Offer ≠ Visa: What to Do After You Get Accepted to a University Abroad

After receiving an offer letter from an international university, applicants still need to complete several important steps before they can obtain a student visa and officially begin their studies. The exact sequence of actions depends on the type of offer you receive.

Below is a step-by-step guide on what to do after you get an offer from a foreign university.

Contents:

• Step 1. Review the details of each offer letter
• Step 2. Make your choice and accept an offer
• Step 3. Pay the tuition deposit
• Step 4. Apply for a student visa
• Studying abroad: how we can help

Step 1. Review the details of your offer letter

As soon as you receive the offer letter, carefully read its content and all attached instructions. Here’s what you should check first:

1. Type of offer 

• Unconditional offer letter — final confirmation that you’ve been fully accepted into the program.
• Conditional offer letter — the university has reserved a place for you, but final enrollment depends on meeting additional requirements (for example, proving your language level, submitting your final diploma, etc.).

You can learn more about the differences between conditional and unconditional offers and the requirements they include in this article.

Important: If your offer is conditional, you must meet all the university’s requirements and receive an unconditional offer before moving on to the next steps. You cannot apply for a student visa based on a conditional offer.

2. Program and major

Make sure the program name, major, and level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) listed in your offer are correct and fully match your academic plans. Program details are critical for your visa application, and once you submit your documents and pay the visa-related fees, changing your program is usually no longer possible.

3. Tuition fees and possible scholarships

Offer letters often include information about tuition costs and scholarship conditions (if applicable). Double-check:

• how much you need to pay for the first year and for the entire program;
• whether the deposit is refundable and what financial guarantees apply;
• the exact amounts and payment deadlines.

This information will be required as proof of financial ability when applying for a student visa.

4. Dates and deadlines

Your offer letter should clearly state all key deadlines, including:

• the deadline to accept the offer;
• the deadline to pay the deposit (if required to secure your spot);
• the official start date of your program.

Missing any of these deadlines may result in your offer being withdrawn or cause delays in receiving your visa documents.

Step 2. Make your choice and accept an offer

Most students apply to several universities at the same time, so there’s no need to accept the very first offer you receive. A smarter approach is to wait for responses from all universities, weigh the pros and cons, and only then make a final decision.

If you’re lucky enough to receive multiple offers, it’s important to choose the one that best matches your goals. Here are the key criteria to consider:

1. How well the program fits your goals. Compare academic programs carefully: course content, curriculum structure, and career opportunities after graduation. The program should align with your interests and your long-term plans.

2. University reputation. A university’s ranking can influence your career prospects after graduation, so it’s worth taking into account. That said, rankings shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when choosing a university.

3. Financial conditions. Compare the total cost of study, including tuition fees, available scholarships, grants, or discounts. Make sure to consider not only tuition, but also living expenses, health insurance, and flight costs.

4. Location and living conditions. City size, climate, culture, public transport, and cost of living all affect your quality of life abroad. Think about where you’ll feel more comfortable, adapt faster, and stay motivated throughout your studies.

5. Offer conditions and deadlines. Universities set strict deadlines for accepting offers. Missing them may result in losing your place. Always double-check response deadlines and don’t postpone your decision.

Keep in mind that rules vary by country and application system. In some systems, you can accept only one or two offers, while in others you may hold several at the same time.

For example, in the UK, applicants can make two official choices:

• Firm choice — your first-choice university;
• Insurance choice — a backup option in case your firm choice becomes unavailable (for example, if you don’t meet the conditions of a conditional offer).

This decision should be taken seriously. If you’re accepted by your firm choice, you won’t be able to enroll at your insurance university. On the other hand, if your first-choice university rejects you, you’ll be expected to enroll in your insurance option.

Once you’ve made your decision, confirm your choice by replying to the university’s offer. It’s also good practice to politely decline the offers you didn’t accept.

Step 3. Pay the tuition deposit

After you accept an offer, most universities require a tuition deposit to secure your place. This is standard practice and serves several purposes:

• it reserves your spot in the program;
• shows your commitment as a student;
• covers part of the university’s administrative costs.

What to pay attention to:

1. Deposit amount. The deposit usually ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or euros, depending on the university and the program. The exact amount and payment deadline are always specified in your offer letter.
2. Payment deadline. Missing the deadline may result in your offer being withdrawn, even if you’ve officially accepted it. If you need more time (for example, while waiting to meet the conditions of another offer), contact the admissions office immediately to request a deadline extension.
3. Refund policy. In most cases, deposits are non-refundable if you later decide not to enroll. Sometimes part of the deposit may be refunded for valid reasons — specific rules depend on the university.
4. Payment methods. Common options include bank transfer, online payment through the university portal, or credit card. Make sure to keep your payment receipt, as it may be required for your visa application and to confirm your student status.

Step 4. Apply for a student visa

Once you’ve chosen your offer, confirmed your place, and paid the deposit, the next step is applying for a student visa. This process usually includes the following stages:

1. Receive official enrollment confirmation

The university issues a special document required for your visa application: in the UK, this is a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies); in the US, it’s Form I-20, and other countries issue similar documents. 

This document proves that you’ve been officially admitted and includes key details about your program, study dates, and financial obligations.

2. Prepare the required documents:

• Financial documents: deposit payment receipt, proof of funds for tuition and living expenses, bank statements, scholarship or grant letters — depending on the country’s requirements.
• Medical documents: many countries require medical certificates and/or a vaccination record.
• Personal documents: a valid passport (must remain valid for the entire period of study), photos that meet visa center requirements, and other documents if requested.

3. Submit your application to the consulate or visa center:

• Submit your document package online or in person, depending on the procedure.
• Pay the visa fee and provide biometric data (required in most cases).
• Wait for your visa decision.

Practical tips:

1. Visa processing can take several weeks, so start preparing your documents as early as possible — right after you receive your CAS or I-20.

2. Always check country-specific visa requirements: consulates may request additional documents.

3. Keep all payment confirmations and official letters — you’ll need them both for your visa application and when entering the country.

Studying Abroad: How We Can Help

The closer you get to enrollment and visa approval, the higher the cost of a mistake. Professional guidance helps minimize risks and avoid delays. The ED-EX.com team supports applicants at every stage of the process — from choosing the right university to securing a visa and adapting to life in a new country.

Don’t risk your future — get expert support from ED-EX.com.

Learn more and book an online consultation here.