What kinds of backlog certificates might I need when applying to study abroad?
Universities commonly issue four kinds of backlog-related documents: a backlog certificate, a no-backlog certificate, a backlog summary certificate and a document confirming cleared backlogs. Names and formats vary by university, and not every university issues all four separately, so confirm what yours provides.
Universities may issue several backlog-related documents, depending on your academic record and why you need the paper. The most common are a backlog certificate, a no-backlog certificate, a backlog summary certificate and a document confirming your backlogs are cleared.
The four common types
| Document | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Backlog certificate | The subjects in which you had backlogs, and sometimes the number of attempts taken to clear them |
| No-backlog certificate | That you have no pending backlogs, usually after you have completed all required subjects |
| Backlog summary certificate | A consolidated record of your backlog history, which may list subject, semester, attempts and the semester of clearing |
| Cleared-backlog document | That earlier backlogs are cleared, and may list the repeated subjects and exam or attempt details |
Check before you request
- Names and formats differ from one university to another.
- Some institutions do not issue all four as separate documents.
- Find out which document your university provides and whether it meets the requirement of the foreign university you are applying to.
My Advice
Read the document checklist of each university you are applying to, then ask your own university which certificate it can issue. If you have cleared all your backlogs, a cleared-backlog document or a no-backlog certificate may be the one that is useful, but only if the checklist asks for it. Do this early so the paperwork does not hold up your application.
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