University Admission Requirements

Regarding PhD or MSc applications… When I first applied for postgraduate studies in the Uk, I was confused about the process. The first time when I applied for my MSc and then when I applied for my PhD. Having gone through both process. Here are a few thoughts - 👉🏽One fundamental question you need to ask yourself is - are you looking for a funded position or do you have alternative sources of funding. If you are a 100% sure you need funding, then put the same energy into seeking for funding as you do for admission. It’s a common occurrence to have admission and no funding for this. I have seen this happen time and time again. 👉🏽 There is some planning that needs to go into applications. It’s difficult to decide on postgraduate education the same year you apply. Usually successful candidates have a lag of time where they plan ahead for applications. I think deciding 6 to 9 months ahead of time is prudent and then working towards your application. 👉🏽 To be successful at funding, you need to understand application cycles in the UK. In practice, many course take in prospective students till April of the following year. The reality, however is that only the first batch of applications are eligible for university-specific scholarships (the deadline for this is usually December of the application year). If you are keen on funding, then your deadline for application is December. 👉🏽 Appreciate there are more postgraduate positions than funding spaces. Say for example, there are 10 admissions, there might be funding for 1 to 2. Others might look for funding elsewhere or self fund. The point here is 40 people competing for 10 positions is different from 40 competing for 1 to 2 funded positions. This means the bar tends to be higher when you are seeking funding. This in part explains why getting admission is the easier bit. In summary be clear about your application goals, plan ahead, appreciate key facts about the process. If you are applying and you think we can work together, please reach out. If you found this useful, like, share for others. Have you gone through this process before? What key areas do you think current applicants should focus on? Best of luck guys 👌 #Msc #PhD

As promised, here’s a list of UK 🇬🇧 universities that either waive English language tests, accept WAEC/NECO English scores, or recognize Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters for Nigerian and other African students. I personally checked each school to confirm that these requirements are still valid for the 2025/2026 academic year. I have included the school links for easy access. To appreciate the time I spent putting this together, 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 and 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁. 👉 Note: Most universities indicate that application deadlines for Jan. 2025 entries is sometime in November. 1. Teesside University: Accepts WAEC English (C6) https://www.tees.ac.uk 2. Keele University: Accepts WAEC/NECO English (C6) https://www.keele.ac.uk 3. University of Edinburgh: Does not require English proficiency from students who graduated from certain Nigerian universities. Check the comment for list of schools. https://www.ed.ac.uk 4. University of Portsmouth Accepts WAEC English (C6); pre-sessional English offered if needed. https://www.port.ac.uk 5. University of East London: WAEC/NECO accepted; https://www.uel.ac.uk 6. University of Westminster: Accepts WAEC (C6) https://lnkd.in/e3grY7uZ 7. University of Bristol: Does not require English proficiency from Nigerian students. https://www.bristol.ac.uk 8. University of Warwick Accepts MOI or internal interviews in place of IELTS. https://warwick.ac.uk 9. Birmingham City University: Accepts MOI, WAEC/NECO (C6) https://www.bcu.ac.uk 10. University of Bolton: Accepts MOI, WAEC/NECO (C6). https://www.bolton.ac.uk 11. Robert Gordon University: Accepts WAEC/NECO English (C6) https://www.rgu.ac.uk 12. University of South Wales: Accepts WAEC/NECO English (C6) https://lnkd.in/e-N4tjEQ 13. De Montfort University Accepts MOI (A signed letter from the home institution indicating English proficiency) https://www.dmu.ac.uk 14. London South Bank University (LSBU): Accepts WAEC English (C6) https://www.lsbu.ac.uk 15. University of Northampton: Accepts WAEC English (C6) https://lnkd.in/eWfUXpwP 16. Swansea University: Does not require English proficiency from students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and others who have a higher degree in the last 10 years. https://www.swansea.ac.uk 17. University of Essex: Accepts WAEC/NECO English (C6) https://www.essex.ac.uk 18. University of Brighton: Accepts WAEC/NECO English https://www.brighton.ac.uk I’ll work on the Canadian 🇨🇦 universities list as quickly as I can complete my research in the coming weeks. One love ❤️

PhD admissions are shifting. Many programs are pausing or canceling applications this year. Here’s how to navigate uncertainty with a Plan A, B, and C. Universities including UChicago, Michigan, Cornell, Brown, UCSD, BU, and more have departments pausing admissions. This is a manifestation of systemic budget cuts, funding shortages, and policy shifts. This matters because even with a strong profile, you may face more limited opportunities. But here is what you can do about it… Plan A: Apply Strategically -Confirm which programs are still accepting students -Expand your list with interdisciplinary options, if possible -Identify your nonnegotiables and find programs that offer that (e.g. funding, mentorship, values-fit) Plan B: Strategic Gap Year If you take a gap year or don’t get admitted this cycle, you can: -Strengthen your research experience (RAs, labs, independent projects) -Present or publish your work -Apply to bridge or postbac programs -Refine and update your former application materials Plan C: Gain Work Experience -Enter the workforce in policy, nonprofit, industry, or higher ed roles -Build research, teaching, or project management skills -Reapply later with stronger experience and clarity Admissions cancellations are part of much bigger systemic issues. It’s not about you and yet it may impact you directly. But you still have agency in that you can choose the plan that aligns with your current circumstances and long-term goals. If this resonates with you and you want to learn more about navigating canceled graduate admissions and creating your own Plan A, B, and C, listen to Episode 336 of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast on “Graduate Admissions 2025: Navigating Cancelled Admissions and How to Create a Plan A, B, and C.” And reach out if you need 1:1 admissions consulting support. 

POV: You fear giving the GMAT/GRE but still want to study at a top business school If you’re aiming for an MSc in Management, Marketing, Finance, or a related business field, here’s a research-backed list of some international schools where you can skip the GMAT entirely or submit alternative proofs. 🇺🇸 United States ☑️ MIT Sloan School of Management (USA) | Courses like Master of Business Analytics | No GMAT required (GRE accepted, but waivers are considered with strong academics) ☑️ University of Rochester – Simon Business School | Courses like MS in Finance, Business Analytics, Marketing Analytics | GMAT/GRE not required if you demonstrate strong academic performance ☑️ Northeastern University (D’Amore-McKim School of Business) | Courses like MS in Finance, Accounting, International Business | No GMAT required ☑️ University of Southern California (USC) (Marshall School of Business) | Courses like Master of Science in Business Analytics | No GMAT/GRE required 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ☑️ Warwick Business School | Courses like MSc in Management, Marketing, Finance | No GMAT required, they focus on your academic record and personal statement ☑️ Imperial College Business School | Courses like MSc Management, MSc Strategic Marketing, MSc Business Analytics | GMAT optional (some exceptions for specific scholarships) ☑️ University of Edinburgh Business School | Courses like MSc in Marketing, Finance, Management | Test scores non-mandatory ☑️ City, University of London (Bayes Business School) | Courses like MSc in Management, Finance | GMAT optional 🌎 Other ☑️ IE Business School (Spain) | Courses like MSc in Management, Finance, Marketing | GMAT/GRE optional since they have their own admissions test (ieGAT). They will consider strong academics and experience. ☑️ ESADE Business School (Spain) | Courses like MSc in International Management, Finance, Marketing | No GMAT required if you take the ESADE Admissions Test instead ☑️ Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands) | Courses like MSc in Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain | Test waivers available for non-EU applicants with strong profiles ☑️ National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School (Singapore) | Courses like MSc in Management, Marketing Analytics, Finance | GMAT optional for many programmes and strong academic credentials can waive the test ☑️ SP Jain School of Global Management (Singapore/Dubai/Sydney) | Courses like MSc in Global Business, Digital Marketing & Analytics | No GMAT required, applicants are just required to take an aptitude test Share this with anyone dreaming of studying a business masters abroad (but lowkey dreading those test/don’t have enough time to prepare) 👉 Also, feel free to drop a comment if you’re curious about any programme! ⬇️ #studyabroad #businessschools #GMAT #deepalikothari

Relying on a doctor to identify the most effective reasonable accommodation is ineffective at best, harmful at worst. The doctor’s role is to substantiate that a disability exists (when not previously known or apparent), and that it may require accommodation. Doctors should NOT be relied on for deciding accommodations, and certainly should NOT be considered the expert. The employee living with the disability is the expert on their situation. Not a doctor unfamiliar with the job, the work environment, or the daily realities behind the diagnosis. Often, the employee knows exactly what they need. But, even when the employee isn’t sure, a doctor’s input is not the answer. Consult with the employee directly about the barriers they are experiencing, and brainstorm possible accommodations together. If no effective solution becomes evident, relying on a doctor is still not the answer. Turn to the appropriate experts: accommodation experts. - askJAN(dot)org - the EEOC - private advocacy groups - state and local agencies - ME There are many resources to support the employer through the accommodation process. Doctors aren't one of them. Reasonable accommodations are a workplace issue, not a medical one. Act accordingly. Image description: White text on a teal background. Quote: When it comes to reasonable accommodations and what a person needs for their job: the person living with the disability is the expert. Not doctors. The words "the expert" and "NOT" are underlined in yellow for emphasis.

Here’s the thing about reasonable accommodations: The law frames them as “reasonable.” The process calls them “interactive.” But depending on whether management engages in good faith, they can either be empowering… or soul-crushing. For many disabled professionals, the first physical reaction is anxiety. Every ping in the inbox brings the dread of having to re-prove what has already been proven. The process can feel less like collaboration and more like erosion, slowly wearing people down. Whether leadership engages in good faith makes all the difference. And here’s the painful truth: nothing changes about an employee’s ability to do their job. They’re still the stellar hire management believed in, still delivering results. The only shift is that they ask for support to keep doing the job well, and suddenly the ground moves beneath them. Trust erodes, and that’s gut-wrenching. Disabled employees know this feeling: the endless re-justification, the sense of being undervalued, the quiet fear of not being believed. And managers? Believe your employees when they ask for an accommodation. Make it easy. They’re not asking for special treatment, they’re asking for what they need to keep doing the job you already knew they could do. Extra scrutiny doesn’t help anyone. It breaks trust, fuels turnover, and makes good employees want to leave. Work with your people, not against them. That’s how accessibility works. #ReasonableAccommodation, #Disabled #DisabilityAtWork #InteractiveProcess #NothingABoutUsWithoutUs #WorkplacePolicy

I am unable to respond to all of you due to the overwhelming number of scholarship application inquiries that have been sent to my inbox, as well as my time commitment. I assure you that I did it without a mentor, and you do not need one either. You can learn from online resources, and I am here to share what worked and what did not work for me. I am willing to share my experience with a larger audience and will continue to do so. I will also share the strategies I used to obtain my scholarships. I'm sorry I can't provide one-on-one mentoring, but I can assure you that if you follow some of the steps I did, you will see some positive outcomes. Let's start with a Statement of Purpose, also referred to as a personal statement or motivational letter. Despite its apparent simplicity, this document will determine your eligibility for a graduate programme. Your statement of purpose should include the following key elements. 1. Achievement: Emphasise experiences and accomplishments that are directly related to the programme. Admissions officers want to know that you have the required skills and experience. 2. Educational Background: When possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate hard skills. For instance, list your GPA, credit hours completed, research funding received, and so on. 3. Research Experience: Emphasise research projects and internships relevant to your intended field of study. Take a look at specific contributions and outcomes. 4. Publication: Before applying for the studentship, I researched and submitted a paper on climate change adaptation in Africa for publication. I mentioned in my statement of purpose that I was working on a paper. You can publish your paper using secondary data and collaborate with other scholars on a paper or review, mentioning relevant journal articles and papers you've written if they've been published. Include presentations from conferences as well. 4. Be direct and concise: Avoid using excessive academic jargon. To write for an educated but general audience, use clear, concise examples. 5. Investigate the School and Programme: Look into the program's rankings and competitiveness. Examine the QS Ranking, the departmental ranking, and the need for you to study there. Consider the school environment, the number of international students, and the ease with which an international student can integrate. Examine the school's awards and explain how you will benefit from studying there. Examine the facilities, such as the library and lab, to see how they can help you with your studies. Use their names when expressing interest in working with specific faculty members. Support it with reasons related to their jobs and shared interests. Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors before submitting. These take away from your ability to pay attention to detail. Grammarly is a free tool.

Before You Click Submit — Double-Check These 6 Things 📩 “I submitted my application — but forgot to attach my SOP.” Yes, it happens. A lot more than you think. And small mistakes can cost admit letters, scholarships, or even visa timelines. Before submitting your university application, here are 6 critical things every student should double-check 👇 1️⃣ Is Your SOP Tailored to This University? ❌ Copy-paste SOPs are easy to spot.  ✅ Always mention something specific about the course, faculty, or university culture. 2️⃣ Have You Uploaded All Required Documents? Check for: Transcripts Degree certificates English proficiency score Resume/CV Passport scan 💡 Some portals don’t allow re-uploads once submitted. 3️⃣ Are Your Recommenders Informed & Ready? Many universities email your LOR contacts after submission. Make sure your professors or employers are prepared — and use official emails. 4️⃣ Have You Checked Scholarship Eligibility? Some scholarships need separate forms or essays. Don’t assume you're automatically considered. ✅ Look for deadlines, forms, and eligibility criteria before you submit. 5️⃣ Have You Cross-Checked Intake, Course Name, and Campus? Students accidentally apply for:  ❌ Wrong intake (Spring instead of Fall)  ❌ Wrong course code  ❌ A satellite campus instead of main 💡 Slow down. One wrong click = 6 months delay. 6️⃣ Is Your Name Spelled Exactly as in Your Passport? It should match letter for letter, including initials. Visa officers are strict about name mismatches.  Submitting your application is the beginning — not the finish line. ✅ When your application is clean, complete, and strategic —  you don’t just apply...  You stand out. 💬 Want our full application checklist (the one we use with every D-Vivid student)?  Comment “CHECKLIST” and I’ll send it to you directly.  #StudyAbroadChecklist #UniversityApplications #DVividConsultant #SOPTips #StudentSuccess #GlobalEducation #VisaPrep

People with disabilities have a place in organizations and a right to accessibility and accommodations. So, how can they advocate for themselves and others? First, if you're advocating for someone else, start with the individual. Ask them if they're OK with you speaking or advocating for them. Then, ask what they require. Notice I used "require" instead of "need." There is a difference. People may feel reluctant to share when it's framed as a need. Think of the word "Need." It can have a negative connotation or meaning as being needy. "Require" communicates that we want to meet your requirements. You have a right to have those requirements met if they fall within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. It's important to avoid making assumptions, which are often not accurate. Organizations have almost provided me with ASL interpreters. This assumption affects more than just me. First, with the shortage of qualified interpreters, someone else who needs them will be deprived of their services. Second, it deprives me of the correct accommodation. Third, the organization could use the funds for correct accommodations. Accessibility and accommodations also include adaptive technologies, flexible work schedules, accessible workspaces, and even remote working. Organizations can encourage employees to ask each other their preferred ways to collaborate and communicate. This includes online meetings and in-person meetings. Also, share how you prefer to receive information. How much time do you need to review information? Another option is to have employees create and share their Manual of Me. What is it? Matthew Knight, the creator of Manual of Me platform, says "A Manual of Me is a simple but powerful concept to communicate to others what you need to do your best work, what you bring a project, how you need support, how you work - and what needs to be true for you to thrive. "At its heart — it's a simple document which lists an individual's preferences and working styles. But beyond that, it's a powerful way to create space, time and support for people to share their differences, create inclusion and connection - and most critically, build stronger and more human relationships with each other." It's OK if you don't know what you need. Inclusive organizations will work with the employee to figure out how to solve a problem. Job Accommodation Network's AskJan is free and a great resource for this. 🔔 Tap the profile bell to catch the next post 👉 Follow #MerylMots for past posts ✉️ Looking for a speaker on accessibility and disabilities for January? Contact me #Accessibility #Inclusion #Productivity

Thinking about studying abroad but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. I’ve seen so many talented students miss out on amazing scholarship opportunities simply because they didn’t know these options existed or thought they couldn’t compete. Here are 10 scholarships you absolutely should consider if you want to fund your international education: 1️⃣ Chevening Scholarship (UK) For future leaders who want to make an impact. Covers full tuition and living expenses — but you need a clear plan on how you’ll use your degree. 2️⃣ Fulbright Scholarship (USA) Highly competitive and prestigious — for academic excellence combined with community involvement and leadership potential. 3️⃣ Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Europe) Fully funded master’s degrees at multiple European universities. Perfect if you want a diverse cultural experience. 4️⃣ DAAD Scholarship (Germany) Supports research and master’s programs, especially in STEM fields, with generous living cost coverage. 5️⃣ Australia Awards Scholarships For professionals committed to contributing to development in their home countries. Fully funded and open to many fields. 6️⃣ Rhodes Scholarship (UK) One of the oldest and most respected scholarships for exceptional students to study at Oxford University. 7️⃣ Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK) For outstanding applicants to pursue postgraduate degrees at Cambridge University. Covers full costs. 8️⃣ Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship For students looking to study undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Japan with full financial support. 9️⃣ Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden) For international students pursuing master’s degrees in Sweden — focusing on leadership and sustainable development. 🔟 New Zealand Scholarships Offers fully funded opportunities for students from eligible countries to study in New Zealand at various levels. Here’s what you can do to increase your chances: ✔️ Research eligibility carefully and choose scholarships that fit your profile. ✔️ Start your applications early — scholarships take time and effort! ✔️ Tell your unique story — why you want this scholarship and how you’ll make a difference. ✔️ Seek feedback on your essays and applications from mentors or coaches. Don’t let money hold you back from your dreams. These scholarships exist — and many students just like you have won them. If you want personalized guidance on which scholarships fit you best and how to apply, drop a comment or message me. I’m here to help you every step of the way. #StudyAbroad #Scholarships #InternationalEducation #CareerCoach #EducationAbroad