What are the general academic and language requirements to apply for a master's program abroad?
Most master's programs abroad need a recognised bachelor's degree, typically 60% or higher marks, and IELTS or TOEFL proof of English unless your prior degree was taught in English. You will also usually submit an SOP, CV, and 2 to 3 recommendation letters, with GRE required only for select programs.
Requirements differ by country and university, but most master's programs abroad share a common core: a relevant bachelor's degree, a minimum academic score, and proof of English proficiency.
Typical Master's Application Requirements
| Requirement | Typical Expectation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Completed or in final year, in a relevant field |
| Academic score | Around 60% or higher, or an equivalent CGPA |
| English proficiency | IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, unless waived |
| Standardised tests | GRE or GMAT, required only for some programs |
Documents You Will Typically Submit
- Statement of Purpose: explaining your academic background, goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
- CV or resume: covering education, internships, projects, and relevant skills.
- Recommendation letters: usually 1 to 3, often from professors or research supervisors.
My Advice
Start with the specific program's own prerequisite list rather than a general country checklist, since requirements can differ sharply even between two universities in the same country, and a missing undergraduate subject can disqualify an otherwise strong application.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which universities you still qualify for.
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