University applications
Applying to university in another country means learning a second system while finishing school. The guides here explain the systems international students use most often.
Two systems, two philosophies
The UK and US approaches differ at the root. In the UK, students apply to a specific course, such as economics or mechanical engineering, through one central service (UCAS). Admissions tutors want evidence of interest and ability in that subject. In the US, most students apply to a college rather than a course, often without declaring a major, through the Common App or a college's own portal. Readers look at the whole applicant, including activities and essays.
Many international students apply to both. That is workable, but the deadlines fall at different times and the writing is quite different, so plan both from the start of the final year.
Other destinations
Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore and many other countries admit international students directly through each university or through a state or national portal. Requirements are usually your school qualification, an English test result and a fee. Thailand's international programmes, taught in English, also admit students directly. Our step-by-step overview points to a database you can use to compare options country by country.