Do backlogs affect your study abroad plan

In simpler terms, a backlog is an exam that you were not able to clear in your first attempt (this could be because you weren’t prepared enough or were unable to attend due to some reasons.) To successfully enrol in any international program, it is important to have cleared all past backlogs. 

Note: If you were absent, then check with your institution whether they have marked an 'Absent' or 'Zero' in the score column against the exam subject in which you failed to appear because 'Zero' in the score column means backlog and not absenteeism.

If you have any backlogs, discuss your case with IDP experts over a free appointment.

It’s a certificate issued by your academic institution enlisting details about your backlogs. If you have no backlogs, you’ll not receive the same from your institution. However, there are chances that your international institution may ask for one with academic transcripts to certify your academic records even if you have no backlogs.

Different institutions count backlogs differently. While some may count your number of attempts to clear a failed subject while others may consider the number of subject backlogs. To be clear, let’s understand this by dividing them into two categories:

1. Number of failed subjects is equivalent to the number of backlogs

Countries like the US and UK consider failed subjects as backlogs irrespective of the number of attempts you took to pass them. 

For instance, if you fail in one subject but attempt it thrice during different semesters to clear that subject, then the number of backlogs will be counted as one and the number of attempts i.e., three will not matter. 

2. Number of attempts to pass failed subjects is equivalent to the number of backlogs

Countries like Australia consider the number of attempts as backlogs. For instance, if you fail in one subject but attempt it thrice during different semesters to clear it, the number of backlogs will be counted as three as it’s equal to the number of attempts. These countries consider the number of attempts to judge your dedication towards that subject/education.

Note: You can apply for admission into your desired university with active backlogs. If accepted, the university will give you a conditional offer letter with a premise that you’ll clear all your backlogs before commencing your study program.

Relax, you study abroad dreams can still be accomplished with backlogs. Just make sure to find out the number of backlogs accepted and the criteria towards its acceptance in the country of your choice. The criteria differ from country to country like: 

1. Australia

All Australian private universities accept not more than seven or eight backlogs, while Go8 universities accept a maximum of two to three backlogs. In case you opt for public institutions instead of private ones, you should have less or equal to eight backlogs. 

Note: Australian institutions consider the number of attempts as backlogs.

2. Canada

Canadian universities accept a maximum of five backlogs with a minimum average of 70% during previous study qualification. 

Note: The Canadian institutions may also accept seven or eight backlogs for PG degree programmes with a minimum average of 65% in bachelors. If you have 10 or 12 backlogs, then you can apply for PG diplomas while students with higher backlogs are evaluated on a case-to-case basis.

3. New Zealand

Most Kiwi universities consider students who have a maximum of five backlogs while some select institutions may consider students with a maximum of 12 to 15 backlogs. Besides, a significant factor in admission is a good IELTS score along with any tangible research project or extra-curricular activities to back up backlogs. 

4. The UK

UK institutions easily accept students with 15 backlogs; however, a good score in English-language proficiency test is essential like in IELTS an overall band of 6 is mandatory. While there might not be specific requirements for backlog acceptance, but a good IELTS score is necessary for admission.

5. The US

Most American universities prefer students with no backlogs but in some exceptional cases, they might accept a maximum of five backlogs provided you have a good GRE score between 315-325. Also, in cases where there are 10 to 12 backlogs, the admission is based on the discretion of the university.

6. Ireland

Irish institutions usually accept applications with a maximum of four to five backlogs whereas some might only accept a maximum of two to three backlogs.

In general, your backlogs don’t affect the visa processing as long your university has accepted your application and granted confirmed admission. So, don’t worry and go ahead, fill out your application and get in touch with us at IDP. Our experienced international education specialists will be more than happy to guide you through the entire process.