| A | A levels | Advanced Levels | UK pre-university qualifications (usually 2 years) used for university entry. | UK |
| A | A&E | Accident & Emergency | Hospital emergency department. | UK |
| A | AACUPI | Association of American College and University Programs in Italy | Association supporting U.S. study-abroad programs based in Italy. | Italy/US |
| A | AAUP | American Association of University Professors | US body advocating academic freedom, shared governance, and faculty rights. | US |
| A | Academic Transcript | — | Official record of courses, credits, grades, and awards; required for admissions/visas. | Global |
| A | Academic Year | — | Teaching period (often Aug/Sep–May/Jun), commonly split into semesters/terms/quarters. | Global |
| A | Admission Essay | Personal Statement | Written statement for admissions explaining fit, motivation, and goals. | Global |
| A | Adviser | — | Person who helps with academic decisions (courses, requirements, internships). | Global |
| A | Advisor | Academic Advisor | University staff guiding students on study plans, policies, and progress. | Global |
| A | Affiliate Program | — | Partnership allowing shared curricula/resources or joint/dual awards between institutions. | Global |
| A | AHRC | Arts & Humanities Research Council | UK funding body for postgraduate arts/humanities research. | UK |
| A | ANZSCO | Australian & New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations | Joint occupation classification used for labour stats and immigration. | AU/NZ |
| A | APCL | Accredited Prior Certificated Learning | Credit for previously assessed/awarded learning. | UK/Global |
| A | APEL | Accredited Prior Experiential Learning | Credit for relevant skills/knowledge gained via work/life experience. | UK/Global |
| A | APL | Accredited Prior Learning | Umbrella term for APCL/APEL—recognising prior learning for credit. | UK/Global |
| A | AQF | Australian Qualifications Framework | National framework aligning Australian qualification levels. | Australia |
| A | ARWU | Academic Ranking of World Universities | Global university league table (a.k.a. Shanghai Rankings). | Global |
| A | AS Levels | Advanced Subsidiary Levels | First half of A level; often taken in Year 12. | UK |
| A | ADB Scholarship | Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Programme | Full scholarships (1–2 years) for development-related postgrad study in Asia-Pacific. | Asia-Pacific |
| A | Assistantship | — | Paid graduate role (often teaching/research) offering stipend/tuition support. | Global |
| A | Assistantship / Internship / Work-study | — | Funding or experience via campus work (assistantship), industry placement (internship), or subsidized part-time roles (work-study). | Global |
| A | Associate Degree | — | Two-year post-secondary award emphasizing foundational academic/professional skills. | US/AU/NZ |
| A | Audit | — | Attend a class for learning only—no credit/grade awarded. | US (UK: pre-sessional equivalents) |
| B | BA | Bachelor of Arts | Undergraduate degree in the arts/social sciences (typically 3–4 years). | Global |
| B | Backlog Certificate | — | Document listing any pending/cleared academic backlogs; sometimes requested with transcripts. | India + institutions abroad |
| B | BAO | Bachelor of Obstetrics | Medical degree designation specific to Ireland. | Ireland |
| B | BCh | Bachelor of Surgery | Medical degree component paired with MB (e.g., MB BCh). | UK/Commonwealth |
| B | BDA | British Dental Association | Professional body for dentistry. | UK |
| B | BE/BEng | Bachelor of Engineering | Undergraduate engineering degree (3–5 years). | Global |
| B | BEd | Bachelor of Education | Undergraduate degree qualifying graduates to teach in schools. | Global |
| B | BMA | British Medical Association | Professional body for doctors and medical students. | UK |
| B | BMAT | Biomedical Admissions Test | Admissions test for select Medicine/related programs. | UK/Singapore |
| B | BSc | Bachelor of Science | Undergraduate science degree (typically 3–5 years). | Global |
| B | BTEC | Business & Technology Education Council | Vocational qualifications (e.g., Nationals/HNC/HND). | UK |
| B | Bursary | — | Need-based financial award (often with eligibility criteria). | Global |
| C | CAB | Citizens Advice Bureau | Free, confidential consumer/legal/money advice. | UK |
| C | CACHE | Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education | Vocational qualifications for early years/childcare—accepted by related HE courses. | UK |
| C | Carrel | — | Individual study booth/space in libraries for focused work. | Global |
| C | CAS | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies | Unique reference from a licensed sponsor confirming an unconditional offer—used for UK visas. | UK |
| C | CBD | Central Business District | Main commercial/financial district of a city. | Global |
| C | CELTA | Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults | Entry-level qualification for teaching English to adults. | Global |
| C | Cert HE | Certificate of Higher Education | One-year HE award (often in social/health/education fields). | UK |
| C | Certificate in Business Swedish | — | Proficiency test run by the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. | Sweden |
| C | City Campus | — | University facilities distributed across a city rather than a single site. | Global |
| C | Commencement | — | Graduation ceremony. | Global |
| C | Community College | — | Public institution offering two-year programs, transfer pathways, and adult education. | US (similar concepts elsewhere) |
| C | Course/Modules | — | A course comprises modules; modules are the taught/assessed units within a course. | Global |
| C | CPA | Certified Public Accountant | Professional accountancy credential; opens roles in audit, tax, finance. | US/Global |
| C | Credit Transfer | — | Applying credits from one institution to another to avoid repeating content. | Global |
| C | Credits | — | Units measuring academic workload/progress toward a qualification. | Global |
| C | CRICOS | Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students | Registry of providers/courses approved for international students. | Australia |
| C | CSIRO | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation | National science agency with extensive university links. | Australia |
| C | CSN | Centrala studiestödsnämnden | Swedish authority administering student grants/loans and repayments. | Sweden |
| C | CSOL | Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List | Former Australian skilled-migration occupation list (policy evolves). | Australia |
| C | CUKAS | Conservatories UK Admissions Service | Central service (historic) for UK conservatoire applications (now via UCAS). | UK |
| D | Dean | — | Head of a college or university faculty; equivalent to a Vice-Chancellor in the UK. | US/UK |
| D | Degree | — | Qualification awarded by a university upon completion of an academic program or significant scholarly contribution. | Global |
| D | DHA | Department of Home Affairs | Australian government body managing visas, immigration, and citizenship. | Australia |
| D | DHS | Department of Homeland Security | US government department responsible for public security and immigration enforcement. | US |
| D | DIAC | Department of Immigration and Citizenship | Former Australian department responsible for immigration (now DHA). | Australia |
| D | DipHE | Diploma of Higher Education | Two-year qualification equivalent to the first two years of a degree, often used for direct entry into Year 3. | UK |
| D | Direct Enrolment Program | — | Study abroad model allowing students to enroll directly in a foreign university, not via intermediaries. | Global |
| D | Dissertation | — | Long-form academic research paper required for Master’s or PhD completion, contributing original findings. | Global |
| D | Distance Education | Distance Learning / Online Study | Mode of study allowing students to earn degrees remotely via online or correspondence learning. | Global |
| D | Dorm | Dormitory | On-campus or near-campus housing for students, often shared or communal. | Global |
| D | DOS | Department of State | US federal department overseeing foreign affairs and visa services. | US |
| D | DSA | Disabled Students’ Allowance | Grants assisting students with disabilities or chronic health conditions. | UK |
| D | Dual Programme | Double/Combined Degree | Study plan leading to two qualifications, possibly from different universities. | Global |
| D | DVLA | Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency | UK agency issuing driving licenses; international students must verify license validity. | UK |
| E | EAP | English for Academic Purposes | English training focused on academic writing, speaking, and comprehension for higher studies. | Global |
| E | ECO | Entry Clearance Officer | Immigration control staff at UK airports or embassies. | UK |
| E | eCoE | Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment | Official proof of admission required for Australian student visa (subclass 500). | Australia |
| E | ECTS | European Credit Transfer System | System standardizing academic credits across European universities. | Europe |
| E | Education Scholarships | — | Financial aid based on merit or need, awarded by governments, universities, or foundations. | Global |
| E | Education Visa | Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Visa allowing international students to stay in Australia for the duration of their program. | Australia |
| E | EduTrust | EduTrust Certification Scheme | Singapore quality-assurance framework required for private institutions enrolling international students. | Singapore |
| E | EFL | English as a Foreign Language | English learning for non-native speakers, typically outside English-speaking countries. | Global |
| E | ELT | English Language Teaching | Training for teachers delivering English language instruction. | Global |
| E | EMBA | Executive MBA | Business master’s program tailored for working professionals with significant experience. | Global |
| E | Endeavour Awards | — | Prestigious Australian government scholarships for global study, research, and professional development. | Australia |
| E | EngTech | Engineering Technician | UK professional designation achieved through BTEC or equivalent qualifications. | UK |
| E | ESL | English as a Second Language | English learning for non-native speakers living in English-speaking regions. | Global |
| E | ESOL | English for Speakers of Other Languages | English programs designed for immigrants and learners in multilingual contexts. | Global |
| E | ESP | English for Specific Purposes | Specialized English instruction tailored to professions (e.g., medical, legal, business). | Global |
| E | Essay | — | Short written piece expressing views on a specific topic; often used for academic assessment. | Global |
| E | EU | European Union | Political and economic union of 27 European countries. | Europe |
| E | Exchange Program | — | Reciprocal arrangement allowing students to study abroad for a semester/year while earning home credits. | Global |
| E | Experience Certificate | — | Document verifying professional experience; used for employment or visa applications. | Global |
| E | Experience Class (Canada) | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Canadian immigration pathway for skilled workers with at least one year of local work experience. | Canada |
| E | Express Entry (Canada) | — | Canadian online immigration system managing permanent residency applications for skilled workers. | Canada |
| F | FAFSA | Free Application for Federal Student Aid | Application for US federal financial aid for higher education. | US |
| F | FAS | Kammarkollegiet Health Coverage | Swedish government short-term student health insurance for programs under one year. | Sweden |
| F | FdG | Foundation Degree | Two-year vocational degree equivalent to an associate degree, bridging to a full bachelor’s. | UK |
| F | FE Colleges | Further Education Colleges | UK institutions offering academic, vocational, and technical qualifications. | UK |
| F | Fellowship | — | University or foundation-based merit award covering tuition and living costs for advanced study. | Global |
| F | Finals Week | — | End-of-term exam period for all academic programs. | Global |
| F | Form DS-160 | Non-Immigrant Visa Application | Mandatory online application for US student visa interviews. | US |
| F | Foundation Course | — | One-year preparatory program ensuring eligibility for undergraduate entry (e.g., A-level or English). | UK/Global |
| F | Four Quarters | — | Academic year division into four three-month sessions (seasonal system). | US/Global |
| F | Fraternity/Sorority | Greek Life | Social/academic organizations with shared housing and activities; membership often selective. | US |
| F | Fresher’s Week | Orientation Week | Induction week for new university entrants featuring social and academic onboarding events. | UK/Global |
| F | Freshman/Fresher | — | First-year undergraduate or doctoral student. | Global |
| F | Fulbright Program | — | Prestigious US government-funded scholarship for international educational exchange. | Global |
| F | Further / Continuing Education | Adult Education | Courses and certifications aimed at professional/vocational upskilling. | Global |
| G | GAMSAT | Graduate (Australian) Medical School Admission Test | Standardized entrance test for graduate medical courses in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. | AU / UK / IE |
| G | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | — | Prestigious full scholarship funded by the Gates Foundation for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. | UK |
| G | GCSE | General Certificate of Secondary Education | Qualification for students aged 14–16; covers multiple subjects and forms the basis for UK university entry. | UK |
| G | GCSE Double Award | — | Extended GCSE track emphasizing practical or vocational subjects with double weighting. | UK |
| G | GEP | Graduate Entry Programme | Four-year medical degree program for graduates from other fields. | UK / AU |
| G | GMAT | Graduate Management Admission Test | Global exam assessing analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning for business school admissions. | Global |
| G | GP | General Practitioner | Primary-care medical doctor for general health consultations. | UK / Global |
| G | GPA | Grade Point Average | 4-point (or similar) numerical scale summarizing academic performance for admissions or employment. | Global |
| G | Graduate Certificate | — | Postgraduate credential expanding undergraduate skills or adding new professional specialization. | Global |
| G | Graduate Scheme | — | Structured training + employment program for recent graduates, lasting from months to 3 years. | UK / Global |
| G | Graduate / Advanced Diploma | — | Qualification deepening or broadening existing undergraduate skills in a specific vocational area. | Global |
| G | GRE | Graduate Record Examination | Standardized test for admission to US (and some global) postgraduate programs. | US / Global |
| G | GST | Goods and Services Tax | 10 % indirect tax on goods/services in Australia; refundable under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). | AU |
| G | GTT R | Graduate Teacher Training Registry | Registry / portal for teacher-training program admissions. | UK |
| H | HEMG | Higher Education Maintenance Grant | UK government grant supporting students from lower-income backgrounds. | UK |
| H | High School | — | Secondary-school level of education preceding university (Grades 9–12 in the US). | Global |
| H | HNC | Higher National Certificate | One-year vocational qualification preparing for employment or further degree entry. | UK |
| H | HND | Higher National Diploma | Two-year vocational qualification equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. | UK |
| H | Home Student | — | UK/EEA resident eligible for domestic tuition rates after 3 years’ residence. | UK / EEA |
| H | Homestay | — | Student accommodation within a local family’s home for cultural immersion. | Global |
| H | Hon (F) | Honours + Foundation Year | Four-year degree including a preparatory foundation year. | UK / Global |
| H | Honours Degree | — | Awarded for high academic performance (typically ≥ 75 %); sometimes includes an extra study year. | AU / NZ / SG / MY |
| H | Hort | Horticulture | The science and practice of cultivating plants and gardens; common vocational subject. | Global |
| I | IELTS | International English Language Testing System | Globally recognized English-proficiency test assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. | Global |
| I | Independent Schools | Private Schools | Privately funded schools with independent curricula and governance. | UK / Global |
| I | IRS | Internal Revenue Service | US agency administering federal taxation; relevant for international students with income. | US |
| I | Ivy League | — | Group of eight elite US universities known for academic excellence and prestige. | US |
| I | IIE | Institute of International Education | Non-profit promoting international exchange through scholarships, fellowships, and research programs. | Global |
| I | Integrated / Immersion Program | — | Full-immersion study model integrating language, culture, and academics in the host country. | Global |
| I | ISA | International Student Advisor | University staff guiding overseas students on visas, academics, and cultural adjustment. | Global |
| I | Island Programme | — | Study-abroad initiative located on an island or coastal region offering immersive learning experiences. | Global |
| I | I-20 | Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status | Document issued by SEVP-certified US schools confirming F-1/M-1 student eligibility. | US |
| I | IB | International Baccalaureate | Rigorous global pre-university qualification emphasizing critical thinking and international awareness. | Global |
| I | ICT | Information & Communication Technology | Field encompassing computing, networks, and digital communication systems. | Global |
| I | IEP | Intensive English Program | Full-time English-language training program preparing students for academic study. | Global |
| I | IFY | International Foundation Year | One-year preparatory program bridging high-school and undergraduate study for international students. | Global |
| I | IGCSE | International GCSE | Global version of the UK GCSE; taken over 2 years in up to 12 subjects. | Global |
| I | ILEX | Chartered Institute of Legal Executives | UK professional body for legal executives and paralegals. | UK |
| I | Incoming / Landing Passenger Card | — | Immigration form for inbound travelers to the UK and Australia requiring personal and visit details. | UK / AU |
| I | ISIC | International Student Identity Card | Globally recognized student ID providing travel and retail discounts. | Global |
| I | ISAT | International Student Admissions Test | Standardized test used by some Australian universities for undergraduate entry. | AU |
| I | IT | Information Technology | Study and application of computer systems, software, and data management. | Global |
| J | Junior | — | Third-year undergraduate student in a four-year degree program. | US / Global |
| L | LEA | Local Education Authority | Local UK body responsible for managing schools, education funding, and policy in its region. | UK |
| L | LLB | Legum Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Laws) | Undergraduate degree in law qualifying students for legal professions or further study. | Global |
| L | LLM | Legum Magister (Master of Laws) | Postgraduate academic degree for advanced specialization in law. | Global |
| L | LNAT | National Admissions Test for Law | Standardized pre-university exam used by competitive UK law schools to assess applicants. | UK |
| M | Migration | — | Movement of people from one country or region to another for work, education, or settlement. | Global |
| M | Migration Points | — | Scoring system (used by Australia/Canada) evaluating skilled-worker eligibility via age, skills, education, and experience. | AU / CA |
| M | Matriculate / Registration | — | Official process of enrolling and becoming a registered student at a university or college. | Global |
| M | MA | Master of Arts | Postgraduate academic degree awarded in arts, humanities, or social sciences. | Global |
| M | MB | Bachelor of Medicine | Undergraduate qualification for medical practitioners. | Global |
| M | MBA | Master of Business Administration | Advanced business management degree focusing on leadership, strategy, and operations. | Global |
| M | MBBS | Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae | Dual degree in Medicine & Surgery awarded in Commonwealth countries following the UK system. | UK / AU / IN / SG |
| M | MCAT | Medical College Admission Test | Standardized entrance test for medical schools, especially in the US and Canada. | US / CA |
| M | Mech | Mechanical Engineering | Discipline of engineering dealing with design, mechanics, and manufacturing systems. | Global |
| M | Med | Medicine | Study and practice of medical science for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. | Global |
| M | MEng | Master of Engineering | Combined or postgraduate degree (3 + 1 structure) in advanced engineering. | UK / Global |
| M | Mgmt | Management | Field involving leadership, strategy, and organizational operations. | Global |
| M | MIT | Master in Information Technology | Postgraduate program in computing, networking, and IT management. | Global |
| M | Mkt | Marketing | Discipline involving promotion, advertising, and strategic market research. | Global |
| M | MPhil | Master of Philosophy | Advanced research-based postgraduate degree, often leading to a PhD. | Global |
| M | MQA (MY) | Malaysian Qualifications Agency | National accreditation authority ensuring quality standards in Malaysian higher education. | Malaysia |
| M | MRC | Medical Research Council | UK organization funding and coordinating medical and clinical research. | UK |
| M | MSc | Master of Science | Postgraduate or integrated four-year degree focusing on scientific disciplines. | Global |
| N | NAATI | National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters | Australia’s national body for certification of professional translators / interpreters. | Australia |
| N | NAFSA | National Association of International Educators | Professional US-based association supporting international education and exchange. | Global |
| N | NEFT | National Electronic Funds Transfer | Indian banking system enabling inter-bank online fund transfers. | India |
| N | NHS | National Health Service | UK’s public healthcare system providing medical services, often free for residents and students. | UK |
| N | NI Number | National Insurance Number | Unique UK identification number used for tax, employment, and social-security purposes. | UK |
| N | NITEC | National Institute of Technical Education Certificate | Singapore technical education certificate preparing students for skilled trades. | Singapore |
| N | NSS | National Student Survey | Annual UK survey collecting feedback from final-year undergraduates about teaching and campus experience. | UK |
| N | NUS | National Union of Students | Representative body advocating for students’ interests across UK higher education. | UK |
| N | NUS Card / ID | — | Official student identification granting campus access and student discounts. | UK |
| N | NVQ | National Vocational Qualification | UK work-based qualification measuring competence in specific job roles. | UK |
| O | Open Doors Report | — | Annual report by IIE + US Dept of State detailing trends in global student mobility. | US / Global |
| O | OFFA | Office for Fair Access | UK body ensuring fair university access for under-represented groups. | UK |
| O | Ofsted | Office for Standards in Education | UK government regulator inspecting education and training institutions. | UK |
| O | Ord | Ordinary Degree | Non-honours degree awarded when honours criteria are not fully met. | UK |
| O | OSHC | Overseas Student Health Cover | Mandatory health insurance for international students studying in Australia. | Australia |
| O | Overseas Visitors’ Records Office | — | Office where some UK-bound foreign students must register upon arrival. | UK |
| O | Oyster Card | — | Contactless smart travel card used for London public transport. | UK |
| P | PR | Permanent Residency | Immigration status allowing non-citizens to live, work, and study indefinitely, with access to healthcare and education but without full voting rights. | Global |
| P | Professional Year Program | — | 44-week structured training program for international graduates in accounting, engineering, or IT, combining coursework and internship experience. | Australia |
| P | Pre-requisite | — | A requirement that must be met before enrolling in a higher-level course or program. | Global |
| P | Paper / Term Paper | — | Written academic assignment such as essays or reports submitted at the end of a term. | Global |
| P | PBS | Points-Based System | UK visa system evaluating eligibility for student and skilled worker visas based on points. | UK |
| P | Personnummer | — | Swedish personal ID number granting access to healthcare and services during study programs over one year. | Sweden |
| P | PG | Postgraduate | Refers to studies, degrees, or students pursuing education beyond a bachelor’s. | Global |
| P | PGCE | Postgraduate Certificate in Education | UK qualification preparing graduates to teach in schools; combines theory and classroom experience. | UK |
| P | PhD | Doctor of Philosophy | Highest academic qualification involving independent, original research across any discipline. | Global |
| P | PIN | Personal Identification Number | Four-digit security code used for banking and identification verification. | Global |
| P | Pre-Master Course | — | Bridging program preparing international students for postgraduate degrees through academic and English training. | Global |
| P | Pre-University English Course | Pre-Sessional Course | Short-term English-language course helping students meet entry requirements for degree programs. | Global |
| P | Professor | — | Senior academic responsible for teaching and research at university level. | Global |
| P | Psychometric Test | — | Standardized aptitude and personality tests used by employers during recruitment. | Global |
| P | PTE | Pearson Test of English | English-proficiency test accepted globally for university admissions and visas. | Global |
| R | Railcard | — | Discount card for train travel within the UK (e.g., 16–25 Railcard gives 30% fare reduction). | UK |
| R | RCM | Royal College of Midwives | UK’s professional body and union for midwives. | UK |
| R | Research Assistantship | — | Paid or stipend-based role assisting faculty in research projects, often held by postgraduate students. | Global |
| R | RIBA | Royal Institute of British Architects | UK professional organization for architects promoting standards and education. | UK |
| R | Russell Group | — | Association of 20 top UK research-intensive universities with global academic excellence. | UK |
| S | SOL | Skilled Occupation List | Australian government list identifying in-demand professions eligible for skilled migration visas. | Australia |
| S | SIMPA | Skilled Migration Internship Program – Accounting | 12-month internship program for international accounting graduates to gain Australian work experience. | Australia |
| S | SSN | Social Security Number | 9-digit US identifier tracking income and eligibility for benefits; required for working students. | US |
| S | Semester Program | — | Academic program lasting one semester (4–6 months) combining coursework, travel, or field experience. | Global |
| S | SSA | Spanish Studies Abroad | Organization offering immersive study programs in Spanish-speaking countries. | Spain / Global |
| S | Study Abroad Program Provider | — | Organization or university administering and supporting international study experiences. | Global |
| S | Summer Program | — | Short-term academic or enrichment course held during summer break, offering study or cultural experiences. | Global |
| S | SAAS | Student Awards Agency for Scotland | Scottish government body providing financial aid to students. | Scotland |
| S | SAT | Scholastic Assessment Test | Standardized college-admission test used by most US universities. | US |
| S | Schengen Area | — | 26-country European travel zone allowing border-free movement of people. | Europe |
| S | Schengen Visa | — | Short-stay visa permitting travel within the Schengen Area. | Europe |
| S | Scholarship / S’ship | — | Financial award recognizing academic excellence or need to support study costs. | Global |
| S | SCQF | Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework | Framework aligning Scottish qualifications for credit transfer and academic progression. | Scotland |
| S | Senior | — | Fourth-year undergraduate student. | US / Global |
| S | SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System | US online database monitoring international students and exchange visitors. | US |
| S | SEVP | Student and Exchange Visitor Program | US body managing SEVIS and overseeing institutions hosting international students. | US |
| S | SFI | Swedish for Immigrants | Free government-sponsored Swedish-language program for newcomers and students. | Sweden |
| S | SHJT | Shanghai Jiao Tong (ARWU) Rankings | Annual university ranking system assessing global higher-education institutions. | Global |
| S | SLC | Scottish Qualifications Agency | National awarding body for Scottish qualifications. | Scotland |
| S | SSN (Duplicate Reference) | Social Security Number | Identifier used for taxation and employment in the US; temporary SSN possible for student workers. | US |
| S | STEM | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics | Academic cluster of technical and scientific disciplines prioritized for innovation and funding. | Global |
| S | SVP | Streamlined Visa Processing | Simplified visa system for international students at participating Australian universities. | Australia |
| S | Swedex | — | Standardized exam assessing Swedish language proficiency for non-native speakers. | Sweden |
| S | Syllabus | — | Course outline detailing subjects, topics, assessments, and objectives. | Global |
| S | Systembolaget | — | Government-owned Swedish chain authorized to sell alcohol; purchase age minimum 20 years. | Sweden |
| T | TR | Temporary Resident Visa | Australian visa type allowing non-citizens to live temporarily for study, work, or tourism. Includes various subcategories with specific conditions. | Australia |
| T | TAFE | Technical and Further Education | Vocational and technical training institutions in Australia offering certificates to advanced diplomas in practical trades and professions. | Australia |
| T | Transfer | — | Moving from one university to another to continue a degree or course of study. | Global |
| T | Transcript | — | Official academic record listing courses, grades, and qualifications earned by a student. | Global |
| T | Terra Dotta | — | Software platform for managing study abroad and international education programs in universities. | Global |
| T | T.A. | Teaching Assistant | Graduate or postgraduate student who assists professors with lectures, grading, and student support. | Global |
| T | Teaching Assistantship | — | Funded academic placement where postgraduate students teach or assist in undergraduate classes while studying. | Global |
| T | TEFL / TESOL | Teaching English as a Foreign Language / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages | Professional qualifications enabling individuals to teach English to non-native speakers worldwide. | Global |
| T | TFL | Transport for London | Official authority managing London’s public transport network and travel information. | UK |
| T | TFN | Tax File Number | Identification number required to work, open a bank account, or pay taxes in Australia. | Australia |
| T | THE Rankings | Times Higher Education Rankings | Prestigious global university rankings based on teaching, research, and international outlook. | Global |
| T | Three Terms | — | Academic calendar divided into three four-month study terms. | UK / Global |
| T | Tier | — | UK immigration classification system for student and work visa categories (e.g., Tier 4 for students). | UK |
| T | TISUS | Test in Swedish for University Studies | Swedish-language proficiency test required for admission to Swedish universities. | Sweden |
| T | TOEFL | Test of English as a Foreign Language | Global standardized test assessing English proficiency for academic admission to English-speaking institutions. | Global |
| T | TTA | Teacher Training Agency | UK agency formerly overseeing teacher training and development. | UK |
| T | Two Semesters | — | Academic year structure divided into two terms. | Global |
| U | Undergraduate / Graduate / Postgraduate | — | Levels of higher education: undergraduate (bachelor’s), graduate (master’s), and postgraduate (doctoral). | Global |
| U | UCAS | Universities and Colleges Admissions Service | Centralized UK system for applying to higher education institutions. | UK |
| U | UG | Undergraduate | Refers to undergraduate degree, level, or student. | Global |
| U | UKBA | UK Border Agency | Former body managing border control and immigration; now under the UK Home Office. | UK |
| U | UKCAT | UK Clinical Aptitude Test | Admissions test for UK medical and dental schools, assessing reasoning and decision-making. | UK |
| U | UKCISA | UK Council for International Student Affairs | National advisory body supporting international students in the UK through resources and policy advocacy. | UK |
| U | University College | — | Tertiary institution affiliated with a larger university; may offer degrees but lack full independent status. | UK / Global |
| V | VET | Vocational Education and Training | Practical education focused on trades, crafts, and applied skills leading to employment. | Global |
| V | VEVO | Visa Entitlement Verification Online | Australian system allowing employers and organizations to verify visa details (with applicant consent). | Australia |
