Application Essentials
What is a Stamp 2 Visa?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A Stamp 2 in Ireland is an immigration permission for non-EU students on full-time, eligible courses (ILEP list), allowing study, part-time work (20 hrs/wk term, 40 hrs/wk holidays), and renewal for up to 7 years, requiring private health insurance and sufficient funds, granting study rights but not family dependants
What is a Type D Study Visa?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026An Italian Type D Study Visa is a long-stay national visa for non-EU students pursuing higher education (over 90 days) in Italy, requiring pre-enrollment via Universitaly, submission of attested academic documents, proof of funds/accommodation, and an appointment at the local Italian consulate/VFS center for biometrics and interview, followed by obtaining a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence...
What is CIMEA Verification?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026CIMEA Verification in Italy is an official process through the CIMEA (Centro Informazioni Mobilità Equivalenze Accademiche) platform, often via DiploMe, to authenticate foreign educational documents and establish their comparability for Italian institutions, providing a “Statement of Comparability and Verification” to prove qualifications’ authenticity and equivalence for studies or work in Italy, replacing or supplementing the...
What does Declaration of Value (DoV) mean in Italy?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Declaration of Value (DOV) is an informative document requested by an Italian Higher Education Institution for granting admission to Italian Universities. Students are required to submit their DOV application in person through VFS.
What is Universitaly?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Universitaly is the portal that the Ministry of University and Research and the entire higher education sector have created to provide Italian and international students with a reliable point of reference for access to higher education in Italy.
What does “deferred” mean?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026In simple terms, getting deferred means the admissions office liked your application and think there’s a chance you’re a good fit for the incoming freshman class. However, they need more time to make a final decision.
What is Rolling Admission?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Rolling admission means applications are reviewed as they are received rather than after a fixed deadline. Students are encouraged to apply early because spaces may fill quickly.
What is a Personal Statement or College Essay?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A personal statement is a written essay where applicants explain their background, goals, and motivations. It helps admissions officers understand the student beyond grades and test scores.
What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A Letter of Recommendation is written by a teacher, counselor, or mentor who can assess your academic ability and character. Most U.S. universities require one to three LORs as part of the application.
What is a Holistic Review?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Holistic review is an admissions process where universities evaluate the entire applicant profile. This includes academics, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and personal background, not just grades and test scores.
What are Unconditional Offers?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026These mean you’ve already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it!
What are Conditional Offers?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026These show the conditions you have to meet to get your place confirmed. For most people, this means waiting for your final board results to see if your exam results meet the conditions of your offer stated by the university.
What is ‘Extra’ service in UCAS?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026If you’ve received decisions from all five universities or colleges and weren’t accepted, or you declined the offers you received, then you may be eligible for Extra. Extra is a free service available for you to apply to one course at a time between 26 February and 1 July 2026. If Extra is available to...
What does Clearing mean?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026UCAS Clearing is how universities fill remaining course spots–with over 30,000 courses available each year. Whether you’ve just received your results, changed your mind, or are applying late, Clearing helps you find the right course and secure a place quickly.
What does UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) do?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026UKVI is the Home Office department responsible for issuing visas and enforcing immigration rules. It oversees student visa applications and compliance.
What is UCAS?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the official centralized platform for undergraduate applications in the UK. It manages applications, offers, and responses across universities.
What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A CAS is an electronic reference number issued by your university once you meet all conditions. It confirms sponsorship and is required to apply for a UK student visa.
What is the Equal Consideration Deadline (ECD)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The ECD is the UCAS deadline by which applications must be submitted to receive equal consideration. After this date, universities may close courses if they are full.
What is a Buzzword?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026In UCAS, a buzzword is a unique code given by your school or college that links your university application to them, allowing advisors to help you by adding references, checking details, and managing the submission process, streamlining support for students applying through a center. It acts as a digital key, connecting your personal application to...
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A BRP is an official immigration document that proves your right to live, study, and work in the UK. It contains biometric data and must be collected shortly after arrival.
What is the role of Uni-Assist?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026It is a non-profit service that helps international students apply to German universities by processing and pre-evaluating their applications, acting as an intermediary to check qualifications, convert grades to the German system, and forward compliant applications to participating universities for a final decision
What is a VPD from Uni-Assist?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) is a preliminary academic assessment issued by uni-assist. It confirms whether your qualifications meet German university entry requirements.
What is TestAS?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026TestAS evaluates a student’s academic readiness for university studies in Germany. Some institutions use TestAS scores as part of their admissions criteria.
What is SEPA used for?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) standardizes bank transfers within participating European countries. International students often use SEPA accounts to pay rent, tuition, and monthly expenses.
What is a Fachhochschule (FH)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A Fachhochschule, or University of Applied Sciences, emphasizes practical learning and industry collaboration. Programs are career-oriented and often include internships or applied research projects.
What is the DoSV system?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Dialog-Oriented Service Procedure (DoSV) manages admissions for high-demand undergraduate programs through a centralized portal. It helps ensure fair and transparent allocation of study places.
What is the DSH exam?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) is a German language proficiency test required for admission to German-taught degree programs. Most universities require a DSH-II level for enrollment.
What is DAAD?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) promotes international academic cooperation and offers scholarships, funding, and official study information for international students.
What is an APS certificate and who needs it?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Akademische Prüfstelle (AP) certificate verifies the authenticity of academic documents for applicants from certain countries, including China, India, and Vietnam. It is a mandatory requirement for applying to German universities from these regions.
What is France Université Numérique (FUN)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026FUN is France’s national MOOC platform supported by the Ministry of Higher Education. It provides access to online courses from French universities and public institutions.
What is ONISEP?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Office national d’information sur les enseignements et les professions (ONISEP) is a government-backed organization under the Ministry of Education that provides official guidance on education pathways, qualifications, and career options in France.
What is the CVEC and who must pay it?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus (CVEC) is a mandatory fee that funds student services such as health, sports, and cultural activities. Proof of payment or exemption is required before enrollment.
What is CROUS and how does it help students?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Centre régional des œuvres universitaires et scolaires (CROUS) is a public organization that supports student life in France, particularly through affordable housing and dining services. Scholarship holders are given priority access to CROUS accommodation.
What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A TRV is an official counterfoil placed in your passport that allows you to travel to Canada. It does not guarantee entry but confirms you meet the requirements to seek admission at the border.
What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Student Direct Stream is a faster processing option for study permits available to residents of certain countries. Applicants must meet specific financial, language, and documentation requirements.
What is a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A PAL or TAL confirms that a province or territory has allocated you a study space. This letter may be required as part of your study permit application under Canada’s student intake management policies.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A PGWP allows eligible graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. Eligibility depends on the institution, program length, and compliance with study permit conditions.
What is OUAC?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre) is a centralized, not-for-profit organization that processes applications for admission to Ontario’s universities, allowing students to apply to multiple institutions with one online application, though universities handle the actual admission decisions
What is IRCC?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the federal department responsible for managing immigration, visas, study permits, and citizenship. All international student applications are processed under IRCC regulations.
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A DLI is an educational institution approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to host international students. A valid letter of acceptance from a DLI is required to apply for a Canadian study permit.
What is a Co-operative Education (Co-op) program?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A Co-op program alternates academic study terms with paid work placements related to your field of study. These programs are regulated and must be authorized by the institution and immigration authorities.
What is a CAQ and who needs it?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is required for most international students planning to study in Québec. It is issued by the provincial government and must be obtained before applying for a Canadian study permit.
What is Work Integrated Learning (WIL)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Work Integrated Learning (WIL) combines academic study with structured work experience that is formally assessed. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real workplace settings while earning academic credit.
What is Vocational Education and Training (VET)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026VET programs focus on hands-on, industry-relevant skills and practical training. These courses are designed to prepare students for specific occupations and are delivered by registered training organisations approved by the Australian Government.
Is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) mandatory?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Yes, OSHC is a legal requirement for international students in Australia. It helps cover medical treatment, hospital care, and some prescription medicines during your stay and must be valid for the entire duration of your visa.
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Genuine Student requirement is part of Australia’s student visa application process. Applicants must demonstrate that their primary intention is to study and that their education choice aligns with their background, future goals, and financial capacity.
What is CRICOS and why is it important?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is the Australian Government’s official register of education providers and courses approved for international students. Only CRICOS-registered institutions can legally enroll students on a student visa, making it essential to check before accepting an offer.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official electronic document issued by an Australian education provider after you accept your offer and pay the required deposit. It confirms your cours
What is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)?
Last Updated: 12 January 2026The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy that regulates qualifications across schools, vocational education, and higher education in Australia. It ensures consistency, quality, and national and international recognition of Australian qualifications. AQF levels also help students understand progression pathways between courses.