How to apply for a study programme

Applying for a study programme can be quite interesting and yet a tedious process, especially considering studying abroad; away from home and your comfort zone, be it Bachelor’s, Master’s or graduate certifications. This guide will walk you through the basic steps to ensure you submit a solid application that meets necessary requirements.

Choose your programme and institution

Before you start the application process, do a preliminary search on various programmes and institutions that align with your academic background and career goal. You should consider factors such as:

• Programme content: Does it cover the subjects you are interested in? What is the learning outcome? How many study hours are required to complete the programme?
• Reputation: What is the institution’s ranking and reputation in your field? For example, the Dutch are known to be very great managers of water, with IHE Delft being one of the top 10 institutions for water education globally.
• Location: Are you comfortable studying in a particular city or country?
• What are the tuition and living expenses like? Are there full or partial scholarships available?
  

Check admission requirements

Once you have narrowed down your options, check the specific admission requirements for every programme that you are considering. These can vary significantly among institutions and may include, but not limited to:

• Academic qualifications (e.g diplomas, transcripts, grading system information): These are official records from previous educational institutions attended.
• Language proficiency tests (e.g IELTS, TOEFL, etc): Proof of your ability to communicate effectively in the language of instruction.
• Personal statement or motivation letter: A written statement explaining why you want to study the programme and how it aligns with your career goal.
• Letter of recommendation: Typically, a written statement from teachers or professionals who can speak about your abilities and character.
• Method of application: Some programmes may require you to submit your application through a centralised system like Studielink in the Netherlands, while others might have their own online portal like IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.

Preparation and submission

Gather all necessary documents well in advance, make sure all documents are complete and that you meet the specific requirements outlined by the institution. In cases where you are required to legalise or translate content of your academic qualification or other documents, ensure that it is done on time and by the right institution (e.g consulate or Ministry of Education). Lastly, pay attention to submission deadlines and make sure you submit well on time. Timely submission of applications for study are often a criterion for qualification of partial or full scholarships that are administered on a first come, first served basis. Avoid submitting at the last minute, as technical issues or poor network reception can invalidate your application.

Register on the institutions application portal and make sure you save your details somewhere safe, carefully fill out the application forms and crosscheck the information provided. Upload your carefully labelled documents and pay the application fees where applicable.

Follow-up and acceptance of offer

After submitting your application, keep track of its status. Some institutions state how long the evaluation process will take, so while waiting, check for confirmation emails that indicate your application was received. Monitor any request for additional information or document (check your spam folder as well).

Typically, institutions will inform applicants of their decisions within few weeks after the deadline or submission. In situations where you don’t receive any update on the decision, feel free to email the programme coordination office to ask for an update.

If you receive an offer of admission, congratulations! You will then need to confirm your acceptance, complete any additional registration required by the institution and pay your tuition if applicable to secure your place in the programme and prepare for enrolment.

Enrolment

Once accepted, prepare for enrolment by arranging for student accommodation if necessary, applying for student visa and biometrics capturing if studying abroad, and familiarising yourself with orientation schedules and the course registration process.

Applying for a study program is a significant step towards achieving your educational goals. By the following these steps, you can navigate this process seamlessly. Remember to seek assistance from academic advisors or current students of the institution of choice if needed, as they can provide valuable insight into making your application stand out.

Good luck with your application!