How to Build a Comprehensive Study Plan for Studying Abroad

Discover the steps to build a complete educational plan for studying abroad—from choosing a university and understanding admission requirements to preparing for the SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS through EZ Academy and Fehmistein.

From Choosing a University to Passing the Exam

A journey to study abroad often begins with the dream of attending an international university and studying a major that opens new academic and professional opportunities. However, reaching this goal does not depend only on choosing a well-known university or obtaining a language certificate. It requires a comprehensive educational plan that connects the major, the university, admission requirements, the required international exam, and application deadlines.

Many students make the mistake of beginning preparation for the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS before confirming the requirements of the universities they wish to apply to. As a result, a student may spend months preparing for an exam that is not required, achieve a score that does not meet the minimum requirement, or delay preparing their application file until they miss the deadline.

Therefore, the correct plan begins with defining your university goal first, then translating the university’s requirements into clear steps that include developing your level, preparing for the exam, organizing documents, and applying on time.

Why Do You Need an Educational Plan Before Applying?

Applying to study abroad is not a single action. It is a journey that includes interconnected stages, such as:

Choosing a country and major.
Researching suitable universities.
Understanding admission requirements.
Identifying the required language or admission exam.
Assessing your academic and language level.
Preparing documents and the application file.
Researching scholarships and funding.
Applying within the specified deadlines.
Preparing for life after admission.

The European Education Area advises students to understand available programs, entry requirements, application deadlines, and study start dates before submitting university applications. (Avrupa Eğitim Alanı)

When these stages are organized, students can clearly see what needs to be done, how much time is required, and which priorities to begin with.

Step 1: Define Your Academic Goal

Before searching for university names, define the general direction of your educational journey. Begin by answering the following questions:

What major do I want to study?
Do I want to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate studies?
Which countries suit my budget and goal?
Do I want to study in English?
Am I looking for university admission only, or also a scholarship?
When do I want to begin my studies?
What is my current academic and language level?
Can I afford tuition and living costs, or do I need funding?

You may not have final answers from the beginning, but defining your priorities helps you reduce random choices and reach universities that truly suit your profile.

Step 2: Choose the Right University for Your Goal

Your choice of university should not depend only on its reputation or ranking. The right university is one that aligns with your major, level, budget, and future plans.

Review the Program Content

Do not rely only on the program name. Review:

Course content.
Program duration.
Language of instruction.
Specializations or sub-tracks.
Practical training opportunities.
Graduation requirements.
Opportunities for postgraduate study or employment after graduation.

Two universities may offer the same major name, but their academic content and training opportunities may differ significantly.

Check Admission Requirements

Review the official program page and search for:

Required GPA.
Accepted types of qualifications.
Required language certificate.
Required academic admission exam.
Statement of purpose.
Letters of recommendation.
CV/resume.
Portfolio (for artistic majors).
Personal interview, if required.

Requirements may differ between two programs within the same university. Therefore, always rely on the official program page rather than general information shared in student groups.

Calculate the Total Cost

The cost of studying is not limited to tuition fees. It also includes:

Accommodation.
Health insurance.
Transportation.
Personal expenses.
Exam fees.
Document translation and certification.
Visa fees.
Travel costs.
Application fees, if applicable.

After that, search for university, government, and regional scholarships, as well as discounts or funding opportunities available to international students.

Step 3: Create a Balanced University List

Relying on only one university is risky. It is better to prepare a list that includes three types of options:

Ambitious universities: Highly competitive institutions that may require a strong academic profile and high test scores.
Suitable universities: Institutions whose requirements align well with your GPA, level, and goal.
Safety universities: Institutions where you have a higher chance of meeting the requirements, while still maintaining program quality and relevance.

This division increases your chances of admission and prevents you from tying your entire plan to a single application.

Step 4: Compare the Requirements of Shortlisted Universities

After preparing your initial list, collect the same information for each university so you can compare them easily:

Target major.
Application deadline.
Required language exam (IELTS, TOEFL, or alternative).
Whether SAT is required.
Required GPA.
Scholarship availability.
Required documents for each program.

For example:

University A may require IELTS or TOEFL, SAT when needed, and offers a scholarship.
University B may accept TOEFL or an alternative without requiring SAT and without offering a scholarship.
University C may require IELTS, a specific admission exam, and offers a scholarship.

Organizing this information helps you identify common requirements, determine which exam you actually need, and recognize the earliest deadline you must prepare for.

Step 5: Identify the Required International Exam

The SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS serve different purposes and cannot be treated as identical alternatives.

What Is the SAT?

The SAT is an academic exam used by some universities as part of the applicant evaluation process, especially at the undergraduate level. The digital test consists of two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The total score ranges from 400 to 1600. (satsuite.collegeboard.org)

The SAT may be:

Required for admission.
Optional.
Used to evaluate certain scholarships.
Required for specific majors or universities.
Not required at all.

Therefore, you must confirm the university’s policy before beginning preparation.

What Is IELTS?

IELTS is an English proficiency exam used for study, work, and immigration purposes. Its results are accepted by thousands of universities and institutions worldwide. (IELTS)

The exam includes four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. For academic applications, students usually need IELTS Academic, but you should confirm the required test type and score with the university.

To learn how to analyze your performance and improve your IELTS score, read our article: How to Improve Your IELTS Score Through Smart Training and Error Analysis.

What Is TOEFL?

TOEFL iBT is an English proficiency exam designed for academic contexts. According to ETS, its results are accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries. Each university determines its own minimum accepted score. (ETS)

The exam measures four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Can You Need Two Exams?

Yes. A university may require the SAT to assess academic readiness, along with IELTS or TOEFL to prove English proficiency.

Achieving an SAT score does not automatically exempt you from a language certificate, and IELTS or TOEFL cannot replace the SAT when it is required.

The basic rule is: The university and program determine the required exam, not the exam’s popularity or other students’ choices.

To understand how to convert your university requirements into a clear preparation plan for SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, read our article: How to Convert Your University or Scholarship Requirements into a Clear Preparation Plan for SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.

Step 6: Assess Your Level Before Test Preparation

After identifying the required exam, you must determine your current level before creating a study plan. A diagnostic assessment helps you identify:

Your familiarity with the test structure.
Your level in each section or skill.
Question types that cause difficulty.
Your time-management ability.
Your approximate current score.
The gap between your level and the required score.
The preparation time you need.

A student may be strong in general English but unfamiliar with how to write an academic response in IELTS or TOEFL. Another student may be strong in Math but needs practice with SAT question styles and time management.

Therefore, you must distinguish between:

Foundation training: Developing language or basic academic skills when the student’s level is not yet suitable for direct test preparation.
Test preparation: Understanding the test structure, practicing question types, improving speed and accuracy, and completing mock tests.

If the assessment reveals a significant gap in your level, starting with a foundation course may be better than moving directly to practice tests.

Step 7: Set Your Target Score

It is not enough to say you want a high score. Your goal must be linked to university requirements. You can define three levels:

Minimum score: The lowest score accepted by the university or program.
Target score: A score higher than the minimum that gives you a better margin during application.
Competitive score: A score that may strengthen your file for highly competitive programs or scholarships, without guaranteeing admission.

Also check whether the university requires a minimum score in each IELTS or TOEFL skill, not only in the overall score.

TOEFL results remain valid for two years from the test date. IELTS partners consider the result representative of the applicant’s level for up to two years, although the final decision remains with the institution receiving the score. (ETS)

Therefore, you must coordinate your test date with your application deadline so that your result remains valid when your file is reviewed.

Step 8: Plan Backward from the Application Deadline

Start from the final application deadline, then distribute the preceding tasks.

9–12 Months Before Application

Choose your major, countries, and universities.
Study costs and scholarships.
Identify required language and admission exams.
Conduct an initial level assessment.

6–9 Months Before Application

Finalize your university list.
Begin a foundation course if needed.
Start test preparation.
Prepare certificates and transcripts.
Research translation and certification requirements.

3–6 Months Before Application

Intensify training.
Complete mock tests.
Book your official test date.
Begin your statement of purpose.
Contact potential recommenders.

1–3 Months Before Application

Take the exam.
Retake it if time allows.
Finalize your CV and statement of purpose.
Upload documents.
Submit test scores in the required format.
Review your application before submission.

After Application

Monitor your email and the university portal.
Prepare for an interview, if required.
Follow up on scholarship applications.
Plan accommodation and funding.
Begin visa procedures after receiving admission.

This timeline is a guideline and should be adjusted according to each university’s or scholarship’s actual deadlines.

Step 9: Convert Your Test Plan into Weekly Tasks

Do not write only, “I will study TOEFL for three months.” Instead, specify weekly tasks such as:

Studying a skill: understanding strategies and question types.
Guided practice: solving questions related to a specific weakness.
Timed practice: answering questions within a set time.
Error review: analyzing the reason for each incorrect answer.
Short test: measuring weekly improvement.
Mock test: assessing performance under exam-like conditions.
Plan update: adjusting priorities based on results.

Do not make study hours the only indicator of progress. More important indicators include:

Improved accuracy.
Fewer recurring mistakes.
Reduced response time.
Improvement in the weakest skill.
Higher mock-test results.
Stable performance under time pressure.

Step 10: Use Mock Tests Intelligently

A mock test is not only a way to know your score. It is a tool for performance analysis.

After each test, review:

Incorrect answers.
Questions answered by guessing.
Questions that took too long.
Skills that lowered your score.
Mistakes caused by lack of knowledge.
Mistakes caused by misunderstanding the question.
Mistakes caused by stress or time pressure.

Then use the results to adjust your training plan.

If your problem in TOEFL Reading is time management, the solution is not to solve more questions in the same way. Instead, practice structured reading, locating information efficiently, and working within a fixed time.

If certain types of mistakes recur in SAT Math, record and classify them and review them instead of immediately moving to a new test.

You can begin by trying the mock tests on Fehmistein to measure your current level in any of the three exams.

Step 11: Prepare Your University File Alongside Test Preparation

Do not wait for your test result before beginning to prepare your admission file. Start early by organizing:

Passport.
Academic certificate.
Transcripts.
Translations and certifications.
Language certificate.
CV/resume.
Statement of purpose.
Letters of recommendation.
Evidence of activities and experience.
Portfolio, if required.
Scholarship documents.
Required financial documents.

Applications to European universities may include language test results, a statement of purpose, CV, portfolio, passport, certificate, and transcripts, depending on the university and program. (Avrupa Eğitim Alanı)

A good test score cannot compensate for an incomplete file or a late submission.

Step 12: Create a Backup Plan for Your Study Abroad Journey

Even with good planning, not all steps may go as expected. You may face situations such as:

Not achieving the required score on the first attempt.
A change in the test date.
Closure of applications for a specific program.
Not receiving a scholarship.
Changes in university requirements.
Delays in documents or translations.

Therefore, your plan should include:

Alternative universities.
A schedule that allows retaking the exam.
More than one opportunity or scholarship.
An alternative language exam if the university accepts it.
An alternative semester if necessary.
An additional foundation plan if your level needs further development.

Having a backup plan does not reduce your ambition. It protects you from tying your future to a single option.

Common Mistakes in the Study Abroad Journey

Choosing a university before understanding the major: A student may be attracted to a university name and later discover that the program content does not suit their goal.
Relying on unofficial information: Student experiences are useful but do not replace the official admission page.
Preparing for an unrequired exam: Not every student needs the SAT, and not every university accepts language exams in the same way.
Starting preparation too late: This places the student under great pressure, especially if they need to improve their level or retake an exam.
Focusing only on the score and neglecting the file: Universities may also consider GPA, statement of purpose, recommendations, activities, experience, and fit with the program.
Solving questions without analyzing mistakes: Repeating training in the same way often leads to repeating the same mistakes.
Confusing general English learning with test preparation: Mastering general English does not automatically mean readiness for IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT.

How EZ Academy and Fehmistein Support You

A study-abroad journey requires two integrated components: correct educational planning and actual preparation for the required exam.

The Role of EZ Academy

EZ Academy is an educational services and consultation company that supports students throughout their university journey by:

Studying the student’s goal and profile.
Helping them choose a major and university.
Clarifying admission requirements.
Applying to international universities.
Providing educational consultations.
Supporting students in organizing their university pathway.
Offering English courses for all levels.

The Role of Fehmistein

Fehmistein is the smart training platform established by EZ Academy to help students prepare for international exams, with a focus on three main tracks: SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.

The platform provides organized practice, mock tests, and tools for error review and performance analysis, enabling students to identify their strengths and the areas that need development.

Through this relationship:

EZ Academy helps students identify the right university and exam.
Fehmistein helps them build readiness and train to achieve the required score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step for studying abroad?

Begin by defining your major, study level, budget, and suitable countries. Then research universities and admission requirements before choosing an exam.

Should I start with a language course or test preparation?

This depends on your current level. If you have a suitable language foundation, you can begin test preparation. If you have gaps in grammar, vocabulary, or skills, it is better to build the foundation first.

Do I need both SAT and IELTS or TOEFL?

You may need the SAT along with a language certificate if the university requires an academic exam and separate proof of English proficiency. You may need only one exam. This depends on the university’s requirements.

Does a high score guarantee admission or a scholarship?

A high score does not guarantee admission, but it may strengthen your file. The decision also depends on program requirements, GPA, documents, statement of purpose, and competition.

How do I choose between IELTS and TOEFL?

First, check which exams the university accepts. Then compare the nature of the two exams, the application process, and your strengths in different skills.

When should I start preparing to study abroad?

Begin researching universities well in advance. Then determine the preparation duration based on your current level, required score, and application deadline.

Start Your Educational Plan from the Right Place

Studying abroad does not begin with a random application or preparing for an exam before knowing its purpose. A successful plan begins with choosing a suitable major and universities, understanding admission requirements, identifying the required exam, assessing your level, and building a clear timeline for training and application.

For international university applications and a free educational consultation, contact the EZ Academy team via WhatsApp:

Phone: +90 552 574 12 76

Direct WhatsApp link: https://wa.me/905525741276

To subscribe to smart training tracks for the SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, explore Fehmistein packages via: https://www.ezacademy.com.tr/packages

Start with a clear goal, choose the path that suits your university’s requirements, and turn your preparation into practical steps that bring you closer to admission and the score you need.

Prepared by: The Educational Content Team

Consultancy Review: Ms. Inaya Zureik, Founder and Director of EZ Academy and Fehmistein

Last updated: July 2026

Study Abroad Plan: From Choosing a University to Passing the Exam