Applying for Higher Studies

Outline

❖ Why do we need higher studies?

❖ Different levels of higher studies

❖ Prerequisites for apply higher studies

❖ Different exams to do

❖ Local opportunities for higher studies

❖ Different opportunities in other countries (Scholarships)

❖ Challenges of Higher Studies

Why do we need higher studies?

Higher education is more than a stepping stone to a career.

It's about learning how to develop a better you !!!

Higher education skills help you find a lucrative career while

teaching you how to deal with a variety of other real-life situations

Get Started Today!

Deciding to go for higher studies is not a decision to take lightly. Higher education is a major personal, intellectual, social,

emotional, and financial investment.

Why do we need higher studies?

Career Benefits

● Broad range of career opportunities

● Ability to change careers more easily

● Higher earning potential

● Improves job stability

● Improves job satisfaction

● Easy to pursue a career in academia

Why do we need higher studies?

Social Benefits

● Upward social mobility or societal recognition

● Access to professional networks

● Building better personal relationships

● Innovations, technological breakthroughs and methodologies

● Less dependency on government assistance

● Greater community service and leadership

● More cultural awareness

http://www.crosswalk.com/family/homeschool/why-is-higher-education-

important-1367463.html

http://darrinruns.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/the-importance-of-higher-

education-in-todays-society/

Why do we need higher studies?

Personnel Benefits

● Maturity and independence

● Personal satisfaction

● Self-awareness and self-confidence

● Advanced intellectual skills

● Advanced communication and interpersonal skills

● Personal life quality enhancement

● Greater economic stability and security

Different level of higher studies

1. Master’s Degree: ● An opportunity to further your knowledge of a particular subject

● The amount of time to earn a master's degree depends upon the program

● But one should usually expect to study at least for 2 years

● There are two main types of master’s:

-Taught: Similar to undergraduate degrees.

Involve a series of taught modules, lectures, seminars and practicals

E.g. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

-Research: Involve learning through research.

Viewed as valuable preparation for PhD studies

Less tutor support than that provided on a taught degree

E.g. Master of Arts (MA by Research), or Master of Science

Different levels of higher studies

2. PhDs/ Doctorate: ● The highest academic level a student can achieve

● The award of a doctorate implies recognition of the candidate as an equal by

the university faculty under which he or she has studied

● The amount of time varies by field, institution

● Two types of doctorates:

-Research:

Research doctorates are awarded in recognition of academic research that is

publishable in a peer-refereed academic journal

-Honorary

Awarded in recognition of individuals who make notable contributions to

society

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

● Prerequisites mostly depend on the field of study (ex: computer

science) and the degree program (Bachelor’s, Master's, Doctorate).

● In Sri Lanka, prerequisites for Bachelor’s degree is Advance Level

results.

● For other degree programs, common requirements include

bachelor’s degree, GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation,

TOEFL scores or IELTS score, etc.

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Different Types of Requirements

1. Competency Requirements

2. Course Requirements

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Competency Requirements

• The competency requirement ensures that students already have or will

acquire the necessary undergraduate background for the respective degree.

• The applicant may fulfill these requirements by,

1. Providing evidence of previous undergraduate or graduate course work.

2. Taking an undergraduate course at respective university.

3. Taking the corresponding graduate course with consent of instructor.

4. Passing the final exam of an undergraduate course at the respective university.

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Course Requirements

• The course requirement is intended to ensure that students are

exposed to,

1. Fundamental concepts and tools

2. Advanced, up-to-date views in topics outside their area (the breadth

requirement)

3. A deep, up-to-date view of their research area (the depth requirement)

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

The Breadth Requirements

• The breadth requirement ensures that the students share knowledge of

fundamental concepts and tools from across broad areas of the field of

study.

• Each student is asked to take a certain set of courses and maintain a

certain overall breadth course GPA

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

The Depth Requirements

• The depth requirement ensures that the student acquires some

depth of knowledge in a general research area.

• Each student is asked to select an area his or her depth area and

take some number of courses on that area.

• The student must also maintain a certain overall depth course GPA.

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Student visas

• Student visas are non-immigrant visas that do not require the

holder to obtain citizenship.

• Any prospective student seeking higher education in another

country must obtain a student visa for that country.

• You will first need to receive an admission letter and a certificate of

eligibility for nonimmigrant student status from your institution

before you can begin the visa application process.

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Visa Application Process

• STEP 1: Receive your certificate of eligibility for

nonimmigrant student status.

• STEP 2: You must pay the fee and fill out visa applications

forms prior to your visa interview.

• STEP 3: Schedule Your Interview and Apply for Your Visa.

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Interview

• In the interview, questions will be asked regarding,

1. your ties to your home country.

2. your English language skills.

3. your academic background.

4. the program which you have been admitted.

5. proof of your financial ability.

Prerequisites for Apply Higher Studies

Pre-departure Materials and Important Documents

• Passport and nonimmigrant visa.

• Certificate of eligibility.

• Contact information.

• Birth certificate and marriage certificate.

• Medical documents.

• Academic transcripts.

• College or university acceptance letter.

Different exams to do

Prepare for Standardized Tests

● Most graduate programs require one or more standardized test scores.

● Application requirements may vary, applicants should confirm the test

requirements of the universities to which you plan to apply.

● There are two main types of tests:

○ Language Ability Tests

○ Admissions Tests

Language Ability Tests

English Language Ability Tests

● If English is not your native language, universities will ask you to take an

English language proficiency test before admission.

● If you are a non-native speaker of English who has been educated in

English, language testing requirements might be waived.

● This decision is made by the university admissions office

● English test is required for all applicants who received their undergraduate

degree in a country where English is not the official language (UC Berkeley)

English Language Ability Tests

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - http://www.ets.org/toefl

● The TOEFL measures the ability of non-native English speakers

● Two types of TOEFL:

○ The TOEFL internet-based test (iBT)

○ The paper-based TOEFL (TOEFL PBT)

● The internet based TOEFL is available in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna.

● The TOEFL is valid for 2 years, the most universities prefer recent

scores

English Language Ability Tests

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - http://www.ielts.org/

● The IELTS is a paper-based test that measures language ability

● The reading and writing portions are available in two versions:

○ The academic version is the one that students who want to study at

the graduate level should take.

○ General Training, is for the test takers who need to use English daily

for functional activities, or immigration.

● The IELTS is valid for 2 years

Admissions Tests

● Testing requirements vary greatly between graduate programs

● Applicants should confirm directly with the university to which you

plan to apply

Admissions Tests

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - www.ets.org/gre

● The GRE is a standardized test of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning

and analytical writing

● Many graduate universities accept GRE scores

● Currently ETS offers the paper based GRE exam twice a year in Sri Lanka,

usually in February and November.

● Scores are valid for 5 years

Admissions Tests

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) - www.gmac.com/

● The GMAT is a standardized test for MBA applicants that measures basic verbal,

mathematical, and analytical writing skills

● It does not measure knowledge of job skills, or specific content in

undergraduate, such as creativity, and interpersonal skills.

● The GMAT exam is administered in standardized test centers in 112 countries

around the world, including Sri Lanka

Summary: Different exams to do

● Most universities may require GRE and TOEFL.

● Refer to the university graduate school website to find out the

specific requirements.

● It is still a good idea to get ready and sit for the exams if you are

planning to apply for several universities.

● There are universities that do not require either of these exams.

● In Canada, majority of programs and universities do not require the

GRE general test.

Local Opportunities for Higher Studies

● Local Master’s Degree programs provide an opportunity for the graduates of science, engineering and management.

● Undertake advanced studies at master’s level in the latest professional

field of Information Technology and Management.

○ University of Colombo – MSc in CS & IT, MBA ○ University of Moratuwa – MSc in CS & IT ○ University of Peradeniya – MSc in CS ○ University of kelaniya – MSc in IT

Different Opportunities in Other Countries (UK Scholarships)

● Cardiff University Scholarships for International Students ○ Offers a highly prestigious International Scholarship Fund designed

to attract and reward the brightest students ○ Postgraduate Taught – Masters , and Postgraduate Research – PhD ○ The scholarships will cover full tuition fees for the duration

● Oxford University: Oxford PostGraduate Scholarships(100 scholars),

Rhodes Scholarships (83 scholars)

● University of Birmingham Scholarships (scholarships are worth £10,000 towards), Gates Cambridge

Scholars (100 Gates Scholars )

Different Opportunities in Other Countries (USA Scholarships)

● Harvard University: Top 1 in World Reputation Rankings & Top 4 in World University Rankings

○ Several programs for international students ○ It also oversees additional funds which support students

● Stanford University: Top 6 in World Reputation Rankings & Top 2 in World

University Rankings ○ Superior academic achievement and the potential to make a contribution

to technology, business or society as a whole ○ Post Graduate financial aid is based entirely on merit (U.S.$6,000 to

U.S.$22,000)

● UCB Foreign Fulbright Student Program, MIT Kennedy scholarships, California Institute of Technology scholarship programs

Different Opportunities in Other Countries (Australia Scholarships)

● University of Melbourne: Top 39 in World Reputation Rankings & Top 28 in World University Rankings

○ Recognizes outstanding academic achievement of students ○ Provides 100%-fee remission scholarships valued from $10,000 up to

approximately $126,000. ex: Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarships (MIFRS), Melbourne International Research Scholarships (MIRS)

● Monash University International Merit Scholarships, UQ merit-based scholarships, UNSW International Advanced Research Scholarship

Different Opportunities in Other Countries (Canada Scholarships)

● University of British Columbia: Scholarships for International Students ○ Devoting more than Canadian $8 million annually to scholarships and

other forms of financial assistance

● University of Toronto: Top 16 in World Reputation Rankings & Top 21 in World University Rankings

○ International Students with financial need may apply for grant assistance

○ Financial support is available to highly qualified graduates ○ Teaching assistantships are also offered ○ Offers partial scholarships worth $4,000 – $16,000

Challenges of Higher Studies

● Growing criticism of higher education ● Most universities are under some form of financial pressure

● Challenging situation for existing universities

● Higher education market most likely to be disrupted in the short term

● Students are flocking to alternatives

References

[1] Educationusa.info, 'EducationUSA | 5 Steps To Study', 2014. [Online]. Available:

http://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/Graduate-English-Oct2012-Final.pdf. [Accessed: 14- Sep-

2014].

[2] Eecs.berkeley.edu, 'Prospective Graduate Students | EECS at UC Berkeley', 2014. [Online]. Available:

http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Gradadm/FAQA.htm. [Accessed: 12- Sep- 2014].

[3] Sl2college.org, 'US/Canada Graduate School Application Process, FAQ', 2014. [Online]. Available:

http://www.sl2college.org/resources/resources-list/144-uscanada-graduate-school-application-process-faq.

[Accessed: 12- Sep- 2014].

[4]D. Dienst, 'German Language - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst', Daad.de, 2014. [Online].

Available: ttps://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/voraussetzungen/en/6221-german-language/.

[Accessed: 14- Sep- 2014].

References

[5] DegreeDirectory.org, ‘What Is the Importance of Higher Education?’, 2014. [online]. Available:

http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_is_the_Importance_of_Higher_Education.html [Accessed: 12- Ep- 2014]

[6] Studential.com, ‘Research Vs Taught Masters’, 2013, [online]. Available:

http://www.studential.com/postgraduate/study/research-vs-taught-masters [Accessed: 12- Ep- 2014]

[7] Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF). [Online]. Available: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-

fellowship-4yf. [Accessed: 10- Sep- 2014].