The application process for graduate courses, unlike undergraduate courses, is not centralised, you will have to apply directly to the department or university that offers the course you are interested in studying. The application process can take longer for international students which is why it is important to be well informed about what is expected from you to ensure your application is successful.

1) Do Your Research

The Internet is an invaluable tool for researching graduate courses. Once you have narrowed down the list of graduate courses you wish to study, the next step is to research the application process for those universities concerned.

The websites of the universities and colleges you wish to attend should have a section for international students. In this section you will find detailed information on how to submit an application for admission, including and special instructions or additional information required for international students.

If you cannot find these details on the website, contact the university and ask them to send you information or ask to speak to the admission tutor for your course.

2) Timing

If you are sure you want to pursue graduate studies abroad then do your research early. It can take some time to complete the application process so the earlier you contact universities, the better. For graduate studies in the US, the recommended time to begin contacting universities is 12 months before you plan to enrol.

3) Application Form

Application forms themselves vary from country to country, institution to institution. Generally speaking, you will be required to submit the following:

• Personal details – name, address, contact etc.

• Fee status – who will be paying your tuition fees.

• Course details – course name, order of preference if you are applying for more than one course, year of entry and mode of study.

• Educational qualifications - this will include final degree, any diploma certificates and examinations results. In some cases, more detailed records of the subjects studied at degree level and annual examination results will be required.)

• Where you have studied – most recent institutions you have attended including universities and/or secondary school.

• Referee/Reference – this could be academic (e.g. a previous tutor) or personal or both. This section will ask for the Referee’s contact details, occupation and relationship to yourself as well as their statement.

• Application Fee – expect to pay an administration charge for your application.

Your application may also ask for the following:

• Personal statement – some universities will want to know more about you as an individual and your potential contribution to the university.

• Information relating to your course – if you are applying for a research-based program, you may have to provide a brief outline of your proposed study.

• Relevant work experience – training, internships and employment with dates, nature of work and employer’s name and address.

• Test Results – some institutions require certain tests to be taken before international students are admitted to graduate courses, see below.
  

Once you have all of the information you need for your application form, you must read the instructions carefully as a mistake on your form could cost you a place on a course. Some application forms may be available to download online.

4) Tests

You may be required to take certain standardised tests that show that you have the aptitude for graduate study.

If your native language isn’t that of the language of instruction, you will need to pass a test to show you are proficient in that language. An example of this would be the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is administered all over the world.

Some institutions and countries may ask you to take a test that relates to the subject you wish to study such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) taken by those who are applying for an MBA.

An application may also require a pass in a more generic test that is not related to a particular field of study. This type of test will measure an applicant’s skills and abilities in areas such as verbal reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing. An example of this kind of test is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is required for admission to Master’s programs in America.

5) Check, Check and Re-Check!

Once you have completed your application form and are sure that you have all of the relevant documents that your university requires from you, make sure you check your form thoroughly. An application that is incomplete or has bad spelling and grammar will not be looked upon favourably.

6) Wait and See

The Admissions Office will receive your application and all additional documents, test results and fees. Once your file is complete, it will be sent to the department or faculty responsible for your course where the decision will be made on your application. This can only be done when all supporting documentation has been received. If the university require more information they will contact you directly.

The length of time the university takes to receive and make a decision on your application for graduate study will vary. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified in writing.

Good Luck!