Hướng dẫn chi tiết cách làm hồ sơ du học chuẩn nhất cùng IDP | IDP Vietnam

A study abroad application is a collection of documents necessary for students to register for admission to an international school and carry out the procedures for applying for a student visa. Depending on the country, level of study and school of application, a study abroad application may require different documents.

Usually, study abroad documents will include personal documents, study records, foreign language certificates, financial proof and documents for admission and visa applications. Therefore, students and parents should prepare their study abroad documents early to have enough time to supplement documents and process arising requirements.

If you don't know what your study abroad application needs, you can determine in advance the requirements of the school and the visa processing agency in the country where you plan to study abroad. Making a correct and complete study abroad application from the beginning makes the process of applying for admission and applying for a visa more convenient.

IDP Study Abroad's team of consultants can assist you in finding out your application requirements, choosing a school and preparing the right study abroad pathway.

In addition to basic identification documents such as passports and household registrations, you will need to prepare a variety of academic, financial, and certificate documents depending on the country, program of study, and level of study you are applying for.

Personal documents to prepare

• Birth certificate (original + notarized copy)

• Household registration book

• Passport/Passport valid for at least 6 months

• Transcripts and transcripts of the most recent academic years (usually the last 2-3 years)

• Diploma from the latest level of education

• Student's Certificate (if enrolled)

• Foreign language certificates: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE,... (depending on the country and school)

• Certificates of achievement, certificates of merit, medals... (if any)

• Special Certificates: SAT/ACT (USA), GMAT/GRE (Master's, PhD) (depending on the program)

Financial Profile of Study Abroad

To prove financial capacity when applying for a visa, you need to:

• Passbook, bank account balance confirmation

• Property ownership documents: land use rights, houses, vehicles,...

• Business documents: Business registration license (if you are a business owner) or labor contract (if you go to work)

• Salary statement or payroll for the last 3 – 6 months

• Tax payment documents: personal income, real estate tax, business...

• Economic contracts: house lease, land lease, capital contribution,...

• Proof of other sources of income (if any)

Note: Depending on each country (Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, etc.), the regulations on financial proof may vary.

You should start your study abroad application about 6–12 months before the time of admission to have enough time to choose a school, prepare documents, complete the admission documents, and carry out the visa application procedure. For some programs that have high requirements or need to prepare financially or scholarships, you should plan earlier.

The time to prepare your study abroad application may vary depending on the country, level of study, and enrollment period. In general, you can refer to the roadmap:

• 12–18 months before admission: Find out the country, school, field of study and entry requirements; prepare IELTS/foreign language if needed.

• 6–12 months before admission: Prepare your study abroad application, apply to the school, and search for suitable scholarships.

• 3–6 months before admission: Complete visa documents, proof of finances and required documents.

• 1–3 months before departure: Complete pre-admission procedures, prepare accommodation, air tickets, and study abroad baggage.

Because the requirements for study abroad documents can vary from school to school and country, preparing early can give you more time to process if you are missing or need additional documents.

Don't know where to start? Sign up for a free study abroad consultation with IDP for help choosing a school, checking application requirements and building a suitable study abroad pathway.

To apply for study abroad, students and parents should prepare step by step, from determining their study goals to completing their admission documents and applying for a visa. The basic process includes:

1. Identify the country, school, and field of study

Find out the country you want to study in, the right major, entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and each school's admission period.

2. Check the entry conditions

Determine academic requirements, English language qualifications such as IELTS, subject requirements and program-specific conditions.

3. Prepare personal and academic documents

Study abroad profiles usually include:

• Passport

• CCCD or personal documents as required

• Transcripts/transcripts

• Diploma or certificate of study

• IELTS/language certificate

• CV, essay or portfolio if required by the school

• Letters of recommendation for some programs

4. Prepare financial and visa documents

Depending on the country, you may need to prepare proof of financial ability, insurance, medical certificates, and other documents to apply for a student visa.

5. Submit documents and track results

After checking all the documents, the application is sent to the school for admission. When you receive the offer letter, you continue to complete the necessary steps for the visa application.

6. Prepare before you go

After the visa is granted, complete the remaining procedures such as paying tuition fees as required, finding accommodation, buying air tickets and preparing luggage.

Note: What a study abroad application needs will vary depending on the country, school, major, and level of study. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements before preparing documents to avoid missing documents or having to supplement them many times.

Don't know where to start? Sign up for a free study abroad consultation with IDP for help choosing a school, checking application requirements and building a suitable study abroad pathway.

Study abroad procedures are often complicated and time-consuming. With more than 56 years of experience (1969 – 2026) in the field of international education consulting, IDP – the official admissions partner of more than 1000+ schools in Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand will help you complete your application quickly, accurately and completely free of charge.

5.1 Personalized 1:1 consultation

With a large and experienced team of counselors, we can fully accommodate 1:1 consultations between counselors and people who need advice. Conversations will take place extremely gently, slowly and privately. You can feel free to ask questions to the counselor without worrying about being heard by others or having too much noise at the same time.

5.2 Connect directly with the school

IDP is the official admissions partner of more than 800 prestigious universities, colleges and high schools around the world. Therefore, in addition to ensuring complete and accurate advice, we also help you connect with many schools more easily. In Vietnam, IDP has 11 branches in 6 major cities including: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nha Trang and Can Tho, so you can consider choosing the most convenient destination for yourself.

5.3 Completely free

Unlike many other centers, IDP does not charge fees for consultation and support in making study abroad documents. In particular, when applying to partner schools, you can be free of application processing fees.

5.4 Comprehensive Support

IDP does not only stop at making study abroad documents but also supports you in many other services such as health insurance, accommodation, and banking services abroad.

5.5 Global student network

More than 15,000 Vietnamese students have successfully studied abroad with IDP's support each year. You'll have the opportunity to network, socialise and learn from alumni.

5.6 Assistance at the destination

IDP has offices in more than 35 countries. When you come to study, IDP is here to help, making it easy for you to integrate and connect with the community.

Thus, to prepare a complete study abroad application in 2026, you need to pay attention to both personal, academic and financial documents. If you feel complicated, let IDP Vietnam accompany you – from the preparation of your application to the arrival of the international lecture hall.

Contact IDP now for free advice, guidance on making the most accurate and fastest study abroad application

IDP prepares study abroad applications for free.

Preparing a complete and accurate study abroad application is a crucial step that increases your chances of meeting institutional requirements and ensures a smooth application process. Specific document requirements and conditions vary depending on the destination country, the educational institution, and the chosen program.
If you are unsure about the necessary application documents or need guidance on preparing an application that aligns with your study plans, contact IDP Education for step-by-step advice and support. With over 30 years of experience in the field, IDP Vietnam will support you throughout the entire process—from selecting a school and major to preparing your application.
Register for a free study abroad consultation today to start preparing your application effectively and take a proactive approach to your study abroad journey.
See more:

See also:

• Steps to prepare a study abroad scholarship application

• What does it take to study abroad? How to study abroad

• How to hunt for scholarships to study abroad

• Assistance in the Visa Application Process