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One of the crucial steps in the application process is to submit the important documents. Candidates who are looking to study abroad should have a study abroad documents checklist. Here is the list of important documents for study abroad which include a valid passport, 10th - 12th mark sheet, Graduation or Bachelor’s final year transcripts, scorecard of the exam that is once taken such as IELTS/ TOEFL/ GRE/ GMAT/ SAT, 2-3 letter of recommendations, resume, CV, work experience certificate and so on.
Among the most important study abroad documents is the financial document checklist. Several documents required for studying abroad are bank statements, loan approval certificates, scholarships, affidavits of support and others. Read the article to know the details of what are the documents required to study abroad and other necessary information.
There is a huge list of documents that students need to carry while going for admission to study abroad. When someone asks what to take for study abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is a passport, application form, SOP, academic transcripts, LOR, standardised study abroad test scores, CV, health certificates, photographs and many more. Candidates can go through the article to know more about study abroad documents.
Read more about: Departure checklist for Indian students going to study abroad.
The study abroad document checklist for international students who are planning to study abroad is given below:
Valid Passport
The most important document for someone who is looking to study abroad in any country is the passport. Candidates must make sure that their passport is up-to-date. A passport is one of the most necessary documents for study abroad and it should be valid for at least 6 months.
Application Form
The second most important document to take for study abroad is the application form. The university application form is one of the necessary documents that the admissions committee of the college or university will look into. The application form consists of academic details, personal and professional information of the applicant, and so forth. Candidates must provide accurate details in the university application form and review the application before submitting it to avoid any discrepancies.
SOP (Statement of Purpose)
SOP, also known as a Statement of Purpose, is an important document that one should carry while travelling to study abroad. The Statement of Purpose contains the professional knowledge academic background, reason for applying for that particular program, and why one wants to join that particular institution. The essay is important for students who want to pursue higher education abroad in top colleges or universities. The admissions committee of that institution will evaluate the SOP closely.
Academic Transcripts
Candidates should submit the academic transcript for applying for admission to any international university as a part of the application process. The academic transcript contains the academic records and marksheets, similar to consolidated marksheets, degrees and credits. The academic record will provide an informative overview of candidates’ performance in the past academics.
LOR (Letter of Recommendation)
The LOR is also referred to as a letter of recommendation. The LOR is an important document for studying abroad. The Letter of Recommendation is written by the supervisors and professors and evaluates the profile of the student by the committee. The LOR includes the journey of the applicant, achievements, capability of the candidate, and background.
See Also: LOR Format
Scores in Standardised Study Abroad Exam
Candidates seeking admission to study abroad will be required to submit the necessary standardised test scores as per the requirements of the chosen institute. The most important document that an applicant can submit during the application process is proof of English Proficiency. The university accepts IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate courses and GRE/ GMAT scores for postgraduate programs.
Proof of funds or financial resources
Candidates are required to bring proof of bank statements to show that they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees. Candidates will also need to share their student loan statements, income proof, sponsorship proof, and scholarship letters during the time of the visa application.
CV (Curriculum Vitae) / Resume
The curriculum Vitae or CV, is one of the most important documents to take for study abroad. The resume or CV showcases the professional skills and academic achievements or records, work experience, degree, certificates, details of internships and so forth. The CV or resume is the main document for MBA aspirants who are looking to study abroad. The CV contains a detailed description of academics and professional information.
Health Certificates
While going to study abroad, various countries require health certificates, which contain health insurance cards or vaccination certificates. Candidates will have to ensure that their health reports or certificates are up-to-date with the latest information if needed by the university or college chosen to study abroad.
Photographs
As proof of identity, the candidate is required to carry passport-size photographs with a specific background. Candidates will have to ensure that they follow all necessary criteria that have been issued by the visa authorities. The visas have some special requirements for the photographs, and candidates should make sure that they follow all standards.
Essays
To make a good impression on the authorities of the university studying abroad, candidates may have to present an essay to the university showcasing their commitment to studying abroad.
Photo-Identity Card
While moving to pursue higher education abroad, candidates need to provide a photo-identity card to confirm their identity, which includes a PAN card, voter ID Card and proof of residence.
Proof of Work Experience
The work experience certificate is a certificate that is issued by an organisation in which one has worked before. While applying for admission to universities abroad, candidates will have to provide proof of work experience, which includes information on job work, designation, role, internship certificates, salary slips and others. The document includes the start and end dates of each company or organisation.
Class 10th and 12th certificates and mark sheet
Bachelor’s degree with academic courses and CGPA
Academic experience or professional experience certificates (this depends on the courses)
Scorecards of standardised Study Abroad exam
Scores of English Language Proficiency which include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or DET
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Updated resume or CV
LOR (Letters of recommendation)
Work Experience Certificate
Admission Essay
Read more about: What is academic transcript and how you can get it?
If candidates get confused about how to apply for admission to study abroad, they are advised to go through the entity requirements and documents required for admission to that particular college or university. Candidates will have to keep the documents that are required for studying abroad. Students who are planning to study abroad soon need to prepare all the necessary documents and get them all in order.
The important requirements to study abroad are the Class 10th and 12th mark sheet and certificate, bachelor’s degree certificate, professional experience certificates, scorecards of the standardised entrance exam, scores of English language proficiency, SOP, CV, LOR Work Experience Certificate, Essay and many more.
The documents required to study abroad include a valid passport, application form, statement of purpose, academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, standardised entrance exam scorecards, proof of funds, CV, resume, health certificates, photographs, essays, photo identification card, proof of work experience, and so on.
The necessary documents, such as bank statements and scholarships or sponsorship letters, are required to study abroad.
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