Admission ABC

Your very first step is to register for a free online consultation, where we’ll answer all the key questions you might have when considering studying abroad:

• Which country should you choose for your studies?
• Finances – how much do tuition fees and living costs amount to? How can you get study funding? How much money should you have at the start of your studies?
• Jobs – what kind of work do international students usually do? Tips on how to find a job.
• Accommodation – dormitory, a room, or an entire apartment?
• Admissions – how does the application process to foreign universities work? Are exams important? What documents are required?
• Deadlines – how to make sure you don’t miss the application dates?

Kastu consultations are always free.

To choose exactly what suits you best, it is worth considering many aspects: starting with what you would like to study, what would fit you and be interesting, and ending with where you want to study.

When thinking about these questions, it is important to reflect not only on your wishes and dreams but also on your opportunities. Which questions should you ask yourself? Which criteria should you consider? Where can you look for help if you cannot find your path? You can find all this in the Kastu Career Centre, where you will discover useful advice, career orientation tests, and have the opportunity to register for career consultations.

Do you already know which field of study interests you? Great! Using our study search system, you can see which universities offer these programs.

One of the most important aspects to consider when applying to universities abroad is finances. Different countries offer different financial opportunities, so it is very important to make sure that studying in your chosen country is truly affordable.

In addition, it is useful to:

• know the payment procedures for tuition fees (if applicable) in different countries,

• become familiar with the opportunities to receive a loan, support, or other types of financial aid available in your chosen country.

All the most important information related to various financial aspects can be found in the “Finances” section. There you will find a table summarizing financial details across all the countries we work with, as well as separate sections explaining the financial opportunities available in each country.

When going to study abroad, it is essential to have savings that would allow you to live for at least 4–6 months (5000–7000 euros). Once you settle in, you will be able to combine studies with part-time work.

Once you have chosen a program, it is very important to know what is required in order to be successfully admitted. Admission requirements consist of many different points, so to find out all the details you should check several sections on our website:

• General admission requirements
• Required documents
• English language tests required by universities

In these sections, you will find general information about admission requirements that will help you prepare for the application process. You will learn which documents are necessary, what kind of English proficiency proof is required, etc. However, different programs also have their own specific requirements – for example, what score you need to achieve on an English test, what grade point average is required (if any), and so on. To find out the exact requirements for your chosen program, you need to go to the study search system, click on the program you are interested in, and check the section “Admission requirements” in its description.

Once you have chosen a program, calculated your financial possibilities, and reviewed the admission requirements, the next step is to apply. The application process through Kastu consists of three simple steps. Everything you need to know about them can be found in the section “Application process” Throughout the entire process, you will also be guided by Kastu coordinators, who will ensure you receive all the necessary information promptly and on time.

Between May and July, your application process will be completed with an acceptance letter from the university. Even if you receive a conditional acceptance letter, you can already begin planning your next steps, as this letter usually only requires you to submit your high school diploma, English test results, or fulfill other simple conditions.

Once you receive your admission letter, we recommend getting as familiar as possible with student life at the university where you plan to study:

• Look for student groups related to it on social media
• Talk to students who are already studying there
• Connect with peers who are applying at the same time as you, etc.

The more you know, the calmer you’ll feel when it’s time to leave. What’s more, by actively engaging with university life in advance, you’ll find friends faster, and perhaps even meet people who can help you find student jobs, assist with accommodation, sell used books at a lower price, or support you in other useful ways.

Once you receive even a conditional acceptance letter, you should immediately start looking for accommodation. Keep in mind that every year hundreds of first-year students flood into universities, so the earlier you begin your search, the less stress and risk you’ll face. General information can be found in the “Accommodation” section, but each university offers different housing options and follows its own procedures. That’s why the most up-to-date and relevant information can always be found in your chosen university’s description under the “Accommodation” section.

You probably realize that one of the most important steps before starting your studies abroad is arranging your health insurance.

How does the health insurance system work for students moving to another European country?

All citizens of the European Union who are going to study in another EU member state should apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card proves that you are insured under your home country’s public health system and gives you access to necessary medical care in your host country, under the same conditions as local residents.

The card is issued free of charge by the health insurance institutions in your home country. Usually, you need to provide proof that you will be studying abroad (such as an acceptance letter or a confirmation from your university). If you cannot provide this document right away, a temporary card may be issued until you start your studies, after which you can apply for the long-term EHIC.

Important to know: the EHIC is valid in all EU countries as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. However, it only covers necessary medical treatment in public healthcare facilities. It does not cover private healthcare or planned treatments.

That’s why it’s strongly recommended to check what services are covered for students in your host country and what additional costs you may need to pay. Many students also choose to take out additional private health insurance for extra security in unexpected situations.

When planning your travel date, make sure to carefully check the emails and letters from your university, especially those mentioning the official start of studies. Many universities organize a mandatory "Introduction Week" during the last weeks of August. If this is the case at your chosen university, you may need to arrive earlier. We also recommend planning to arrive at least a week before the program starts. This will give you some extra time to adapt to your new city, settle into your accommodation, and handle any practical matters before lectures begin.

EU citizens planning to live in another EU country can do so freely. However, you will usually need to register at the local municipality. Registration rules can differ from city to city, so you should either ask your university for guidance (many universities help their international students with this process) or contact the city municipality where you will live. They will explain the exact registration procedure. Once registered, you will receive a resident number, which is essential for getting a job, opening a bank account, and handling other administrative matters.

Documents usually required for registration:

• A valid ID or passport
• Two to four passport-size photos
• Your university admission letter

If before leaving you take time to learn about the country, the university, and the general study environment, plan your finances carefully, and start your housing search in advance, your first weeks abroad will be much smoother than you might expect.
After that, everything depends on you and your own initiative. Our advice – be proactive and open-minded. The more activities you take part in, the less time you’ll have to feel homesick or bored. Join extracurriculars and you’ll quickly make new friends. And most importantly – don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s natural to feel uncertain in a new environment, but asking those who know better is always a smart idea.