Study abroad checklist: Postgraduate application timelines to know
International student resources, like a study abroad checklist, can help you stay organized and on track with postgraduate application timelines. Whether you’re studying and looking towards a master’s in the U.S. or Canada, here are the 2026-27 application steps and timelines to know.
Study abroad checklist: Spring application timelines
If you’re targeting a spring 2027 intake, preparing for admissions ASAP can help you reduce delays and complete requirements on time. The application timeline below is a general guideline of what to prepare for and when as you pursue a master’s in the U.S. or Canada.
NOTE: Each university has its own admissions deadlines. Contact the school administrator to find out when certain steps are due so you can plan accordingly.
1. Research schools and programs (~ 18-12 months out)
Create a list of your preferred schools and postgraduate programs. Compare admissions requirements, program prerequisites, curriculum, cost and the school’s access to international student services. Confirm that your top programs offer spring intake.
2. Study and take standardized exams (~ 14-12 months out)
International students must complete English proficiency exams as a part of admissions requirements for universities in the U.S. and Canada. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is accepted in Canada, while the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is recognized in the U.S.
Some programs might also require Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) exam scores. Starting this step as far out as nine months from intake offers ample time for retaking exams, if necessary.
3. Gather application documents (~ 12-10 months out)
Get all necessary supporting documents for your university application together. This includes requesting copies of official school transcripts and standardized testing results and writing your statement of purpose. This is also a good time to invite two to three teachers, mentors or other individuals to write recommendation letters for you.
4. Submit completed applications and secure financing (~ 10 months out)
Fill out the formal application forms for each school, include any required supporting documentation for each and pay the application fees.
In the U.S., spring intake starts in January with application deadlines often July through October of the prior year. Again, timelines vary by institution; for example, Rowan University’s M.S. in computer science application deadline for spring intake is November 1.
The University of Calgary offers multiple postgraduate programs with a spring intake term, such as an M.S. in data science.
Then, apply for grants, fellowships or scholarships. If additional financing is needed, start exploring international student loan options.
5. Attend candidate interviews (~ eight months out)
Practice for interviews with admissions officers. This isn’t always a requirement, but it’s great to prepare if you know it’s needed for your specific program. Master your response so it aligns with what you wrote in your statement of purpose or personal essay.
6. Research student housing options on or near campus (~ six to three months out)
Use the months leading up to spring intake to comprehensively vet available student housing while you’re in the U.S. or Canada. Handling this in advance – before your arrival – can help you identify safe and comfortable living situations. This might include on-campus student housing or renting a room or apartment with roommates in a neighborhood near school.
7. Accept admissions offers and apply for a student visa (~ three months out)
By around November or December, U.S. schools will release admissions decisions. Accept an admissions offer, then apply for an F-1 student visa. Students who applied for spring intake receive a decision between February and April.
Students who are studying in the U.S. must fill out an online visa application, schedule and attend an in-person interview and pay the application fee. If you’re studying in Canada, you must apply for a student permit; if approved, you’ll automatically get a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization.
8. Arrange travel logistics for your arrival (~ three to one months out)
Purchase and finalize your transportation to the host country. Take this time to pack your belongings, like essential documents (e.g., passport, medicine prescriptions, banking documents, health insurance information, etc.), seasonal clothing and personal mementos from home and some cash in the local currency.
Alternative application timeline for fall 2026 intake
Students interested in a fall 2026 intake face a compressed application timeline, but completing all the necessary steps is possible.
- Research schools and programs (14-12 months out: July. – Sept. 2025). Create a top school list and verify admission requirements, including standardized exams, and program prerequisites.
- Request letters of recommendation and draft application essay (12-nine months out: August. – Oct. 2025). Start writing your statement of purpose and solicit letters of recommendation from past professors, mentors or other people who know you well.
- Apply to schools (nine months out: Oct. 2025 – December 2025).Submit completed applications and supporting documents to your schools of choice. Schools tend to set fall intake deadlines for international students between October through February.
- Apply for scholarships and other financial aid (five to three months out: Feb-Apr. 2026). Start your search through your university, then expand outward to external sources.
- Prep for admissions interviews (four to two months out: Mar. – May 2026). If the school requires an interview with an admissions officer, conduct mock practice sessions to go over your responses.
- Choose a school (three to one months out: Apr.-Jul. 2026). Compare admissions offers, including financial aid, from each school you got into.
- Apply for a student visa or permit (two to zero months out: May-Aug. 2026). The visa process has multiple steps so submit an application as soon as you receive an offer from your school.
Tracking timelines matters
Whether you’re targeting a spring or fall intake, avoid procrastinating. Give yourself ample time to complete each step in the admissions and visa process without rushing. Staying on top of 2026 postgraduate university timelines can also help your chances at finding funding.
International student aid, like scholarships, are highly competitive so submitting applications early can be advantageous. Additionally, getting a head start on your study abroad checklist can help you complete other necessary steps, like arranging housing.
Funding your degree
Contending with funding gaps can be a stressful experience, especially after months of preparation to get into your top school. If you’re short on funds, MPOWER Financing can help bridge the gap. We offer international student loans that don’t require a cosigner and have fixed interest rates. Learn how an MPOWER Financing international loan can help.
