8 months before | Start SOP drafting, request recommendation letters |
| 6 months before | Submit university applications |
| 5 months before | Apply for scholarships (if available) |
| 4 months before | Wait for results, prepare visa documents |
| 3 months before | Apply for visa, book flight |
| 1 month before | Pack, prepare for departure |
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a long journey that requires careful planning. From research, document preparation, applications, scholarships, visas, to adaptation — each phase has its own challenges.
But with this guide, you have a clear roadmap. Start now, set your target university, prepare a competitive DET score, and don't hesitate to dream big.
For DET practice, visit Wono DET and start your language preparation today!