APPLICATION
PROCEDURE FOR
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
|
This section
explains the process of applying to Canadian universities for Graduate (Masters’
& Doctorate Degree) courses. For details on how to select a university that matches
your interests, needs and academic background, go to the Selecting Universities section.
|
|
|
| Application Requirements |
- Academic
Records
- Standardized
Tests
- Letters
of Recommendation
- Statement
of Purpose (SOP)
|
If
you have any doubts or require any further information,
please use our Helpline service. |
|
|
| Applications are made
through a computerized national system known as Universities and Colleges
Admission Service (UCAS). Students must complete a
single UCAS form which allows them a choice of six universities and courses so that they
don’t have to make costly and time consuming multiple applications. UCAS forms are
available at all British Council Offices in India
for self funded students. |
|
|
UCAS forms should be
ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year. Students can start applying
even if they have received their final results. However, even after 15th December,
applications can still be processed in the normal way until 30th June. After that,
applications will be handled through "Clearing Process".
Note : For Oxford and Cambridge |
- Students must apply before 15th October of the year
preceding their year of proposed entry.
- There are specific forms to be filled and sent to
the universities.
- You cannot apply to both the colleges in the same
academic year.
|
|
British students undergo
thirteen years of pre-university education as opposed to twelve years in India.
Outstanding marks from one of the two Central Boards (CBSE or ICSE) or their equivalent,
or the first year of an Indian degree programme are therefore usually required for direct
entry into an undergraduate programme in UK.
For those who do not, as yet, have these qualifications, there is a range of access or
foundation courses available. Foundation courses range from four months to a year.
Applicants must satisfy both general and course requirements for admissions |
General Requirements
A specified number of subject passes at both GCE "A" Levels and GCSE at grade C
minimum is required for admissions in UK educational system. An equivalent Indian
qualification such as a good score in the CBSE and ICSE etc. would be acceptable.
Course Requirements
Course requirement details can be obtained from prospectuses of institutions which are
available at the Education Counselling Service located in the British Council offices or
Libraries. |
| Note: For
Entry into Oxford, Cambridge and London University, ‘A’ level results are
required. This in the Indian context would mean one year in college after 12 years of
education. |
|
| Application Requirements |
Full details of your
education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications.
Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for
your application.
Students applying for are required to submit an official transcript from each college or
university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the
subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc.
Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and
attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every
college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but
most require only one.
If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be
enclosed. If your undergraduate qualification or university is unknown to the admissions
tutor, the British Council would be able to advise. |
|
| Standardized Tests |
Top |
IELTS : For most courses and
universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International
English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some
universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
Note : Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in
English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English. |
|
|
| Letter of Recommendation |
Top |
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part
in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree.
A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well
professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are
applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such
information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant
and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of
the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank
applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret
the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of
recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who
know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give
concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the
person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not
give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection. |
|
Note :
Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation
in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
|
| For more details on
letters of recommendation, formats and tips, check out Letters of Recommendation |
|
| Statement of Purpose |
Top |
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important
role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial
aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant
impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your
application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the
suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal
interests and career goals. |
|
| For more details on various essay
topics, tips, sample essays, check out our Essays/Statement of Purpose
section. |