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Document guides

Every document, prepared properly

Practical guidance for each document category. Lead times are planning estimates. Requirements always come from the programme you apply to.

How common is each document?

The counts below come from the 185 programmes whose document lists we captured from official sources. They show how often a document was listed as mandatory in that sample. They are not a rule for any programme.

DocumentTypicallyListed as mandatory by
Academic transcriptsCommonly required133 of 185
Bachelor's degree certificate or diplomaCommonly required (or proof of expected graduation)120 of 185
Proof of expected graduationConditional (final-year applicants)0 of 185
Grading scale explanationProgramme-dependent, useful for all8 of 185
Course descriptions and syllabiProgramme-dependent3 of 185
CV or résuméCommonly required126 of 185
Motivation letterCommonly required81 of 185
Statement of purposeProgramme-dependent15 of 185
Recommendation and reference lettersCommonly required109 of 185
English language certificateCommonly required (exemptions vary)88 of 185
Other language certificatesProgramme-dependent (track-specific)7 of 185
Passport or national IDCommonly required100 of 185
Proof of residenceCommon for scholarship applicants25 of 185
PhotographProgramme-dependent19 of 185
Certified translationsConditional (documents not in an accepted language)3 of 185
Legalisation and apostilleConditional (often after admission)Not tracked as a type
Work experience evidenceProgramme-dependent2 of 185
Professional certificationsOptional, programme-dependentNot tracked as a type
PortfolioProgramme-dependent10 of 185
Research or project proposalProgramme-dependent2 of 185
Writing sample or essayProgramme-dependent5 of 185
Additional tests (GRE, GMAT, entrance tests)Programme-dependent (rare)5 of 185
InterviewCommon for shortlisted candidates6 of 185
Other programme-specific documentsProgramme-dependent42 of 185