If you are planning to study abroad, you must know that there are certain universities that require you to submit a backlog certificate along with your academic transcripts. Continue reading to get complete details about a backlog certificate!
As a student, when you hear the term 'backlog', you take it as a black mark on your academic record. Do not worry, as you can appear for an exam again to clear the backlog. Many universities and colleges prefer students with clear academic profiles, but some consider candidates with fewer academic backlogs. The purpose of this article is to explain what a backlog certificate is, why it’s important, and how backlogs work if you plan on studying abroad.
What is a Backlog?
A backlog is when you fail to pass an exam on your first attempt or when you fail the total number of subjects for any reason or concern. It is important for students to understand there is a difference between backlogs and the number of attempts to clear a given subject. It is recommended to verify your educational institution's method of marking absenteeism, i.e., whether it marks zero or an absent in the score column. In order to obtain your degree from the institution or the board of study, you will need to retake the exam in the case of backlogs.
What is a Backlog Certificate?
It is a document issued by your educational institution that includes information about your backlogs. When you apply for an international university abroad, the admission authority at the concerned university might ask you to submit a backlog certificate along with an educational transcript to certify your academic records.
Backlog Certificate Sample
Students can find a sample of the backlog certificate attached below:
This is to certify that Priyanka Gupta d/o Rajesh Gupta bearing Roll. No. 11558877 is a bonafide student of BSc Physics (2017-2020) at ______ University. She has passed the bachelor’s program. Find below the details of her backlog record:
| Semester | Passing Year (Expected) | Passing Year | Number of Reappears | Reappear Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | January 2018 | January 2019 | 01 | Mathematical Physics |
| Semester 2 | July 2018 | January 2019 | 01 | Nuclear Physics |
| Semester 3 | January 2019 | January 2019 | Nil | - |
| Semester 4 | July 2019 | July 2019 | Nil | - |
| Semester 5 | January 2020 | January 2020 | Nil | - |
| Semester 6 | July 2020 | July 2020 | Nil | - |
This certificate is being issued at the student’s request and has been verified as such.
________
Principal Signature
Do I need a Backlog Certificate?
For students to get admission to universities and colleges overseas, they must fulfil certain eligibility requirements. A Backlog Certificate will verify your academic performance if you have backlogs. Colleges often prefer students with clear academic records and no backlogs. However, many universities across the globe do accept students with some backlogs.
Most of these universities select students based on their scores on standardized tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc. Additionally, your academic and extracurricular achievements may also be considered as selection criteria.
How to get a Backlog Certificate?
The same college authorities that create your academic transcripts, mark sheets, degree, certificate, diploma, etc., create your backlog certificate. Hence, backlog certificates must be obtained from the academic institution from which you received your official transcripts and completed your course/program.
Using a Backlog Certificate
You will have to send a backlog certificate along with your other application materials when applying to a university. Your application materials will include:
- Documents proving your financial capability to finance your education and stay abroad
- For each qualification, you should have a copy of your transcripts to serve as proof of education
- Scores for standardized exams: GRE/GMAT/SAT and IELTS/TOEFL/PTE as required by the university
- Supporting Documents: SOP, LOR, CV, Essay, etc. that the university requires to evaluate your profile
- A valid passport
Application for a Backlog Certificate
Students can apply for a backlog certificate by filling out and submitting an application form provided by their university. The backlog certificate application format is shown below:
The Principal
___________ [University/College Name] Address
Subject: Application regarding the Issue of Backlog Certificate
Respected Sir/Ma’am,
I, _____ (name of the student), s/o or d/o of ______, Roll No. ________ is/was a student of ______ (course name and batch) at your esteemed institution.This is to request you to issue me a Backlog Certificate as it is required to apply for admission into a master's program. Find below the details of her backlog record:
| Semester | Passing Year (Expected) | Passing Year | Number of Reappears | Reappear Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||||
| Semester 2 | ||||
| Semester 3 | ||||
| Semester 4 | ||||
| Semester 5 | ||||
| Semester 6 |
Kindly issue the backlog certificate at your earliest convenience.
Yours Sincerely,
_____ (Name)
No Backlog Certificate
Certificates that confirm that the student does not have any backlogs in their academic records are called no backlog certificates. Most universities do not ask for a no backlog certificate since your academic transcripts serve as proof of no backlogs.
However, these certificates are only applicable in countries like New Zealand and Australia. In Germany and Canada, applicants do not need to provide these documents when applying for admission.
Is it Possible to Study Abroad with Backlogs?
Yes, it is! Backlogs are accepted in almost every country. However, universities allow a certain number of backlogs. Generally, two or three backlogs are acceptable depending on the university or college you apply to. However, you should possess a Backlog Certificate to demonstrate that your academic record is clear. It is advised that you clear all your backlogs before applying to universities abroad, as most international institutions evaluate a candidate's profile based on their academic performance. As a student, you should always emphasize the elements that strengthen your profile.
List of Top Countries that Accept Backlogs
Despite having backlogs, it is still possible for students to achieve their dream of studying abroad. However, you must find out about the number of backlogs accepted in the country of your choice as well as the criteria for its acceptance. The top countries that accept backlogs are listed below:
The USA
Although it's commonly known that US universities prefer candidates who have no backlogs, some universities also consider candidates with a maximum of five backlogs. The loophole in the case of 7-8 backlogs is to score well on the GRE exam (315-325 range) to get selected by a few reputable US universities.
Those students looking to study in the United States with more than eight backlogs should seek external assistance to find some of the best schools before making a formal application to save time, effort, and money.
Top universities in the USA accepting backlogs:
- Pace University, New York
- Clark University, Massachusetts
- University of South Dakota, Vermillion
- Missouri State University, Springfield
- Rowan University, New Jersey
- Old Dominion University, Virginia
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
The UK
Students can easily apply to UK universities even if they have 15 backlogs; however, they must have at least a 6.0 IELTS score along with a high GRE score. In their education system, UK universities don't count attempts as backlogs, unlike Germany and Australia, where attempts are counted as well.
Note: Even if candidates have a good IELTS or GRE score, there are no opportunities for them to apply to the top universities in the UK with backlogs.
Top universities in the UK accepting backlogs:
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- Coventry University
- Cranfield University
- De Montfort University
- Kingston University London
- Middlesex University London
Australia
Private colleges in Australia do not accept students who have more than 7-8 backlogs, whereas leading colleges and Go8 universities accept students with no more than 3 backlogs. Applicants with 8 or more backlogs will have a better chance of getting into non-private Australian colleges. Students must note that Australian universities take into account how many times you have attempted to clear one exam/subject.
Top universities in Australia accepting backlogs:
- Curtin University
- Flinders University
- La Trobe University
- Edith Cowan University
- University of Technology Sydney
- James Cook University
- Charles Sturt University
Canada
Canadian universities will accept backlogs of up to five courses from your undergraduate degree, but you must score at least 70% in the UG program. Even though there are always exceptions, you may need a minimum of 65% to be considered by some universities if you have 7-8 backlogs. Students with 10-12 backlogs can choose the PG Diploma courses, not the degree courses, to pursue their post-graduate studies.
Top universities in Canada accepting backlogs:
- Cape Breton University
- Royal Roads University
- Conestoga College, Ontario
- Yorkville University
- Thompson Rivers University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
Ireland
In Irish universities, the backlogs are more course-specific. IT courses are strict when it comes to accepting backlogs, while other courses are flexible, but such cases are always reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Some colleges may consider students with 4-5 backlogs in Ireland, but other colleges may reject applicants with as few as 2-3 backlogs.
Top universities in Ireland accepting backlogs:
- IT Carlow
- Griffith College
- Dublin Business School
- National College of Ireland
A backlog certificate is not required by all universities. The most prestigious universities prefer to enrol candidates with a strong academic record. In universities that place a high emphasis on standardized test scores, students with backlogs may be selected. For that, the applicant's test scores must exceed the university's requirements. When you have backlogs, you should focus on eligibility tests, extracurricular activities, and social work to gain admission to your desired university.
