Study Abroad Glossary
Definitions for the most-searched study-abroad and admissions terms, sourced from official testing bodies and immigration authorities.
GPA
Grade Point Average — weighted academic score on a 4.0 (US) or 5.0 scale. Calculated by summing (credit hours x grade points) divided by total credit hours. Source: AACRAO standard.
CGPA
Cumulative Grade Point Average — the Indian and Asian equivalent of GPA, usually on a 10-point scale. WES typically maps CGPA 8.5+ to US 4.0. Source: WES iGPA Calculator.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System — 4-section English test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) scored 0-9 bands. Required for UK, Australia, Canada, NZ student visas. Source: ielts.org.
TOEFL iBT
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test — 4-section test scored 0-120. Required for US universities. Source: ets.org/toefl.
GMAT Focus
Graduate Management Admission Test — 2024 redesigned format, 2 hours 15 minutes, scored 205-805. Required for many MBA programs. Source: mba.com.
GRE General
Graduate Record Examination — verbal (130-170), quantitative (130-170), analytical writing (0-6). Required for many US graduate programs. Source: ets.org/gre.
ECTS
European Credit Transfer System — standard credit system across EU. 60 ECTS = one full academic year. A Master degree is typically 120 ECTS. Source: ec.europa.eu/education.
CGS
Council of Graduate Schools — the US authority on graduate admissions standards. Publishes the official April 15 acceptance deadline. Source: cgsnet.org.
F-1 Visa
US student visa for full-time academic studies. Requires Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school, SEVIS I-901 fee 350 USD, and consular interview. Source: travel.state.gov.
CAS
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies — UK digital reference number required to apply for a Student visa. Issued by the sponsoring university. Source: gov.uk/student-visa.
PG vs UG
Postgraduate (Master, PhD) vs Undergraduate (Bachelor). UK terminology. UG typically 3 years, PG taught typically 1 year, PG research typically 3-4 years. Source: HESA UK.
SEVIS
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System — the US tracking system for international students. Required I-901 fee is 350 USD per ICE.gov.