When to Start Preparing to Study Abroad: A Month-by-Month Timeline for 2026-2027
“When should I start applying to universities abroad?” The honest answer: 18 months before the start of the academic year for selective universities, 12 months for the rest, and at least 4-6 months for rolling admissions. This month-by-month timeline is the one YDS follows with the students it coaches. Stick to it and you will avoid the 3 mistakes that sink 80% of applications: falling behind on language tests, choosing universities too late, and rushing the visa process.
2026-2027 timeline (for a September 2027 start)
(M-18)
(M-17)
(M-16/15)
(M-14/12)
(M-12/11)
(M-10)
(M-9)
(M-8)
(M-7/6)
(M-5)
(M-4)
(M-3)
(M-2/1)
Fast-track timeline: if you start late (M-6 or M-3)
Not everyone can start 18 months ahead. Here is the emergency timeline for late starters:
| When you start | Possible destinations | Effort required |
|---|---|---|
| M-6 (March for September) | Netherlands, Spain, Italy (Bocconi rolling), Ireland, Canada, UCAS late applications, US spring start | High: tests within 4-6 weeks, application within 8 weeks |
| M-4 (May for September) | UCAS late applications, Netherlands, Italy (late rolling), Spain (IE/ESADE) | Very high: express testing, rushed application |
| M-2 (July for September) | UCAS Clearing (UK), remaining places in Ireland, last available slots in the Netherlands | HIGH risk: few places, limited choice of program |
| M+1 (October: September missed) | Defer to a January spring start (USA: Northeastern, ASU, NYU Shanghai) or a September 2028 start | Longer preparation, stronger application |
FAQ: timeline
If I start 6 months before the academic year starts, is it really too late?
Not for every country. The Netherlands, Ireland, Italy (Bocconi 3rd round), Spain (rolling) and the UK (via UCAS late applications) accept applications until June-July. US applications, however, are closed (Common App Regular = January 1-15). See our guide to alternatives to Parcoursup.
How early in high school can you start?
Ideally in the second-to-last year of high school (M-18). But YDS also coaches students in their final year (M-9), and even late in their final year (M-5) to bounce back after Parcoursup. The earlier you start, the wider your choice of selective universities.
What is the timeline for a Master’s abroad?
Shorter: M-12 to M-6. GMAT/GRE at M-9, application at M-7, deadlines at M-6 to M-3 depending on the program. Top MBAs (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton) have deadlines in September-November for a start the following August (M-12 to M-10).
How many language tests should you plan for?
1 SAT (October), 1 ACT (October, as an alternative), 1 IELTS or 1 TOEFL (depending on your destination). Retake if your score falls short. Plan for 2 sittings of each test to maximize your score (universities often take the best one).
What should you do during the holidays to prepare?
Summer at M-15: an academic enrichment program on a US/UK campus (see /programmes-enrichissement/), a major boost to your application. Holidays at M-12: intensive SAT/IELTS preparation. Holidays at M-6: focused essay writing.
Also worth reading: studying at Sciences Po: admissions, Bachelor’s and dual degrees (applications via Parcoursup).