Study Abroad Glossary - A to Z of study abroad terms (2024)

1. A levels

levels or Advanced Levels are normally two-year courses taken at the school level or part-time to prepare for UK universities and are seen as university entrance exams.

2. A&E

Accident and Emergency

3. AACUPI

Association of American College and University Programs in Italy.

4. AAUP

The AAUP stands for the American Association of University Professors. It is a professional organisation in the United States dedicated to advancing academic freedom, shared governance, and economic security for faculty members at colleges and universities. The AAUP was founded in 1915 and has been a leading voice in the academic community for over a century, advocating for the rights and interests of faculty members and promoting policies and practices that support excellence in higher education.

5. Academic Transcript

An academic transcript is an official record of a student's academic history and performance, including courses taken, grades received, and degrees earned. It is usually issued by the educational institution attended and is considered an important document for admission to a new school, or for employment or visa purposes. They provide a comprehensive overview of a student's academic career.

6. Academic Year

7. Admission essays for study abroad

Admission essays for study abroad are written statements that are submitted as part of an application to an abroad university. The essays serve as a way for the admissions committee to learn more about the applicant's background, academic and personal achievements, motivation for studying abroad, and future goals. Writing a strong admission essay can help increase the chances of being accepted into the desired program. The essay should be well-written, clear, and concise, and should highlight the unique qualities and experiences that make the applicant a good fit for the program. Common topics for admission essays for study abroad include the applicant's academic and professional interests, relevant experiences, language abilities, cultural awareness, and long-term career goals.

8. Adviser

A person who helps purely with academic matters and guides students about courses and other internships and any other study-related questions.

9. Advisor

A qualified professional employed by a university who provides advice to students in different areas. For example, an academic advisor advises a student on options available to them about a course they may be taking or could tutor may tutor act as an advisor.

10. Affiliate Program

An affiliate program in academics refers to a partnership between educational institutions or organisations to offer a shared curriculum, academic resources, or joint degree programs. This type of program allows students to take courses or earn degrees from multiple institutions while still maintaining a single academic record.

11. AHRC

Arts and Humanities Research Council: a non-departmental public body that provides government funding to postgraduate research in humanities fields.

12. ANZSCO

ANZSCO stands for the "Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations." It is a standardised system used by the governments of Australia and New Zealand to classify occupations in the labour market. ANZSCO provides a comprehensive list of occupational categories and definitions, along with skill level and skill type criteria. It is used for a variety of purposes, including immigration and visa processing, labour market analysis, and education and training. ANZSCO is reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its relevance and accuracy, and it provides a consistent and standardised approach to occupational classification for both countries.

13. APCL

Accredited Prior Certificated Learning: prior learning which has been assessed and awarded a certificate. It is the easier of the two forms of APL to provide evidence for. Students enrolled at an educational institution can apply for accreditation for modules they have taken already.

14. APEL

Accredited Prior and Experiential Learning: skills and knowledge you already possess, due to work or life experiences. Examples may include leisure pursuits, short courses, and voluntary work.

15. APL

Accredited Prior Learning: important and relevant skills and knowledge gained before studying at a particular institution.

16. AQF

Australian Qualification Framework

17. ARWU

The Academic Ranking of World Universities: a list ranking universities in the world. The list is compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It is one of the two most prominent world university rankings, along with the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

18. AS Levels

Advanced Subsidiary Levels: the first half of a full A-level qualification, which is usually a year long.

19. Asian Development Bank Scholarship

Asian Development Bank (ADB) - Japan Scholarship Programme offers full scholarships for one to two years for citizens of ADB developing member countries who are pursuing postgraduate studies in development-related fields, at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region.

20. Assistantship

A paid role in which a graduate provides support to a professor or faculty department in the work they conduct. These are usually sponsored by the institution at which you are applying and are most commonly available for Doctoral candidates in the science and engineering fields. They are excellent opportunities to gain experience in a field relevant to your degree while earning some financial reward.

21. Assistantship/Internship/Work-study

22. Associate Degree

A two-year qualification following Year 12 or equivalent. This degree emphasises the foundational, research-based knowledge of an academic discipline, is broad-based in conceptual and theoretical content, often multi-disciplinary, and develops generic employment-related skills within these discipline(s).

23. Audit

This term is widely used in US colleges. The classes attended in these are to gain knowledge and not for the certificate or diploma. In the U.K., these additional lessons are named pre-sessional.

24. Assistantship/Internship/Work-study

25. BA

Bachelor of Arts: a degree awarded by a college or university upon satisfactory completion of a three- or four-year course of study in the humanities, social sciences, and related studies.

26. Backlog Certificate

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.

27. BAO

Bachelor of Obstetrics: a medical degree unique to Ireland.

28. BCh

Bachelor of Surgery: one of the first two professional undergraduate degrees awarded to someone on graduating from medical school in surgery.

29. BDA

British Dental Association

30. BE or BEng

Bachelor of Engineering: an undergraduate academic degree awarded to a student after three to five years of studying engineering at universities in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

31. BED

Bachelor of Education: an undergraduate academic degree that qualifies the graduate as a teacher in schools.

32. BMA

British Medical Association

33. BMAT

Biomedical Admissions test: an exam requested by institutions in the UK and Singapore before an application for a medical degree.

34. BSc

Bachelor of Science: an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses in the field of science that generally lasts three to five years.

35. BTEC

Business and Technical Education Council: the national body which validates vocational courses, generally Ordinary or Higher National Certificates or Diplomas, and now NVQs and GNVQs.

36. Bursary

The financial award depends on the financial needs of the student. Recipients usually have to meet certain criteria, like demographic or geography.

37. CAB

Citizens Advice Bureau: an organisation that gives free, confidential advice to help people with money, legal, consumer, and other issues.

38. CACHE Qualifications

Career-based further education qualifications for students hoping to work with young children. Acceptable for entry to higher education courses in related areas.

39. Carrel

40. CAS

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies: this is a unique reference number, provided by your future university, college, or school, which confirms you have an unconditional offer on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor. It includes details of your course and your qualifications, and it is worth 30 points towards your visa. The CAS is presented in a letter that visa applicants need to add to their visa application.

41. CBD

Central Business District

42. CELTA

Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

43. Cert HE

Certificate of Higher Education: a certificate usually in social sciences such as teaching, social work, nursing, or theology, and composed of one year's study.

44. Certificate in Business Swedish

A proficiency test established by the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce to measure Business Swedish skills.

45. City campus

University campuses are spread across a city.

46. Commencement

Another term for a graduation ceremony

47. Community College

A public institution that provides higher education and lower-level tertiary education. It is commonly known to offer continuing and adult education.

48. Course /Modules

49. CPA

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is one of the most sought-after courses to study abroad.It provides a deep understanding of accounting principles,financial management, and other core subjects. Completing your CPA course and getting qualified within the country also grants you alicense to work as an authorised accountant in any of the 50 states. Studying CPA opens up several doors forvarious sectors like financial analysis, internal auditing, and tax consulting.

50. Credit Transfer

Transfer credit refers to the process of applying academic credits earned from one educational institution to another. The credit transfer process is used to determine which courses completed at one school will count toward a student's degree program at another school. The purpose of transfer credit is to allow students to continue their education without having to repeat coursework they have already completed. The acceptance of transfer credits depends on the policies of each school and may vary depending on the level of coursework, grades earned, and accreditation of the institutions involved. To gain more information, one can visit the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.

51. Credits

Credit is a unit that colleges and universities refer to record the completion of courses with minimum passing grades to attain an academic degree.

52. CRICOS

Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students: the organisation to which all Australian institutions and the courses they offer to international students must be registered.

53. CSIRO

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation: Australia's premier scientific research body, backed by the government and which maintains relationships with major universities.

54. CSN

Central Studiestodsnamnden: a body that approves and sends out Swedish financial aid for studies, which includes both grants and loans to students in Sweden and abroad. CSN also manages the repayment of student loans.

55. CSOL

CSOL stands for the "Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List," which is a list of skilled occupations in high demand in Australia. The CSOL is used by the Australian government to determine which occupations are eligible for skilled migration to the country. The list is updated regularly to reflect changes in the Australian labour market and to ensure that the most in-demand occupations are included. The CSOL is an important reference for skilled workers and employers seeking to immigrate to or sponsor a worker in Australia. To be eligible for a skilled visa under the CSOL, an applicant must have relevant work experience and qualifications in an occupation on the list.

56. CUKAS

Conservatories UK Admission Service

57. Dean

Dean is the head of a college or university in the US and is referred to as Vice-Chancellor if the university in the UK.

58. Degree

A title from a college or university which is awarded in recognition of having satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study. Additionally, in exceptional circ*mstances, it can be awarded to someone who has conducted a scholarly or culturally-significant endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree.

59. DHA

DHA stands for the "Department of Home Affairs," which is a department of the Australian Government responsible for immigration and citizenship services. The DHA was established in 2015 and replaced the former Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The DHA is responsible for managing the entry and stay of foreign nationals in Australia, processing visa and citizenship applications, and enforcing Australia's migration and citizenship laws. The DHA works closely with other government departments and agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to ensure the smooth operation of Australia's migration and citizenship systems.

60. DHS

Department of Homeland Security

61. DIAC

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

62. DipHE

Diploma of Higher Education: a two-year, full-time course that is the equivalent of the first two years of a degree and can often be used for entry to the third year of a related degree course (commonly in the social sciences such as teaching, social work, nursing, theology).

63. Direct Enrolment Program

A direct enrolment program is a type of study abroad program that allows students to enrol directly in an international university or academic institution, rather than through a third-party program or host institution. This type of program offers students the opportunity to experience the culture, academic curriculum, and day-to-day life of the host country, and to interact with local students and professors.

64. Dissertation

65. Distance Education

Also known as ‘Distance Learning’ or ‘Online Study’, this enables students who aren't able to attend classes on campus the opportunity to complete a degree externally. These are often carried out online or through workbooks, while lectures can be completed in their free time. Technology like video-conferencing, podcasts & forums can be used to keep distance students up to date and allow them to communicate with their lecturers and other students.

66. Dorm

A dorm, short for dormitory, is a type of housing that typically provides shared living spaces for students, usually at a college or university. Dorms are often located on or near campus and may house students in individual rooms or suites, or shared apartments. Dorm living provides students with an opportunity to live and interact with their peers.

67. DOS

Department of State

68. DSA

Disabled Student Allowance: grants to help meet the extra course costs students can face as a direct result of a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty.

69. Dual Programme

Also known as a ‘Double Degree’, ‘Combined Degree’ or ‘Simultaneous Degree Programme’, this is where a student is studying towards two different university degrees simultaneously, either at one or two different institutions.

70. DVLA

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: the agency which issues driving licenses in the UK. If you have a driver’s license which was issued in your home country, you should find out if you can use it to drive in Britain.

71. EAP

English for Academic Purposes

72. ECO

Entry Clearance Officer: UKBA staff present at immigration control at the airport.

73. eCoE

Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment: the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications.

74. ECTS

ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System which is the credit system that is used by almost all universities in European.

75. Education scholarships

An education scholarship is a form of financial aid that is awarded to students to help pay for their education. Scholarships can come from a variety of sources, including the government, universities, private organisations, foundations, and corporations. Scholarships can be based on a variety of criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, leadership, community service, athletic or artistic ability, or other specific achievements or characteristics. The purpose of scholarships is to provide financial assistance to students who might otherwise not be able to afford to pursue higher education and to encourage and reward students who have demonstrated excellence in their academic or other pursuits.

76. Education Visa

A student subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is mostly up to five years and in line with your enrolment date. For a smooth stay, you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and that you abide by the student visa conditions mentioned on your student visa. To achieve this visa students must fulfil all the requirements and eligibility criteria.

77. EduTrustA

A certification that any private institution in Singapore must have before they can admit international students.

78. EFL

English as a Foreign Language: instruction to speak English for those who are not native speakers.

79. ELT

English Language Teaching/Training

80. EMBA

Executive MBA: business programs that are designed for students with more business experience than students typically enrolled in traditional MBA programs.

81. Endeavour Awards

The Endeavour Awards provide opportunities for citizens of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas to undertake study, research, and professional development in any field of study in Australia.

82. EngTech

Engineering Technician: a qualification level achieved with a BTEC National Diploma in engineering in the UK.

83. ESL

English as a Second Language: instruction to speak English for those who are not native speakers. Similar to EFL.

84. ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages

85. ESP

English for Specific Purposes: courses in English language skills that are tailored to suit the needs of particular professions, such as banking, computing, or medicine.

86. Essay

A piece of writing which allows the author to share their ideas on a particular subject of personal or professional interest to them. This may be written by an academic or noteworthy figure. It can also refer to a mode of assessment for students.

87. EU

European Union: a union of European countries based on political and economic reasons.

88. Exchange Program

An exchange program is a type of study abroad program that allows students to attend an international university for a semester or academic year while maintaining their enrollment at their home institution. Exchange programs are often reciprocal, meaning that international students attend the home institution in exchange for the outgoing student's enrollment abroad.

89. Experience certificate

An experience certificate is a document that certifies an individual's work experience with a particular organisation. It is usually issued by the employer and serves as proof of the individual's job history and tenure at the organisation. The certificate typically includes details such as the employee's name, job title, start and end dates of employment, responsibilities, and duties, and any relevant achievements or recognition. An experience certificate can be an important reference for job seekers when applying for new employment opportunities, and it can help demonstrate the individual's experience and skills to potential employers. It is also sometimes used for visa and immigration purposes, and eligibility for certain benefits or programs.

90. Experience class Canada

Experience Class is a federal immigration program in Canada that allows individuals with work experience in specific skilled occupations to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. The program is designed to provide a pathway for highly skilled and experienced workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy and labour market. To be eligible for the Experience Class, applicants must have at least one year of full-time, continuous work experience in a qualified skilled occupation and meet language proficiency requirements. The eligible occupations are listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which is used by the Canadian government to classify and describe jobs in the Canadian labour market.

91. Express Entry Canada

Express Entry is an online immigration system used by the Government of Canada to manage applications for permanent residency in the country. The system was introduced in 2015 to streamline the process for skilled workers and provide faster processing times for eligible applicants. To be considered for Express Entry, individuals must first create an online profile and demonstrate that they meet the requirements for one of the following immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class. Factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and other skills and qualifications are used to assess applicants and determine their eligibility. Successful candidates are then ranked based on a comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score and placed into a pool of eligible applicants.

92. FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid: a form that must be completed to attend any kind of higher education in America.

93. FAS

A health coverage plan offered by the government authority 'Kammarkollegiet'. International students are eligible if their student permit lasts for less than a year.

94. Fdg

Foundation Degrees: in the UK these are similar in level to the associate degree awarded in the United States and are on the same level as the Higher National Diploma. Courses are typically two years long for full-time study, or 3-4 years long for part-time study. They are offered by both universities and colleges of higher education.

95. FE Colleges

Further Education colleges in the UK, offer a wide range of academic and work-related qualifications. Some colleges offer a broad range of subjects, while others specialise in a particular field of industry.

96. Fellowship

Some universities award fellowships on the basis of merit and department recommendation. These fellowships usually cover tuition fees and provide a stipend.

97. Fellowship

98. Finals, Final or Finals Week

The exam period takes place at the end of every term.

99. Form DS-160

Also known as the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, this is the student visa form that must be filled out before the visa interview.

100. Foundation course

A one-year programme that may award A-level, BTEC Nationals, or English language qualifications to study at UK institutions. They usually guarantee progression to a linked degree.

101. Four Quarters

The academic year can be divided into four quarters of three months, each constituting one of the annual seasons.

102. Fraternity/Sorority

Essentially member-only clubs that offer residential living. They have their own house near to campus, which most members live in (although you can also be a member while living in a dorm or your own home). They carry out an assortment of activities together, including community service, parties, and study groups. You do have to pay a fee to be part of the group, as well as rent for living in the house. Each house has a different personality or culture.

103. Fresher’s Week

The first week of the academic year is when first-year students move in and become accustomed to the campus. There will usually be induction events throughout as well as various social events. Usually, classes for all other years will begin the following week, to give the first years’ time to adjust. Some universities will have Fresher’s Fortnight (which is two weeks long instead of just one).

104. Freshman/Fresher

First-year undergraduate or first-year Doctoral students.

105. Fulbright Programme

Government-funded exchange programme offering grants for internationals to study in the United States. A list of participating countries is available, with over 155 taking part. The variety of scholarships on offer is wide-ranging, but it is fiercely competitive.

106. Further/Continuing Education

Similar to adult education, further education grants diplomas and certificates in non-traditional areas, to reinforce work-related skills and vocational courses.

107. GAMSAT

Graduate (Australian) Medical School Admission Test: the test employed by institutions in selecting graduate students who wish to enrol in medical courses in Australia, Ireland, and the UK.

108. Gates Cambridge scholarship

Granted by the Gates Foundation, offers funding for one to three years of study in any discipline at Cambridge University. Candidates apply directly through Cambridge.

109. GCSE

General Certificate of Secondary Education: qualifications generally taken in several subjects by students aged 14-16 in secondary education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They usually take two years to complete, in which up to twelve subjects are studied and assessed.

110. GCSE Double Award

Extended version of GCSE in which students spend more time studying a (usually practical) subject within a vocational context.

111. GEP

Graduate Entry Programmes: offered to graduates of other disciplines (usually science or health-related courses), in order to gain a degree in medicine in four years. These are offered by several UK medical schools.

112. GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Test: an assessment for candidates to business schools around the world. The exam intends to evaluate the verbal, mathematical, and analytical skills that these schools look for in candidates.

113. GP

General Practitioner: a general doctor. If you want a routine check-up, you can book an appointment with your GP at your local GP practice (UK).

114. Grade Point Average

115. Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate typically involves broadening individual skills already gained in an undergraduate program or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area.

116. Graduate Scheme

A structured programme that combines working and training in a real working environment, and which is targeted at recent graduates. It can last from a summer period up to three years and seeks to give graduates work experience.

117. Graduate/Advanced Diploma

A qualification that either broadens individual skills obtained in an undergraduate program or develops vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area. This qualification can also be described as a further specialisation within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.

118. GRE

Graduate Record Examinations: examinations for applications to postgraduate courses in the US.

119. GST

Goods and Services Tax: a flat 10% tax on all goods and services – accommodation, eating out, transport, books, furniture, clothing, etc. If you purchase new or second-hand goods with a total minimum value of $300 from any one supplier no more than 30 days before you leave Australia, under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), you are entitled to a refund of any GST paid.

120. TTR

Graduate Teaching Training Registry

121. HEMG

Higher Education Maintenance Grant

122. High School

The term High School refers to secondary school in the US.

123. HNC

Higher National Certificate: a vocational qualification designed to prepare students for a career, or entry into the third year of an undergraduate degree programme. This is a one-year programme.

124. HND

Higher National Diploma: a vocational, work-related qualification that is considered equivalent to the first two years of a three-year undergraduate degree. Business and law are two examples of fields where HND qualifications are available. Depending on the course, an HND can be "topped up", whereby a university will allow entry to the third year of a course (though this will depend on what modules a student has taken for their HND).

125. Home student

A resident of the UK or the EEA, who has lived in the UK for the last three years. This category is used to distinguish home fee payers from overseas fee payers.

126. Homestay

Accommodation is provided in a family house.

127. Hon(F)

Honours degree with a Foundation year, which is usually a four-year course overall.

128. Honours Degree

A degree gave the maximum honour based on performance. An honours degree is given to those who achieve above 75% of the total marks. In some countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia, an honours degree consists of an additional year's study.

129. Hort

Horticulture

130. IELTS

131. Independent schools

Independent schools, also known as private schools, are schools that are not funded by the government and are typically run by a private organisation or trust. They are independent in the sense that they are not controlled by the government and have greater autonomy in terms of curriculum, staff, and other aspects of the school's operation.

132. IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the United States government agency responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws. The IRS is a bureau within the Department of the Treasury, and it is responsible for administering the federal tax code, which includes interpreting tax laws, issuing regulations, and collecting taxes owed to the government.

133. Ivy League

134. IIE

135. Integrated/Immersion Program

An Integrated/Immersion Program is a type of language learning program that is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive experience in a foreign language and culture. The goal of these programs is to help students develop their language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and customs of the target language.

136. ISA

An International Student Advisor (ISA) is a professional who works with international students to help them navigate the academic and cultural experience of studying in an international country. An ISA is responsible for providing information and support to international students on a range of topics, such as academic requirements, visa regulations, cultural adjustment, and practical matters such as housing and financial aid.

137. Island programme

138. I-20

Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students): a document issued by SEVP-certified schools (colleges, universities, and vocational schools) that provides supporting information on a student's F or M status. The form also includes the student tracking number (SEVIS ID number) and school code.

139. IB

International Baccalaureate

140. ICT

Information and Communication Technology

141. IEP

Intensive English Programme

142. IFY

International Foundation Year.

143. IGCSE

An international version of the GCSE. Students usually study up to 12 subjects for 2 years.

144. ILEX

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

145. Incoming or Landing Passenger Card

A card is given to foreigners on inbound flights to the UK and Australia. Some personal information and details of your visit are as forked. This card is then handed in at the immigration checkpoint.

146. ISIC

International Student Identity Card

147. ISAT

International Student Admissions Test: a test used by some Australian universities as part of their admission process for undergraduate students.

148. IT

Information technology

149. Junior

Third-year undergraduate student

150. LEA

Local Education Authority: a local authority that oversees all matters of education within its jurisdiction, including funding. p>

151. LLB

Stands for Legum Baccalaureus, this is an undergraduate Law degree.

152. LLM

Stands for Legum Magister, and this is a postgraduate Law degree.

153. LNAT

National Admissions test for Law: an additional pre-university qualification that enables institutions to choose between candidates applying for very competitive undergraduate courses.

154. Migration

Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another for a variety of reasons such as seeking better living conditions, work opportunities, reunification with family members, education, or for personal reasons. Migration can be either temporary or permanent, and it can involve moving within a country or between countries.

155. Migration Points

Migration points, in the context of immigration, refer to a scoring system used to assess the eligibility of skilled workers for migration to countries like Australia and Canada. The points are awarded based on factors such as age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other specific skills or attributes. The purpose of the migration points system is to assess the potential of an individual to successfully settle in the country and contribute to its economy.

156. Matriculate/Registration

Matriculation or Registration is the process of enrolling and becoming a student at a college or university. During matriculation, a student completes various administrative and academic requirements to become a recognized and enrolled member of the institution.

157. MA

Master’s degree

158. MB

Bachelor of Medicine

159. MBA

Master of Business Administration: a master’s program in Business and is open to those in various disciplines such as marketing, finance, HR, and accounting.

160. MBBS

Stands for the Latin phrase ‘Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae’, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery are the two first professional degrees awarded upon graduation from medical school in medicine and surgery. These are awarded by universities in those countries that follow the UK system.

161. MCAT

Medical College Admission Test: a test for entry to study medical degrees.

162. Mech

Mechanical Engineering

163. Med

Medicine

164. MEng

Master of Engineering: sometimes offered as a 3+1 qualification (3 years of undergraduate + masters)

165. Mgmt

Management

166. MIT

Master’s in information technology

167. Mkt

Marketing

168. MPhil

Master’s in philosophy

169. MQA(MY)

Malaysian Qualifications Agency: the national quality assurance agency which conducts quality checks on programs that are offered to international students.

170. MRC

Medical Research Council

171. MSc

Master of Science, which is sometimes offered as a four-year undergraduate degree, or 3+1 qualification (3 years of undergraduate + masters).

172. NAATI

NAATI stands for the "National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters," which is the leading accrediting body for translators and interpreters in Australia. NAATI is responsible for setting professional standards for the translation and interpretation industry, and for providing accreditation to translators and interpreters who meet those standards. NAATI accreditation is recognised by government agencies, immigration authorities, and other organizations throughout Australia and is often required for individuals working in the translation and interpretation industry.

173. NAFSA

National Association of International Educators. This is a professional organization for international educators.

174. NEFT

National Electronic Funds Transfer: a system used in India to transfer monetary funds. Around 87,000 bank branches are enabled to make NEFT payments. You may also make your NEFT payment through online or mobile banking.

175. NHS

National Health Service: the health service in the UK (and the world's largest publicly funded health service). The NHS provides care for anyone resident in the UK, with most care being free. As an international student, you have access to medical care under the NHS, though you should check to see what exactly you are entitled to.

176. NI number

The National Insurance number refers to the ID number that is allocated to adults in the UK. It is used in the administration of national insurance and social security, as well as having some purposes in the country's tax system. Because it is the only number allocated to almost every adult resident of the country, it is used for some limited purposes to check identity.

177. NITEC

National Institute of Technical Education Certificate

178. NSS

National Student Survey: a survey that asks final-year undergraduate students in the UK for feedback on their experience. Questions will enquire about issues such as teaching, organisation and management, and overall level of satisfaction. The results are published by Unistats every year.

179. NUS

National Union of Students

180. NUS card or I.D.

Essentially your student card or I.D. which you identify you as a student studying in the UK. You will need to show this to receive student discounts, access areas of campus, and when submitting work to your department. This is only valid for the time you study.

181. NVQ

National Vocational Qualification: a work-based qualification that assesses competency to do a particular job. It is based on UK national standards.

182. Open Doors report

183. OFFA

Office for Fair Access

184. Ofsted

Office for Standards in Education

185. Ord

Degree without honours, which is awarded to someone who only just fails to pass.

186. OSHC

Overseas Student Health Cover: a form of medical insurance that an international student must have, covering their whole study period. Australia offers OSHC as a special system of health care cover for international students.

187. Overseas Visitors' Records Office

You may be required to register your stay in the UK at the Overseas Visitors' Record Office in London (a stamp in your passport will indicate if you need to do so). You should take with you: a letter from your institution confirming your enrolment, proof of address, your passport, two photographs and a registration fee. If you are not studying in London, you will be asked to do the same process at your local police station or, in some case, via your university.

188. Oyster card

An electronic pass card to use on the London transport. You can avoid buying single tickets, and thus save money.

189. PR

190. Professional Year Program

The Professional Year Program is a structured education and training program aimed at international students who have recently graduated with a degree in accounting, engineering, or information technology from an Australian university. The program aims to provide students with practical experience and professional development opportunities in their respective fields. Participants typically spend 44 weeks in a combination of classroom-based learning and practical work placement. The program is designed to help bridge the gap between formal education and the workplace and improve participants' employability and career prospects in Australia.

191. Pre-requisite

A pre-requisite is a requirement that must be completed or satisfied before a student is eligible to take a particular course or program of study. Pre-requisites are designed to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge, skills, or experience to succeed in more advanced or specialised courses.

192. Paper/Term Paper

The term is used to refer to essays, reports, or any other written paperwork you submit as part of your academic coursework. Most are due at the end of each term.

193. PBS

Point Based System: administered in the UK to assess applicants' eligibility to be granted a student visa to study. The applicant accumulates a number of points for each fulfilled requirement.

194. Personnummer

A personal identification number that allows you access to health insurance during your studies in Sweden. These are only applicable for those studying in a programme longer than a year. You can apply for it at the civil registration authorities at your local tax office or 'Skatteverket’.

195. PG

Postgraduate: may refer to degree, level, or student.

196. PGCE

Postgraduate Certificate of Education: a postgraduate qualification that trains students in the skills required to become a teacher in the UK.

197. PhD

Doctor of Philosophy: a postgraduate qualification. Despite the name, this qualification is not limited to the field of philosophy.

198. PIN

Personal Identification Number: a four-digit number which you use to access money in your bank account from cash or ATM machines. You will also need to know this number to verify your identity as the card or accountholder when requesting other services from your bank.

199. Pre-Master course

These programmes provide international students with a direct path to various postgraduate degrees. They help sharpen academic and language skills to meet the required standard.

200. Pre-university English course

Also known as 'pre-sessional courses', these short programmes help those who have been accepted for English language courses, to improve their language skills.

201. Professor

A scholarly individual who teaches a university course, by leading lectures and seminars. Most have an extensive background in the subject they teach and may be conducting their own research or producing a piece of work at the same time. The term 'Professor' is also how you may address them.

202. Psychometric test

These are commonly used by employers to cut down the number of suitable candidates in the selection process.

203. PTE

Pearson English Test

204. Railcard

Like a bus pass, you would use on the bus, this is a premium I.D. you can buy which allows you to travel on the train at a discounted rate. There are several different railcards available for individuals depending on different criteria. For example, a 'Young Person's Railcard' is applicable for anyone aged 16-25, and gives you 30% off all rail fares for a year (there is an annual fee of around £28).

205. RCM

Royal College of Midwives: the UK's only professional organisation and trade union for midwives.

206. Research Assistantship

Schemes where graduates are semi-employed by a university to assist in ongoing research. In return, they receive some financial reward, as well as working experience within the field (and a potential avenue to find full-time employment). Research Assistantships are usually found in science-based fields, but can also include Humanities subjects. While graduates are usually the most popular recipients, research assistantships can be open to anyone with some higher degree achievement in a relevant field.

207. RIBA

Royal Institute of British Architects

208. Russell Group

The Russell group is a collection of 20 universities that are renowned for the quality of their research. They are also characterised by outstanding teaching standards and are set up to have good links with businesses and the public sector.

209. SOL

SOL stands for the Skilled Occupation List. It is a list of occupations in high demand in the Australian labour market and is used by the Australian government to determine which skilled workers are eligible to apply for certain visa categories. If you want to work in Australia as a skilled worker, your occupation must be on the SOL in order to be eligible for most visa categories, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The SOL is updated regularly to reflect changes in the Australian labour market.

210.SIMPA

The Skilled Migration Internship Program- Accounting (SMIPA) is a specific stream of the SMIP that is focused on providing international graduates with a recent Australian degree in accounting the opportunity to gain practical work experience in the field. Participants in the SMIP – Accounting program will complete a 12-month paid internship with an eligible host company in the accounting industry. The program is designed to provide participants with valuable practical experience and professional development opportunities and to improve their employability and career prospects in Australia. To participate in the SMIP – Accounting, you must have completed an eligible degree in accounting from an Australian university, be under the age of 50, and meet the English language proficiency requirements.

211. SSN

The SSN (Social Security Number) is a unique 9-digit identifier issued by the US government to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. It is used to track an individual's earnings history and determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.

212. Semester Program

A Semester Program is an educational program that typically lasts for one semester or about four to six months. It is usually offered by colleges, universities, or study abroad organizations and provides students with an opportunity to study a particular subject in depth or gain experience in a particular field. Semester programs often involve coursework, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning, cultural activities, and travel. They may also offer students the chance to earn academic credits that can be transferred to their home institution. The focus and structure of a Semester Program can vary widely, ranging from language immersion programs to service-learning initiatives to internships.

213. SSA

Spanish Studies Abroad (SSA) also called the Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies) is a study abroad program or organisation that specialises in offering students the opportunity to study the Spanish language and culture in a Spanish-speaking country. This type of program provides students with the chance to immerse themselves in the language and culture, improving their language skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the country they are visiting.

214. Study abroad program provider

A study abroad program provider is an organisation or entity that offers study abroad opportunities to students. These providers may be universities, colleges, or dedicated study-abroad organisations. They can offer a range of programs, including language immersion programs, internship opportunities, cultural excursions, and academic coursework. The provider is responsible for creating and administering the study abroad program, including arranging housing, cultural activities, and academic coursework, as well as providing support services to students while they are abroad.

215. Summer program

A summer program is a type of educational program that typically takes place during the summer months and provides students with the opportunity to continue their learning or participate in a specific activity or course. Summer programs can be offered by schools, universities, non-profit organisations, or private companies. They can be academic in nature, providing students with the chance to take courses, prepare for standardised tests, or participate in research projects, among other activities. They can also be non-academic, offering opportunities to participate in sports, arts, music, or language immersion programs. The goal of a summer program is to provide students with a productive and educational experience during the summer months and to support their personal and academic growth.

216. SAAS

Student Awards Agency for Scotland

217. SAT

A standardised test is essential for entry to most undergraduate programs in the US. Originally the test stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test, and then later Scholastic Assessment Test; but today it has no fixed definition and is simply referred to by the acronym.

218. Schengen Area

The Schengen Area operates as a single international travel and immigration area among 26 countries with no border controls for people travelling between them; there are only external border controls for those travelling in and out of the area.

219. Schengen visa

Depending on the country you are from, you may be required to apply for a separate visa if you wish to go to Europe for short breaks. See ‘Schengen Area’.

220. Scholarship or S'ship

The financial award depends mainly on academic excellence.

221. SCQF

Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework

222. Senior

Fourth-year undergraduate students

223. SEVIS

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System: the system which stores information about incoming international students and exchange visitors, and their legal eligibility to be in the country. Information about their schools, dependents and sponsors is also stored here. All of this information may be checked by border agents on entering the country. SEVIS enables schools and sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications online to the DHS and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the US. It is accessible online and administered by the SEVP.

224. SEVP

Student and Exchange Visitor Program: body which helps the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State better monitor institutions, exchange programmes and international students. They administer SEVIS which monitors activity and stores information about an individual's eligibility to be in the country.

225. SFI

Swedish For Immigrants: free courses that are provided by the Swedish National Agency for Education.

226. SHJT

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (also known as ARWU): refers to the annual university rankings they produce, covering 6 indicators ranging from teaching and research to student experience.

227. SLC

Scottish Qualifications Agency

228. SSN

Social Security Number. This is a personal identification number. Every American citizen is required to have one due to tax reasons. International students can request a temporary number in order to work.

229. STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math sciences: an acronym for these collective fields. Various programmes to promote these areas have been launched by the US government.

230. SVP

Streamlined Visa Processing: this allows faster easier visa access for international students applying to most universities and partner programmes.

231. Swedex

A new series of examinations which measure Swedish language competency for non-native speakers. Funded in part by the European Commission, the standardised examinations are conducted regularly in Sweden and throughout Europe.

232. Syllabus

The list of topics, subjects and areas that are covered by a specific course, qualification or programme.

233. Systembolaget

A chain of stores which sell alcohol and are owned by the government. While the limit to buy alcohol in a restaurant or bar is 18 years old, to buy from a Systembolaget you have to be 20 years old.

234. TR

TR typically refers to a Temporary Resident visa. In the Australian visa system, a Temporary Resident visa is a type of visa that allows non-citizens to enter and remain in Australia for a specified period of time, typically for a specific purpose such as tourism, study, work, or other temporary activities. Temporary Resident visas are issued for a specific period of time and are usually subject to conditions and restrictions, such as the type of work that can be undertaken or the length of time spent in the country. There are several different types of Temporary Resident visas, including visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and others, each with its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria. If you are interested in applying for a Temporary Resident visa in Australia, you should consult the Department of Home Affairs website for more information and to determine which type of visa is best suited to your needs.

235. TAFE

TAFE is short for Technical and Further Education. It is a type of education and training institution in Australia that provides vocational and technical education and training to students, with a focus on providing hands-on, practical skills and knowledge for a specific trade or industry. TAFE courses are designed to meet the needs of industry and to provide students with the skills and experience they need to secure employment. TAFE institutions offer a wide range of courses, including certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, in areas such as business, hospitality, engineering, information technology, and many others. TAFE courses are generally shorter and more practical than university courses, and are often more affordable, making TAFE a popular choice for students who are looking to quickly enter the workforce or upskill in a specific area.

236. Transfer

Transfer refers to when a student gets replaced or moved to another university to complete their degree or course.

237. Transcript

A transcript is an official document that summarises a student's academic record, including courses taken, grades received, and degrees earned. It is usually issued by the educational institution attended, such as a high school or college. The transcript provides an overview of the student's academic history and is used for a variety of purposes, including college admissions, transferring credits to another institution, and employment.

238. Terra Dotta

Terra Dotta is a software company that provides study abroad and international education management solutions for higher education institutions.

239. T.A.

Teaching Assistant

240. TAFE

Technical And Further Education: institutions of this kind offer vocational tertiary courses including fields such as finance and hospitality. These institutions are funded by state and territory governments.

241. Teaching Assistantship

Similar to a Research Assistantship, but specifically in the field of Teaching at university level. These are full or part-funded placements whereby those interested in joining the profession, can gain experience in a real environment. Tasks may include teaching undergraduate courses, grading papers and compiling biographies. This may also be a useful route to pursuing a Doctoral degree.

242. TEFL

Teaching English as a Foreign Language: training courses for those that wish to teach English to others.
TESOL

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: training courses for those that wish to teach English to speakers of other languages. Akin to ‘TEFL’ courses, but the distinction was made in Australia for the purpose of clarity.

243. TFL

Transport for London: comprises all information about public transport in London, including routes, timetables, journey planners and latest news.

244. TFN

Tax File Number: a number which should be obtained at the Australian Tax Office if you plan to work in Australia (you may also need a TFN to open a bank account). As well as your name, current address and date of birth, you may also need to supply your date of arrival in Australia, your passport and proof of enrolment.

245. THE rankings

The Times Higher Education Rankings are one of the most acclaimed and consulted university league tables in the world. The list ranks universities across the globe, based on 13 performance indicators. They not only help guide applicants themselves, but scholars, academics and the industry sector too.

246. Three Terms

Where the academic year is divided in three terms of four months each.

247. Tier

A category for different visa types, including students (Tier 4), workers (Tier 1 or 2), etc. Within each tier there are several visa subcategories, all with different requirements.

248. TISUS

Test in Swedish for University Studies: the official exam of proficiency in the Swedish language. It is required to study in Sweden at university level. TISUS includes reading comprehension, oral presentation and written composition. The test fee is SEK 1,600 if taken in Sweden, or SEK 2,000 outside Sweden. The test is held several times a year, both in Sweden and at a number of Swedish embassies/schools outside the country.

249. TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language: the official exam for proficiency in the English language. It is required to study a course or qualification which is taught in the English language. You must meet the requirements of the university you wish to study at; each has their own requirements which you ought to check.

250. TTA

Teacher Training Agency

251. Two Semesters

Where the academic year is divided into two terms.

252. Undergraduate/Graduate/Postgraduate

253. UCAS

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service: the admissions service through which anyone wishing to study at a higher education level in the UK, must apply.

254. UG

Undergraduate: may refer to degree, level or student.

255. UKBA

UK Border Agency: previously the body which oversaw the enforcement of border control in the UK. In May 2013, it was announced that the UKBA would be abolished, and its work passed on to the Home Office to carry out.

256. UKCAT

UK Clinical Aptitude Test, which like the BMAT, is used by a group of UK institutions to select applicants to medical and dentistry courses. While the BMAT is used a select few universities, the UKCAT is required for entry to a larger group of institutions and is completed digitally.

257. UKCISA

UK Council for International Student Affairs: an advisory body in the UK which promotes international students and their interests; this is through the production of useful resources, monitoring government policy and more.

258. University College

College institutions that provide tertiary education, but do not have full or independent university status. They will often be a part of a larger university institution.

259. VET

Vocational Education and Training refers to a form of education which prepares an individual for a specific trade or craft.

260. VEVO

Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system: the system which employers, banks and government services can use to check details about your visa entitlements (but only once they have your consent to do so).

Hope this glossary helps you to understand the most frequently used terms while studying abroad. And if you have any more queries, don’t fret! You can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP, they will help you with all your questions.

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