The process of studying abroad is a hectic one that requires an array of documents. Admission requirements for schooling abroad can vary based on institutions, program, and degree type.
It is paramount to know the document required by your
institution to provide valid and robust credentials, which will, in turn, boost
your chances of getting admission.
This article has highlighted similar documents demanded by institutions in the U.K., U.S.A., or worldwide. And they include the following.
1. Application form:
This is the first document required by your prospective institution. The application form contains fields to input all your personal
and professional details. It is vital to fill this form carefully.
Additionally, you can fill the form online. If you must submit an offline copy, you can type online and print after filling the document to enhance accuracy.
2. proof of language proficiency:
studying abroad requires you to be familiar with the
teaching language of the institution. Non-native English speakers must take
exams to prove their mastery of the English language. Language proficiency
exams include;
- IELTS:
Also, IELTS contains four parts: listening, reading,
writing, and speaking. There are different modules, academic, and general
training. IELTS is only valid for two years, right from the result declaration. visit the IELTS website to register and get study materials
- TOEFL:
This is another exam used to test English
mastery at the university level. Like IELTS, It also has four different parts;
reading, speaking, listening, and writing, and each section is scored from
0-30.
Furthermore, the TOEFL score is only valid for two
years. After that period, you won't access it online or send it to schools.
- GMAT:
The GMAT is an abbreviation of Graduate
Management Admission Test., it is a computer-based test used to assess specific
analytical writing, quantitative, speaking, and reading English skills.
In addition, graduate students primarily use the GMAT
to gain admission to a graduate management program like M.B.A. It is also valid
for five years.
GRE: The Graduate examination is usually undertaken by
graduate students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies. It has a validity of
five years.
- S.A.T:
Established in 1926, initially
scholastic aptitude test, then it became academic assessment test then S.A.T.
Reasoning test now plainly known as S.A.T.
S.A.T. is a widely accepted standardized test used for
college admissions. It takes a minimum of three hours, and it rates the score
on a scale of 200-800. It has a validity of five years.
3. Statement of Purpose/letter of motivation:
This
is popularly known as S.O.P. and sometimes referred to as a personal statement.
It is an essential piece of a school application. It tells the admissions
committee who you are, your interest, and your objectives. What value will you
add to the program you are applying for.
Most educational institutions abroad demand a Statement
of purpose before accepting applicants for different programs. Both
undergraduate and postgraduate students are required to write Statement of
purpose letters.
4. Academic transcripts/records:
An academic
transcript is proof of education. It states all the courses studied per year,
grades, and credit value for each course.
It also consists of the list of the course units, the
course title, the course duration (either a semester or two), the grade mark,
and your ECTS/CGPA credits gained by passing each exam in your previous
institution.
Importantly, the registrar of the previous institution
must stamp it and must be on an official letter-headed paper. It is an
important document to be submitted to your future institution during the
application process.
5. Copies of certificate/diplomas from the previous study:
your certificate from your last school is an essential document for applying for schools overseas.
Suppose you are going for a
bachelor's degree, you will need either your senior secondary
school certificate (S.S.C.), higher secondary certificate (H.S.C.), WASSCE,
NECO, Cambridge A level, or any other certificates that indicate completion of
secondary school education.
If you are going for a postgraduate degree, you will
have to submit your bachelor's degree certificate and mark sheet. Most schools
require at least a second-class honor.
6. Reference letters/ letters of recommendation:
Reference letters are vital. They are considered
additional evidence to prove that you are a serious candidate and will complete
the course you are applying to. Institutions want to know the person you are
and what others think of you.
Prospective universities and colleges can state whether
they want a reference letter from a professor or a previous employer.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to submit reference letters to validate your
academic achievement or employability skills.
7. Curriculum vitae/Resume:
your C.V. highlights all your experience in a specific
field. You might not have a groundbreaking C.V. or Resume. Still, it should
showcase your experience or expertise in an area that matches your interest in
the program you want to study.
Therefore, your Resume should include published works,
all previous work (paid and unpaid), internships, volunteering, and everything
you have participated in relative to the course you are applying for.
For example, if you are applying for a media
communication degree, you will impress the commission if you hard-worked in
your school campus paper.
8. Project description/portfolio:
This is only required for special programs like a Master of research or a master of science degree. It is intended to showcase your previous works, expertise, and talent in your field of study.
Also, A project portfolio is required if you are
applying for research-based programs that end in a research thesis. Your
portfolio should include;
- The topic or subject of your research and reason
- The current stage of your research topic
- How do you intend to carry out your research
- What you are hoping to discover and its relevance to the already existent field of knowledge
9. Copies of international passport:
This is the
primary means of identification internationally; some schools require you to
submit a copy of your passport along with your course application or during the
application process.
You can obtain an international passport from your home
country's immigration office. Even if your school doesn't require you to submit
it during the application process, you will need it to travel out of the
country.
Conclusively, getting the proper documents plays a huge
role in gaining admission into world-class universities and colleges globally
to study your dream course.