Bachelor's degree abroad
Which route fits your child, what each country requires and how the application works. We help choose the right path — IB, Foundation or transfer — and support the whole application to an offer.
We assess chances and options at the first consultation
What is a bachelor's degree?
A bachelor's is the first level of higher education in the three-tier Bologna system: bachelor's, master's and doctorate. A programme usually lasts three to four years, depending on the country and the subject.
Common degree titles include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS / MBChB).
Studying abroad: pros and cons
When it can make sense to start a degree at home first
Entry barriers
In many countries an 11-year school certificate is not enough for direct entry, so an extra preparatory year or a different school programme is needed.
Fewer English-taught programmes
Outside English-speaking countries, the choice of bachelor's programmes taught in English is far narrower than at master's level.
Less funding
Scholarships for international undergraduates are rarer and more competitive than for postgraduate study.
Why it is worth it
Quality of education
Teaching built around research, independent thinking and small-group work at internationally ranked universities.
Range of programmes
Thousands of degrees and subject combinations that simply are not available at home.
International network
Classmates and professors from dozens of countries — friendships and contacts that last a career.
Languages
Living and studying in English (and often a second language) makes fluency natural.
Independence
Students learn to manage their time, money and life in a new country — skills employers value.
Three routes to a bachelor's abroad
International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-levels
Switching after year 9 (age 15–16) to a school that teaches the IB Diploma or British A-levels. Both two-year programmes are accepted by universities worldwide and replace the need for a foundation year. IB and A-level schools exist in many cities and countries, including boarding schools in the UK, though tuition is not cheap.
Foundation / preparatory programme
Six months to two years of university-level preparation with local exams at the end. Names differ by country: Foundation (UK, Australia), Studienkolleg (Germany), University Preparatory Courses (Switzerland), Pathway (USA). Typical cost: $500–15,000 per year, excluding accommodation.
Transfer after 1–2 years at a home university
Study for one or two years at a university at home, then transfer abroad. This can save money and, in many countries, avoids the need for SAT, ACT or A-levels.
Some foundation programmes guarantee progression to a partner university, but the list of partner universities may be weaker. We help weigh this before you commit.
Entry requirements by country
What an applicant with an 11-year school certificate typically needs. Requirements change and vary by university, so we confirm them for every application.
Direct entry after school is possible
- No extra requirements
- Austria, Hungary, Greece, Canada, China, South Korea, USA, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Japan, Portugal (most universities)
- Plus national school-leaving exam results
- Belgium, Hong Kong, Turkey
- Netherlands
- Universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) only
- Ireland
- Only with top marks across the certificate
- Switzerland
- Some universities only
- Spain
- Recognition of the certificate (homologación, up to about 6 months) plus the PCE subject exams
- Norway
- Some universities require an apostilled certificate at the application stage (autumn–winter, about six months before the start)
- Poland
- Recognition (nostrification) of the certificate, which can take up to a year
- Singapore
- Plus Advanced Placement (AP) results
An extra year is needed
- Australia, New Zealand
- A foundation programme is required
- United Kingdom
- Usually a foundation year, A-levels or the IB. A few universities accept a strong certificate directly (for example, the University of Greenwich with a high GPA); others, such as Manchester, ask for two years of university study
- Germany
- One year at university or a Studienkolleg
- Denmark, Iceland
- One year at university
- Italy
- One year at university or a foundation programme
- Netherlands (research universities)
- One year at university or a foundation programme
- Switzerland (most universities)
- One to two years at university, one year of work experience or a foundation programme
How to apply: step by step
Check the requirements
Minimum qualifications and the language level — usually B2 or higher.
Submit the application
Register on the university's (or the national system's) website and upload your documents.
Interview
If the documents pass screening, the admissions committee may invite you to an interview.
Decision
Usually a few weeks after the interview, or on the university's published decision date.
What the application usually includes
- Certified English translations of school documents (a transcript is often accepted if the certificate is not yet issued)
- One or more essays
- A CV / résumé
- Contacts for two to five referees
- Certificates, awards and publications (optional)
- A portfolio for creative programmes
- A sponsor letter or proof of funds (sometimes)
- Language test results and, for some universities, SAT, ACT or AP scores
We help with admission
Choosing universities, a foundation programme or preparing your documents — tell us about your situation and we will suggest the best route.
Full admission support
We take on the whole process with you: strategy, university list, documents, applications and interviews.
Admission with a mentor
You lead, we guide: five expert sessions and chat support at a fixed price.
About mentorshipLet's get in touch!
Tell us about your child and your goals — we will reply within 24 hours with our thoughts and possible next steps.
- Where does your child study now?
- What are your goals?
- Which countries are you considering?
- Any previous experience of studying abroad?
- Current level of English?
Kate will reply to you personally within 24 hours.