Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed. You’ve been thinking about studying abroad, but you’re not even sure where to begin. Should you go? What should you study? How long does it take to prepare? Are the deadlines already too close?
Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not too late.
Today, we’re here to walk you through the ideal time to begin preparing for your studies abroad — and to break down each stage of the application process, step by step, so you’ll feel informed, confident, and ready for the journey ahead.
Think of your university application as a personal project—one that deserves your full attention and planning. Like any successful project, reaching your goal requires a clear timeline and a set of steps to follow. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process, month by month.
Keep in mind: timelines and deadlines may vary depending on the country or university, but one thing is certain — starting early gives you the best chance of success.
Why start early?
Because starting early means more options and less stress. While application timelines vary depending on the country and university, one thing remains true — early planning gives you the best chance of success.
So, when should you start? We recommend beginning the process one year before graduation.
Here’s what that looks like:
If you’re in high school: Start in your 3rd year
If you’re at university:
In a 3-year program → start in your 2nd year
In a 4-year program → start in your 3rd year
This simple timeline has helped thousands of students before you — and it can work for you too.
AUGUST
SELF ASSESMENT
The first step in your study abroad journey is honest self-reflection. Take some time to think about your goals, your resources, and any possible limitations.
1. Finances First
Have an open conversation with your parents or guardians about your financial possibilities. How much can they realistically contribute each month for tuition and living expenses? Based on that, decide whether you should focus on countries with lower tuition fees, like Germany or Italy, or if you’ll need to rely on a scholarship.
2. Academic Performance
Your GPA also plays an important role. If your average isn’t above 3.5 (or 8), don’t worry — you still have options. You may just need to stand out with strong SAT scores or do good on an entrance exam, if required. There are many good universities that accept a broader range of academic profiles — and that doesn’t mean the quality is any lower.
3.Language Skills
Language is another important factor. If you only speak English, be aware that not all programs will be available to you. That said, more and more universities offer excellent programs entirely in English — even in non-English-speaking countries.
Avoid looking at programs taught only in German or French unless you already have a strong foundation or a certificate of the language in B2- C1 level.
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH EAC MENTOR!
The first step on your way to study abroad is to schedule a consultation with one of the EAC mentors. Based on experience and knowledge, members of our team will clarify all doubts and provide information and guidelines for further steps during a free 45-minute consultation. The mentor will go over what you are looking for and will suggest the best universities and programs that suit your profile.
Now that you’ve assessed your options, it’s time for the most important step — booking your free 45-minute consultation with one of our experienced EAC mentors.
In this personalized session, your mentor will go over your academic background, study goals, language skills, and preferences to recommend the best universities and programs for you. You’ll leave with all the key info and next steps to move forward with confidence.
What you’ll get during your consultation:
- Tailored assessment of your profile and study goals
- Application deadlines and scholarship opportunities by country
- Estimated tuition, housing, and living costs
- A step-by-step action plan for your application
- List of documents required for your level of study
- Guidance on English and entrance exams (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc.) + prep options
- Scanning and certified translation of documents at discounted rates
Consultations with a mentor can be done in person, by coming to our office at Str. Dame Gruev 14A, 1000 Skopje or online, if you are unable to come. You can make an appointment via our contact form , or by phone +398 75 398 349 or by oicsk@oic.org.mk
NOVEMBER
PREPARE THE DOCUMENTATION!
Let’s be honest — just hearing the words CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters might already be giving you a bit of a headache. We get it! But this stage is crucial, and once you get through it, you’ll be one big step closer to your dream university.
When you apply for studies abroad, you’ll usually need a few key documents: a valid passport, a certificate proving you’re currently studying (or that you’ve finished your last level of education), and your Transcript of Records — which shows your grades and GPA so far. Most universities will also ask for a CV, a motivation letter, and one or more letters of recommendation.
If this feels like a lot, don’t worry — we’ve created simple guides to help you with each one. Your CV for university applications should focus more on academics than work experience, and we created a How to Write the Best CV for Studying Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students. Your motivation letter is your chance to show why you’re a great fit for the program — not just by listing achievements, but by telling your story. We’ve created A Practical Guide on how to write your Motivation Letter with Ease to help you write it with confidence. And if you’re not sure who should write your letter of recommendation, or what a good one looks like, we’ve covered that too Understanding the Letter of Recommendation:What It Is and How to Get a Strong One.
SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER
TIME TO TAKE TEST!
Figure out which English certificate you need and start preparing early! Preparation is key — not just to improve your English, but to understand the test structure and learn how to think quickly and accurately under time pressure. A good prep course will teach you helpful strategies, share plenty of tips and tricks, and train your brain to give the right answers in the shortest time possible.
If you’ve already completed the first two steps in your application, you probably know what score you need on your language or knowledge test. For example, most universities require at least 80–90 on the TOEFL, or a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS. In any case, aim high — a better score can open more doors. Read more about English language exams and the differences between IELTS , TOEFL and PTE here.
For undergraduate studies, top universities often require an entrance exam. This could be a university-specific test or an internationally recognized one like the SAT or GMAT.
We’re here to help you every step of the way — not just with guidance, but with preparation too.
We offer preparation courses for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, and GMAT, led by experienced instructors who know exactly what these tests require. Plus, we’re an official TOEFL and PTE test center, so you can prep and test in one place. Find out more about our courses and testing services here.
DECEMBER – FEBRUARY
FINAL APPLICATION SUBMISSION!
We have reached the final stage of the project. Now is the time to send your fully assembled documentation! All universities have switched to online applications where both domestic and international students go through the same procedure. CVs, motivational letters and letters of recommendation are often uploaded through this application. Some universities may also invite you to an interview as part of the evaluation process but don’t worry, that’s completely normal.
FEBRUARY – APRIL
THE ENROLLMENT RESULTS ARE HERE!
This is the time when a big part of your project is finished – The results arrive in your inbox and you can rejoice with your friends and family about your great success!
And we’ve reached the end of the process! Now you have to wait for the answer from the university and start asking about what you need for a visa, where to look for accommodation and similar technical information needed for relocation.
If you need help at any stage of the application process, you can always contact the EAC mentors who will do all this for you, or give you advice, answer any question or concern you may have. All you need is to contact us .
We wish you the best of luck in the application process!