Frequently asked questions about studying abroad
When to start, which tests to take, how visas work and what to budget: clear answers for students and parents.
Getting started
Timing, destinations and entry levels: the first questions to settle.
It is best to start about a year, or a little more, before your intended start date. That leaves time to choose a destination and programs, prepare a language test, gather your documents and meet application deadlines, which often fall several months before the academic year begins. Starting later is still possible for some programs, but the choice becomes narrower. See how our support works step by step.
The right destination depends on your languages, your budget, the program you want and your career goals. French speakers often look at France or French-speaking Canada, while students comfortable in English may consider the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada. Spain, Germany and China teach mainly in their own languages, with some programs in English. Compare them on our destinations page.
Yes. A Moroccan baccalaureate gives access to first-year programs in many countries, and a bac+2, such as a BTS, a DTS, a DUT or two years of university, can sometimes lead to admission in the second or third year. Each institution decides on equivalences, depending on your grades and how closely your courses match. ProTrain reviews your transcripts to identify realistic entry levels. Learn more about orientation.
Yes, and we encourage it. Parents often help decide on the destination, the budget and the financial guarantee required for the student visa. ProTrain can include them in consultations, explain each step in plain terms and keep them informed of progress, in our Marrakech office or remotely. Many decisions are easier when the whole family understands the plan. See our support for parents.
Applications, tests and student visa
Language tests, admission tests and the documents a visa file usually requires.
Usually, yes, when the program is taught in a language you have not studied in. English-taught programs generally ask for IELTS, TOEFL or a similar test. French programs may ask for the TCF or DELF/DALF, German programs for TestDaF or a Goethe certificate, Spanish programs for DELE or SIELE, and Chinese programs for the HSK. Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution. See our test preparation.
ProTrain prepares students for the international tests most often required for admission abroad: IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC for English, the SAT for undergraduate admission in the United States, and the GMAT for business and management programs. ProTrain also offers courses in the language of your destination, such as German, Spanish, French or Chinese. Preparation is adapted to your level, your target score and your deadlines. Find out more about exam preparation.
Most student visa files include a valid passport, an admission or enrolment letter, proof of sufficient financial resources, proof of accommodation, and your diplomas and transcripts. Depending on the country, the consulate may also ask for health insurance, a language certificate, a medical certificate or certified translations. The exact list depends on the destination and changes over time. See our student visa support.
Proof of financial resources shows the authorities that you can pay for tuition and living costs during your studies. Depending on the country, it can be bank statements, a blocked account as in Germany, a sponsorship letter from a parent with their bank and income documents, a scholarship certificate or a bank guarantee. Each country sets its own minimum amount, which is updated regularly. Details are on each destination page.
Budget and life abroad
What to expect financially, and whether a student job is possible.
The cost of studying abroad varies a lot by country, city, type of institution and lifestyle. Tuition can be modest at some public universities and high at private ones, and living costs depend mostly on rent in the city you choose. Visa fees, insurance, travel and a deposit for housing also count. ProTrain helps you estimate a realistic budget for your case during a consultation.
In many countries, international students can work part time during their studies, within limits set by their student visa or permit. The number of hours allowed, and the rules during holidays, differ from one country to another and can change. A student job can help with daily expenses, but visa applications usually require you to prove sufficient resources without counting on it. Check each destination page for an overview.
Working with ProTrain
How our consultations work, where to find us and what we can and cannot promise.
ProTrain offers both free and paid consultations, depending on the support you need. When you contact us, we explain which consultation fits your project and confirm the conditions before booking. In every consultation we discuss your profile, your goals, your budget and your questions, then suggest possible destinations, programs and next steps. Parents are welcome to join. Book your consultation online or by phone.
No. Admission decisions belong to universities and schools, and visa decisions belong to consulates and immigration authorities, so no agency can honestly guarantee them. What ProTrain does is help you choose realistic programs and prepare complete, coherent applications and visa files, so that your project is presented clearly and nothing is missing. Read more about how we work.
Yes. ProTrain offers consultations remotely as well as in person at our office in Guéliz, Marrakech. Online meetings are convenient for students living in other Moroccan cities or abroad, and for parents who cannot travel. The follow-up works the same way, with regular sessions and shared documents. To arrange an online meeting, contact us and tell us your preferred channel.
ProTrain, study abroad agency in Marrakech, is located in Guéliz, at Résidence Al Hadika Al Kobra, Rue Ibn Aïcha. The office is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30, and on Saturday from 08:30 to 12:30. You can call us on +212 664 542 166 or +212 524 421 829, or use our contact page.
Still have a question?
Book a consultation: we answer your questions about your own profile, destination and budget, in Marrakech or online.