Studying abroad: timing
The early bird really does get the worm when it comes to applications for overseas postgraduate study placements.

Applying to study abroad can be very time consuming, from getting transcripts of your qualifications to preparing for and sitting admissions tests and securing funding. It is very important to start the process early, as gathering all of the correct information is a large part of the work.
Bear in mind that some closing dates fall early in your final undergraduate year. For example, applications for Fulbright Awards, a main source of scholarships for students wishing to study in the US, have an October closing date for UK applicants and November for Irish applicants.
Most US college course closing dates are in December, which is a lot earlier than the spring and summer closing dates of their European counterparts.