Frequently asked questions

Sixteen European countries, from Latvia and Sweden in the north to Spain, Malta and Greece in the south. The countries page lists them all, with the visa desk and post-study period for each. We can also advise on the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Yes. Every programme we recommend is taught fully in English, so you do not need to speak the local language to study. Learning some of it still helps with part-time work and daily life.

Degrees from universities in the European Higher Education Area follow the Bologna framework, so bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral qualifications are recognised across Europe and widely beyond it. If you plan to work in a regulated profession, we check recognition for that field before you apply.

Start with what matters most to you: your subject, your budget, work rights during study, how long you can stay after graduating, and whether family can join you. These differ a lot from country to country. A free consultation is the quickest way to narrow sixteen options down to two or three.

Thirty-seven universities across Europe. You can browse them, with tuition where the university publishes it, on the universities page.

Most European universities start in September or October, and many also offer a February or March intake. Application deadlines usually fall several months before the start date, so it pays to begin early.

Usually a completed secondary education that gives access to university in your own country. For Sri Lankan students, that normally means GCE A/Ls. Some programmes also look at particular subjects or grades.

A recognised bachelor’s degree, usually in a related field. Some programmes also ask for work experience, a portfolio, or a minimum grade average.

Most universities ask for IELTS or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. Some accept a letter confirming that your previous studies were taught in English. The required score depends on the university and the level of study.

Universities rarely set an upper age limit, but embassies look closely at whether your study plan makes sense alongside your background. We check that with you before you apply.

Yes. Gaps are common and are generally accepted when they are clearly explained, whether by work, family responsibilities or further training.

Typically your academic certificates and transcripts, English test results, passport, CV and a statement of purpose. Some programmes also ask for recommendation letters or a portfolio. We tell you exactly what your chosen university requires.

Tuition varies widely between countries and universities, and living costs vary even more between cities. Rather than quote a generic figure, we prepare a free written estimate for the countries and courses you are considering.

Each university on the universities page shows its tuition where the university publishes it. Where it does not, ask us and we will get the current figure.

Some universities allow it; others ask for the first year in full before issuing the documents you need for the visa. Each university sets its own terms, and we confirm them before you commit.

Yes. Many universities offer tuition reductions or merit scholarships, and some governments fund scholarships for international students. Eligibility and deadlines vary, so tell us your grades and target countries and we will match you with what is realistic.

Most countries ask for evidence that you can cover your living costs while you study. The amount and the accepted forms of evidence differ by country, and we include them in your written estimate.

That depends on the country. From Sri Lanka, most applications go through VFS Global in Colombo; Germany uses the German Embassy in Colombo and Spain uses BLS in Colombo. Some countries require an appointment in New Delhi, and Lithuania processes applications through VFS in Singapore. Each country page names the right desk.

As soon as you have your university offer and the documents the country requires. Processing times vary by country and by season, so starting early matters more than anything else.

Some countries interview applicants and others decide on the documents alone. If yours interviews, we prepare you with practice interviews.

The refusal letter states the reasons. Depending on the country, you may be able to appeal, or to reapply once those reasons are addressed, and we go through the options with you.

We check your documents against the country’s requirements, prepare your file and support you until a decision is made. See our services for everything we cover.

Yes, in all sixteen countries. Permitted hours during term range from around 15 to 40 a week depending on the country and your level of study, and more is usually allowed during holidays.

Most countries offer a post-study period to look for work, from nine months in countries such as Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to twenty-four months in Finland. Each country page lists its own period.

In most of the sixteen countries, yes, but the rules differ. Some allow family to join from the start with full work rights, some only for postgraduate students, and some only after your studies. The country pages spell out each one.

Several countries offer a path to longer-term residence for graduates who find skilled work. The requirements are set nationally and change from time to time, so we advise on them for your specific country.

It can help, but visas are granted on the basis that you can support yourself without relying on part-time work. Treat any earnings as a supplement, not your main source of funding.

Yes. We help you arrange accommodation before you travel, whether in university housing or a private rental, so you have an address to arrive at.

Airport pickup, help getting a local SIM card and opening a bank account, and guidance through your first days, so your first weeks are about settling in rather than paperwork.

Most European university cities are safe places to live and study. Each country guide covers what daily life is like, and our team is there if you need help after you arrive.

Most of our sixteen countries are in the Schengen Area, so a residence permit from one of them generally lets you travel within Schengen for short stays. We explain the rules for your country before you go.

A study-abroad consultancy founded in 2019, with offices in Colombo, Kurunegala and the Netherlands. We help students choose a university, course and country in Europe, and support them through admission, the visa and arrival.

Yes. The first consultation is free, with no obligation. Book one here.

Yes. We work with students in other countries too, by phone, WhatsApp and video call.

Yes. You are welcome to walk in to our Colombo or Kurunegala office, or arrange a meeting in advance.

Call 0117 921 100, message us on WhatsApp, or email cmb@ahasa.eu. All our offices and desks are on the contact page.