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.
| Document | Typically | Listed as mandatory by |
|---|---|---|
| Academic transcripts | Commonly required | 133 of 185 |
| Bachelor's degree certificate or diploma | Commonly required (or proof of expected graduation) | 120 of 185 |
| Proof of expected graduation | Conditional (final-year applicants) | 0 of 185 |
| Grading scale explanation | Programme-dependent, useful for all | 8 of 185 |
| Course descriptions and syllabi | Programme-dependent | 3 of 185 |
| CV or résumé | Commonly required | 126 of 185 |
| Motivation letter | Commonly required | 81 of 185 |
| Statement of purpose | Programme-dependent | 15 of 185 |
| Recommendation and reference letters | Commonly required | 109 of 185 |
| English language certificate | Commonly required (exemptions vary) | 88 of 185 |
| Other language certificates | Programme-dependent (track-specific) | 7 of 185 |
| Passport or national ID | Commonly required | 100 of 185 |
| Proof of residence | Common for scholarship applicants | 25 of 185 |
| Photograph | Programme-dependent | 19 of 185 |
| Certified translations | Conditional (documents not in an accepted language) | 3 of 185 |
| Legalisation and apostille | Conditional (often after admission) | Not tracked as a type |
| Work experience evidence | Programme-dependent | 2 of 185 |
| Professional certifications | Optional, programme-dependent | Not tracked as a type |
| Portfolio | Programme-dependent | 10 of 185 |
| Research or project proposal | Programme-dependent | 2 of 185 |
| Writing sample or essay | Programme-dependent | 5 of 185 |
| Additional tests (GRE, GMAT, entrance tests) | Programme-dependent (rare) | 5 of 185 |
| Interview | Common for shortlisted candidates | 6 of 185 |
| Other programme-specific documents | Programme-dependent | 42 of 185 |