A week to go! I can't believe it's finally down to this, just a few more days until I finally board the plane and spend the next year doing what I love, learning, exploring, and just trying to get by. But before all of this happens, there's still so much to do and it was a long admin journey to get to this point. Here are some of the tips learned:
Apply early!
Most uni's open their registrations for a program the year before the program starts. Whilst this is super obvious, it gets tricky with international uni's because of the big difference in wen the terms start, e.g. South Africa works from Feb/March till November whereas the UK works from Sept till Oct the next year. This means you need to set reminders for when the applications open and submit on time. It really helps to be prepared. Make sure you have visited the program's page and know what documents you will to apply. Typically this will range from previous academic records, recommendation letters, and official degree certificates. Also very important is that you will be requested to do an English language test to make sure you are proficient if your university does not have English as the only language of instruction. This takes place through a completely different company that the uni recommends and you will also need to pay and study for this test. What I would recommend, if you did complete your studies in English, is that you have your supervisor write a letter stating you have completed all studies and examinations in English on official university stationary and submit this (it worked for me). The University of Pretoria does also give such a letter, but it actually states that there are different languages of instruction and they cannot guarantee you completed your degree in English (this might not be a problem anymore since UP adopted only English as the official instruction language).
Also keep in mind that with the differences in uni starting dates and when you apply abroad, you might not have your official graduation documentation. You can apply with the academic record you have and will be able to be accepted (this is a Conditional Offer - i.e. you are accepted on the condition that you provide evidence that you received your degree), but they need your official documents in order to give you an Unconditional Offer. This is the one you need in order to receive a CAS number (like an official sponsorship number from the uni), which in turn you need to apply for a Visa.
Lastly, when applying keep in mind you'll need to leave in Sept to begin your new program. Therefore you need to finish your studies before that time or apply for the following year - which means you'll have almost 8 months of holiday before becoming a full student again. If this feels like a waste (which it did for me) buckle down and try to figure out a timeline and how to manage everything.
2. Finding funds
3. Visa time
4. Prepare yourself emotionally
I really hope some of these tips help or that my experience gives a starting point. If there are any other topics or tips you'd like to know about, let me know or we can have a chat!
xxx
Ninna
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