Backlogs – Will they affect your study abroad dream?

A backlog sounds like a black mark on your academic profile, but against this bleak picture, there is a ray of hope. Although universities abroad prefer clear academic profiles, they do accept applications from international students with a history of backlogs.

If you want to know which universities abroad accept backlogs, the best information sources are our expert advisors who have dealt with, and continue to deal with students with a history of backlogs, but who would like to study abroad. Our advisors have successfully placed these students at several universities abroad. If you would like to know more, fill the form on this page and our experts will be in touch with you to guide you in your study abroad journey.

You can also check out the university prospectus for more information.

Let us assure you that you are not alone in this situation. Several students are faced with this situation due to various reasons. Here are some queries we receive on our Forum:

“Sir, I have completed my B.Tech 4th year, but I have 3 backlogs. I want to study Interior Design. Am I eligible to study interior design without clearing my backlogs?"

“I had one backlog in my 2nd year, and I have an average GPA of 7.5 in all the three semesters. Will this affect my chances of applying to the top universities around the world? I’m really worried now!"

Another one:

"I’m studying Mechanical Engineering and I’m in my 3rd year. I have got about 17 backlogs, which I’ll be clearing by the end of this year. Meanwhile, I’m preparing hard for GRE. Will I be able to get into any US University for my MS in Engineering Management or Industrial Engineering, if I get a good GRE score? What else should I concentrate on to build a strong resume?"

What’s the story of your backlog?

Students with backlogs do get admissions at universities abroad, which is based on the discretion of different universities in different countries. Some countries also take into consideration, the number of attempts it took for you to clear your backlogs. Here are updates from different destinations:

1. Canada 

Some universities in Canada accept students with up to  5 backlogs, with a minimum of 70 per cent in bachelors whereas some universities accept applications from students who have a maximum of 7 or 8 backlogs, provided they have a minimum of 65 per cent and above in bachelors.

Students who have more than 10 or 12 backlogs are eligible to apply for PG diplomas in Canada. Students with a higher number of backlogs are granted admissions on a case-to-case basis. If you are struggling with a backlog history and would like to study in Canada, reach out to our counsellors and they’ll be able to guide you in the right direction.

Articles: Want to study and settle in Canada?

2. Australia 

Australian universities take into consideration, not just the number of backlogs, but also the number of attempts made to clear those backlogs. The way they handle applicants with backlogs is not the same across Australian universities; they are clearly dealt with on a case-to-case basis. Some universities might accept a large number of backlogs, while some others prefer that you had less than 4 backlogs.

The policies vary based on courses as well.

3. New Zealand 

Universities in New Zealand consider applications from students who have ≤5 backlogs, and institutions accept applications from students who have a maximum of 12 to 15 backlogs.

A good IELTS score plays a crucial role for students who have backlogs and would want to study in New Zealand. If you have an IELTS band of 6.5 and have enough research projects or extra-curricular activities listed in your essay, chances are you can back up your backlogs with these academic qualities.

When you apply with backlogs at universities in New Zealand, make sure you are aware of all the norms of each university; our advisors can guide you through the process. 

4. Ireland 

Irish universities normally accept applications from students who have a maximum of 4 or 5 backlogs whereas some accept hardly 2 or 3 backlogs. Note that the number of backlogs might not be a matter of concern at colleges in Ireland.

It is best to check with our experts on the policies followed by different institutions in Ireland when it comes to studying abroad with backlogs.

Do you know about the two-year stay-back option for postgraduates in Ireland?

5. United Kingdom 

What matters at UK universities is your overall academic score and your English proficiency test scores. Students with 15 backlogs or so can definitely apply at several UK universities. Other important factors to be taken into account when you apply are your standardised test scores such as IELTS. A good IELTS band of 6.0 and above can bag you the best offer even if you have a backlog history. 

6. United States  

Most US universities prefer students with no backlogs, but in certain instances, they accept a maximum of 5 backlogs. Even if you score highly in your GRE, your overall academic performance will matter.

Students having more than 10 or 12 backlogs need to do thorough research before applying to US universities. Such students will be granted admissions based on the discretion of universities. Check with our experts who have first-hand knowledge of which universities are easier to get into, for students with a history of backlogs.

We understand there could be many reasons for your backlogs. You might have been a good student all your life, but suddenly, for whatever reasons, you failed to pass or appear any exams and ended up with backlogs. There is nothing to worry about now.

In general, the backlog exemption strategy may vary from one institution to another even though they are located in the same destination. A point to keep in mind is that the universities that accept more than 15 backlogs might demand a higher tuition fee.

You can also check with the university faculty abroad about their universities’ backlog norms. In most instances, out-of-classroom activities like research projects or internships or extra-curricular activities add to your academic skills and compensate for your backlogs. 

Let us know if you still have more questions. Our counsellors will assist you with every query you may have. 

Editor's note: This article was originally published in September 2016. Our content writer Roshna Mohan has edited it to include up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.