Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education
How do I choose a university abroad if I haven't decided on a major?
If you have not decided on a major, choose a country that lets you explore before committing: undecided or liberal arts entry in the US and Canada, a foundation year in the UK or Australia, or a general degree. Compare costs: Australia runs about AUD 120,000–200,000 for a 3-year bachelor's, UK tuition is £15,000–35,000 per year, and Canada requires CAD 20,635 proof of funds per year. Prepare IELTS 6.0+ early.
These pathways work for Indonesian high-school students and undergraduates who want to keep their options open before finalising a major. The steps below use 2026 cost and visa figures.
Key facts
| Tuition, Australia (international) | AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (3-year bachelor's totals about AUD 120,000–200,000 including living costs.) |
|---|---|
| Tuition, UK (international) | GBP 15,000–35,000 per year (London is more expensive; most bachelor's degrees are 3 years.) |
| Proof of funds, Canada | CAD 20,635 per year (Single applicant outside Quebec; increased from 2024.) |
| Tuition, Malaysia (international) | MYR 20,000–60,000 per year (Many UK/Australian branch campuses offer degrees at lower cost.) |
| Australia student visa minimum English (2026) | IELTS 6.0 overall (Was 5.5; universities may require 6.5–7.0.) |
| Post-study work: UK / Australia / Canada | 2 years / varies / up to 3 years (UK Graduate Route (3 for PhD); Australia Temporary Graduate 485; Canada PGWP.) |
| Australia student visa application charge (2026) | AUD 2,000 per primary applicant (Raised from AUD 1,600; verify before applying.) |
Start with a country that allows exploration, not a locked-in major
The US and Canada let you enter as an undecided student or through a liberal arts/general first year, so you take broad courses before declaring a major. The UK and Australia often offer foundation years or general first-year degrees that lead into several specialisations. Malaysia's branch campuses of UK and Australian universities provide similar flexibility at a lower cost.
- US/Canada: undecided, liberal arts, or general first year.
- UK/Australia: foundation year or general degree leading to chosen specialisation.
- Malaysia: lower-cost branch campuses (e.g., Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt).
Compare total costs before you compare majors
Use these 2026 figures to avoid surprises. An Australian 3-year bachelor's degree totals roughly AUD 120,000–200,000 including living costs; tuition alone is AUD 20,000–45,000 per year. UK tuition is £15,000–35,000 per year, with London at the higher end. Canada requires proof of funds of CAD 20,635 per year for a single applicant outside Quebec. Malaysia is often cheaper, with tuition of MYR 20,000–60,000 per year.
Map 2–3 possible majors with an aptitude test
Before applying, take a free aptitude test to see which broad areas—business, STEM, health, arts, social sciences—match your strengths and interests. Then shortlist two or three majors and check which countries offer them through the flexible entry routes above. This keeps your application open and reduces the risk of switching majors later. SpecTa's free AI aptitude test can help with this first step.
Check visa and English requirements early, especially IELTS 6.0+
Indonesia is now Level 2 under Australia's Simplified Student Visa Framework in 2026, so financial evidence and a valid English test are required for most applications. The student visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall (up from 5.5), and universities often require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate entry and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate. The UK and Canada also require proof of English and funds, so start preparing early.
Think about post-study work before you choose
Post-study work matters for many Indonesian students. Compare the main options before you commit to a country.
- UK: Graduate Route 2 years (3 for PhD).
- Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) — duration depends on qualification.
- Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permit up to 3 years.
- Malaysia: fewer post-study work options, but branch campuses can be cheaper.
Key takeaways
- Choose a country with an undecided, liberal arts, foundation, or general first-year pathway so you are not locked in from day one.
- Compare total costs: Australia totals about AUD 120,000–200,000 for a 3-year bachelor's, UK tuition is £15,000–35,000 per year, and Canada requires CAD 20,635 proof of funds per year.
- Prepare IELTS 6.0+ early—it is the 2026 Australian student visa minimum, and universities may ask 6.5–7.0.
- Take an aptitude test to map 2–3 possible majors before you apply; this reduces the risk of switching later.
- Check post-study work: UK Graduate Route 2 years, Australia Temporary Graduate 485, Canada PGWP up to 3 years.
Related questions
I haven't decided on a major—can I still apply to study abroad?
Yes. Choose a country with flexible entry: undecided or liberal arts in the US/Canada, a foundation year in the UK/Australia, or a general first year. You can usually declare your major after one year of broad study.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa in 2026?
You need evidence of at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel. The visa application charge is AUD 2,000 per primary applicant. Indonesia's Level 2 status means financial evidence and a valid English test are mandatory for most applications.
Is IELTS 6.0 enough for undergraduate study abroad?
For the Australian student visa in 2026, yes—IELTS 6.0 overall is the minimum. Universities often ask 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate entry and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate, so aim for at least 6.5 if you want more options.
Can I work after graduation if I study in the UK, Australia, or Canada?
Yes. The UK Graduate Route allows 2 years of post-study work (3 for PhD). Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) lets you work, but the duration depends on your qualification. Canada's PGWP can be up to 3 years.
What if I still cannot decide after taking an aptitude test?
Shortlist 2–3 majors that share a broad area and apply to a foundation or undecided pathway. If you are still unsure, choose a country with the most flexible first year.