MS application checklist
MS admission requirements usually include academic eligibility and prerequisites, transcripts and degree documents, English-language evidence, GRE policy, SOP, CV, recommendation letters, application fees and deadlines. Use this checklist to verify the documents and requirements for each programme against its current official page before you apply.
Reviewed 28 August 2026 · Application requirements can change. Verify the current official programme or business-school source before acting.
Application-readiness framework
Evergreen checklist. Requirements, accepted document formats and test policies can change by programme and intake.
Can you point to the current official source for every requirement you have marked as mandatory?
Confirm the required prior degree, subject background and any prerequisite coursework. Map important prerequisites to your transcript rather than relying only on your bachelor's title.
Record minimum academic requirements separately from competitiveness. Meeting a minimum does not predict admission.
Check whether unofficial uploads are allowed at application stage and when official records are required. Requirements can differ for transcripts, degree certificates, translations and credential evaluations.
Start early if documents must come from another institution or need a particular format.
Verify GRE and English-language policies for the exact programme and intake. Required, optional, waived and not-considered are different policies.
Also check score-reporting rules and validity periods instead of assuming an uploaded score screenshot completes the requirement.
Treat the statement, CV and recommendation letters as programme evidence, not generic attachments. Some programmes may request portfolios, writing samples, research statements or other material.
Record word limits, prompts, referee count and submission method exactly.
Before paying, review the programme name, intake, deadline, application fee and every uploaded file. After submission, check whether the portal reports the application as complete.
Keep a dated record of submission and follow-up items so missing references or score reports do not remain unnoticed.
Programme-specific requirements can add, remove or redefine documents.
An optional item can still be useful evidence depending on the programme and profile.
A test may be accepted but still require a specific reporting process.
Portal completeness and missing references or records can still require action.
These guides help organise the decision. The official programme remains the authority for current requirements, deadlines, tests, document formats and application instructions.
Typical MS admission requirements include academic and prerequisite eligibility, transcripts or degree records, English-language evidence, GRE policy where applicable, SOP, CV, recommendation letters, application fee and deadline. The exact requirements must be verified for each programme.
Common categories include academic records, tests or language evidence where applicable, a statement, CV and references, but the exact list must be checked for each programme.
It depends on the university. Some allow unofficial uploads initially and request official records later; verify the exact rule.
No. Policies vary by programme and intake.
Maintain a programme-by-programme checklist with the official source, deadline, status and any follow-up requirement.
Place the checklist into a realistic application schedule.
GRE for MSDecide how current test policies affect your plan.
Letters of recommendation for MSPrepare referee evidence early.
MS study hubReturn to country, subject and intake discovery.
Research: academic-background eligibilityUnderstand why programme-level background rules must be checked before applying.
Explore programme informationFind programmes to investigate without treating discovery as personalized eligibility advice.
