Are you worried that your low GPA will be a hindrance for you to studying abroad and pursuing your dream career? Worry no more as GPA is not the only factor that determines your admission into an international university.
It is okay to doubt me. I, too doubted that at the beginning till I did my research well, and saw that there are tons of universities that accept international students with low GPA since there are several other ways to make up for it.
When you hear people say that there are things you need to know while planning to study abroad, this is part of what they mean. If you have nursed the dream of becoming an international student in one of the prestigious colleges, but then happen to finish with a low GPA, you can just kill your dreams without knowing that there are actually hundreds of universities out there that welcome international student with such GPA.
Now, you might be thinking that these universities are sub-standard, and that is why they accept students with such results. This is not true because students with such results who were accepted had other factors through which they compensated for the GPA.
Before I go on to list the various ways through which you can make up for your low GPA and get admission into top universities abroad, I would like us to have a proper overview of what a GPA is. You can also take a look at this article on things to do before leaving to study abroad
What Is GPA?
GPA which is the abbreviation for grade point average is one of the key screening factors universities use while admitting their students. It is used to determine or assess your academic performance in your previous institution attended.
Inasmuch as GPA is a determinant factor in getting admission, there are still other things that can be used to compensate for a low GPA. We will be discussing those things below. Take a look at how GPAs are being graded abroad in order to know your stand.
| G.P RANGE (4.0 SCALE) | GRADE |
| 1.5- 2.0 | Very Low |
| 2.0- 2.5 | Low |
| 2.5- 2.69 | Low |
| 2.7- 3.0 | Average |
| 3.0- 3.5 | Good |
| ˃ 3.5 | High |
It is important to note that this scale of 4.0 is being used by U.S universities. In a case where you are applying for other countries, a CGPA on a scale of 10.0 may be used for assessment.
How To Get Into University With a Low GPA As An International Student
International students with low GPAs can apply the following tips in order to be considered for admission. As a matter of fact, with these guidelines below, you will certainly find your way into any of the universities that accept international students with low GPAs.
Ace Your Standardized Test Examinations
Even with a low GPA, getting high scores on GRE/SAT/ACT is a good way to stand out. The truth is that universities want students with good intellectual prowess, and there is no better way to prove that than in your exam scores. If your GPA does not impress, use the scores of your standardized tests to do that.
Acquire As Many Work Experience As Possible
Possessing hands-on work experience places you on a higher pedestal even with a low GPA. The experience could come from internships, volunteering, part-time jobs, projects, etc. This helps to state that you are willing to know more about that subject area.
Place Emphasis On Your Core Areas
This is simply highlighting your performance in the subjects that would be your core study in the university, most especially when it is your strong point.
All subjects combine to make your GPA, and in a case where the ones that pulled down your GPA is not your area of focus, you can capitalize on the core subjects that you did well and present to the university.
You Can Take Pathway Programs
Even with a low GPA, you can fulfill your dreams of studying abroad by taking pathway programs like foundation, pre-masters, or first year in reputed universities pathways.
Requirements For Schools That Accept International Students With Low GPA
Here are the documents or requirements you must meet to get enrolled into any of the universities that accept international students with low GPAs.
- You must completely fill out and submit the application form.
- You must take and submit the scores of your English proficiency test.
- You must be ready to submit all official academic transcripts when required.
- You must have your letter of recommendation and a well-written essay.
- You must write and present the scores of your GMAT/GRE/SAT
- You must have copies of your passport photograph.
Without any further ado, let us delve properly into the various institutions offering admission to international students with low GPA.
Universities That Accept International Students With Low GPA
I will be listing and explaining the schools so that you can get more insights about them. I expect you to read through it with keen attention.
It is also important to note that our data is gotten from deep research about the topic on sources like hot courses abroad and individual websites.
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Leeds Beckett University
- University Of Bridgepot
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Adelphi University
- Merrimack College
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- University Of Sunderland
- Louisiana State University
- California State University
1. Cardiff Metropolitan University
The first on our list of schools that accept international students with low GPA is Cardiff Metropolitan University. The school was established in 1865 and has three campuses which are the Llandaff campus, the Cyncoed campus, and Plas Gwyn residential campus.
Cardiff partners with some of the leading institutes in the UK and around the globe to provide quality educational services to students. The school houses over 11,000 students of which about 1,200 are international students from 143 countries.
Upon your graduation, you get to join a network of over 100,000 alumni who are changing narratives all over the globe.
2. Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is the next on our list of institutions that accept international students. The school is regarded as one of the most famous schools in the UK and ranks among the top-tier universities according to QS world university rankings.
The school houses over 23,000 students from about 143 countries and provides a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. it is important to note that the courses are designed with a standard curriculum, and is taught by world-class teachers.
3. University Of Bridgepot
Another on our list is the University of Bridgepot, established in 1927. The school is one of the leading institutions that offer both graduate and undergraduate programs. Students from about 88 countries of the world are currently enrolled in college to get quality education.
The school awards degrees in areas like medicine, business, engineering, art and design, and many others. It is also good to know that the university offers a variety of scholarships to its international students.
4. Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University is also among the schools that offer admission to international students with low GPA. The school is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in the UK and offers quality educational services.
It trains students on how to combat real-life issues and gives room for personalized support across academics, welfare, and finance. LJMU houses students from over 100 countries and offers a wide range of programs that cut across technology, education, health, science, business, and law.
5. Adelphi University
Adelphi University is a private institution, located in Garden City, New York. The school aims to give top-notch undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. It is highly reputed for its prowess in academic excellence, outstanding facilities, and real-world experiences given to students through international travels, internships, and research.
6. Merrimack College
Merrimack College is another leading university located in Massachusetts which provides industry-based graduate and undergraduate programs. The school has about 4,000 undergraduates, and 1,400 graduates from over 38 states and 47 countries.
The school has a small class size of 22, which gives room for personalized learning and proper coaching by expert instructors.
7. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
This is another university that accepts international students with low GPA. It is a public research university located in Corpus Christi, Texas, and aims at providing solid academic programs for both local and foreign students. It is also known for its groundbreaking records in research.
You can check out the school through this link here
8. University Of Sunderland
The University Of Sunderland is located in Sunderland in the North East of England. It is a public university internationally known for ground-breaking results in research and quality academic services.
The school equips the students with all it takes to kickstart their dream careers as their programs are designed with the industry-standard curriculum.
9. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University is among the institutions that offer admission to international students with low GPA. It was established in 1860 and located in Baton Rouge Louisiana. The school is committed to providing quality educational experiences to students from all walks of life.
10. California State University
California State University offers quality educational programs to both local and foreign students. It has 23 campuses, with over 485,550 students and 55,909 faculty and instructors. The school is regarded as the largest four years public institution located in the United States.
Conclusion
You have been equipped with all you need to know concerning studying abroad with a low GPA. You have also been provided with the various schools accepting international students with low GPA. I hope you make the most out of the information provided.
You might want to check out this our article on international student’s basic study-abroad requirements
Ezeh James please we need your experiences in searching for fully funded scholarships. Marlyn