Documents Required to Study Abroad: Here’s the checklist:-
- Application Form
- Academic Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Test Scores (IELTS/ TOEFL/ GMAT/ GRE)
ALSO CHECK: IELTS vs TOEFL For Abroad: Best Comparison Ever!
List of Important Documents Required to Study Abroad
Application Form
Every University you apply to provides an application form wherein you need to fill in your personal and professional details and attach all the documents of support mentioned in the list. It is always preferable to double-check the form before submitting it so that no false information is passed which can lead to the cancellation of admission.
Academic Transcripts
It is a record of your previous professional achievements. It can be easily given by your previous University (like we have consolidated mark-sheets and certificates). It is a portrayal of all your grades, credits, and degrees received while you studied in India. In most cases, this particular document to study abroad needs to be signed and stamped by the issuing authority to assure validation.
Your academic transcripts should include the following important documents required to study abroad:
- Accreditation of the current/ previous academic institute
- Name/Roll No/ Identity of the student
- Name of the degree and year issued in
- List of subjects and marks/ grades obtained
- Total Marks and valid certification
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
This is the most important component of the documents required to study abroad. An SOP is an informative document that contains:
- Your statement of reason to study
- Your professional and personal interest in the University and its courses
- Your academic highlights, background, and career goals.
This particular document requires you to untwine those brain cells and put them to work so that your essay stands out amongst the crowd of applications.
A golden Mantra that I heard from an interviewer can help write your SOP.
“We’re less interested in meeting the person you think we want you to be and far more interested in getting to know the person you really are.”
ALSO CHECK: SOP And LOR For Masters In Finance Abroad: US, UK & So On
Letter of Recommendation
While arranging documents required to study abroad, a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from your native professors, teachers, principal, or any previous employer highlighting your achievements, skills, experience, and extracurricular contribution to the university in India, is an absolute necessity. This letter is another decision-maker for the admission council as they get an insight into your background. Usually, a student needs 2 LORs (one Academic and one Professional).
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A CV or a resume should give comprehensive insight details along with academic and professional timelines. You can take professional help while preparing your CV so that you don’t go overboard with the information needed.
Aspects you need to cover in your CV
- Name and About Me
- Objective
- Academic Background (Degree, Year, School and College Names, Marks obtained)
- Internship or Work Experience (Name of the company, Designation, and Duration)
- Awards and Honors
- Grants and Scholarships
- Any publications, or Professional Associations
- Volunteer work (if any)
- Professional skills and Language Proficiency
- Hobbies and Interests (optional)
- Personal Information/ Contact Information
Test Scores (ILETS/ TOEFL/ GMAT/ GRE)
Almost all the Universities abroad require your English proficiency test scores. To prove your English proficiency, India organizes various tests like IELTS and TOEFL which can grant you admission to foreign universities. They evaluate you based on your
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening, and
- Speaking skills.
Some other tests in the same area of interest are SAT, GRE, and GMAT. Check which English proficiency test your University of application considers and send the required document accordingly.
Additional Documents Required
Apart from these main documents, some additional documents that a student needs to put forward along with their application or carry with them to foreign universities can be:
Travel Documents:
- Valid Passport for the duration of study/course
- Travel Documents
- Valid Student Visa
- Passport Size Photographs
Identification Documents:
- Photo ID proof from India (Passport or Adhaar Card)
- International Student ID Card (If provided by the University at the time of application or selection)
Health Certificates:
- In the times of Pandemic and beyond, many countries require certain health and vaccination-related documents like:
- Health Insurance Certificates
- Vaccination Certificates (Like Yellow Fever if traveling to the African continent)
- COVID 19 test reports and vaccination certificates
Financial Documents:
- Student Loan Statement
- Proof of funds and statements of liabilities
- Scholarship letter of proof (if any)
- Sponsorship proof (if any)
- Income proof of the family
Documents required to Study Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the cost of studying abroad?
To get an idea about the total cost you need to consider the cost of average tuition fee as well as the cost of living expenses. Check for the country of application and their standard of living expenses.
E.g. in the UK, the average fee starts from £10,000 a year with an additional £12,000 to cover the cost of living.
In the US, the average tuition fee is $25,000 at public universities and approximately $35000 at private universities. Additional recommended budget to cover living expenses can be taken around $10000.
In some countries like Germany, Norway, etc., there is no tuition fee for specific courses.
ALSO CHECK: Abroad Advantages vs Disadvantages: Make A Smart Move!
- Do I need to apply for a Student Visa?
This is the most essential document required to study abroad and away from your native country. If you plan to apply for a course of a longer duration, you need a student visa. However, for shorter courses of 6 weeks or a 3 months course, a tourist or a visitor visa may suffice.
- Do I need to give an Admission Interview as well?
It is relatively unlikely that Universities ask for an Interview if the documents sent to them fulfill all criteria. However, for certain competitive programs and courses, you may be required to give an interview telephonically or through video call.
Some Universities send their members of the Academic Council to organize interviews in various countries around the world. You can attend those if you wish to apply to those particular Universities.