1. What are the courses available for higher studies abroad?
A comprehensive list of courses would be available in the University prospectus and also on the University web sites. It varies from University to University. Most of the Universities offer almost all courses from undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA / M.Phil and PhD (research degrees) to international students.

2. Can I work during my course abroad?
Normally you are allowed to work for 20 hours part-time per week during your course period. However, during vacations you may work full-time.

3. Is getting a part-time job difficult abroad?
No. It is not so difficult to get a part-time job. In fact, if you are open to all kinds of legitimate works, securing a part-time job could be very easy too. You are admired for accepting all types of works during your course period in other countries since the experience you gain from your part-time jobs is also a learning process for you as it offers you a chance of improvement of your communication skills, exposure to real-time works, interaction with different people, improvement of your confidence level and above all assists you in balancing of your expense accounts.

4. How do I make a choice about the University, the course and the country?
FCPL will assist the candidates in deciding the right and balanced choice of the courses, Universities and the countries etc., after assessing the course requirements as well as their learning capabilities through informal discussions and personalized counseling. In fact, we shall be providing complete advice to the candidate in deciding the most appropriate study program.

5. How long does it take to complete the admission procedures?
For all the US and Canadian universities the time taken is around 4 to 8 months as these countries have a longer processing time, where as other countries take less time for processing the application.

6. What kind of accommodation do I get during my course period abroad?
The students can choose the accommodation as per their choice. University halls, Hostels or Residential accommodations have self-catering facilities where the students can cook their own food. Alternately, a group of students can also take up private apartments on rent and share the expenses.

7. Which is the “Best” University?
There is no such concept as the “best” University. Almost all Universities are excellent in terms of the study program they offer. Popularity of the University depends on the individual preferences and perception and also on the course one is selecting. The candidate can look forward to FCPL and their expertise in deciding the “Best” of the Universities as per the desired study program.

8. Is it required to appear for entrance exam to pursue study abroad?
It is not required to appear for any entrance examination to get into a foreign University. But there are certain criteria to be satisfied in terms of the handling of English language. Most of the Universities ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores before admitting the candidate into their University. Most of the Universities in US also ask for GRE scores apart from the TOEFL score. Hence it is essential for all candidates to write these tests before applying to the foreign Universities.

9. Is there any ranking for the Universities?
As such there are no rankings of the Universities. We would recommend the most appropriate University depending on your qualifications, grades and the courses you wish to apply for. Each institution has its own entry requirements.

10. When should I apply?
Usually there are 2 intakes for most of the countries which usually are Jan/Feb intake known as ‘spring’ intake and Aug/Sep intake known as ‘fall’ intake. Basing on the applicable entry intake periods, a candidate should apply, keeping in mind, the admission deadlines of the Universities concerned. Usually a candidate should apply at least 6 to 8 months in advance of such intake periods of the chosen University.

11. How much does it cost approximately for studying abroad?
Overseas education is expensive but gives you value for your money by exposure to global career opportunities. Your major expenses would be towards the tuition fees and living expenses which vary depending upon the course and country that you have chosen. The other major expenses would be on travel, visa procurement and shopping. Usually it varies from 8 lakhs to 15 lakhs per annum and in some Universities even more.

12. How do I apply to study in a foreign University?
FCPL will not only give you the best advice in applying to the appropriate Universities but will also assist you in processing your application till the admission is achieved. Our specialists will follow up the progress of your application with the Universities abroad periodically, till the admission is achieved.

13. Are there any scholarships available?
There are limited scholarships available for the international students and the competition for the scholarship is very high. So the candidates must apply as soon as possible as the scholarships are also granted on a first- cum- first- serve basis in most of the Universities.

14. What are the periods of studies for the Bachelors and the Masters Courses?
Usually the bachelor degree is for 3 to 4 years and the Masters degree is for one and half to 2 years.

15. Do I need entry clearance before traveling to a foreign country?
Yes. Almost all the countries have their own visa or entry clearance requirements. Even the time taken for the visa clearance also differs from country to country. Hence, the candidate should apply for visa processing at the earliest.

16. What are the some of the documents required while applying for undergraduate and postgraduate studies?
Application Form and fees (if applicable) Transcript in English IELTS / TOEFL score GMAT/GRE and work experience are required for some business related programs. Letters of recommendation Statement of Purpose Resume/CV Additional documents as required incase the candidate is applying for universities in USA.

17. What is the last date for filing the admission applications to the Universities?
Each University in each country has its own deadlines for accepting the applications from international students. So the students should keep these deadlines in mind before applying. Delay in applying or applying with insufficient documents and incomplete information might lead to rejection of their applications.

18. What are the criteria for issuance of visa?
Major criteria for the issuance of Student Visa are: 1. Financial credibility of the student or his sponsor in supporting his education 2. Overall Academic record of the student 3. English Proficiency Test score 4. Post study plans of the student

19. Do Universities allow me to pay my fees in installments?
Most Universities collect their fees in installments. For a one year PG program the student must pay the fees in 2 installments the first being paid at the start of his course and the second installment at the beginning of the second term. Depending upon the earning potential of the countries concerned, most of the Universities accept flexible fee payment options.

20. Why do Universities collect security deposits?
Security deposits are collected from intending students to ensure that they do report to the Universities concerned, since some of the Universities were facing problems with many students not reporting to the Universities after entering the country. This has been an issue of great concern for the institutions as well as the immigration authorities as most of such students have a high potential of becoming illegal full-time workers. In order to overcome this hurdle, most of the Universities have been implementing the security deposit scheme. This also has been seen to be the the most effective way to judge the genuineness of the intending student. Also, the partial payment of fees and the security deposit go a long way in proving the financial status of the student for visa purposes.

21. What are the financial options available to me for pursuing overseas education?
Apart from self savings and family sponsorship from India & abroad, the student could also avail the following options for financing his studies: Scholarships: University Scholarships, International Scholarships, regional awards and other scholarships. Bank Loans: Many nationalized banks are offering study loans for students pursuing studies in foreign countries. Such loans have low interest rates and flexible repayment options and are mostly sanctioned within a few days of production of convincing collateral properties.

22. How do I prepare for my visa Interview?
Primarily the candidate is expected to have all the required documents in order. Presentation of self is also very important to create the “First impression is the best impression” criterion. . Since the student is under observation for his skills in English language, his responses need to be precise, clear and to the point. The details of the course he is undertaking and the knowledge of the University he is pursuing to study with, is very essential as the student would be questioned on these details.. General information on educational set up, lifestyles etc. would be an added advantage. Finally the student is expected to have a clear cut idea regarding his post study plans. FCPL is fully geared to provide all assistance in this regard.

23. Is it advisable to take University accommodation or private accommodation?
It is advisable to take University accommodation, as far as possible. As a new entrant, you don't have to hunt much for accommodation, don’t have to worry about landlords & contractors, no extra bills, etc. Mostly, University accommodations are close in proximity to the place of study. Nevertheless, the University accommodation has its own limitations in that the accommodation is slightly expensive, less spacious, limits things you want to do.

24. Will I be provided airport pick-up when I arrive?
Most Universities give arriving students airport pick-up on certain days. This requires that the students inform the international office of the Universities concerned of their arrival plans well in advance and get a written confirmation for their pick-up at the airport.

25. What if I have any other doubt which is not mentioned here?
Please feel free to contact FCPL for any further enquiries at the following address: Futureage Consultants Private Limited