Advice

As global conditions evolve, so too do the processes and policies governing international student mobility. 

Recently there has been a spate of changes and announcements regarding applications for US international student visas. One current development impacting students seeking to study in the United States is the temporary freezing of student visa appointments at US consular missions around the world. 

If your student visa application gets refused, it’s natural to feel disappointed or stressed about the outcome.

Remember that you are not the first international student to have their visa application rejected, and a range of support is available.

See below for our guide on what to do after having a student visa application refused, including why it may have been rejected and whether you can appeal your result.

Starting university can be exciting and overwhelming. There is so much to manage, from keeping up with lectures and deadlines to making new friends and finding your way around. It is easy to feel a little lost. That is why Happy Student was created, by international student Aram Tufan, to help make the university journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Did you know that you can try university classes before you apply for them? 

If you are thinking of studying in the UK, a platform created by Ucas and Springpod provides the opportunity to sample lectures and seminars in a range of subjects before applying. 

Courses are available in a range of subject areas including finance, computer science, engineering, medicine and history. 

The World Bank Scholarships Programme is currently open for students looking to study master’s degrees in 2025. It offers scholarships for 45 participating master’s programmes at 27 universities across the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan. 

The US is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students, and for good reason.

Choosing to study in Switzerland was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, though it certainly came with its challenges. Based on my experience, I’ve gathered some key insights to help you make the most of your time here and avoid a few of the pitfalls I encountered along the way. 

Flashback to August 2020: bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I hopped on the plane from St. Louis, Missouri, to move to Charleston, South Carolina for college. 

To my dismay, I quickly found out that Charleston during the pandemic wasn’t all South Carolina sunshine and roses. No friends in our rooms, no in-person classes, and social distancing everywhere – from meals to the library.

What is the Russell Group? 

The Russell Group is an association that represents 24 public research universities in the UK. The group believes that “people and ideas are the key to meeting global challenges. Through world-class research and education, we are helping to create a dynamic economy, stronger communities, and a better future for the UK”.

University life offers you a wealth of experiences, but it can also present challenges – academic pressures, social isolation, mental health struggles. 

As institutions strive to create a supportive environment, it is important that they recognise the critical role you can play in shaping the well-being programmes that directly impact you as students. By actively participating in the development of these initiatives, you can ensure that the support services available reflect your needs, preferences and unique experiences.