11 Questions to Ask When Considering Studying Abroad

Explore the academic, financial, and practical details that can help you choose the right international study experience.

So, you want to study abroad? Great choice! Studying abroad can provide you with a sense of adventure, greater independence, and opportunities to explore new cultures and exciting cuisine.

But before you make your decision, you should ask questions to find out whether studying abroad is the right move for you. Try to ask open-ended questions to get as much information as possible. An open-ended question prompts a conversation, while a closed-ended question usually requires a simple yes or no answer.

Whether you're attending an education fair like Study and Go Abroad / SchoolFinder Fairs, chatting with your counsellor, or doing research yourself, these are the main questions you'll want to ask.

1. Academic and program fit

Before looking at housing or travel plans, make sure the program itself suits your goals. Look closely at what you'll study, how you'll learn, and what support will be available.

• Is the institution officially recognized in its home country?
• Is the specific program accredited, if accreditation applies to the field?
• How is the program structured, and which courses are required or optional?
• How much of the program is lecture-based, practical, online, or placement-based?
• What are the average class sizes?
• What academic support is available to international students?
• What happens if you fail or need to repeat a course?
• Can you speak with a current student or recent graduate of the program?

2. Recognition and career outcomes

A credential may be recognized in the country where you earn it, but you should also find out how it could support your plans in Canada or elsewhere.

• Will the credential be recognized by Canadian employers, graduate schools, and professional regulators?
• Will you need a Canadian credential assessment after graduation?
• Does the program lead to professional licensing in Canada?
• Will you need additional examinations, courses, placements, or certifications before working in your field?
• What kinds of jobs have recent international graduates found?
• What percentage of graduates find work related to their studies?
• Does the program include an internship, co-op, practicum, clinical placement, or other work experience?
• Is the placement guaranteed or competitive, and is it paid?
• Can the school share examples of Canadian graduates and their career paths?

3. Qualifications and documentation

Once you know you're interested in a program, find out whether you have what you need to apply.

• Will your secondary education qualify for admission?
• What grades and prerequisite courses do you need?
• Are entrance exams, portfolios, auditions, interviews, or language tests required?
• Will you need certified translations or assessments of your academic documents?
• When are the application, scholarship, residence, and deposit deadlines?
• Is admission conditional, and when must final transcripts be submitted?
• Can you defer your offer if your plans or visa timeline change?

4. Student visas and immigration requirements

Admission to a school does not automatically give you permission to enter or study in another country. Learn about the immigration process early and verify requirements through official government sources.

• When should you begin the student visa or study permit process?
• Does the institution provide immigration guidance for international students?
• Which documents will the institution issue for your application?
• What documents will you need, such as a valid passport, admission letter, financial evidence, biometrics, medical examination, police check, or translated records?
• Does the country require proof that you have enough money to study and live there? If so, how much?
• How long must your passport remain valid?
• What conditions must you meet to maintain your student status?
• What happens to your status if you change programs, reduce your course load, withdraw, or take a leave?
• What should you do if your visa is delayed or refused?
• Where can you get qualified immigration advice if a problem arises?

5. Tuition, financial aid, payments, and refunds

International tuition can be much higher than domestic tuition, so build a complete budget and understand the financial risk before accepting an offer.

Tuition and other expenses

• What is the tuition for international students?
• Are tuition and fees fixed, or could they increase while you study?
• Which additional fees are mandatory?
• What books, equipment, or supplies will you need for your program?
• What does it cost to apply for a visa?
• What currency must payments be made in?
• Are there international transfer or currency-conversion charges?
• Does the institution offer a payment plan?

Financial aid

• What financial aid does the school offer specifically to international students or Canadians?
• Are entrance awards automatic, or do you need to apply?
• What are the eligibility requirements and deadlines for scholarships and bursaries?
• Are awards renewable, and what must you do to keep them?
• What government funding may be available to Canadians studying abroad, and where can you verify the requirements?
• What documents will you need when applying for loans or a student line of credit?

You can also search for external awards through ScholarshipsCanada.com.

Deposits and refunds

• How much is the enrolment deposit, and when is it due?
• Are application, tuition, and residence deposits refundable?
• Can you receive a refund if your visa is refused or delayed?
• What proof is required to request a refund?
• Are there withdrawal penalties?
• What happens financially if you leave partway through a term?

6. Accommodations

Living in another country is exciting, but it can be intimidating to find a place to live when you aren't there yet.

Residence

• What residence options are available for international students?
• How do international students apply for residence, what are the deadlines, and is accommodation guaranteed?
• How are residence preferences considered? Can you choose the type of room or building?
• Are residence options available to upper-year students?
• What does residence cost, and are meal plans or other charges required?

Off-campus housing

• Which housing platforms or services does the school recommend?
• How can you avoid rental scams?
• What resources can help you understand leases and your rights as a renter?
• Which areas are popular with students, and how close are they to campus, grocery stores, and transit?
• What is the average rent, and how much should you budget for utilities?
• Are homestay options available, and can the school help you find one?

7. Healthcare, accessibility, and safety

You'll be away from home for months or longer, so make sure you understand how to get help if you become sick, need accommodations, or face an emergency.

Healthcare

• What healthcare plan does the school provide, and what is covered?
• Are international students eligible for public healthcare in this location, and where can you verify the rules?
• Will you need private health insurance, what must it cover, and can the school recommend appropriate options?
• Is health insurance included in your fees?
• What mental health resources are available?
• How can you continue any prescriptions or ongoing treatment while abroad?

Accessibility and accommodations

• What academic and housing accommodations are available?
• What documentation will you need to request accommodations?
• Should accommodations be arranged before you accept an offer?
• Are residence buildings, classrooms, labs, and local transportation accessible?

Safety and emergencies

• What campus security services, emergency alerts, or after-hours contacts are available?
• What should you do if your passport or immigration documents are lost or stolen?
• What support is available after theft, harassment, discrimination, or another emergency?
• Who should you contact during an emergency outside school hours?
• What local laws or customs should international students understand?

8. Working while abroad

A part-time job may help with expenses, but work rights depend on the country and your immigration status.

• What immigration conditions apply to international students who want to work, including permitted hours, eligible job types, and any additional authorization?
• Are international students allowed to work on campus?
• What kinds of positions are common, and how can you apply?
• Does the school help students search for jobs, prepare resumés, or practise interviews?
• If your program includes a placement, are international students legally permitted to complete it?
• Will the placement require another permit, background check, vaccination, or language credential?
• Where can you find official information about options for working in the country after graduation?

9. Community and student support

When you're not in class, your campus community can play a big part in helping you make friends, adjust to your new surroundings, and enjoy your time abroad.

• What orientation activities are provided for international students?
• Is there a dedicated international student office?
• What clubs are available for Canadian and other international students?
• What organized events take place throughout the year?
• How does the school encourage interaction between international and local students?
• What academic, personal, and career support can students access?
• Can you connect with a peer mentor or student ambassador?

10. Destination and lifestyle fit

The world is at your fingertips, but the best destination is one that suits your goals, budget, and preferred lifestyle.

• Rural or urban: Do you prefer the energy of a city or scenery and access to nature?
• Language: Can you communicate comfortably in the country? Does the school offer language support?
• Culture: Are you comfortable with the local customs, social expectations, and way of life?
• Climate: Are you prepared for the local weather throughout the academic year?
• Distance from home: How long and expensive will the trip home be?
• Travel: Is the area connected to airports, rail service, or other transportation?
• Daily needs: Can you easily access groceries, healthcare, banking, mobile service, and other essentials?

11. Arrival and pre-departure support

Once you accept an offer, find out what you'll need to do before leaving Canada and during your first days abroad.

• Does the school provide a pre-departure checklist or information session?
• What documents should you carry while travelling?
• Is airport or train-station pickup available?
• Can you move into residence before orientation?
• What should you do if you arrive late?
• Is temporary accommodation available?
• Can the school help you arrange a local bank account, phone plan, transit pass, or required identification?
• Who should you contact if you have questions before travelling?

Studying abroad is a major decision, but asking the right questions can help you compare your options and avoid surprises. Take notes, verify important requirements through official sources, and focus on finding a program that is academically sound, financially manageable, and a good fit for you.

There's a lot to think about when you're considering studying in another country, but these questions will help guide you in making the best choice possible. Start your study abroad adventure today by attending a SchoolFinder Fair near you. Join us in Calgary, Vancouver, Montréal, or Toronto, from September 26 through October 4!