Overseas university study guide for students

University Guide

    1. Preparing your application
      1. Are there advantages to applying early?
      2. I've not completed my studies. Can I still apply?
      3. What do the University Admissions team consider when assessing my application?
      4. How do I write a good personal statement?
      5. How do I prepare an art portfolio?
      6. What makes a good reference letter/testimonial?
      7. How do I prepare for a university interview?
      8. Will my interviewer(s) ask challenging questions?
      9. Do my co-curricular activities and work experience improve my chances?
      10. I am currently serving my National Service. Anything I need to note?
      11. Do I need to take an English test?
      12. Which English test should I take?
      13. Should I request for advanced entry / credit exemptions?
      14. How can I request for advanced entry / credit exemptions?
      15. My documents are not in English. What do I need to do?
      16. My results are lower than the entry requirement listed? Can I apply?
    3. Applying to UK Universities
      1. How do I apply to UK universities? What is UCAS?
      2. The Dos and Don’ts of applying to UCAS
      3. What is the maxiumum number of courses I can apply to via UCAS (UK)?
      4. What documents do I need for UCAS application to the UK?
      5. Is there a deadline to submitting my applications (UK)?
      6. What is the National Health Service (NHS)?
      7. What does the National Health Service (NHS) cover?
    5. Applying to Australian Universities
      1. When does academic term starts in the Australia?
      2. Is there a deadline to submitting my applications (Australia)?
      3. What documents do I need (Australia)?
      4. What are the health coverages available in Australia? What is OSHC?
    7. Applying to US Universities
      1. How do I apply to US universities? What is CommonApp?
      2. What documents do I need (US)?
      3. When does academic term starts in the US?
      4. Is there a deadline to submit my applications (US)?
      5. What health coverage is available (US)?
      6. What is the US credit transfer system and how does it work?
      7. Credit Exemptions offered by US Universities
    9. Applying to Canadian Universities
      1. What documents do I need (Canada)?
      2. What are the health coverage available (Canada)?
      3. Is there a deadline to submitting my applications (Canada)?
    11. Criminal conviction
      1. I have a criminal record. Will that affect my university application?

Which English test should I take?

english tests

If you are asked to take an English test, you can consider one of the following internationally recognised tests:
  1. IELTS (Academic): By far the most popular for UK and Australia bound students, but equally recognised in the US.
  2. TOEFL: Most popular among US bound students, but is increasingly being replaced by IELTS.
  3. Pearson (PTE): This is the latest test introduced in the market and is less recognised than IELTS and TOEFL, but is commonly accepted by MBA programs in the US

So which test should I take?

The 3 tests are fairly comparable in terms of their level of difficulty. The main difference lies in the way the speaking component is tested. On the IELTS, you speak face-to-face with a human. On the TOEFL and PTE Academic, you speak into a computer. The recording is then evaluated by a human for TOEFL, and a computer program for PTE.

A more important consideration is whether the test is recognised by the university you are applying to. For example since April 2015, many UK universities have stopped accepting PTE and TOEFL test results, and requires all students to complete the UKVI version of IELTS.

IELTS registration centre

ielts registration centre

theRightU is currently a Gold partner of British Council which administers the IELTS test. We will be most glad to assist students with IELTS registraton at no cost (other than the standard registration fees). Chat online with your education planner to find out more.

Meet us at the upcoming university fair

Speak with overseas university representatives and attend free seminars at the largest overseas education fair in Singapore. Register for free today!

Guide Applying to university