Frequently Asked Questions

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Home to some of the best universities in the world, it comes as no surprise that more than half of the top 20 universities in the world are in the United States! It has a long-standing history of being one of the premier destinations for international students to pursue their education at all levels. There are nearly 2,500 four-year colleges and universities in the US (and more than 1,000 two-year colleges and for-profit institutes).

Canada has positioned itself to become another great destination for international students. Throughout Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, there are more than 150 colleges and universities. A degree, diploma or certificate from a Canadian institution is globally recognized as an equivalent to those obtained in the USA or UK.

The United Kingdom has a rich academic legacy, with some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. UK institutions are known for their strong research programs, shorter degree timelines, and global recognition. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, the UK offers a wide range of options across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Australia continues to rise as a top destination for international students. With world-class universities, a strong focus on research and innovation, and a multicultural student population, it’s easy to see why students are drawn here. Australia is also known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life...making it a great place to study and live. Read our Study Abroad in Australia page for more information.

The Ivy League consists of Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Princeton University, Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania. However, the Ivy Leagues is actually just an athletic conference with eight universities that are best known for their competitive admission rates (<10%) and rigorous academics. In the same echelon of universities with similar admissions standards, you’ll find Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, and many more.

The U15 is a group of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Members include: University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, McGill University, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, University of Manitoba, Queen’s University, Western University, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, McMaster University, Université de Montréal, University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Waterloo.

The Russell Group is a self-selected association of 24 public research universities in the UK known for academic excellence, strong research output, and selective admissions. Some of the most well-known members include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics (LSE), University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, and the University of Manchester. These institutions are often compared to the Ivy League in terms of prestige and global reputation.

The Group of Eight (Go8) is a coalition of eight leading Australian universities that are focused on research-intensive education and consistently rank highly both nationally and globally. Members include: University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide, Monash University, and UNSW Sydney. These universities are known for competitive admissions and high-quality academic programs.

Early Decision (binding), Early Action (non-binding), Regular Decision and Rolling Admission. 

These vary significantly for each school, and can begin as early as December through April. There is usually a deadline to submit the application, and a later deadline to submit supplemental requirements (ie: uploading transcripts).

Most students apply through the UCAS system. The main deadline for most undergraduate courses is January 31st, but if you’re applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary programs, the deadline is October 15th of the year before entry. Some universities may continue to accept applications after the main deadline, depending on course availability.

Deadlines vary by university and intake. Australia typically has two major intakes: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). Application deadlines can range from October to January for Semester 1 and April to June for Semester 2. It’s important to apply early, especially if you’re an international student needing a visa.

‘College’ and ‘University’ are used interchangeably in the U.S., though most people casually say college. Both refer to schools that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. A university is usually a larger institution with multiple colleges or schools within it and offers not just bachelor’s degrees but also graduate and PhD programs.

In Canada, colleges offer diploma or certificate programs, often two years in length and focused on practical skills. Only universities can award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

In the UK, college can refer to high school-level institutions (like sixth form colleges) or to individual colleges within a university (like at Oxford or Cambridge). University refers to the degree-granting institution overall.

In Australia, the term university is used exclusively for higher education institutions that offer degrees. Colleges may refer to residential halls or vocational schools offering certificates and diplomas, not full university degrees.

A Liberal Arts education allows you to study academic subjects across disciples, for example combining business and biology, communications and sociology, psychology and philosophy. Liberal Arts education emphasizes critical and analytical thinking, you learn to think outside the box, and articulate ideas clearly. Basically, you’re learning how to learn.

Non-profit colleges and universities are focused more on the student’s education and well-being; they promote internships and co-ops, activities outside of the classroom (theatre, athletics, music, etc.) and research alongside faculty or independently. For-profit institutions typically focus on getting people in seats. Student experience is not their focus; making money and filling quotas tend to be more important.

Community Colleges are two-year degree (Associate’s Degree) granting institutions. For many U.S. students, this is a good way to bridge the gap between high school and obtaining a four-year Bachelor’s degree. For international students, however, community colleges are not recommended because of the lack of amenities (housing and food) provided. We have found that the U.S. Embassy is more strict with student interviews for a student visa to attend a community college. Instead, we recommend Pathway Programs at four-year universities as a way to help with your transition from high school to university.

Similar programs exist in other countries:

• In Canada, colleges offer two- or three-year diploma programs, which may lead to university transfer.
   
• In the UK, foundation year or international foundation programs serve as a bridge to undergraduate study.
   
• In Australia, students may start at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions, then transfer into a university after completing a diploma or certificate.
   

Each country has its own version of a stepping stone but for international students, direct university pathways are usually the smoother and more visa-friendly option.

That’s completely normal and the U.S. system is one of the most flexible when it comes to figuring that out. Many universities allow students to apply as “undeclared” or “undecided,” and you typically don’t need to choose a major until your second year.

Liberal arts colleges and universities especially encourage students to explore different subjects before committing. You can take classes in a wide range of fields from science to business to the arts and even pursue double majors or minors. For example, it’s possible to major in both chemistry and business, or start in one field and switch later.

Bottom line: if you’re still figuring things out, the U.S. is a great place to do that.

While most U.S. universities remain test-optional for SAT or ACT through the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, a growing number of highly selective institutions including Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT have reinstated testing requirements, particularly for the class entering in Fall 2025 and beyond.

The University of California (UC) system continues to be test-blind, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not considered at all, even if submitted.

If English is your first language or the language of instruction at your high school, TOEFL/IELTS is often waived. More universities also accept the Duolingo English Test; a flexible, online option reviewed comparably to TOEFL/IELTS.

Because testing policies vary by school, we will guide you for each university based on your profile.

Universities in the U.S. and Canada accept a wide range of high school curriculums, including national exams (such as WAEC, CXC, or other country-specific systems), British A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and U.S. high school diplomas. Some competitive programs may ask for specific subjects or predicted grades, especially for STEM or business tracks.

In the UK, students typically apply with A-Levels, IB, or equivalent qualifications. The UCAS application system focuses heavily on academic performance and subject alignment, especially for courses like medicine, law, and engineering. Foundation or pathway programs are available if your high school qualifications don’t meet direct entry.

In Australia, universities accept a range of international qualifications, including IB, A-Levels, national exams, and U.S. diplomas. Entry requirements can vary by state and university. Many schools also offer pathway programs through institutions like TAFE or private colleges for students who need academic support before entering university.

Bottom line: most universities across these countries accept multiple curriculums, but subject requirements and entry points may differ. We’ll guide you based on your academic background and your target country.

In most cases, yes. Many of our university partners offer pathway programs at top universities in the U.S. and Canada. These programs, often referred to as International Year One or University Transfer Programs, run parallel to the first year of a Bachelor’s degree and usually do not add extra time to your degree. Benefits include smaller classes, more support, and a simplified application process (no test scores required and English waivers are often available).

The same options exist in the UK, where foundation programs or international year one pathways prepare students academically and culturally for direct entry into universities. These are commonly offered by top Russell Group and modern universities alike, and they are ideal for students who need a bridge year or missed direct entry requirements.

In Australia, students can start with foundation studies or diploma programs through partner colleges or TAFE institutions. These programs are often bundled with a guaranteed progression to a university degree, without adding significant time to your studies.

Pathway programs are not just for students with lower grades. They are also perfect for students who want a soft landing, extra academic support, and time to adjust to a new country and education system.

Everything I do is virtual, personal, and built around what your student actually needs. I work directly with families from Kenya, East Africa, and beyond. From our first strategy session to the final visa prep, I’m with you each step of the way.

We meet online at key points in the process, and I guide you through every step: choosing the right universities, managing timelines, preparing applications, and avoiding unnecessary costs. You do not need to book endless meetings or apply to 15 schools. This is about being intentional, not overwhelmed.

For most families, this is not just about saving time. It is about doing it right the first time.

Student Visa Pro is my streamlined service focused entirely on helping international students with their student visa process. It is ideal for students who already have an admission letter and need expert help preparing for their visa interviews, whether for the U.S., Canada, UK, or Australia. From filling out forms to mock interview prep, it is designed to take the guesswork out of the process.

Student Visa Pro and AHEC are both part of my independent consulting work. AHEC offers full study abroad advising, from researching universities to submitting applications and choosing where to enroll. Student Visa Pro is for students who are already admitted and just need support with the final (but critical) visa step. You can work with me through either service depending on where you are in your study abroad journey.