Completing university is a massive landmark to overcome. But that is not all. Graduating from a university only helps to open up new gateways to discover and hone in on our major. Studying in an international institute is the best way to do that because not only do you adopt new knowledge but also get introduced to new people, new cultures, and, most importantly, more modern ways of thinking and reasoning.
There are different admission requirements for various universities across the world. However, all of them have similar application procedures regardless of the location. Before going into specifics, it would be greatly useful for you to prepare ahead of time, so you do not miss any deadline.
HOW TO APPLY TO GET ACCEPTED
The University application process can be very irresistible and stressful, especially if students do not have any proper guide. Look no further. This is a comprehensive and brief guide to help you to study overseas.
RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
The first step after you decide to study overseas is to be aware of all the institutions and programs offered in your country of preference. Set your aim in your mind about what you want to study, and advised to keep your options open. You should narrow down your options to at least more than one university in the same country or different destinations overseas.
There are thousands of education institutes out there in the world offering multiple programs. Therefore you are highly recommended to get advice from any educational consultancy regarding the best option for you according to your wishes and academic background. Thorough research into your desired universities is required well ahead of time because each international institute has different application requirements and deadlines.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION
After you have chosen the institutions, read the academic requirements of each program to figure out your probability of being accepted by the institute. Then come over to the application process. Usually, you can apply through the university’s online portal, but some institutes require the applicant to send a hard copy of the application via post.
Most international institutes have created online platforms for application to make it easier for students to apply to more than one institute at once. Therefore, you need to make a list of all the required documents required for the application. Here is a list of universal application documents that most universities require.
- A Complete University Application Form
- All Educational Documents
- Financial Statement
- Visa History Declaration Form
- Letter of Recommendations
- Language Test (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) Report
- Copy of Valid Passport
- Statement of Purpose/Admission Essay
- Comprehensive CV
- Extracurricular Activity Certificates (if any)
LANGUAGE TEST AND ADMISSION TEST
English language proficiency test report is required for all international institutions over the Globe. Which will prove that you can attend lectures in English and comprehend them. Some of the English language proficiency tests are IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, CPE, etc.
If you are applying for an undergraduate program, then you would need an admission test. Most universities have their personalized admission tests, so it is better to get advice from any local student educational consultancy about individual university requirements before the application deadline.
There is an entrance exam for those who are interested to study in the USA universities which is American College Testing (ACT). And the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that is applicable everywhere in the world. All these tests are standardized tests that take about 3 hours to complete.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (SOP)/ ADMISSION ESSAY
Statement of Purpose or an admission essay is the most crucial part of any international university application. A good SOP gives you a chance to stand out from the rest of the applicants and impress the admission team.
A Statement of Purpose is a personal statement that tells the admission team about who you are, your future goals, and why you are a perfect candidate for the chosen degree. A good SOP focuses on your academic and extracurricular achievements. Here are five questions that every SOP should address:
- Which program are you applying for?
- What is your reason for choosing that program?
- Why did you choose this University?
- Do you have any previous experience in the selected field of study?
- How are you planning to use your degree in the future?
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
A good letter of recommendation (LOR) is essential if you want to get admission, especially for a scholarship from any renowned institution around the globe. International universities require two LOR from your professors. A well-written recommendation letter gives the admission committee a quick review of your academic achievements and your potential as a student.
Some universities require a hard copy of the recommendation letter while some institutions ask for your recommenders’ (your professors or employer) email Id, and the university asks these people for a letter on your behalf for discretion. Therefore, it is recommended to inform your recommenders before admission so they can prepare a letter in advance.
PORTFOLIO AND CV
Another most important document is the CV and your portfolio. If you are applying for an arts degree, then you need to prepare a strong portfolio including all your previous projects and accomplishments. Similarly, your CV should be detailed, including all your relevant skills, accomplishments, interests, and work experience.
BE AWARE OF DEADLINES!
When applying online, make sure to familiarize yourself with the deadlines. Some universities offer two admission intakes annually, i.e. (Winter and Fall/Spring). So prepare these documents ahead of time so you don’t miss any deadline because if you do, you will have to wait another six months to apply.