The company under focus is Laureate International Universities which is a network of universities which is found in more than 25 countries and has over 25 universities and colleges. Being the global university with a presence in more than 10 countries, the university offers a rich choice of study programs for domestic and international students. Due to the detailed networks and affiliations, the entry criteria for Laureate institutions differs with the country, individual university, and the course to be undertaker. However, there are certain general procedures that any potential learner can try to follow to increase his chances of getting a scholarship.
General Admission Requirements
Although each institution of the Laureate network has individual requirements, some common factors are applied to all of them. Here below is a summary of the most common steps applicants for admission go through when pursuing first-degree programs and other advanced courses.
1. Academic Transcripts
For most of the undergraduate programs, candidates must produce their official transcripts from their respective high school or secondary school. These transcripts should indicate the courses taken and the performance done by the candidate. For the master courses, the students have the provision to attach documents of their previous degree i.e. undergraduate degree.
Certificates obtained from the transcripts have to be authenticated and the document has to be translated to the required language which is mostly English or Spanish depending on the course the student intends to undertake. This makes it possible for admission officers to compare the academic achievements of the international students appropriately.
2. Standardized Test Scores
Moreover, most of the institutions of the Laureate network demand that the applicants present their test scores. For application to undergraduate programs it could be the SAT or ACT score but for graduate programs it could be the GRE or the GMAT scores. However, the requirement may differ across various universities and type of programs that one is applying for.
For instance, more so in admission to universities in the United States, a student may be required to provide SAT or ACT scores while in Latin America or European countries another acceptable results may be the national or regional equivalent.
3. Proof of English Proficiency
Since Laureate International Universities serves students all around the globe, English language proficiency is mandatory for the foreign students whose first language is not English. IELTS and TOEFL are the two widely known and recognized tests which determine the English language proficiency of an applicant.
- In IELTS a minimum overall band of 6 is required. 0 to 7. In most cases, 0 is expected in relation to the program which may be offered depending on the need.
- For TOEFL, the scores normally lies in between eighty – a hundred for the Internet based test (I BT).
Some of the institutions in the Laureate network may accept other forms of English proficiency like, Pearson Test of English or PTE, or completion of an English language preparatory program in the same institution.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Many schools in Laureate network also have letter of recommendation as a prerequisite for admission in both undergraduate and post graduate courses. These letters are most commonly composed by teachers, counselors, or employers and give information about the applicant’s academic performance, character, and past experience (for graduate applicants).
For example, letters of recommendation are most important to graduate programs with the writers being professionals in the applicant’s field of study or work.
5. Also known as Statement of Purpose.
The Statement of Purpose also known as the personal statement is a common requirement for admission in both undergraduate and post graduate colleges. This document allows the applicant to explain his or her goals and desires in choosing the particular program and institution to the admissions committee.
A clear and logical structure must be followed in the essay along with the representation of your path in the field of education and work. In this SOP, you also need to show why you are right for that university and program, and should thus include details of the University of your choice.
Program-Specific Requirements
However, most of the programs offered in the universities of Laureate International Universities have special admission requirements.
For example:
- Health Sciences Programs: Additional documents, which may be required from applicants are Letter of Certification of work experience, medical fitness certificate, or pass entrance tests.
- Creative Arts Programs: This is especially applicable for certain programs like graphic design where there will be portfolio which the candidates must submit so that the admission board can evaluate what the applicants have been doing for instance the graphic designs, architects, and students who are taking fine arts courses.
- Business and MBA Programs: Such graduate programs as an MBA, for instance, expect the applicants to have a minimum of two to three years of working experience. Further, the GMAT scores are sometimes required but can be waived being substituted by work experience of an applicant.
Application Process
The process of application to Laureate International Universities varies from one University to another, but some of the requirements may slightly differ, it is therefore advisable to check on the specific University and the program. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Research and Choose a Program: The best way to begin with the process of searching for the Laureate university of your interest would be to first pay a visit to the website of that particular university. Learn more about the programs available, and decide on the program that will be of most relevance to your future employment.
- Submit Your Application: It is worth mentioning that a majority of Laureate institutions make it easy for students to apply for admission online. In general, the application may request your basic information, education background, and the documents such as transcripts, test scores as well as your Statement of Purpose.
- Pay Application Fee: Almost all organizations in the context of a network are currently asking for a non-refundable application fee. The amount may be different, but usually it oscillates around $50 – $100 USD.
- Prepare for an Interview: Certain programs, particularly post graduate programs may however require an interview. This could be done through the Internet or in the physical sense depending on the country of residence and the set down rules by institutions.
- Await Decision: After that, the application will be reviewed by the admissions team after you have submitted it. Depending on schools’ policies, admission decisions may be rendered within four to eight weeks.
International Student Requirements
Laureate International Universities have a condition where they admit a large number of international students in every academic year. Besides the general admission and enrollment procedures, international students need to meet special requisites for education in different country.
- Student Visa: If the students get an offer to join a university, college or other institutions of higher learning they will have to apply for a student visa. The basic documents that most countries demand from students include proof of enrollment, adequate funds for tuition fee and other expenses such as living expenses, and medical insurance.
- Financial Documentation: European countries, especially some universities have provisions that demand that international students provide proof of adequate funds for the duration of the study program. This may be your bank statement, sponsor letters or any document that can attest to scholarship.
- Health Insurance: Most countries require the international students to have health insurance at times to avail medical services. That is why Laureate universities always provide support for this step.
In Conclusion
In the current world, Laureate International Universities provide a vast admission process that looks forward to provide a solution to student’s needs across the world. Right from the academic transcript to the English proficiency test and other course specific requirements a clear understanding is important in the process. Regardless of whether you are interested in studying health sciences or master of business administration admittance to such programs will be enhanced by preparation in advance and satisfying requirements laid out in the following guidelines.
With reference to the above analyzed guidelines and while ensuring that your application reflects the existing requirements of your chosen program. You will be able to join one of the reputed Institutions in the Laureate International Universities. For more information on all the universities in the Laureate system, readers are advised to visit respective university websites (www.laureate.net/).
