How to apply for master's abroad: documents, dates and checklist

Separate university applications from visa steps

A university application and a visa application have different document lists and timing. Use the sources below to check each stage. University deadlines differ, so check each programme page. This guide summarises the supplied official pages and guides. It does not promise admission or a visa. An example from one programme is not a deadline for an entire country.

Read the master's eligibility guide beside your document list. The four country pages give the fuller checklists, source labels and application steps. Keep living funds separate from tuition, and check the official requirements before you act.

Germany: APS and the university application

The APS India leaflet, valid as of June 2026, lists a signed form, a passport photo taken within 6 months, fee receipt, Aadhaar copy with linked mobile number, passport first and last pages, Class X and XII records, all semester marksheets, degree, language certificate and signed student authorization letter. A college provisional certificate is accepted if the degree is not issued and it is no more than 1 year old. Non-English documents need a notarized English translation. Do not send originals.

Register online, print and sign the APS form, pay INR 18,000, and take dMAT first if required. The fee is non-refundable. Courier documents and keep tracking details. Only complete applications are processed. Successful candidates receive a digital APS certificate by email, then apply for a student visa through VFS. The leaflet states no processing time. Expatrio suggests starting APS 4 to 6 months before deadlines.

dMAT applies only to previous degrees in affected fields listed by APS India for the summer semester 2027 intake or later. It is run by g.a.s.t., not APS, and does not replace verification or admission requirements. Regensburg MSc Computer Science is one example: winter applications 15 April to 1 June, summer 15 October to 1 December, English B2, no semester tuition, and about EUR 200 student service fee.

Find programmes through DAAD and apply through uni-assist or the university portal. Read the Germany documents, dates and steps.

UK: offer, evidence and online visa application

GOV.UK lists evidence of English, finances and course, and proof of identity. A TB test is needed if its checker says so. Some master's level courses may need ATAS; check GOV.UK. Yocket's usual university list includes the application form, statement of purpose, English score, transcripts, recommendation letters and CV.

From outside the UK, the earliest visa application is 6 months before the course starts. A decision usually takes about 3 weeks, not a guaranteed time. The visa fee is GBP 558. The healthcare surcharge depends on visa length and is paid with the application.

Get an offer from a licensed student sponsor, meet English and funds requirements, collect documents, apply online on GOV.UK, wait for the decision and plan travel. Check GOV.UK's money page and the UK guide.

Canada: the LOA comes before the study permit

You cannot apply for a study permit without a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. IRCC lists other documents according to your case. From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at public institutions do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter. Quebec requirements still apply.

Choose the school and programme, get the LOA, gather documents, add family members if applying together, and apply through your IRCC secure account. IRCC's page gives no processing time for master's students. For proof of funds, read the living-cost section and its source in the Canada guide.

USA: school, I-20, SEVIS and interview

Apply to an SEVP-approved school. Once accepted, the school issues Form I-20. You are registered in SEVIS and pay the I-901 fee, then apply at an Embassy or Consulate and attend the interview. Digital fingerprints are usually taken. The F-1 list includes I-20, fee payment, passport, admission letter, proof of funds and interview. New student visas may be issued up to 365 days before the course starts, but entry is limited to 30 days before it. Applicants aged 14 to 79 generally need an interview. Wait times vary.

Check local embassy instructions and university deadlines. Read the USA guide for university documents and official links.

Our suggested planning order, not an official timeline. Shortlist programmes and read each programme page. Book the English test required by your programme. Ask referees early. Draft the statement of purpose. Collect certified transcripts and the documents your programme asks for. Check funds against your course and the official requirements. Run your numbers in the calculator and talk to your lender before you accept an offer.

Use the calculator before accepting an offer. Rules, fees and dates change. Confirm on the official site before you act. Checked 25 October 2026.

Country guides: Germany, UK, Canada and USA. Plan the loan in the calculator, and read the eligibility guide and the loan documents checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides