Are backlogs really a matter to worry while planning your overseas education?

What is a backlog?

Putting into words, a backlog is an academic exam that you failed to clear in the first attempt due to various reasons like lack of preparation or absenteeism or any possible thing you can assume for not getting it cleared. It’s basic eligibility that you should have all your backlogs cleared to successfully enroll in any international program.

Deep into thinking of what to do with backlogs?

If your international education is interrupted due to backlogs, you need not worry about that. Most of the international institutions in countries like Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US are receptive to applications with backlogs but with the condition of clearing them before your program starts.

Tip: If you were unable to attend the exam, check whether it is mentioned as Zero or Absent in the corresponding subject. Why because Zero means backlog and not absent.

Different ways of counting backlogs

There are different ways followed by different institutions to count backlogs. While some institutions count the number of failed subjects as backlogs, others may count the number of attempts to clear the subject as backlog.

1. Number of failed subjects = Number of backlogs

Countries like the US and UK consider the subjects failed as backlogs regardless of attempts taken to pass them. Let’s say you have a backlog and you took 3 attempts to pass the subject. In that case, the number of backlogs counts to 1 and the number of attempts doesn’t matter.

2. Number of failed attempts = Number of backlogs

While the US and UK follow the above method, countries like Australia will take into count the number of attempts taken to clear a subject. For instance, you failed a subject and you take 3 attempts to clear the respective subject, then your backlog counts to 3 numbers. That is 3 attempts.

Which are the countries that accept applications with the backlog?

If you ever thought you have backlogs and cannot start your overseas education, then sit back and relax. We can figure this out. One important thing is that make sure the number of backlogs accepted and the eligibility criteria to accept. Each country has its own criteria.

1. Canada

In Canada, universities accept a maximum of five backlogs with a minimum average of 70% in previous study programs. Exceptional for PG degree programs, up to 7 to 8 backlogs with a minimum average of 65% will be accepted in Canada. The backlogs above that will make you eligible to choose PG diplomas…

2. Australia

Private universities of Australia accept up to seven or eight backlogs, while a Group of eight universities accept up to three backlogs. If you opt for public institutions, make sure you have less than eight backlogs.

3. New Zealand

In most kiwi universities students with a minimum of 5 backlogs will be considered while some institutions select a student with a maximum of 12 to 15 backlogs. A good IELTS score might add to the admission probability.

4. The UK

In the UK students with as many backlogs as 15 can easily be accepted but a good IELTS score is essential, an overall band of 6 is mandatory. Thinking of joining the UK? Ha-ha!

5. The US

Most of the American universities look for students with no backlogs but in some corner cases, up to 5 backlogs with good GRE scores of 315-325 can be accepted. Also, the admissions for more than 5 backlogs is totally based on the university discretion.

6. Ireland

Institutions in Ireland usually accept applications with backlogs up to 5 in number, meanwhile, some might accept only up to 3 to 4 backlogs.

It’s not a biggie to get admission with backlogs. In one way or the other, the possibility lies to grab an international admission with backlogs. To move further about the application and visa processing, just check if you could plan your overseas education for the next intake. CanApprove is here to help you.

Our dedicated team is here to assist you with the admission and visa processing seamlessly. Connect with our overseas education coordinators to know more about the process.