Preparing your application
You may be asked to provide some or all of the following during the application process:
- CV and covering letter;
- application form;
- academic transcript (this details your academic record) and degree certificates;
- letters of recommendation (references);
- results of aptitude tests or language ability tests;
- essays, statements of purpose or research proposals;
- health certificates;
- evidence of financial support.
Preparing and processing this information can take time. Most departments will ask why you have chosen a particular subject and institution. Make sure you include evidence in your reply of thoughtful consideration of how your move to study abroad fits in with your long-term aims, as well as your current academic strengths and interests. Places are frequently competitive and awards or scholarships are even more so. Read Prospects’ Country Profiles for details relating to individual countries.
Timetable for applications
An early start and thorough preparation will maximise your chances of both an offer of a place and funding. Familiarise yourself with the closing dates for applications as these can vary enormously. Even where there is an academic year system, they may begin and end at different times from those in the UK. A suggested timetable for preparing and making applications follows:
24-18 months in advance - Research your options and plan a timetable of action
- Identify possible areas of study and research and appropriate institutions.
- Attend open days, such as the Grad School Day or postgraduate study seminars offered by the Fulbright Commission. Look out for organisations such as Study Overseas at postgraduate fairs.
- Check if your careers service has scheduled any ‘study abroad’ talks or events.
- Browse your careers service website and check notice boards, including those in your academic department, for posters advertising study opportunities.
- Investigate eligibility, degree or qualification equivalence, and any language, residence, and visa requirements.
- Investigate financial arrangements and plan a timetable of action to meet application deadlines.
- If applicable, note the level of language proficiency needed and allow further time to acquire the necessary skills prior to the beginning of the course. Some countries offer short language courses for foreign students.
18-12 months in advance - Continue your investigations and finalise choices
- Speak to members of your departmental staff who have particular experience in your proposed areas of study or research, or are familiar with the country in which you hope to stay.
- Confirm that referees can provide the kind of references that will be needed.
- By the end of the academic year you should have a clear idea of what is required of you as a foreign student. You should also enquire about study facilities, such as libraries, before you make a firm decision to submit a formal application.
- Apply to take standardised tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), if required.
Final 12 months - Apply for places and funding, finalise arrangements
- Continue enquiries and form filling as appropriate to your circumstances.
- Familiarise yourself with application procedures and closing dates. Make sure you allow ample time to collect references, transcripts and standardised test results as appropriate.
- Apply for funding.
- As the year proceeds, complete any necessary procedural formalities such as visa applications, travel arrangements, and accommodation arrangements.
For more information about studying abroad visit Prospects.ac.uk/studying_abroad.