Do You Think Your Study Abroad Plans Will Be Hampered By Backlogs?

Studying abroad is not easy.

While deciding to study abroad, there are many factors that students have to consider. You have to choose the course and the university, keep a record of the deadlines for all the entrance exams, and, most importantly, study hard to score good grades.

But what if you cannot get your desired grades and lack in some subjects? What happens if you get a backlog in one of the courses? Will you have to give up your dream of studying abroad?

If you are also stressed because of such thoughts, then worry not. This article will guide you on what to do to study abroad if you have a backlog.

What is a backlog? 

A backlog is a subject that a student failed to pass in the first attempt during their undergraduate degree. 

A backlog can occur due to any reason. It can be because of poor performance, low attendance, medical or other personal issues, or not being there on exam day. 

The reason for the backlog is essential as they are analyzed later as exams that you failed and the exams that you could not take, that is, you were absent on exam day. 

How do universities count backlogs? 

Every country has its own criteria for counting backlog, so if you have one, you should properly research the backlog rules of the country you are choosing to study abroad. 

For example, if you are choosing Canada to study abroad, in Canada, the process of counting backlog is by counting how many subjects you have failed to pass. If you have failed two subjects, it will be counted as two backlogs.  

If you are interested in studying in countries like Australia or Germany, your backlogs will be counted as how many attempts it took you to pass a subject. This means that if it took you two attempts to pass a subject, two backlogs would be counted. 

What is a Backlog Certificate? 

The academic institutes usually issue a backlog certificate with the details of the number of backlogs you scored during your degree. At the time of admission, universities ask students to submit a backlog certificate with all the details of the exams they failed and the attempts it took them to pass those exams with other required documents. 

Countries that accept backlogs: 

Many countries accept backlogs with few other conditions. You will have to research the number of backlogs accepted in your desired country and their acceptance criteria. Remember, the criteria vary from country to country. 

1. Australia: Private universities in Australia accept up to seven or eight backlogs, while government universities accept two to three backlogs. All universities in Australia, whether public or private all count number of attempts as the number of backlogs. 

2. Canada:  All Canadian universities accept a maximum of five backlogs with a minimum average of 70 percent in the previous academic record. For Post-graduate programs, Canadian universities accept seven to eight backlogs with a minimum average of 65 percent in an undergraduate degree. In case of ten or twelve backlogs, students can apply for post-graduate diplomas. In case of a much higher number of backlogs, students are evaluated on a case-to-case basis. In Canada, the number of subjects you failed is counted as the number of backlogs. 

3. New Zealand: Some institutes in New Zealand accept a maximum of five backlogs, while some accept ten to twelve backlogs. You must have a good IELTS score and some promising research projects and extracurricular activities to cover backlogs. All the universities in New Zealand count the number of subjects you have failed as the number of backlogs. 

4. United Kingdom: All universities in the United Kingdom accept students with up to 15 backlogs with the condition of having a good IELTS score or any other similar English Proficiency exam with at least an overall band score of six. In the United Kingdom, all universities count the number of attempts as the number of backlogs. 

5. United States: Most American universities do not accept students with backlogs. But, in some cases, they allow a maximum of five backlogs with a GRE score between 315-325. In cases of ten to twelve backlogs, admission entirely depends upon the university’s decision. All American Universities count number of subjects that failed as the number of backlogs. 

6. Ireland: Some Irish universities accept students with four to five backlogs, while some only accept students with a maximum of two to three backlogs. In Ireland, the number of attempts to pass an exam is considered the number of backlogs. 

Do backlogs affect the process of the visa to study abroad? 

Generally, backlogs do not affect the visa process to study abroad. But, there is no need to hide it in the interview if you are questioned about them. As long as you are given a confirmation letter from the university about your admission, there will be no hurdle in getting a visa. 

How to make your admission application stand out if you have backlogs? 

There is nothing to worry about if you have backlogs. There can be any reason to have a backlog, and universities also consider other factors while giving admissions. 

To secure admission to a university abroad, you have to pay special attention while building your student profile and work extra hard while preparing for admission tests. 

While applying, focus on and highlight your ambition and genuine interest in the course you are applying for.

Make a convincing argument in your essay to make them realize why you are the best candidate to get admission to their university.

It is advisable to mention your backlogs and the reason behind them. While most focus on only defining their strengths, there is nothing wrong with admitting your weakness.

If you have a backlog, there is not much to worry about. Just make sure to research the backlog criteria of the university and country you are choosing. Select the course you want to study; otherwise, you may find yourself in a difficult position.

Backlogs can hinder your way to studying abroad, but you can always deal with them with a good admission test and application score, and you will be on your way to studying overseas.