5 Major Documents You Must submit for Applying to a University Abroad

Applying to a university abroad is a cumbersome task. There is so much paperwork that needs to be done. Even when you are not physically supplying all the documents, the amount of time given to uploading them is quite much. Moreover, much of the paperwork varies from one country to another, from one university to another. There may be countries that are flexible and offer relaxations when it comes to paperwork and many that don’t. Whatever the case may be, you will need certain documents with you for successfully applying to a foreign university. Now there are all kinds of documents you will need. There are, however, 5 which are commonly asked for across the globe. In this article, I will write down those 5 documents you will most definitely need for the said purpose.

1. Copies of your previous education
   It depends on the degree program you want to pursue. For instance, if you are applying for a Bachelor’s degree program, then you must provide copies of your high school transcripts explicitly indicating that you successfully passed. Those applying for a Master’s degree program will have to, quite obviously, submit copies of the transcripts from their Bachelor’s programs. The purpose of these copies is to satisfy the requirement of previous education as mandated in the terms of admission at the concerned university. To show that you are even eligible to apply, you will have to furnish your academic credentials.

2. Language-proficiency scores
   If you want to study in an English-speaking country and are not a native speaker, then you will most likely have to furnish proof of proficiency in the English language. This could be in the form of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Even when applying to a non-English speaking country and the course applied for is administered in English, you may still have to submit certain proofs. For example, students wanting to study in Japan will have to submit the results of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

3. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
   I think we all know how much important a well-drafted SOP is for admission to foreign universities. Universities expect certain things in an SOP; these things include a detailed response to why you want to pursue the specific programme, what motivated you to apply to the university, where your interests lie and how the university applied to will be of assistance in that respect, and what your plans are upon graduation. You must get your SOP written dedicatedly and properly proofread. Do not think that it is just an essay you have been asked to write. Applications are rejected based on the impression formed through the reading of an SOP.

4. Reference Letters/ Recommendation letters
   You write SOP to tell the evaluators what you think you have to be at the desired university. A letter of recommendation, however, is an independent opinion of others about you. These letters are written by those who have been associated with you in an academic or professional capacity and are well-positioned to highlight your capabilities befitting the requirements of the university. The kind of reference letters or letters of recommendation you need depends on the course applied to. There may be a requirement to provide one letter from your employer or you may be asked to only provide these letters from your professors. It could happen that the applicant must submit the letters along with the application or the university will independently reach out to referees and ask them to upload letters on a dedicated platform.

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   Of course, you need to give a brief overview of what you are made of. A well-drafted CV is integral to the application process. The application form will only have limited details enquired about, and a CV is asked for to supplement the information provided in the application form. Make sure that the CV is precise and pertinent. Remove irrelevant qualifications and only mention those that directly concern the course in question. There are certain things universities look at in the CVs. These include your academic publications, performance in your previous educational institution, notable achievements such as scholarships, internships or work experience. Organization of the content, too, is very important so before anything else ensure that your CV has your details in a proper format.

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