Migration documents abroad
When you go abroad you need to make sure all your migration paperwork is in order and everything is in accordance with destination country’s laws. Depending on your citizenship, different rules will apply. It’s mandatory to check with the receiving university what the requirements in that country are. Usually, they are your first line of contact, as they know the rules the best. You can also contact that country’s migration services, as many cases are unique and need professional’s input.
However, below we have made a general summary what to expect in different destination areas depending on your citizenship.
I hold a citizenship from EU/EEA country and go to an EU/EEA country
As an EU citizen student, you have the right to stay in another EU/EEA country on the basis of a valid travel document or identity card for the period of up to 90 days. After the 90 days the student usually has to register their place of living and/or request for a residence permit.
Details on your further actions can be found on official migration website of the destination country.
I hold a citizenship from EU/EEA country and go to a non-EU/EEA country
Usually that means you need to get either a visa or a travel authorization. Receiving one can take from half an hour online application to a month long visiting physical embassies task. Make sure to plan ahead and research necessary requirements and needed documents.
Please be aware that applying for a visa or other type of document comes with a fee that can be between 10€ to 1500€. This expense is covered by the student fully.
Details on your further actions can be found on official migration website of the destination country.
I hold a citizenship from a non-EU/EEA country and go to an EU/EEA country
If you hold a visa/permanent residence permit issued by Estonia, your further actions usually depend on if the visa/residence permit you have is issued under EU directive 2016/801. Make sure to check the type of visa/residence permit you have. If you are unsure, please contact Estonia’s migration consultant (details below).
Depending on which type of visa/residence permit you have, you might need to apply for a visa/residence permit of the destination country.
Details on your further actions can be found on official migration website of the destination country.
I hold a citizenship from a non-EU/EEA country and go to a non-EU/EEA country
Usually, in this case the default answer is you need the visa/residence permit of the destination country.
Details on your further actions can be found on official migration website of the destination country.
Some examples on visa processes but make sure to recheck all the requirements in individual schools and destination countries!
Australia
It’s mandatory to have a designated healthcare provider before you can submit your visa application. Healthcare is around 300€ (academic year 2025/2026) and visa processing fee is around 1400€ (academic year 2025/2026). The process takes usually around a month.
Canada
It’s mandatory to have a designated healthcare provider but you can apply for your visa/ETA (electronical travel authorization) before having that. Depending on your citizenship you might only need ETA which costs around 10€ (academic year 2025/2926) but you might also need a visitor visa which is around 120€ (academic year 2025/2026).
Japan
You need to receive different documents from the receiving university to apply for the visa, most important one is COE. You also need to be able to prove you have sufficient funds to live in Japan. The visa price should be around 20€-50€ (academic year 2025/2026) and can take up to two months to receive an answer.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure all your paperwork is in order. If you have any doubts at any point, always contact receiving university or destination country’s migration board, as they can help you the best on next steps.