Age Requirements for University Admission and Student Visas in Europe

Statistics on Common Age for Higher Education

In the current period, people want to search more so that they will experience more. Studying abroad is an excellent choice for them to explore more because it helps enhance their knowledge.

However, many of them do not know the required information and procedures to travel abroad. Some issues are that they don’t know perfect programs or places, good colleges, visa procedures, age limits, studies, etc.

Before talking about limitations on age for admission and student visa, let’s read some statistics from current students in the universities of the US:

In 2019, almost 53% of the population of the United States registering in undergraduate or postgraduate courses were 20 to 21 years old. About 29% of them were within the 22 to 24, about 12% within the ages 25 to 29, about 6% within the 30 to 34.

In 2020, the typical age for college students registering full-time in undergraduate programs was almost 22 years old, whereas about 27 years old for college students who enrolled part-time during 2019.

The typical age for college students registered in graduate or professional programs was about 30 years old, whereas 35 years for college students enrolled part-time in 2019.

Nowadays, about 11 million students between ages 18 to 24 and about 6 million over 25 are joining post-secondary institutions worldwide.

Details on Age for Admission Process

People usually ask about the proper age for admission process and student visa. However, it’s impossible to give a correct answer without knowing what country your destination country is. Still, usually, there is no upper age limit for student visas if you are accepted abroad.

For example, an applicant with about nine years of a gap before applying for the Master’s Degree got admission and scholarship from a university. In another instance, someone above 40 years old got the admission too.

If you, for example, want to continue your studies in Japan, you should put extra effort into writing your reason for studying abroad. It is usually a good idea for older students to write that their planned studies abroad will help them in their careers.

Remember that some universities, especially in East Asia, may impose rules that you must start your higher education abroad within a couple of years of finishing high school in your country.

These are local restrictions, and they are not applied globally; that’s why it is essential to know the country you are planning to study in.

Let’s take a close look at some countries’ guidelines for specific age for admission and student visa process:

Age for Admission for the UK

At Cambridge University, there’s no limited age for admission for students. However, the vast majority of undergraduates are 18 years or older when they start their studies.

If a student is over 21 when starting their course, they are classified as a mature student.

All students must prove that they have the personal skills and maturity to cope with higher education and can benefit from the studies when admitted.

Applicants under 18 on admission for Cambridge should get advice from a College Admissions Tutor as early as possible. They discuss the given application and give some guidelines for a successful path.

Applicants under the age of 16 on admission in Cambridge may also be subject to additional restrictions and requirements to comply with legislation.

Age for Student Visa in Canada

There’s no such concept as a limitation on the age you register in higher education in Canadian universities. However, it’s different when it comes to student visa applications.

When a foreigner applies for a student visa to continue higher education in Canada, the authorities have to assess whether they are genuine students carefully!

Applicants have to convince the visa officer that their intention of staying in Canada is just studying at the university. They will return to their country as soon as they finish their studies.

There are many people in their 40’s and even 50’s applying for student visas in Canada. They want to get the PGWP and finally immigrate to this country. Most of them have already had a master’s degree in their own country.

We all know that studying is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada. Still, if you are one of those who already have an advanced qualification, you need to think twice before submitting your application. How are you planning to convince the officer that you are a genuine university student?

Limitation for Age for Admission in the US

Many countries offer great study courses, and it is worth investing in education in these countries at any age. The US has one of the world’s best education systems.

American colleges and universities provide the most ideal and flexible environment for students in various fields of studies.

So many people apply for various courses like undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs. However, what is the limitations on age for getting admission and a student visa for this country?

We hear over and over that it’s never too late to start a career. If you are determined and have willpower, that notion will take you to the height. The advantage is that the American educational system does not judge you by your age.

If you’ve got stuck in planning to study overseas and couldn’t make up your mind due to scholarships, the huge scholarships will solve this problem for you.

Whenever you’re comfortable starting your higher education process, you can quickly join American universities at any age. Study abroad organizations in this country assist you in achieving your goals at any age, provided you are otherwise qualified to study the desired program.

Though there’s no specific regulation for undergraduate students, they should be a minimum of 17 years old. Also, I must have completed a high school course.

For postgraduate programs like MBA, MS, MA, there are no regulations. You should finish your education if you have job experience, which will be great.

There is no age limit for a master’s degree and doctoral program. However, it helps if you did not have any gap between these times. You should have some job experience or any certification of any eligible programs.

It’s not like that age gap will create a considerable problem, but it is to demonstrate that you were actively pursuing some goals in life rather than being idle. You must get to fulfill the other qualification criteria of the given university.

How about Students Under 18

Interestingly, if you are under 18 years old and you have received an offer of study from a university in most universities of the US and European ones, typically you may commence studies if you are living;

• With parents,
• With eligible relatives,
• or in university-approved care arrangements.

In the following, you get more information about every one of the choices:

Living with Parents or Eligible Relative

If you plan to live with your parent or an eligible relative, you must have your parent complete the Welfare Arrangements form, which you will receive with your offer package.

You need to complete a form before receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment. However, you must provide evidence to the Department of Home Affairs or related organizations in other countries that you live with your parent or eligible relatives to get a student visa.

The Department of Home Affairs in the US defines an eligible relative as a parent, brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, grandparent, step-grandparent, uncle, aunt, step-uncle, step-aunt, nephew, niece, step-nephew, or step-niece over 21 years old.

University Approved Care Arrangements

Some universities offer international students who wish to continue their studies before their 18th birthday. This option is available to students who will be at least 17 years old upon commencement of their higher education.

Parents and students may enter a Welfare Monitoring Agreement with the university. Under this Agreement, the given university identifies suitable accommodation. It provides a welfare monitoring service to international students who are 17 years old and do not have parents or eligible relatives living in the area.

Conclusion

Age should carry less importance in admission decisions. Universities should carefully consider how their admission system affects student incentives and how applicants are selected. However, there is some limitation on age for admission and students visa in various countries. This article covers some of them. If you have any more questions, ask us in the comments section.