Timeline
Plan your intake month by month
A clear seven step preparation timeline. Start early so you do not miss your intake or appointment window.
Month 1–2
Country and course selection
Shortlist countries that fit your budget and profile. Pick subjects and a target intake. Research funding options and scholarship deadlines early.
Month 2–3
English test preparation
Register and prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. For Germany, plan for German language proof if required. For France, check DELF/DALF needs. Allow time for a retake.
Month 3–5
GRE, GMAT, and extra tests
Some US, Netherlands, and business programs require GRE or GMAT. For Germany, complete the APS certificate process (allow 3–4 months). For France, open your Campus France account.
Month 4–7
University applications
USA/Canada: deadlines November–January. UK: October (Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine) or January (most others). Germany: July 15 (winter), January (summer). Netherlands and Ireland: January–May. France via Campus France: January–May.
Month 6–8
Offer letter and scholarship applications
Accept your offer and pay any tuition deposit. Apply for Chevening (UK, closes November), Eiffel (France, closes January), Holland Scholarship, or DAAD at the same time as your applications.
Month 7–9
Visa file preparation
Arrange proof of funds, insurance, and country-specific requirements: I-20 for USA, biometrics letter for UK/Canada, blocked account for Germany, Campus France attestation for France, university IND sponsorship for Netherlands, Universitaly pre-enrolment for Italy.
Month 8–10
Visa application and appointment
Submit your visa or study permit application. UK: apply at least 3 months before course start. Canada: apply after receiving Provincial Attestation Letter. Australia: online application after Confirmation of Enrolment. USA: book embassy interview after SEVIS payment.
Month 10–12
Flight, accommodation, and pre-departure
Book flights early. Apply for on-campus accommodation as soon as you receive your offer — it fills quickly in Dublin, Amsterdam, and London. Complete pre-departure checks including insurance and arrival registration.
By country
Application deadlines at a glance
Key intake dates and deadlines for each destination. Start earlier than you think — visa and test prep add months.
| Country | Main intake | Apply by | Visa timing | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | Fall (Aug–Sep) | Nov–Jan | 2–3 months before start | Start 10–14 months early. GRE or GMAT adds prep time. Embassy interview required. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Sep & Jan | Oct (Oxbridge) / Jan (others) | Apply 3+ months before start | TB test and maintenance funds are additional steps. Graduate Route visa post-study. |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Sep, Jan, May | Sep–Jan | After PAL + acceptance | Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required since 2024. PGWP up to 3 years post-study. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Feb & Jul | 4–6 months before intake | Online; 4–8 weeks | Genuine Student statement and OSHC required. 485 visa for 2–4 years post-study. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Oct (main) & Apr | By 15 Jul (winter) / Jan (summer) | After APS + blocked account | APS certificate takes 3–4 months. Blocked account needed. 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation. |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Sep/Oct | Feb–Apr (Universitaly) | After pre-enrolment | Universitaly pre-enrolment is mandatory. Apply for DSU scholarship immediately on enrolment. |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Sep (some Feb) | Oct–May (varies by program) | University applies via IND | Some programs close in February. Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa for 1 year post-study. |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Sep (some Jan) | Jan–Mar | 4–8 weeks processing | Dublin is expensive — budget carefully. Third Level Graduate Scheme: 12–24 months post-study. |
| 🇫🇷 France | Sep/Oct (some Jan) | Jan–May via Campus France | 3–6 weeks after Campus France clearance | Campus France interview in Dhaka is mandatory. Validate VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival. |
Disclaimer. VisaMapBD provides general educational planning information only. It is not legal, immigration, admission, or financial advice. Visa rules, fees, and requirements can change anytime. Always verify details from official embassy, immigration, university, and VFS websites before applying.