As you search for the perfect program at a variety of universities around the world, you will first need to know if you are eligible for a program before you apply. This can save a lot of time on your part.

Entry requirements in global universities depend on the program you are applying to and the requirements of the individual country / region. We encourage you to search on the program page for the exact information because it does vary by program.

The good news is that there are hundreds of thousands of programs and universities around the world! You will definitely be able to find a program for you on Global Admissions. In this article, we will walk you through the entry requirements, types of application documents, and other helpful information to start your application.

Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The basic entry requirements for each university are different based on country. Here is a table showing the basic entry requirements for popular countries / regions:

Country / Region Bachelor’s Requirements Master’s Requirements PhD Requirements
USA High School Diploma/GRE Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree
UK High School Diploma Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor’s and Masters OR significant professional experience
Germany High School Qualifications Undergraduate Degree Bachelors + Masters degree (or equivalent)
Japan High School Diploma (12 years of formal education) Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent Bachelor + Masters
Australia Secondary School/High School Diploma Bachelor’s degree Diplomas from three-four years of undergraduate study and two years of postgraduate study
Canada Secondary School/High School Diploma Bachelor’s degree Bachelors, Masters in related field, GMAT/GRE
Spain High School Diploma Bachelor’s degree Bachelor + Masters
Taiwan High School Diploma Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor + Masters
China High School Diploma Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor + Masters

Most countries / regions have similar degree requirements, but the US is one of the only locations where you can apply for a PhD without a master’s degree. This means you can go straight from undergrad into studying your PhD.

Age Requirements to Study Abroad

Some countries have very strict requirements…other countries, not so much. What are the age requirements to study abroad?

Country / Region Bachelor’s Age Requirements Master’s Age Requirements PhD Age Requirements
USA 17+ None None
UK 17+ None None
Germany 17+ None None
Japan 18+ 18+ 24+
Australia 18+ 18+ 18+
Canada 18+ 18+ None
Spain 18+ 18+ None
Taiwan 18+ 18+ 18+
China 18-30 18-35 18-40

In most countries / regions, as long as you meet the program’s requirements, you will be able to study abroad regardless of age.

However, it may be harder for you to study abroad if you are older than 45, especially at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level. It will help if you have strong work experience in a related field, and if you apply through Global Admissions for our personalized, award-winning help!

Application Documents for Studying Abroad

You will need to prepare these important documents regardless of where you will study:

  1. Passport
  2. Transcripts from previous degrees
  3. Diplomas from previous degrees
  4. Personal statement essay
  5. Application form for the university
  6. Language proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS for English, or your target country’s language exam)
  7. Resume/CV
  8. National Test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, A-Levels, IB diploma, etc)
  9. Letters of Recommendation
  10. Entrance exams for your university

You may also need the following documentation, depending on the country / region:

  1. Bank statement
  2. Invitation letter from university
  3. Non-criminal record
  4. Additional essays required by the university
  5. Vaccination Certificate
  6. Additional passport photos
  7. Employer references
  8. Extracurricular award certificates
  9. Health Check

It’s a very good idea to apply as early as possible. It takes students an average of 10 days to complete their applications, and universities prefer early applicants. Some of these documents can take several months to prepare.

Watch our playlist explaining how to complete the application documents here:

Browse courses and check out the application documents as soon as possible:

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