How to apply to a university in Europe if you are not from EU/EEA
If you have already decided you want to go study abroad and Europe is among your choices, you may have several things to think about before you start your application.
You can choose the regular way and apply on your own, which will require a lot of time and energy, but also it will teach you a lot about the process and the options. However, you can choose the Drill way, which will require you to fill one single application and it will be all done for you.
Both ways are good and both may help you get into the programmes you want, however, we here present you what it may take for you if you choose not to work with Drill, but rather do it yourself.
1. Collect data: programmes
Europe is a large continent and European Union has got 27 countries. All of these countries offer programmes for international students mainly in english. However, very likely a lot of those programme listings will be in their own language.
There are quite a lot of study portals out there, but to be honest, they rarely have more than half of the programmes available published online. Why? Because many of those listings are paid. Also, many of those websites work as agents, therefore they are motivated more to show the higher priced programmes to international students.
What do you do to collect real data:
- You scan all of the programmes by country and by university
- You collect the programme specific information such as study length, programme entry requirements, tuition fees
- You doublecheck with the universities if they have programmes available and what the enrollment dates are.
Of course, if you want to save time on it, you fill your application on https://Drill.org
2. Collect data: visas
Visa is also a very important aspect of your choice. In all of the countries within the EU you will be granted a student visa, however, not all kinds of student visas will allow you to work as student, also, some of them expire the moment you finish your studies, others let you stay in the EU more than a year in order to look for a job with less stress and more preparation.
What things you should be looking into:
- Do certain student visas allow you to work in the country without applying for an additional work permit
- What are the automatic living permit extention procedures in each country after you obtain your degree
- What are other visa-related limitations when it comes to visas, living, working and studying.
Of course, if you want to save time on it, you fill your application on https://Drill.org
3. Collect data: living expenses
As you have very likely heard about it, living expenses vary very greatly in the EU. In some countries you may need as little as 280 euros including the dormitory, while in others you will need as much as 1400 eur to at least survive.
What to take into account when researching:
- Collect data on dormitory fees for single and shared rooms
- Check the reantal market for shared apartments and if there is no limitations to rent such an apartment if you come from outside the EU
- Take a look into the hourly rates in each city and student work available for foreginers.
Of course, if you want to save time on it, you fill your application on https://Drill.org
4. Collect data: student work
Most of the EU countries let the foreigners with student visas work 8 to 25 hours per week, which is part time. However, many countries give the work permit automatically with the student visa, while others require additional work permits which may take a lot of time and energy and would not be effective for the first day you come to a new country.
Things to take into account:
- Automatic/additional work permits for student visa holders
- Companies which employ students of various backgrounds
- Gig-eonomy jobs, their availability in each city.
Of course, if you want to save time on it, you fill your application on https://Drill.org
5. Make a decision
Having all this information in mind, you may make your final decision where you want to go, which programmes meet your qualifications and interest, as well what kind of budget you may need.
All this may take you months, however, with https://drill.org this all process can be fast, easy and smooth. All you will have to do when you get an invitation from the university is to decide whether you want it or not.
6. Prepare your application
And of course, the final stage will be to prepare the documents needed for the universities. In most cases documents and information uploaded via app.drill.org will be sufficcient, however, some specific programmes will require additional interviews, documents or information. Be prepared for it.
