One of the most important things not to get wrong when trying to get a foreign school admission is as it relates to your documents and the documentation process. These documents are important whether you are seeking to gain undergraduate, postgraduate, or even a PhD. admission.
Depending on the country you are applying to, the school, course, and level, the documents that you need may vary. However, there are certain documents that are always important.
Knowing the documents you need and having them at hand before the admission process begins will make it easy and increase your chances of gaining acceptance.
1. Identification documents
One of the most important documents you must have before you start the process of securing admission into a foreign school your identification documents, at the top of which is a valid international passport.
Apart from just having a valid passport, ensure that it is not expiring anytime soon . Having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months at the time of your application is considered alright, but having it with over a year of validity is preferred.
The passport remains the most accepted identification document around the world, but there are some schools that also accept other ID cards such as the national identity card, voter’s card, or driver’s license.
If you are still in the process of applying for your international passport, you can confirm with the school you are applying to if they accept other forms of identification documents.
2. Standardized test results
There are some standardized tests that you may need to sit for and pass the cut-off marks before you can gain admission into some schools.
For undergraduate admission, one of the most important tests result you need to have is the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). This is required for admission into most universities in countries like the united states and Canada. It serves to measure the academic performance of students. The focus is mostly on mathematics, grammar, and analytical writing skills.
Others are ACT (American College Test), and GRE (Graduate Record Examinations).
3. Proof of Language proficiency
Another crucial document you may require is the proof of language proficiency. This is necessary when you are going to a country where your native language is not the dominant language that is spoken. Countries such as the United States, UK, Canada, and France may all require you to present this document is you are seeking for a student visa.
some of the most recognized proof of language proficiency tests include TOEFL, PEARSON PTE, CELPIP, and Duolingo tests. Some other countries that speak other languages apart from English and French have standardized means of testing your proficiency in their language.
That said, some universities may accept you for masters with a proof that your first degree was obtained in the language of the country you are hoping to go to.
4. Academic records
Your academic records are very important in securing admission to study in a foreign country. If you are seeking to study at the undergraduate level, things such as your senior school certificate examination, SSCE, which may be in the form of your WAEC, can come in handy. This is apart from your SAT.
For post graduate courses, your transcript which shows your various courses and grades, is very important. For the document to be accepted, it must be signed and stamped by your former institution. In some cases, it must be forwarded by the school.
5. Letters of recommendation or academic references
Letters of recommendation are needed from your academic institution or professionally to go with your application. This is to come from an academic supervisor, an employer, or someone in authority who can vouch for your ability and character.
In most cases, you will be required to present one or two recommendation letters which you can get from your professor, lecturer, religious leader, superiors at work place, or employer. Ensure that you do not settle for someone random when picking a reference or recommender.
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume provides details and an overview of your academic and professional experiences as well as your achievements and skills. Rather than submitting a generic CV, what you may need to do is to tailor it to fit what program you are applying for.
It provides a pointer to how your experiences are relevant to the program you are applying for. The reason why your CV or resume is important is to show that you are a good fit you are for the institution and the program.
7. SOP and Personal Essays
Statement of Purpose (SOP) is yet another important document when you are applying to a foreign school as it serves to capture your motivations, goals, achievements, and future aspirations. You need to take the time to write this because it can go a long way to determine whether your application will be accepted or rejected.
While you need to make it compelling, do not try to sell or sound needy or desperate. Present things such as your passion and motivations in a simple narrative. You may likely have themes to write on by most universities, who will also give you the necessary prompts.
Apart from the SOP, you may also be required to write some essays depending on the university you are applying for and what program you hope to get into.
8. Health Certificates
Every country has its unique health standards before you can be allowed in, Hence, you will have to submit medical and health records that show you meet that. You may need to submit proof that you have been vaccinated against various diseases including COVID-19, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis.
You will also be required to present health certificate after carrying out a medical examination to identify if you have any health concerns.
9. Proof of finances
A financial statement which will show whether you will be able to support yourself and pay your fees if admitted, is another document that you will have to present.
This doesn’t have to be your bank statement, although is mostly required. It can be in the form of proof of your income, student loan statement, or even a proof that you have a scholarship or you have sponsors.
10. Other supporting documents
Beyond the documents stated above, there are some other documents that may be required. This will depend on the university you are applying into, the country, and the specific course. such documents may include your your portfolio or sample of work if you are applying into a creative field, and research projects.
