StudyAbroad Series - #3 Application Timelines [Part 1]

Pursuing a Master's degree abroad is a significant decision that requires careful planning and organization.

As an aspirant, it is important to understand the timeline and application process to ensure a smooth and successful journey.

In this article, I will discuss the timelines that aspirants should follow and provide a flowchart outlining the application process for international applicants applying to universities in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia for the Fall 2023 intake.

But, before we move ahead and understand the timelines, let me introduce you few critical terms and some country-specific details so that you would be aware of overall and country-wise timelines for better planning.

INTAKE - This means when the universities admit students to their programs.

There can be multiple Intakes and even the timeline of Intakes for each country may vary from others. Also, these intakes have different volume of applications received, due to the opening and closing status of the course/programs available at the University.

Eg. Fall Intake happens in August-September month when the candidate joins the university. Fall is a major intake as most colleges usually ends by July and thus the new sessions starts in August/September. Thus Fall intake experiences a significantly major share of students taking admissions and even most universities have their courses mostly available for Fall Intake.

For Spring intake, in January/February, comparatively lesser courses are being active by colleges & universities and thus relatively lower number of students apply.

However, there are even other minor intakes too where a fewer number of candidates apply, which is ideally Summer Intake (May/June).

USA - SPRING (JAN); SUMMER (MAY); FALL (SEPTEMBER)

CANADA, UK - SPRING (JAN); SUMMER (MAY); FALL (SEPTEMBER); (A limited number of colleges have additional intakes in February, April, July and November too)

AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY(major Intake), JULY (minor Intake).

Note - Some universities and colleges also have rolling intakes too. It is more observed in UK universities.

Timelines for Aspirants

1. Research and planning: The first step in the process is to research and plan your Master's degree. This includes identifying your career goals, researching potential universities and programs, and understanding the requirements and deadlines for each university. It is important to start this process early to give yourself sufficient time to gather all the necessary information and make informed decisions.
2. Standardized tests: Many universities require applicants to take standardized tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). It is important to start preparing for these tests well in advance and to take them at least six months before the application deadline.
3. English Language Proficiency test: Most Universities, would need English Proficiency Test like IELTS or TOEFL or PTE if your education is not from IB Board or if you are not a citizen of a nation which has English as a primary language of communication. There are however, some other alternatives present which are getting increasingly accepted by the universities in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. These exams are Duolingo, Language Cert. In some universities, they even have alternatives to English Language Proficiency test as their own university exams which applicants can take up and clear it, if in case they are not opting for standard English Language Proficiency tests. [If you need to practice IELTS or TOEFL, try this Full Length best in market option which also provides Speaking Evaluations, like no other tests in market]
4. Gather materials: As you begin the application process, start gathering the necessary materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Make sure to allow enough time to complete these tasks and to submit them by the required deadlines.
5. Submit applications: Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can begin submitting your applications to the universities of your choice. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines and deadlines for each university to ensure that your application is complete and submitted on time.
6. Wait for responses: After you have submitted your applications, you will need to wait for responses from the universities. This can take several weeks or even months, so it is important to be patient and stay organized as you wait for a decision.

Study in USA || Best courses, Reasons, Cost & Scholarships || A Complete Guide

Study In Canada || Reasons, Cost, Scholarships & Part-Time Jobs || Complete Guide

Study in UK || Reasons, Opportunities, Universities & Scholarships || A Complete Guide

Study in Australia || Best Courses, Reasons, Cost & Scholarships || A Complete Guide

Study in Ireland | | Study Abroad | Top universities In Ireland 2022

Study in Germany || Universities, Courses & Steps || Why Study in Germany

If you're aiming to join your college/university in SEPT 2023 -

• Ideal Timeline - Start Preparoing in Apr 2022 and Finish Apps by Oct/Nov 2023
• Normal Timeline - Start Preparing in Aug 2022 and Finish Apps by Dec/Jan 2023
• Delayed Timeline - Start Preparing in Nov 2022 and Finish Apps by Jan/Feb 2023

These are some of the Interntaional Mentors Insights about Applications Process -

Application Process for Universities in US || Study in USA

Application process for Engineering degrees in US universities

Flowchart for Applying to Universities Abroad -

1. Research and plan: Identify your career goals and research potential universities and programs. [1 Months] -
2. Take standardized tests: Begin preparing for and taking the necessary standardized tests, such as the GRE or GMAT. These test could be optional or even not asked for at most countries apart from USA. [3 Months]
3. Take English Language Proficiency test: Prepare and take IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE [1 Month; can be prepared in parallel too with GRE/GMAT]
4. Gather materials: Start gathering transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. [1-2 Months]
5. Submit applications: Follow the specific guidelines and deadlines for each university to submit your complete application. [1 Month]
6. Wait for responses: Be patient as you wait for a decision from the universities.[2 Months]

It is important to note that these timelines and the application process may vary depending on the specific universities and programs you are applying to. It is always best to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each university to ensure that you are following the correct process.

In conclusion, pursuing a Master's degree abroad requires careful planning and organization. By understanding the timeline and application process, aspirants can ensure a smooth and successful journey. By following the flowchart outlined above, Indian undergraduate students can successfully apply to universities in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia for the Fall 2023 intake.

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