Postgraduate: What's next?

 Hello, Everyone.

Alright, so in this post I will share what are the first few things you would need to consider in moving forward with your postgraduate (Masters) plans.

First thing you would need to do is to submit your Masters application. In order to do that, you should do a bit of research on the programme, university and country you're interested in, before submitting your application.

A good basis, would be to refer to the latest QS University World Rankings or Times Higher Education World University Ranking where you can see which university ranks highest, or even based on your selected programme.

Once you have done that, you can then list down what are the necessary entry requirements that you would need to fulfill to submit a successful application. I have roughly listed down some of the information down here, for a guideline, but I would advise you study your respective university's entry requirements as it may differ from one university/ country to another.

1. A previous degree or professional experience - some universities would list the minimum CGPA from your previous experience. For instance, University of Queensland (UQ) requires a minimum of 2.67 CGPA for the Masters in Governance and Public Policy.
2. English language requirements (IELTS/ TOEFL/ GMAT for USA etc) - this would also differ across universities. UQ, for instance, requires their international students to obtain a overall 6.5 for IELTS(min reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6). And the examination test should be within the previous 1-2 years. Any longer than that, than you may need to retake the IELTS.
3. Have at least two professional references - kindly inform your referees on your intention to nominate them as your referees, as the university in most occasions will contact them for verification
4. Have a personal statement - this would generally state why you wish to apply for the programme, your experience, career background, etc.
5. Scan and have on hand all the relevant documents you need to submit - academic certificate and transcript, valid passport (scan the biopage), updated CV, English test result (IELTS/ etc), work reference letter (not necessary, but in some instances quite helpful)
6. Pay an application fee - depending on which university you are applying to. Some universities offer a waiver, so please check beforehand, and if payment is required, then make sure you have the funds needed. Like UK, the university's charge GBP50 for application fee. And for Australia, you may request for a waiver from some universities, but it won't be offered upfront. You would need to study the university website if they offer that option, and apply for it.

Also, you need to watch out the application deadlines for the respective universities. The cut-off time differs, depending which semester you are going for (whether Semester 1 or Semester 2 or some unis offer Semester 3), which country (UK generally have their semesters in Sept, Jan and April, while Australia has their in February and July, with options of Summer Semester). So keep these dates in mind, when applying and give yourself ample time to plan your visa application (which generally takes around 3-4 weeks for processing time) and subsequent move.

Once you have done all that and submitted your application, then just sit back and wait for the university to revert.

If the university is satisfied with all the information you provided, they will issue you a unconditional offer letter. Now, you would need this in order to continue the next step of getting a student visa.

However, in some instances, the university would give you a conditional offer letter. 

Now, please try your level best to provide all the necessary additional information that the university asks. Because you would need the unconditional approval letter, in order to apply for your visa (and for your dependents if you are coming with family). Especially for those coming under the JPA HLP, then yes, you would need the unconditional offer letter to proceed with your HLP agreement with JPA.

In my experience, applying to get into a programme is relatively easy and straight to the point, given that you have ALL the documentation ready. I found that the tough part for my case  was actually applying for the student visa later on. But will share that in a later post.

Alright, sambung later.

Take care and stay safe,

Toodles~

Love,
Me~