The Amateur Writer

Before I get into that though, there are a few questions you have to ask yourself when you’re about to go down this path.

Questions:

a) Which university should I apply?

b) Have I done enough research?

c) Should I get an agent or I’m going to apply on my own?

**I’m not even going to bother to put the “what should I major in?” question because honestly, you should have figured that out by now. If not, go check out my dad’s blog and get yourself motivated.

QA+B: It’s good to do a lot of research on the country and university you’re thinking of applying for. I think it’s important for you to know what kind of weather they have there, culture, currency exchange and etc. Certainly it doesn’t hurt to know lots of facts about the country of your choice. Also, try creating a contact (preferably someone from your country who have been studying there) from the country of your choice because this will be helpful when you’re finally there.

Make sure to do a thorough research on the programs provided by the University of your choice. If you can’t make up your mind to which university to go, list down the top 3 (let’s stick with three ok?) and apply to all of these universities.

QC: After doing your research, you have an option to apply by yourself or seek for an agent’s help. For myself, I decided to get an agent because I feel it is a lot safer than doing it on my own.

You can find agents at any local universities/colleges in your area. Agents are directly connected to the universities overseas. Look for the ones that have a license and looked legit enough. For my case, I went with Selset. They are specialized with universities in New Zealand.

An agent will help you with these things:

a) Advises on university and country of your choice.

b) Guides you during application

c) Provides you with contacts since they have connections with students already studying at the university of your choice.

d) Helps you with your Visa matters.

e) Directly connects you to the right people at the university.

**As far I know, getting an agent doesn’t require a fee except a few matters such as getting your visa done and signing a few documents.

Initially I was aiming for Waikato but Otago and Victoria seemed like good universities too so I sent in all of my applications to these three and let them decide for me. I figured that if I got rejected by any of these three, I’ll just settle with what I’ve got since I will end up with one of my shortlisted choices anyway.

But my problem was that I got accepted into all of them!

My advice if this ever happens is that try to consider these options:

a) Subjects offered for your course (sometimes, certain universities offer more subjects than others and a better program structure).

b) Standard of living, weather and atmosphere.

c) Ask for opinions from students who have been studying at those respective universities.

d) Ask questions like “Can I imagine myself studying there?” , “Do I want an entirely different lifestyle or I want to live in a place that is quite similar to home?” , etc.

Dealing with the paperwork.

Application Forms:

Usually application forms are quite easy to fill in. You can download them from the University’s website or get them from your agent. They require the usual stuff; copy of your passport, birth cert and academic reports. Some universities require you to write an essay or sit in for an interview/audition.

I don’t have any legit tips for this because my course doesn’t require an interview/audition but I had to write an essay for my Victoria Uni application.

I advise you to be quick and not put off these paperwork because you don’t want yourself rushing near the deadline. (Note: Take the postage duration into consideration.)

Also for non-English speaking countries, there is a high chance that you are required to take an English test so that you meet the university’s standards. It’s either the IELTS or Cambridge English Exam. You will need the results for your application forms. So make sure you take this into consideration!

After much deliberation, the university will send out your acceptance letter. But usually it will take a few weeks (It took me almost 2 months just to get my Otago acceptance letter! Those unis really like taking their own sweet time.)

Now sit on your bum for a few weeks until...

You got accepted into the university of your choice! Congrats!

Along with your acceptance letter, you will receive a welcome package where they will enclose the full details of your new life at the university (at this point, you can still reject the offer by simply not doing anything!) including the fees, rules, accommodation options, etc.

At this point, the dreaded feeling of death will start creeping back because this nice gesture of a welcome package means…MORE PAPERWORK!

And you thought everything’s done at application.

Expect to run around getting a copy of everything, getting them certified, get a medical check-up, pay your fees, applying for your accommodation, insurance, etc.!

Yes, it’s a crazy time indeed. :(

Visa

I don’t have much to say except apply for them early. Usually people will start applying for them a month prior their flight but things will start getting really hectic by then. I did mine really early and I got my visa a month before my flight. Also, I got the help from my agent so it was really easy.

If you are doing this right now, take a chill pill and relax. Everything will go smoothly. Just plan your time wisely!

Good Luck.