EDMONT / QUESTIONS

Questions about studying abroad

173 questions grouped by topic, from choosing a country to the visa. Each section links to the page where the subject is covered in full.

01

Search

02

Services

Admissions support and areas

01Where does the work start if I have not chosen a country yet?

With your profile and your goal, not with a list of universities. We look at your academic record, your languages, your budget and your timescales, compare the education systems that suit them, and only then move on to programmes. You can come to us with nothing more than the wish to study abroad.

02How does support work if more than one country is involved?

Applying to more than one country is possible and commonly done. Each country is a separate system of requirements, documents and deadlines, so parallel routes are planned in advance and brought into a single calendar. Support covering two countries is a separate format.

03How far in advance should I start?

As a rule of thumb, twelve to eighteen months before the course begins. That timescale is set not by us but by external dates: the English test, the recognition of your qualifications, separate scholarship competitions and visa processing all run to their own calendars, and several of them close before the application itself.

04How is a bureau different from an agency?

An agency processes volume and offers ready-made packages, often working with a limited set of partner universities. A bureau takes one case and builds a strategy around it. We do not promise admission: that decision rests with the admissions committee, and no intermediary can influence it.

05Do you help with scholarships and the visa?

Yes, both are part of the support. We assess funding while the universities are still being chosen, because some competitions close before admission decisions are made. Visa support continues after enrolment, through to the visa itself.

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Pricing

Fees, the agreement and payment

01What does admissions support include?

Admissions support includes a strategy built around one student, a shortlist of up to ten programmes, preparing and strengthening the documents, up to five university applications, work on scholarships and funding, and support through to enrolment and the visa.

02What is the difference between support for one country and for two?

The One country format covers one chosen country and one education system. The Two countries format covers two countries, two admissions systems and choosing programmes in both countries under one strategy.

03How is payment made?

Payment is made under the agreement in two stages: 50% when the agreement is signed, and 50% once a university has made an offer of admission, whether conditional or unconditional.

04Does EDMONT work under an agreement?

Yes. The agreement fixes what is included, how the work is staged, what each side undertakes and on what terms.

05What happens if the support ends early, and how do refunds work?

Where a service that has been paid for has not been provided, we refund the fee for that service on the terms set out in the signed agreement.

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About

The bureau and how the work is organised

01How does a bureau differ from an admissions agency?

An agency processes volume and offers ready-made packages, often within a set of partner universities. A bureau works one case at a time: what the applicant has already done, where they are going and which routes make sense for them. That also sets the scale of the work: we take on no more than we can follow closely.

02Who actually handles my application?

One consultant runs the whole process and remains your single point of contact, so you never have to explain your situation from scratch to someone new. Specialists join where particular expertise is needed: documents, portfolios, funding applications and the visa stage.

03Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

04Does anyone check the documents before they are submitted?

Yes. A second specialist reads the key materials before they are sent: a fresh reader notices what someone close to the text no longer sees. This is how we work, not an optional extra.

05Which universities do you work with?

With public and private institutions alike, and we are not limited to a set of partners. The shortlist follows the applicant’s profile rather than any arrangement with an institution: we take no commission for putting a particular university on a list.

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Contact

The first step and getting in touch

01What happens on a first consultation?

It is an audio or video call. We go through your previous education, your experience and your preferences, answer your questions and set the initial search criteria, then match the profile against the requirements of universities in the country you are considering.

02Do I need to have chosen a country and a university first?

No. For a first conversation it is enough to say where you are starting from: the level and subject you are considering, the countries and year of entry that matter most, and what weighs heaviest — cost, funding, the programme itself or what comes after. The country and the subject can be worked out from scratch.

03How quickly do you reply?

Our response standard is one working day. The same standard applies during the admissions work itself, when a dedicated Admissions Manager handles the applications and the correspondence with universities.

04How can I get in touch?

Through Telegram or WhatsApp, or by email at edmont.buro@bk.ru. Choose whichever suits you: it makes no difference to the conversation itself.

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Europe

Europe: choosing a country and a system

01How do I work out which European country suits me?

We take account of your academic profile, your education, your budget, the language of instruction, the degree programme and what you want afterwards. From there we compare systems and build a strategy.

02Can I apply to several countries at once?

Yes, and it is a common approach: it widens the choice and makes the strategy more robust. Each country is its own system of requirements, documents and deadlines, though, so parallel routes are planned in advance and brought into a single calendar.

03Do I need to know which country I want before we start?

No. We can start by assessing your profile and comparing several education systems.

04How do I know where I have a realistic chance?

We match your academic profile against the requirements of specific programmes. A strategy can combine more competitive options with more realistic ones.

05Is IELTS required?

Not necessarily IELTS. Each university decides which forms of proof of English it accepts: some take TOEFL, Duolingo or a Cambridge qualification, some set their own test, and some accept previous study in English. We check the requirements of your chosen programmes in advance and establish which certificate you need and by when.

06Do you help with scholarships?

Yes, and it is a distinct strand of the work. We assess the scholarships, grants and fee reductions open to you while the universities are still being chosen: some competitions close before the admissions round itself, so leaving funding until later is leaving it too late. What is available depends on the country, the programme and the applicant, and the decision rests with the university or the funding body.

07Do you help with the letter of motivation and the CV?

Yes. We work on the CV, the letter of motivation, the letters of recommendation and the other materials in the application.

08Do you help with the student visa?

Yes. Once an offer of admission is in hand we support the visa stage: the procedure in the particular country, the documents required, the proof of funds and the submission deadlines. The decision rests with the consulate, so what we are responsible for is the quality of the application, not the outcome.

09When should I start preparing?

As a rule of thumb, twelve to eighteen months before the course starts. That timescale is set not by us but by external dates: the English test, the recognition of your qualifications, separate scholarship competitions and visa processing all run to their own calendars, and several of them close before the application itself.

10Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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Italy

Applying to Italy

01Can I study in Italy in English?

Yes. Italian universities run English-taught programmes, though the number on offer varies by degree cycle, subject and university. When we build the list we check the language of every programme.

02Do I need Italian?

Not always. Where a programme is taught entirely in English, Italian may not be an academic requirement. The conditions are set by the programme.

03Is IELTS required?

Not necessarily IELTS. Each university decides which forms of proof of English it accepts: some take TOEFL, Duolingo or a Cambridge qualification, some set their own test, and some accept previous study in English. We check the requirements of your chosen programmes in advance and establish which certificate you need and by when.

04Can I study at a public university?

Yes. Italy has a well-developed public university system, and many of its institutions admit international students.

05How much does it cost to study in Italy?

There is no single figure. Fees depend on the university, the programme and other factors. When we build the list we set out the cost of each option and the funding mechanisms that may apply.

06What scholarships are available in Italy?

Various forms of support exist, but eligibility, conditions and deadlines depend on the programme, the region, the university and the applicant’s circumstances. We check the options at the strategy stage.

07What is Universitaly?

Universitaly is the official portal of Italy’s Ministry of University and Research, and it is free to use. Applicants who need a study visa submit their pre-enrolment through it. The university application, and whether any other steps are needed, are matters for the institution you apply to.

08Do I need CIMEA or a Dichiarazione di Valore?

There is no universal answer. CIMEA (the Italian centre in the ENIC-NARIC networks) and the Dichiarazione di Valore (Declaration of Value) provide information used to assess a foreign qualification, but neither counts as recognition in itself. Which is required is decided by the university and by the procedure that applies.

09Can I apply to several universities at once?

Yes, where the rules of the chosen programmes allow it. Several suitable options make the strategy less dependent on a single outcome.

10When should I start preparing to apply to Italy?

As early as possible before the main deadlines for the intake you are aiming for. Dates differ, so we draw up the list of programmes first and then a calendar built around it.

11How does the student visa for Italy work?

Once you have an offer, we advise on the main stages of the student visa procedure and on the documents required.

12Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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Germany

Applying to Germany

01Is study in Germany really free of tuition fees?

No. Many public universities charge no tuition fees, or comparatively low ones, but there are exceptions by federal state, by university, by nationality and by type of programme. A semester contribution is normally payable as well.

02Does my school-leaving certificate allow direct entry?

That depends on the country and on the type of certificate. In some cases direct access is possible; in others a period of previous university study or a Studienkolleg is required. We check this before drawing up any list of programmes.

03What is uni-assist?

It is a service through which some German universities receive and pre-check applications from international applicants. Not all universities work through uni-assist.

04What is a VPD?

A VPD is preliminary review documentation issued by uni-assist. Where a university uses this procedure, the applicant obtains the VPD and submits it to the university themselves, with the application.

05Can I study in English in Germany?

Yes. English-taught programmes exist, particularly at master’s level. They normally require proof of English; the certificates and scores accepted are set by the programme.

06Do I need German?

For German-taught programmes, yes. For an English-taught programme German may not be a condition of admission, but it is useful for daily life, for internships and for work afterwards.

07Where is the application submitted for Germany?

Directly to the university, through uni-assist or through another procedure the university specifies. We check the application channel separately for each programme.

08When should I start preparing to apply to Germany?

Early. Checking your entrance qualification, arranging language certificates and translations, and obtaining a VPD all take time. No single set of deadlines applies to every programme.

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Austria

Applying to Austria

01What language are Austrian programmes taught in?

Most programmes are taught in German, though English-taught options exist. Language requirements are checked separately for each programme.

02Where is the application submitted for Austria?

Directly to the university or other institution you have chosen, following its own procedure. The OeAD does not accept applications on behalf of universities.

03Are there entrance examinations?

Some fields of study and some types of institution set examinations, tests, interviews or a portfolio. The registration deadline for the selection procedure may fall before the general application period opens.

04Will my school-leaving certificate or degree be accepted?

The institution decides, after assessing the document and the requirements of the programme. For a master’s degree, the subject content of the previous degree is also checked.

05Are translations and legalisation always needed?

It depends on the language of the documents, the country that issued them and the university’s requirements. We establish in advance what form of translation, certification and, where relevant, legalisation is required.

06How much does it cost to study in Austria?

Fees depend on the type of institution, your nationality and the programme. The current amount has to be checked on the institution’s official website for the current academic year.

07What scholarships are available in Austria?

Funding exists, but the conditions vary. We check the relevant university and external funding programmes for the level you are applying to and the profile you bring.

08When should preparation start?

Before the main deadlines, particularly if you need a language certificate, legalisation of documents or an entrance examination. Each programme has its own timetable.

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the Netherlands

Applying to the Netherlands

01What is the difference between WO and HBO?

Purpose, not level. Research universities (WO) prepare students academically: a bachelor's of three years and 180 ECTS. Universities of applied sciences (HBO) prepare students for a profession: a bachelor's of four years and 240 ECTS. The prior education they ask for differs as well.

02Where is the application submitted for the Netherlands?

Usually through Studielink, the national portal. Not every institution admits applicants from abroad through it, however — some run a procedure of their own, and that should be established before any documents are prepared.

03What is the deadline?

15 January for programmes with a limited number of places and 1 May for the rest. Universities may set an earlier date for applicants from outside the EU, so the deadline is checked against the specific programme.

04What is a numerus fixus programme?

A programme with a limited number of places that selects its own students. Applications close on 15 January, selection runs from 15 January to 15 April, and an applicant may apply to no more than two such programmes in an academic year. A place that is offered has to be accepted in Studielink within two weeks, or it passes to the next candidate on the list.

05Will a Russian school-leaving certificate be accepted in the Netherlands?

Research universities ask for preparation at VWO level and universities of applied sciences at HAVO level. Nuffic publishes comparisons for each country, but the decision on a particular certificate rests with the university.

06Do I need Dutch?

Not for an English-taught programme. The language of instruction and the certificate required are set by the programme itself; for daily life in the larger cities English is generally sufficient.

07How much does tuition cost in the Netherlands?

Applicants from outside the EU and EEA pay the institutional fee, which each university sets for itself and which is appreciably higher than the statutory fee. The exact figure is checked on the official page for that programme and academic year.

08Who applies for the visa?

The university submits the application to the immigration service, provided it is listed as a recognised sponsor. The entry visa and the residence permit are requested in a single procedure, and the applicant supplies proof of sufficient funds.

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France

Applying to France

01How is the application submitted?

In some seventy countries, Russia among them, through the Études en France state platform with Campus France alongside — the procedure is compulsory for admission with a student visa. The national portals Parcoursup and Mon Master are not used in that case.

02What is the DAP?

A preliminary admission request for the first year of a bachelor's degree (licence 1) at a public university. The campaign opens on 1 October, dossiers are accepted until 15 December, and up to three programmes may be listed.

03Can I study in English in France?

Yes — above all at master's level and in the grandes écoles; English-taught bachelor's programmes exist too, though the choice is narrower. The language of instruction and the certificate required are set by the programme itself.

04Do I need French?

For a French-taught programme, yes — as a rule level B2: the TCF in its DAP version, or a DELF B2 or DALF diploma, which exempts the holder from the test. An English-taught programme does not require French, though it helps in daily life.

05How much does tuition cost in France?

At public universities applicants from outside the EU pay the differentiated rate: for 2026/27, €2,902 a year for a licence and €3,950 for a master's, plus the CVEC contribution. The grandes écoles set their own fees. Exemptions from the differentiated rate are capped from 2026, so a waiver is checked against the specific university.

06Are there scholarships in France?

Yes. France Excellence Eiffel for master's study is awarded on the institution's nomination, French embassies in a number of countries award master's scholarships of their own, and universities run their own programmes. Scholarship deadlines often fall earlier than the academic ones.

07Will a Russian school-leaving certificate be accepted in France?

Yes: applications to licence 1 are made with the applicant's national school-leaving certificate through the DAP — no separate recognition is required in advance, and the university itself judges whether it is sufficient. For a master's, the content of the previous degree is what matters.

08How does the visa work?

The student visa is requested once the Études en France procedure is complete and is tied to its dossier. A financial guarantee is required — €877.50 a month from August 2026 — and the long-stay VLS-TS visa is validated online within three months of arrival.

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United Kingdom

The United Kingdom and UCAS

01How do I know which UK universities are a realistic prospect for me?

We compare your academic profile with the entry requirements of specific courses and build a set of choices at different levels of selectivity. We read rankings alongside course content and how well the course fits your profile.

02How does undergraduate admission differ from postgraduate?

Most undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Postgraduate applications usually go directly to the university on its own terms, so requirements, documents and deadlines are checked separately for every programme.

03How many choices can I make through UCAS?

Under the UCAS rules for 2027 entry an undergraduate application may carry up to five choices. Each choice should do a clear job in the overall strategy.

04Has the personal statement changed?

Yes. For 2026 entry UCAS replaced the single continuous essay with three structured questions. Admissions staff still read the answers as a whole, so avoid repetition and show motivation and preparation consistently across all three.

05Do I need a foundation year before an undergraduate course?

Not always. It depends on your previous education, the university and the entry requirements of the particular course. We establish whether a foundation year is needed once we have assessed the academic profile.

06Is IELTS required?

Not necessarily IELTS. Each university decides which forms of proof of English it accepts: some take TOEFL, Duolingo or a Cambridge qualification, some set their own test, and some accept previous study in English. We check the requirements of your chosen programmes in advance and establish which certificate you need and by when.

07Can I be admitted without perfect grades?

Entry requirements vary. We assess the whole profile and identify courses that match your academic record. Where a stated requirement is not met, we do not promise an offer.

08Is there an interview?

On some courses, yes. Where an interview is part of selection, EDMONT works through the likely questions and helps you present your experience, your motivation and your goals clearly.

09What does a conditional offer mean?

It is an offer that becomes final once the stated conditions are met. What those conditions are depends on the applicant and the course.

10Do you help with scholarships?

Yes, and it is a distinct strand of the work. We assess the scholarships, grants and fee reductions open to you while the universities are still being chosen: some competitions close before the admissions round itself, so leaving funding until later is leaving it too late. What is available depends on the country, the programme and the applicant, and the decision rests with the university or the funding body.

11What is a CAS?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic record with a unique number, issued by a licensed student sponsor once your place is confirmed. A CAS is not the offer itself; it is what you need in order to apply for the Student visa.

12Do you help with the student visa?

Yes. Once an offer of admission is in hand we support the visa stage: the procedure in the particular country, the documents required, the proof of funds and the submission deadlines. The decision rests with the consulate, so what we are responsible for is the quality of the application, not the outcome.

13Can I stay in the UK after my course?

That depends on the immigration rules in force and on the graduate’s own circumstances. The terms of the Graduate route change, so we do not present it as a promise: the position has to be checked on GOV.UK immediately before you apply. This page was verified on 19 August 2026.

14Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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United States

The United States and the Common App

01What do US colleges and universities consider?

There is no single system of assessment across US institutions. Depending on the university, admission may take account of academic results, the rigour of the curriculum, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, test scores and other parts of the profile.

02Do all universities use Common App?

No. How you apply and what else is required are checked separately for each university.

03Is the SAT or the ACT required?

That depends on the university and on the admissions cycle. Testing policy can change, so the requirements are checked for every option on the list.

04How much do extracurricular activities matter?

Their weight depends on the university and on the applicant’s profile. What counts is not the number of activities but their substance and the applicant’s real role in them.

05Do you help with the essays?

Yes. We help choose the direction, build the structure, and edit and strengthen the text, while keeping the applicant’s real experience and their own voice.

06Is IELTS required?

Not necessarily IELTS. Each university decides which forms of proof of English it accepts: some take TOEFL, Duolingo or a Cambridge qualification, some set their own test, and some accept previous study in English. We check the requirements of your chosen programmes in advance and establish which certificate you need and by when.

07Is financial aid available at US universities?

Some universities offer merit-based aid, need-based aid, or both, to international students. Terms and availability vary widely, so funding has to be assessed separately for each university.

08What is the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is a College Board online application that some universities and scholarship programmes use to award institutional financial aid. It is not needed everywhere: the requirement is checked against the College Board list and on the university’s own financial aid pages.

09What are Early Decision and Early Action?

They are different application plans, and each university sets its own conditions. When we build the strategy, we check the deadlines and restrictions of every institution separately.

10How many universities should be on the list?

There is no universally correct number. The list depends on the applicant’s profile, their goals, the budget, selectivity and the amount of work each application takes.

11What is the Form I-20?

The Form I-20 is a document issued by a school certified by SEVP. It confirms that the student has been accepted to study there and is required for the visa process that follows. The Form I-20 is not a visa.

12Do you help with the student visa?

Yes. Once an offer of admission is in hand we support the visa stage: the procedure in the particular country, the documents required, the proof of funds and the submission deadlines. The decision rests with the consulate, so what we are responsible for is the quality of the application, not the outcome.

13Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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China

Applying to China

01Can I apply to a Chinese university straight after school?

Yes. Chinese universities admit international school-leavers to undergraduate programmes, but each university sets its own requirements for the qualification, the academic results, the subjects studied and the language of the programme. We check the conditions of specific programmes before the list is built.

02Are there programmes taught entirely in English?

Yes. A number of universities offer English-taught programmes at different levels of study. What is available, and on what terms, depends on the individual university and the field, so the search begins with the current list of programmes.

03Do I have to speak Chinese?

Not for English-taught programmes: there, the language requirement is whatever proof of English the programme asks for. For Chinese-taught programmes a university may require proof of proficiency, such as HSK, and the level needed depends on the programme. Some Chinese helps in daily life in any case.

04Which documents are needed to apply to China?

The typical categories are academic records, the school-leaving certificate or degree, proof of language, the passport, and — where the programme asks for them — a CV, a personal statement and recommendations. The exact set is defined by the individual university and programme.

05How do you choose the universities and programmes?

From the applicant’s profile, not from a list of familiar names. We check which programmes are formally open, weigh academic fit, language, selectivity, cost and the funding available, and arrange the options by level of selectivity into one strategy.

06Can I get a scholarship in China?

Funding opportunities exist: the government scholarship programme, university scholarships and other schemes. Each has its own criteria, its own procedure and its own deadlines, and the decision rests with the awarding body. We assess the options while the universities are being chosen, and we do not promise an outcome.

07Can I apply to several Chinese universities at once?

Yes, and it is the usual strategy. Universities run their own portals, requirements and deadlines, so parallel applications are planned in advance and brought into a single calendar.

08When should preparation for China begin?

As a rule of thumb, about a year before the course begins — and earlier where language preparation or a scholarship application is involved, since some funding competitions run to their own, earlier deadlines.

09Do you help with the documents and the applications themselves?

Yes. We assemble the set of documents to each programme’s requirements, strengthen the supporting materials, coordinate the recommendations, and manage submission and correspondence through the universities’ applicant portals.

10Do you help with the student visa?

Yes. Once an offer of admission is in hand we support the visa stage: the procedure in the particular country, the documents required, the proof of funds and the submission deadlines. The decision rests with the consulate, so what we are responsible for is the quality of the application, not the outcome.

11Can China be combined with applying to another country?

Yes. China can be one of two education systems in a single strategy: the routes are planned in parallel and the requirements and deadlines are brought into one calendar. Our two-country support format exists for exactly this scenario.

12Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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Canada

Applying to Canada

01Can I apply to a Canadian university straight after school?

Yes. Canadian universities accept a Russian school-leaving certificate as a basis for undergraduate entry, but the terms are set by the individual university. The University of British Columbia names the qualification outright — Attestat o Srednem (Polnom) Obshchem Obrazovanii — and states that in past years an average of 4 on the five-point scale was required. McGill University lists the same qualification in its country table and sets a separate minimum at the equivalent of a B+ average, noting that most programmes ask for more. These are two statements of one principle: what is recognised is a specific document read together with grades and subject prerequisites, not a school certificate in the abstract. Verified 19 September 2026.

02Is there a single application system for Canada?

No. There is no national application system in Canada. In Ontario the application goes through the central Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), but the requirements, supplementary forms and deadlines within it are set by each university separately. In the other provinces you apply directly to the university through its own portal. A list of universities is therefore also a list of different procedures, and it has to be brought into a single calendar by hand.

03What IELTS score do I need for Canada?

There is no national requirement, and there could not be: the threshold is set by the university, and sometimes by an individual programme within it. The University of British Columbia publishes a standard of IELTS Academic 6.5 with no part below 6.0, and states separately that IELTS General, IELTS Indicator and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted. Another university, and another programme, will set a different bar. We check the requirement for every programme on the list before an application is made, not after. Verified 19 September 2026.

04Do I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) for a study permit?

In most cases yes, but not for everyone. IRCC states that a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) is required when applying for a study permit, and that obtaining one normally means accepting your offer and paying tuition in whole or in part. For degree-granting master’s and doctoral programmes at public institutions, however, no PAL or TAL is required where the application is made after 1 January 2026. Quebec operates its own certificate, the CAQ, in place of a PAL. Verified 19 September 2026.

05How much does study in Canada cost for an international student?

Tuition is set by the university, and the spread between provinces is several-fold. Statistics Canada puts average international undergraduate tuition for 2026/2027 at CAD 42,062 a year: CAD 50,088 in Ontario and CAD 18,911 in Newfoundland and Labrador. That figure is tuition, not the cost of a year: IRCC separately requires proof of living funds, which for applications made on or after 1 September 2026 outside Quebec is CAD 23,448 for a single applicant, excluding tuition and travel. The two figures are added together, not substituted for one another. Verified 19 September 2026.

06What is the difference between a university and a college in Canada?

It is not a difference in quality but in purpose, and in consequence. Universities award academic degrees; colleges and polytechnics award applied diplomas and certificates through shorter, more practical programmes. The choice also shapes what a graduate may do next: under IRCC rules, holders of a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree face no field-of-study requirement when applying for a post-graduation work permit, whereas graduates of colleges and of non-degree university programmes do, where the study permit application was made on or after 1 November 2024. The language threshold differs as well. This is why the decision belongs before the application, not after it.

07When do applications close for 2027 entry?

There is no single date, even within one university. At the University of Toronto for 2027 entry most programmes close on 15 January, documents are due on 1 February, and the supplementary form for particular programmes falls on 15 January or 1 February depending on the subject. At the University of British Columbia the general application closes on 15 January 2027. At McGill University the application is due 15 January and supporting documents 1 March. At the University of Waterloo the supplementary forms for engineering close on 1 February 2027 and for pharmacy on 20 January. Scholarship deadlines run separately, and often earlier. Verified 19 September 2026.

08Should I look for funding after I am admitted?

No, and it is the most expensive mistake in the Canadian cycle. The major competitions close before ordinary admission does. The Lester B. Pearson scholarship at the University of Toronto requires the school to nominate a candidate by 9 October 2026, the admission application to be submitted through OUAC by 16 October, and the scholarship application to be completed by 6 November — while the ordinary application deadline is 15 January. At the University of British Columbia the International Scholars application is submitted together with the admission application by 1 December 2026, against a general deadline of 15 January 2027. An applicant who decides to be admitted first and look for funding afterwards is already out of the competition by then. Verified 19 September 2026.

09How do you choose Canadian universities and programmes?

From the applicant’s profile, not from a ranking. We begin by establishing which programmes are formally open: how the individual university reads the qualification in hand, whether the subject prerequisites are there, which forms of language proof are accepted, and whether a supplementary form or an interview is required. We then weigh how competitive the profile is, the budget against the full cost of a year, the funding routes available and their deadlines. The list of universities appears at the end of that analysis, not at its start.

10Can I work in Canada after I graduate?

The possibility exists, but it is not automatic and depends on what you studied and where. A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) requires a programme of at least eight months at an institution whose programmes qualify for it, full-time status in every semester, and an application within 180 days of confirmation that the programme is complete. The language threshold varies by level of study, and non-degree programmes carry an additional field-of-study requirement. We take these conditions into account when programmes are chosen, but we do not treat admission as an immigration scheme and we do not promise an outcome: the decision rests with IRCC. Verified 19 September 2026.

11Do you help with the student visa?

Yes. Once an offer of admission is in hand we support the visa stage: the procedure in the particular country, the documents required, the proof of funds and the submission deadlines. The decision rests with the consulate, so what we are responsible for is the quality of the application, not the outcome.

12Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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Master’s degrees

Master’s study

01Can I change subject at master’s level?

Sometimes. It depends on your previous degree, the prerequisites and the terms of the particular programme. We assess which moves are open to you case by case.

02Is work experience required?

There is no universal rule. Some programmes are built for recent graduates; others may expect professional experience. We check the requirements of each programme separately.

03Can I apply straight after my bachelor’s degree?

Yes, many programmes allow it. The exact requirements depend on the field and the university.

04What matters more: grades or experience?

It depends on the programme. Some weigh the academic profile more heavily; others may take relevant professional experience into account. We therefore assess the profile as a whole.

05Can I apply with a Russian degree?

It depends on the country, the university, the level of the degree and how far its content meets the requirements of the programme. We check academic compatibility for the options you choose.

06Is IELTS required?

Not necessarily IELTS. Each university decides which forms of proof of English it accepts: some take TOEFL, Duolingo or a Cambridge qualification, some set their own test, and some accept previous study in English. We check the requirements of your chosen programmes in advance and establish which certificate you need and by when.

07Do you help with the CV?

Yes. We structure and strengthen the CV around the requirements of the chosen programmes and the wider application strategy.

08Do you help with the personal statement?

Yes. We work on the logic and the structure, and on making the document persuasive, while keeping the applicant’s real story and goals intact.

09Are references required?

It depends on the programme. Where references are required, we clarify what is asked for and plan how to obtain them.

10Can I apply to several countries at once?

Yes, and it is a common approach: it widens the choice and makes the strategy more robust. Each country is its own system of requirements, documents and deadlines, though, so parallel routes are planned in advance and brought into a single calendar.

11Do you help with interviews?

Yes, where the selection process includes one. We go through the likely questions and prepare the applicant to talk about their experience and motivation confidently.

12Can I get a scholarship for a master’s degree?

Funding depends on the country, the university and the programme. Where suitable options exist, we build them into the strategy and support you through each stage.

13When should I start preparing?

As a rule of thumb, twelve to eighteen months before the course starts. That timescale is set not by us but by external dates: the English test, the recognition of your qualifications, separate scholarship competitions and visa processing all run to their own calendars, and several of them close before the application itself.

14Do you help with the visa?

Once an offer has been made, we advise on the main stages of the student visa process.

15Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

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Scholarships

Scholarships, grants and funding

01Can you study without tuition fees?

In some countries, at some universities and in some situations, tuition fees can be substantially reduced or covered by funding. It depends on the particular programme and on the applicant’s profile.

02Do you guarantee a scholarship?

No. The decision rests with the university, the foundation or whichever body provides the funding. We work on the quality of the application: strategy, document preparation and managing the process. That makes a successful outcome more likely.

03Which scholarships can I apply for?

It depends on the country, the university, the programme, your academic profile, your financial circumstances and other criteria. We check the available options for each applicant separately.

04Do I have to be admitted first and apply for funding afterwards?

Not always. In some systems the funding application is tied to the application for admission; in others there is a separate procedure or a separate deadline. We check this in advance for every option.

05Do grades matter?

In some merit-based funding programmes academic results can count for a great deal. The criteria differ from programme to programme, so there is no universal requirement for a grade average.

06Can I win a scholarship with average grades?

Sometimes, where a particular opportunity takes other criteria into account. It depends on the programme. We assess the profile as a whole.

07Do I need to write a separate personal statement?

It depends on the scholarship. Where a written statement is required, we help structure it and present the applicant’s case accurately.

08Is evidence of family income required?

For some kinds of need-based funding, yes. Other programmes may not ask for them. We check the exact list of documents in advance.

09Can I apply for several scholarships at once?

Sometimes, but whether different sources of funding can be combined has to be checked separately. We take that into account when we build the strategy.

10When should I start looking for funding?

At the same time as you draw up your university list. Funding can then be taken into account while you are still choosing programmes, so that separate deadlines are not missed.

11Do you help with submitting applications?

Yes. As part of admissions support, we help prepare and submit funding applications, where the chosen programme and service include it.

12Can a scholarship cover living costs?

Some funding programmes may include support beyond tuition fees; others cover only part of the cost. The terms have to be checked separately.

13Is full funding possible?

Fully funded places exist in some systems and some programmes, but they are often highly competitive. We do not promise full funding, and we assess each opportunity on its own terms.

14Is it worth applying when the chances are small?

It depends on the time involved, on how well you meet the conditions and on the wider strategy. We help decide which applications genuinely earn their place on the list.

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Choosing a university

Choosing universities

01How many universities are on the list?

Usually 8 to 12 programmes. More than that dilutes the focus and the quality of each application; fewer raises the risk of ending the year with nothing. The exact number depends on the country, the level of study and your goals.

02Do you guarantee admission?

No, and nor can anyone else: admission is decided by the university’s admissions committee and the visa is issued by the consulate. EDMONT is responsible for what lies within our control: the strategy, the choice of programmes, the quality of the application and meeting the requirements and deadlines. Promises of “guaranteed admission” do not appear in our materials.

03Can I add universities I have chosen myself?

Yes. We check them by the same method: if a programme fits the requirements and the budget, it takes its place on the shortlist. The final word is always yours.

04What if my profile falls short of the university I want?

We show the gap plainly and set out a route: a foundation year, a language test, a portfolio, or comparable programmes where your profile is already competitive.

05Do you take the budget into account?

Yes. The budget is one of the first constraints we record. Programmes whose total cost does not fit it never reach the shortlist, and that total includes living costs and fees.

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Short programmes

Short programmes and summer schools

01What age are pre-college programmes for?

Most programmes are designed for students roughly between 15 and 18, but every institution sets its own age limits. We check eligibility individually.

02Do you only work with Istituto Marangoni?

No. Marangoni is one of the institutions we may consider. The shortlist depends on the student’s subject, age, goals and future university plans.

03Can EDMONT arrange accommodation?

We assess the accommodation options associated with the programme and help coordinate the appropriate route. For minors, we pay particular attention to university or supervised residential arrangements.

04Do you help with visas?

We coordinate the visa preparation relevant to the programme and destination. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities.

05Will a summer school improve my chances of admission?

Not automatically. A short programme can strengthen academic understanding, portfolio work or the quality of later decisions, but attendance itself does not guarantee admission.

06Can EDMONT continue working with me after the programme?

Yes. Where the next step is a Bachelor’s or Master’s application, we can build a separate full admissions strategy around the student’s updated profile.

07How long is a short programme?

Most run for one to six weeks. Shorter intensives and longer formats also exist: the length depends on the programme and on what the student needs from it.

08What level of English is required?

Each programme sets its own requirement: some ask for formal proof of English, others assess the application as a whole. We check the language requirements of every programme and match them against the student’s actual level.

09How is arrival organised for a younger student?

Every programme organises arrival, meeting points and supervision differently. For younger students we check the arrival arrangements, transfers and parent communication in advance and build them into the plan.

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English preparation

English and IELTS

01How long does IELTS preparation take?

It depends on your current level and your target band score. Moving to the next CEFR level – from A2 to B2, for example – usually takes several months of regular work. The tutor states a precise timeframe after the level assessment.

02What band score do you need to apply?

Requirements are set by the university and vary even within the same institution. Many undergraduate programmes work to a range of about 6.0–6.5, and master’s programmes often ask for a higher band score. We check the requirements of the specific programmes on your list.

03How does Academic differ from General Training?

To apply to a university you take IELTS Academic: its texts and tasks are close to those of an academic environment. General Training is intended for migration and work purposes.

04How long are IELTS results valid?

A result is normally accepted for two years from the test date. When you plan the date you sit the test, make sure the result is still accepted when you submit your application and when you enrol.

05Can you take lessons if you do not need the exam yet?

Yes. If no certificate is required, or if your application is still a long way off, the lessons are built around academic English and confident speaking rather than around the format of the test.

06What if a programme asks for TOEFL?

In most cases you will not need it: IELTS Academic is accepted by universities in the United Kingdom and across Europe, and by almost every university in the United States, so one exam is usually enough for an entire list of programmes. Where a chosen programme accepts only TOEFL, we verify that requirement on its official page and build the preparation around that exam — the underlying academic skills are the same; what differs is the format of the tasks.

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Is your question not on the list?

Every applicant’s situation is different. On an introductory call we go through your profile, your goals and the routes open to you.

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