REQUIREMENTS FOR ABROAD STUDY
Application Form: The Process starts with Selecting the university and filling the application form. The application form is the most crucial document of all, the one that will contain all your professional and personal information for the perusal of the admissions committee. The application form should be filled meticulously with proper data. You should double-check the same before submission.
SOP (Statement of Purpose): The SOP is vital for the application. It will talk about your academic and professional background, your reasons for pursuing a particular course, and the reasons for applying to a specific institution. This essay is vital since the admissions committee and authorities will closely evaluate it. This is what will help you stand out from other applicants.
Official Academic Transcripts: These are your academic records similar to consolidated mark sheets. They will include your mark sheets, grades, degrees, and credits. They are a must for applying to any international university.
LOR (Letter of Recommendation): The LOR is another important document written by the applicant’s professors, supervisors, or managers, talking about his or her performance, achievements, experience, and projects. This helps the admissions committee get valuable insights into the applicant’s journey.
CV/Resume: The Resume/CV is a crucial document required to showcase your professional and academic records along with details of all your internships, degrees, certificates, and work experience.
Scores in Standardized Tests: You will have to submit scores of various tests, depending on the institution in question. Many countries will require scores in English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. PTE is another option. You may require SAT/ACT if applying at the undergraduate level or GRE/GMAT at the master’s level.
Essays: You may have to submit an essay to the university, indicating your commitment towards studying abroad while making a good first impression on the university authorities.
Valid Passport: You should have a valid passport with a validity period extending to at least six months after the planned return date to your home country.
Photographs: You will require passport-sized photographs with specific backgrounds. Go through the criteria issued by visa authorities and admission departments.
Photo-Identity Card: This may be your Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card or PAN Card. You also require your proof of residence.
Proof of Work Experience: Many universities may require this, especially stating details of your internships and full-time professional experience at an organization. It is a written document mentioning your start and end dates at any organization.
Proof of Funds: You will have to include your bank statements to prove that you have sufficient funds for covering tuition and living expenses. You also require your student loan statement and your sponsorship proof or scholarship letter if applicable. Income proof of the candidate or his or her family may also be needed.
Health Certificates: Various countries have diverse regulations regarding health certificates. You will require health insurance cards or vaccination certificates. Make sure to get a health check-up done to apply with the latest reports.
Knowing about the exams for studying abroad
Candidates would have to appear for various language and general exams to be eligible for studying abroad.
Language Exams include:
TOEFL – Test of English as Foreign Language or more commonly referred to as TOEFL, measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. The TOEFL test has been developed and is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), which sets the questions, conducts the test, and sends each examinee the score report. TOEFL exam is required for admission at colleges and universities where the medium of instruction is English. Apart from academic purposes, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.
IELTS – International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency exam that measures the language ability of candidates willing to study or work in a country where English is the language of communication. The exam mainly assesses the ability of test-takers to communicate in the four basic language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Apart from academic purposes, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and certification agencies use IELTS scores to evaluate English proficiency.
PTE (Pearson Test of English) – PTE Academic is a computer-based test which assesses the Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing abilities of non-native speakers of English who need to demonstrate their academic English capability — often to obtain places at English-speaking universities, higher education institutions or as proof of their language ability for a visa application. The three-hour long computer-based test focusses on day to day English rather than high-level English language and tests a student on his/her ability to effectively understand the language as spoken daily. The multi-level grading system ensures a better understanding of the student’s proficiency in the English language.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test) – The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) is a standardized test of English in use for academic purposes. It is designed to describe the level of English language of test takers planning to study in English-medium colleges and universities. The CAEL Assessment tests ability to use English as it is used in Canadian universities and colleges. It allows test takers to experience what it is like to participate in a Canadian post-secondary classroom. The CAEL Assessment offers a unique alternative to other standardized tests of English because it is a topic-based performance test. It comprises an integrated set of language activities. Test takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions and write a short essay – all on one subject.
General Exams include:
SAT – The Scholastic Assessment Test evaluates the aspirants on the basis of literacy and writing skills that are needed for academic success in higher education. This test measures how well the aspirants can solve problems-skills they learned in school that they would be using further in college. The SAT exam is generally taken by students who have completed their schooling or students in high school to get admission in UG courses.
GMAT – The Graduate Management Admission Test is given by those who want to pursue MBA, or business or management related courses. The aspirants are measure on English, mathematical, and reasoning skills.
GRE – The Graduate Record Examination is also taken by students applying to graduate schools to pursue MA or MS. Also, many business schools also accept GRE scores for granting admission for pursuing MBA or business or management courses.
ACT – Also referred to as American College Testing is a standardized test that is required to be taken by students looking for admission in undergraduate schools based in the US and Canada. ACT exam has been developed to evaluate the written, mathematical, verbal and scientific skills of the candidates.
LSAT – The Law School Admission Test is a standardized test and is taken by students those who want to take admission in law schools. The students are evaluated on the basis of reading and verbal reasoning skills.
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