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As you search for the perfect program at a variety of universities around the world, you will first need to know if you are eligible for a program before you apply. This can save a lot of time on your part.

Entry requirements in global universities depend on the program you are applying to and the requirements of the individual country / region. We encourage you to search on the program page for the exact information because it does vary by program.

The good news is that there are hundreds of thousands of programs and universities around the world! You will definitely be able to find a program for you on Global Admissions. In this article, we will walk you through the entry requirements, types of application documents, and other helpful information to start your application.

Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The basic entry requirements for each university are different based on country. Here is a table showing the basic entry requirements for popular countries / regions:

Country / RegionBachelor's RequirementsMaster's RequirementsPhD Requirements
USAHigh School Diploma/GREBachelor's DegreeBachelor's Degree
UKHigh School DiplomaBachelor's DegreeBachelor's and Masters OR significant professional experience
GermanyHigh School QualificationsUndergraduate DegreeBachelors + Masters degree (or equivalent)
JapanHigh School Diploma (12 years of formal education)Bachelor's Degree or equivalentBachelor + Masters
AustraliaSecondary School/High School DiplomaBachelor's degreeDiplomas from three-four years of undergraduate study and two years of postgraduate study
CanadaSecondary School/High School DiplomaBachelor's degreeBachelors, Masters in related field, GMAT/GRE
SpainHigh School DiplomaBachelor's degreeBachelor + Masters
TaiwanHigh School DiplomaBachelor's DegreeBachelor + Masters
ChinaHigh School DiplomaBachelor's DegreeBachelor + Masters

Most countries / regions have similar degree requirements, but the US is one of the only locations where you can apply for a PhD without a master's degree. This means you can go straight from undergrad into studying your PhD.

Age Requirements to Study Abroad

Some countries have very strict requirements...other countries, not so much. What are the age requirements to study abroad?

Country / RegionBachelor's Age RequirementsMaster's Age RequirementsPhD Age Requirements
USA17+NoneNone
UK17+NoneNone
Germany17+NoneNone
Japan18+18+24+
Australia18+18+18+
Canada18+18+None
Spain18+18+None
Taiwan18+18+18+
China18-3018-3518-40

In most countries / regions, as long as you meet the program's requirements, you will be able to study abroad regardless of age.

However, it may be harder for you to study abroad if you are older than 45, especially at the Bachelor's or Master's level. It will help if you have strong work experience in a related field, and if you apply through Global Admissions for our personalized, award-winning help!

Application Documents for Studying Abroad

You will need to prepare these important documents regardless of where you will study:

  1. Passport
  2. Transcripts from previous degrees
  3. Diplomas from previous degrees
  4. Personal statement essay
  5. Application form for the university
  6. Language proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS for English, or your target country's language exam)
  7. Resume/CV
  8. National Test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, A-Levels, IB diploma, etc)
  9. Letters of Recommendation
  10. Entrance exams for your university

You may also need the following documentation, depending on the country / region:

  1. Bank statement
  2. Invitation letter from university
  3. Non-criminal record
  4. Additional essays required by the university
  5. Vaccination Certificate
  6. Additional passport photos
  7. Employer references
  8. Extracurricular award certificates
  9. Health Check

It's a very good idea to apply as early as possible. It takes students an average of 10 days to complete their applications, and universities prefer early applicants. Some of these documents can take several months to prepare.

Watch our playlist explaining how to complete the application documents here:

Browse courses and check out the application documents as soon as possible: