Many students dream of studying abroad but often wait too long to start their applications. Rushing last-minute leads to weak essays, low test scores, and incomplete submissions. It’s not your profile that holds you back—it’s poor planning. So, when should you start? This blog outlines the ideal study abroad timeline to help you secure your dream university. Let’s dive in!
We have taken the example for Fall 2026 admissions to guide you through every step of the application process. If you’re aiming for Spring admissions, simply shift everything by six months.
March 2025 – Shortlist Universities
Begin by finalizing the programs and universities you want to apply to.
Don’t rely on consultancies—do your own research using resources like QS Rankings or Times Higher Education rankings.
Visit university websites, check their programs, and make a list of 8-10 universities categorized as safe, moderate, and ambitious.
Timeline: This process will take about 1-2 months, so aim to have your list ready by May.
To learn more about shortlisting universities, check out the video below:
May 2025 – Prepare for Entrance Exams
With your universities selected, it’s time to prepare for entrance tests like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS. By knowing the cutoff scores required by your chosen universities, you can set clear goals.
On test day, you can submit your scores to five universities for free, so having your list ready will save time and money.
Timeline: Try to complete these tests by July, taking advantage of your summer break to study.
For example for NUS Singapore, the cutoffs are shown below:
August 2025 – Focus on Your Essays
Once your exams are done, shift your attention to your essays.
Check each university’s website for specific requirements regarding SOPs, LORs, personal statements, or scholarship essays. You’ll likely need three LORs and should carefully follow word limits and prompts.
Avoid using consultancies for this—write these documents yourself to make them original and compelling. By dedicating two months, you can complete your essays and revise them in time for submission.
Timeline: Have them ready before October, so that you can start submitting them as per the university deadlines.
Check out our short to know more about the essays you will need for study abroad:
September 2025 – Emailing Professors
Reaching out to professors can be a crucial step in your study abroad journey, especially if you’re considering a PhD program.
Emailing professors about Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions not only helps you establish valuable connections but also demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in their research.
Craft personalized emails that express your interest in their research and how your background aligns with their work. Building this connection early can significantly enhance your application.
Timeline: September is also the ideal time to reach out to professors regarding Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions for your PhD.
To learn how to write the perfect email to professors with samples, you can check out our video:
October 2025 – Application Time
By the end of September, you should be ready to start your applications. Most universities will open their portals in October. Create accounts and begin filling out the application forms.
For example, the attached screenshot shows the account create page for University of Pennsylvania.
Timeline: Pay attention to individual university deadlines, which range from December 31 to mid-January or even February. Prioritize the earliest deadlines and work backward.
Some universities also offer rolling admissions, meaning submitting early could boost your chances. With this timeline, you’ll have everything ready without any last-minute stress.
BONUS!
Given below is a snapshot summary of the entire plan!
That’s all we wanted to share with you today! For more detailed guidance on writing SOPs, LORs, scholarship essays, emails to professors – check out our Study Abroad Course . If you have already written these documents and want to get it reviwed from us check out our SOP Review Program and LOR Review Program.
Over 1,200 students have used these to secure their dream universities! Best of luck!
