As a postgraduate degree with advanced courses, applying for masters can be quite different from applying for a first degree. However, there are some similarities between them like writing a personal statement. If you’d like to know how international students can apply for a Masters degree, then we’re here to help you.
Here’s a step-by-step application guide for international students applying for a masters degree. If you’re applying directly to a university for your Masters, your application will usually follow these steps:
1. Find what suits you best
Make your search to find a masters program in your area of interest. Before sending your application, learn more about the institution. Find out if it’s a good fit for you to develop your career. Equally, consider the opportunities for advancement therein.
2. Contact referees in Advance
In order to validate your application, you need some persons to serve as your referees. But you need to inform them and obtain their consent first. You can do this by sending an email or by making a call seeking their consent. Yet again, you can meet them in person if there is an existing cordial relationship between both parties.
3. Write your Personal Statement
Write your personal statement, resist the temptation to simply lift someone else’s statement and present it as yours. Similarly, endeavour to write your statement as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush. As an official document, endeavour to have it proofread so it meets professional standards.
4. Apply Online
Masters applications are mostly done through the university’s website except for institutions that use a third party web site. Ensure to apply on the right portal to avoid falling a victim to scammers. This is an important step for international students applying for masters degrees.
5. Attach supporting documents
Your application would neither be complete nor admissible without providing required documents according to the instructions given by the institution. So, when you fill in your personal details on the postgraduate admission portal, attach all supporting documents.
6. Application Submission
Before you submit your application to the school portal, go through it again to ensure that the information provided is accurate. Also, make sure it corresponds with your documents. You’re checking to confirm that your application is absolutely in consonance with the instructions given and will help you succeed.
7. Check your email regularly
Emails are usually the best communication channel used to feed applicants with information. For this reason, always check your email to get feedback from the institution you applied to. You want to be the first to know the moment your application goes through or otherwise.
Required Documents
- Application form.
- Personal statement.
- Academic/professional references.
- Copies of your degree certificate and academic transcripts.
- Research proposal (if you’re applying for a research Masters).
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
Application fees
There are institutions that don’t charge fees for post postgraduate applications like some of the universities in the UK. But, most institutions charge an application fee. however. For those universities with application fees, the amount can range between £25 and £75 per programme.