All undergraduate, master’s, PhD, professional doctoral, and postdoctoral applicants require resources and tools before, during, and even after the application process to universities and their positions and programs. These resources and tools vary from English test preparation sources and plagiarism-checking tools, such as Grammarly, to AI-powered application management systems/platforms like Applyindex. Even access to flight ticket and accommodation websites with discounts and offers is useful for those who need to travel to a location other than their current location to take language tests or attend visa interviews and biometrics. This article provides a list of essential tools and resources that all applicants need for their application process.
Application Process Management Toolkit
Want to make your university application journey smoother and more effective? Whether you are applying for an undergraduate, course-based master’s, research master’s, professional doctorate, PhD, or postdoctoral position, Applyindex’s tools provide a powerful opportunity to elevate your entire application process. Think of these tools as puzzle pieces (each designed to simplify a specific step of your academic journey) coming together to help you secure admission to one of your target universities. Keep in mind that Applyindex offers the most comprehensive experience for PhD applicants, as some features are exclusively tailored for those who want to find a PhD with full funding. Notion is an alternative to organizing your university application-related research, application deadlines, and notes.
Language Learning and Test Prep Resources
Language Learning Resources and Platforms
Whether you are exempt from taking a language proficiency test (as is often the case for postdoctoral applicants) or do not need exceptionally high scores (as with many undergraduate, course-based master’s, self-funded research-based master’s, self-funded professional doctoral, and self-funded PhD applicants), strong communication skills remain essential. Regardless of formal test requirements, being able to read, write, and express ideas clearly in academic and social settings is crucial for success. Developing your language abilities will help you collaborate effectively, understand lectures, and engage confidently with peers and supervisors. The following resources are designed to help you improve your language proficiency efficiently and make your learning journey more enjoyable and productive.
| Tool/Platform | Description | Take Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket Languages | Learn English, French, German, Spanish, and many other languages with Rocket Languages’ unique personalized teaching methods. | Use Rocket Language for a lifetime with only one payment |
| Mondly | Learn any language you want with Mondly. It is used by 140+ million people worldwide. | Try Mondly at 65% off! |
| Preply | Learn English, Spanish, French, and many other languages faster with your personal language tutor. | Try Preply at 50% off! |
Language Test Prep Resources and Courses
Many international students must complete language proficiency exams such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, DELF, DALF, or TestDaF, as well as standardized tests like the GRE General, to meet admission requirements. These assessments help universities ensure that applicants can successfully communicate and perform in academic environments. Postdoctoral applicants, however, are usually exempt from such tests, as their language proficiency is demonstrated through publications, interviews, or prior research experience. In certain cases, universities may also grant waivers based on previous study in English or strong academic records. The following resources can help you effectively prepare for any language test aligned with your academic goals and study destination.
| Tool/Platform | Description | Take Action |
|---|---|---|
| Coursera | Take online courses with Coursera to boost your language proficiency test scores before applying. | Explore Coursera’s Test Prep Courses |
| Udemy | Take online courses with Udemy to boost your language proficiency test scores before applying. | Explore Udemy’s Test Prep Courses |
| edX | Take online courses with edX to boost your language proficiency test scores before applying. | Explore edX’s Test Prep Courses |
Money Transferring and Student Budgeting Tools
Managing finances across borders can be challenging, particularly for self-funded students who often need to transfer money internationally. In addition to covering living expenses, students must also pay university application fees, tuition deposits, and other essential charges on time (sometimes in different currencies). Delays or high transfer fees can disrupt the entire process. Reliable platforms like Wise and Xe make it easier to send and receive money securely, with transparent exchange rates and low fees. They also help students track spending and plan budgets effectively, ensuring smoother financial management throughout their studies abroad.
| Platform | Description | Button |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Convert currency in real time, and transfer money abroad with very low exchange rates and fees. Essential when budgeting living costs. | Sign Up for Wise |
| Xe | Convert currency in real time, and transfer money abroad with very low exchange rates and fees. Essential when budgeting living expenses. | Sign Up for Xe |
Academic Writing Resources and Tools
Crafting a successful application requires more than strong academics and good grades. The right tools can help you write more effectively, organize your research goals, and develop new skills to strengthen your academic CV. Applyindex’s tools and features ensure that your documents, such as your academic CV, statement of purpose (SOP), letter of motivation (LOM), and cover letter (CL), meet the standards expected in competitive application processes. However, if you prefer to manage your application independently, there are many valuable resources available to enhance your academic writing skills, including Grammarly and online courses offered by platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX.
| Tool/Platform | Description | Take Action |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly | Improve your academic essay writing, CV, SOP, LOM, and emails with advanced grammar and clarity suggestions. | Try Grammarly Free |
| Coursera | Take courses with Coursera to boost your academic writing. | Explore Coursera’s Academic Writing Courses |
| Udemy | Take courses with Udemy to boost your academic writing. | Explore Udemy’s Academic Writing Courses |
| edX | Take courses with edX to boost your academic writing. | Explore edX’s Academic Writing Courses |
Laptops and Tech Essentials for Students
A reliable laptop or desktop computer is one of the best investments for any university student, especially Master’s, PhD, and Postdoc applicants. The right device supports every stage of your academic journey, from writing research proposals and managing applications to data analysis, online classes, and virtual meetings. Choosing the best laptops for students with long battery life, strong performance, and durable design ensures smooth productivity. Below, you can explore trusted brands such as Lenovo, offering student discounts on laptops, PCs, and accessories. These PhD-ready laptops and research tools combine portability and power, making them ideal companions for demanding academic work.
Flight and Travel Related Resources
Resources to Buy Flight Tickets
Relocating for academic purposes, whether for a language test, visa interview, biometrics appointment, or other application-related task, can be costly, especially when travel involves long distances or last-minute bookings. Many students face additional expenses such as luggage fees, accommodation, and transportation. Fortunately, trusted travel platforms like Oojo, Gotogate, and Skyscanner provide affordable flight options, exclusive student discounts, and even cashback offers to ease the financial burden. By comparing prices across multiple airlines and booking in advance through these sites, students can significantly reduce travel costs and make their relocation or study-related trips much more manageable and budget-friendly. Other resources to buy the flight tickets are airlines’ websites (Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airways, Air India, etc.).
Resources to Get Flight Discounts and Fix Flight Problems
Finding affordable flights and managing travel issues are essential for international and domestic students who often relocate for language tests, visa appointments, or the start of a new academic term. Several student flight discount platforms and travel tools can make this process more affordable and less stressful. AirHelp is one of the most trusted flight compensation services, helping students claim refunds or compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights, i.e., issues that can otherwise lead to costly disruptions. Luggage Forward offers secure, door-to-door baggage shipping, enabling students to avoid high airline baggage fees and travel lighter when moving abroad for study.
Earn and Redeem Points for Cheap Flights
Other valuable travel resources for students include Points, Miles, and Seats.aero, as well as Flying Blue. These platforms help students save money by earning, tracking, and redeeming travel rewards for cheap flights or seat upgrades. Seats.aero specializes in finding last-minute award seats for travelers with flexible schedules, while Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, offers exclusive student-friendly promotions and mileage bonuses. By using these tools strategically, students can turn every trip into an opportunity to earn rewards and make air travel significantly more budget-friendly.
Explore and Compare Student Travel Tools
If you are planning to travel for your studies, consider exploring the above-mentioned student flight discount and compensation resources/platforms before booking your next trip. Each offers unique benefits, from saving money and earning rewards to managing lost luggage or claiming compensation for delays. Comparing multiple options such as AirHelp, Luggage Forward, and Seats.aero helps ensure you choose the best service for your specific travel needs, making your study abroad journey smoother, safer, and more affordable.
Accommodation Resources for Students
Once you have secured a visa, the next step is finding a safe and affordable place to live. Platforms like Amber specialize in verified student housing and short-term rentals around universities worldwide.
To be updated…