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Study-Abroad Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the terms you will meet when applying to study abroad.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A short essay explaining your motivation, background and goals for a programme. See our SOP guide.

CAS

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - a UK reference number from your university needed for a student visa.

I-20

A US form issued by your school confirming enrolment, required to apply for an F-1 student visa.

OPT

Optional Practical Training - temporary US work authorisation in your field after graduating.

CPT

Curricular Practical Training - work or internships that form part of your US course.

ECTS

European Credit Transfer System - the standard way EU universities measure course credit.

GPA

Grade Point Average, usually on a US 4.0 scale. Convert yours with our GPA converter.

CGPA

Cumulative Grade Point Average, often on a 10-point scale (common in India).

IELTS

International English Language Testing System - a widely accepted English proficiency test.

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language - another widely accepted English test.

Proof of funds

Evidence that you can pay your tuition and living costs, required for most student visas.

Conditional offer

An admission offer that depends on you meeting conditions, such as final grades.

Unconditional offer

An admission offer with no remaining conditions to meet.

Bachelor degree

An undergraduate degree, typically taking three to four years.

Master degree

A postgraduate degree, typically taking one to two years.

PhD

A doctoral research degree and the highest standard university qualification.

Scholarship

Funding awarded on merit or need that you do not repay. Browse our scholarships.

Tuition fees

The amount a university charges for your course. Compare on our costs page.

Living costs

Day-to-day expenses such as accommodation, food and transport.

Credential evaluation

An assessment of your foreign qualifications against the local education system.

Residence permit

Official permission to live in a country for the duration of your studies.

Intake

The start period for a course, such as Autumn/Fall or Spring.

Foundation year

A preparatory year that builds the skills needed before an undergraduate degree.

Public vs private university

Whether an institution is state-funded or privately funded, which can affect fees.

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