When applying to universities abroad, a commonly requested document is a backlog certificate, confirming the backlog status of an applicant at their previous academic institution and programmes. While a number of universities abroad may still accept and offer admissions to candidates with subject backlogs at their previous academic institution, preference will still be given to candidates that present zero backlogs.
Before we go into details of what isbacklog certificate, let us first understand what ais backlog is and how it is numbered. In short and simple terms, any subject that you are yet to clear, i.e. earn passing marks, will be considered a backlog. Thus, while you may have only one backlog at the previous institution, some universities may require you to submit a backlog certificate that confirms your backlog status, signed by the HOD or Principle of the department or institution where you completed your previous academic programme.
A backlog certificate is mandatory to apply for admissions at universities abroad. It gives a clear idea about the number of backlogs you have and in how many attempts you cleared the exam. Read this article to clearly understand what is backlog certificate and all other important details related to this.
What is a Backlog Certificate?
A backlog certificate also called a backlog summary is an important document that is required if you have any backlogs in your previous studies and you wish to apply for higher studies at abroad universities. The backlog certificate defines the number of backlogs you have till the time you have completed your studies. Indian universities and colleges provide you with the backlog certificate only if you have backlogs.
If you are applying to a foreign university and you have backlogs then you will have to submit the backlog certificate to help universities determine the number of backlogs, the number of attempts to clear the backlogs and the subjects in which you had backlogs. Based on this record they determine whether you are eligible to be considered for admission or not.
What if You Have a Backlog?
If you have a backlog then, first of all, you must try to get the backlogs cleared as soon as possible. This will make your process much easier when applying for admissions abroad. Most universities, especially in the USA, give preference to candidates who have zero backlogs. However, if in the process, the application for admission at your desired university abroad is released then you must submit the application. Countries like Canada, the UKand Australia do accept applicants with a fewernumber of backlogs.
Nevertheless, the chances of getting accepted depend on the university and other factors like your score in the subject tests, participation in extracurricular activities, statement of purpose, etc. If at the time of applying to your desired university, you are yet to clear all your backlogs, you must get a backlog certificate from your institution highlighting the number of backlogs remaining to be cleared.
Thus, while it is advisable to apply for admission at a university where backlogs are accepted, you must get a backlog certificate from your previous academic institution. Once selected for admission at a university abroad, you must try to clear your exams as early apply as possible before the semester starts at the university.
However, if you wish to know if you can study abroad with a backlog, then it should be noted that the answer may not be as straightforward as one may think. Check out our article on "can youstudy abroad with a backlog", to clear out your doubts.
Stepsto Geta Backlog Certificate
Most universities provide a backlog certificate form which the student must fill out and submit to receive their backlog certificate. The form has relevant details about the candidate and semester wise backlogs in the subject and the number of attempts taken to clear the test. Once the form has been received by the university, the respective university will mention all the subjects you studied at the university, backlogs (if present), number of attempts taken to clear the test, etc.
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Is Backlog Certificate Mandatory?
The simple answer to the question is Yes! However, knowing when and where the backlog certificate is mandatory and if it is mandatory, requires research and knowledge. Backlog certificates, as defined above, outline the number of backlogs you may have in your previous academic institution and programme. Thus, an overview of your academic performance is displayed to the universities, upon which, you would beoffered an admission offer letter.
Whether or not a backlog certificate is mandatory to study abroad can only be answered once you have selected a country and university to study at. Certain countries like Australia, need you to submit a backlog certificate, even if you have none. However, this requirement is commonly seen at the university level where universities need full detail on your academic record. Therefore, before applying to any university abroad, it is crucial to check out which universities require a backlog certificate and more.
Do I Still Need a Backlog Certificate if I have Zero Backlogs?
As stated above, the need for a backlog certificate will vary from university to university and even countries, which is especially true for countries that require a Zero Backlog certificate, also known as a No Backlog Certificate. For instance, Australia and New Zealand need students to submit a "Zero/No Backlog Certificate", in cases where they have no active backlogs at the previous academic institution.
Excluding Australia and New Zealand, there can be certain universities abroad that may require you to either provide a zero backlog certificate or just your academic transcripts as proof of having no backlogs at the time of application. Therefore, research and find out everything you can about the admission processes and requirements of your desired universities abroad.
It should be noted that having backlogs when applying to universities incountries that require applicants to submit a "zero backlog certificate" does not mean that you cannot apply to these universities. Backlog Certificates are just proof of backlogs, or the lack thereof.
Can Your Study Visa Get Rejected If You Have Backlogs?
Usually, universities accept a few backlogs, but in case you have several backlogs especially in the main subjects, your chances of getting a university admission are quite low. Now, in case you receive an offer from a foreign university even after possessing a few backlogs, you will have to provide the backlog certificate with the study visa application.
Whether your study visa gets accepted or rejected due to backlogs depends on the final decision of the embassy or visa officer. Whatever the effect of the backlogs on the student visa process, our recommendation is to keep all the documents ready, which includes a backlog certificate.
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Do Foreign Universities Accept Backlogs?
It is common to see graduates with only a bachelors degree question whether universities abroad accept international student applications with backlogs.Worry not! foreign universities across different countries usually do accept candidates with backlogs but the admission requirements for international students with backlogs will vary between countries and universities.
Commonly, Usually, universities will have specified a maximum limit for the number of backlogs acceptable for international student admissions. Check out the country-wise backlog acceptance as listed below.
Backlog Acceptance in the USA
US universities usually consider candidates with no backlogs. However, some universities accept candidates with a maximum of 15 backlogs or sometimes even more. It is advisable to You can check with the respective university to confirm the admission processes and requirements, in case you have any backlogs.
Acceptance of Backlogs in Canada
Canadian universities accept up to 5 backlogs provided international students are able to present an overall percentage of 70% or above. Options may be available with more than backlogs inPG Diploma courses at Canadian universities.
Backlog Acceptance in the UK
Commonly, universities in the UK accept international students with 5 or more backlogs provided the candidate has a good score in an English Language Test and subject tests likeGRE or GMAT.
Acceptance of Backlogs inAustralia
Mostly, universitiesin Australia do not consider candidates with 7 or more backlogs, whereas thetop colleges do not accept international students with more than 3 backlogs. Additionally, students with no backlogs will be required to submit a Zero/No Backlog Certificate along with the application form.
Backlog Acceptance inNew Zealand
Universities in New Zealand accept international students with4 backlogs at their previous academic institutions. But in case you have a good subject test score and strong application, you might still be considered for admission. As stated above, international students may also be required to submit a Zero/No Backlog Certificate while applying to NZ universities.
Therefore, to answer the question of whether you can study abroad with backlogs? Yes! It is possible to study abroad with backlogs. However, a backlog clearance certificate might most likely be an essential requirement to apply to most few universities abroad.
If you still have any queries related to backlogs and you wish to know your chances of getting admission to the desired university abroad, you can write to us at abroad@ collegddekho.com.
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