Studying abroad is a dream for many students pursuing higher education in a foreign country. However, getting admission to a reputed university abroad is difficult. You must meet academic and language requirements and prepare a strong application profile. One of the factors that can affect your study abroad plan is having backlogs in your previous studies. But what are backlogs, and how can they impact your chances of studying abroad?
In this blog, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on overcoming the challenges of backlogs and achieving your study abroad goals.
What are Backlogs and How Can They Affect Your Study Abroad Plans?
What is backlog in study? A backlog is a term used to describe a failed subject or exam that you have not cleared in your first attempt. It can also refer to the number of attempts you took to pass a subject or exam. When understanding active backlog meaning, having active backlogs can indicate poor academic performance or lack of preparation, negatively affecting your study abroad plans. Active Backlogs can reduce your overall percentage or GPA, lowering your eligibility for foreign university admission. Backlogs can also affect your visa application, as some countries have strict rules regarding the maximum number of backlogs allowed for international students.
However, having backlogs does not mean that you cannot study abroad. Many universities worldwide accept applications with backlogs as long as you have cleared them before the start of your study program. The criteria for counting and accepting backlogs may vary depending on the country, university, and course you are applying for. Therefore, it is important to research the specific requirements of your chosen destination and program before applying.
What are Study Abroad Requirements?
Study abroad requirements are the minimum academic and language qualifications you must meet to be eligible for admission to a foreign university. These requirements may differ depending on the country, university, and course you are applying for, but some of the common ones are:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
- A minimum percentage or GPA in your previous studies, usually above 50% or 2.5 on a 4-point scale
- A valid score in an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or OET, depending on the country and university you are applying for
- A statement of purpose, a letter of recommendation, a resume, and other supporting documents that showcase your academic achievements, skills, and interests
- A financial proof that shows your ability to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses in the foreign country
What is Backlog Certificate and How to Get It?
A backlog certificate is a document issued by your academic institution that lists the details of your backlogs, such as the subjects, marks, and attempts. A backlog certificate is required to verify your academic records and to prove that you have cleared all your backlogs before applying to a foreign university. You will not receive a backlog certificate from your institution if you have no backlog. However, some universities may ask for a no backlog certificate, which is a document that certifies that you have no backlogs in your previous studies.
To get a backlog certificate or a no backlog certificate, you need to contact the college or university where you completed your course and request them to issue the document. You may have to pay a nominal fee and provide some details, such as your name, roll number, course, and year of completion. You may also have to submit a copy of your mark sheets and transcripts as proof of your academic records.
How to Strengthen Your Profile for Foreign Universities If You Have a Backlog?
A backlog does not mean you have to give up on your study abroad plan. You can still strengthen your profile and improve your chances of getting admission to a foreign university by following some tips, such as:
Clear your backlogs as soon as possible and obtain a backlog certificate or a no backlog certificate from your institution
Improve your percentage or GPA by scoring well in your remaining subjects or exams
Take an English language proficiency test and achieve a high score that meets or exceeds the requirement of your chosen university
Choose a course that matches your academic background, interests, and career goals, and research the specific requirements and deadlines of the course
Write a compelling statement of purpose that explains your motivation, goals, and achievements and how the course will help you fulfill them
Get a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or employer who can vouch for your academic or professional skills and potential
Highlight your extracurricular activities, internships, projects, or volunteer work that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, communication, or problem-solving skills
Apply to multiple universities that accept backlogs and have a backup plan in case you do not get admission to your preferred university
English language courses provided by OIDI
One of the key requirements for studying abroad is having a good command of the English language. If you want to improve your English skills and prepare for an English language test, you can enroll in one of the online English courses provided by OIDI (Oxford International Digital Institute).
OIDI is a global destination for high-quality, accredited online courses that deliver quality education powered by digital innovation. OIDI offers a range of English language courses for different levels and purposes, such as:
General English: This course helps you to improve your overall English skills and confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will learn grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication strategies for different situations and contexts. You can also access interactive activities, feedback, and progress tests to monitor your learning.
English Skills Booster: This course helps you to boost your English skills in specific areas, such as writing, speaking, or grammar. You will focus on improving your chosen skill’s accuracy, fluency, and clarity. You will also practice using authentic and relevant materials, such as articles, podcasts, or videos, to enhance your learning.
English for Customer Service: This course helps you to develop your English skills for working in customer service roles, such as retail, hospitality, or tourism. You will learn how to communicate effectively and politely with customers, handle complaints, deal with problems, and provide information. You will also learn the vocabulary, phrases, and expressions that are commonly used in customer service situations.
English for Journalism: This course helps you to improve your English skills for working in journalism or media-related fields, such as reporting, editing, or blogging. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and accurate news stories, articles, or reviews, using appropriate style, tone, and structure. You will also learn how to conduct interviews, research sources, and use social media platforms.
English for Creative Writing: This course helps you to unleash your creativity and express yourself in English through various forms of writing, such as fiction, poetry, or drama. You will learn how to use literary techniques, such as imagery, dialogue, or metaphor, to create engaging and original texts. You will also learn how to give and receive feedback, edit your work, and publish your writing.
You can also explore their other courses in higher education, teacher training, professional qualifications, and virtual internships. OIDI partners with leading institutions and offers flexible and affordable learning options for students and partners worldwide.
FAQs
Q: How many backlogs are allowed in Canada for international students?
The number of backlogs allowed in Canada may vary depending on the university, the course, and the visa requirements. However, a general rule of thumb is that you should not have more than 5 backlogs to be eligible for admission and visa approval in Canada.
Q: Are backlogs mentioned in degree certificate?
Is backlog mentioned in degree or not depends on the time you take the backlog exam and the announcement of its result. If you have cleared all your backlogs in time, it will not be mentioned in the degree certificate. However, if you have any pending or active backlogs, they may be mentioned in the degree certificate or a separate backlog certificate issued by your institution.
Q: What is arrear exam meaning?
Arrear exam is another term for backlog exam or supplementary exam. It is an exam that you have to reappear for if you have failed to clear it in the first attempt. Arrear exams are conducted separately from the regular term-end exams and give you a second chance to pass your subjects and progress to the next academic level.
Conclusion
Backlogs can challenge your study abroad plan but are not a deal-breaker. You can overcome the impact of backlogs by clearing them, improving your academic performance, and strengthening your profile. You can also enhance your English skills and prepare for an English language test by taking an online course from OIDI. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting admission to a foreign university and fulfilling your study abroad dream.
