• Study Abroad
How Backlogs Affect Your Dream of Studying Abroad?
3893 Reads
3 min Read
What is a backlog?
Subjects or exams that you fail to pass in the first attempt are known as backlogs.
Every university or college considers these before issuing a letter of acceptance to any student. Less number of reappears creates an impressive academic profile and is counted in favor of applicants who wish to study abroad. Generally, there are two types:
Exams that you attempt but fail to make it through, popularly known as arrears
Exams that you could not take, marked as absent.
Note: If you were absent and could not take the exam, it is essential to confirm from the academic institute whether they have marked an absent or a Zero in the score column against the exam subject. It is very important to confirm this because 'a zero in the score column' would be considered as a backlog and not absent.
How are these counted?
Every country has different criteria for counting backlogs. In some countries, the number of subjects failed is counted as the number of backlogs, while some consider the number of attempts taken to clear such re-appears. Let us understand the same with two examples:
The number of failed subjects is equivalent to the number of backlogs.
Many countries like Canada, the UK and the USA consider the number of failed subjects to count backlogs. For instance, if you fail in one subject and appear three times to clear it, it would be counted as one backlog. However, if you fail in three subjects and clear all in the next attempt, you would have three reappear. Simply, it can be understood as: Number of failed subjects is equal to the number of backlogs.
The number of attempts is considered the number of backlogs.
Some countries like Australia and Germany consider the number of attempts as the number of backlogs. Countries do this to judge the students seriousness towards the examination. For example, if you clear one subject in three attempts, the number of backlogs will be counted as three.
Whether you have a backlog or not, foreign universities are in authority to ask you to submit a certificate to certify your academic records as well as academic transcripts. A backlog certificate is different from a regular academic transcript in a way that a backlog certificate has scores of only the subjects you had backlogs in.
Can a student study abroad with backlogs?
Every college and university first gives preference to the best student. However, there are many academic institutions around the world, which accept students with backlogs if they find them suitable for the kind of courses they have to offer. One important thing to note here is that acceptance of backlogs varies from region to region, so it is ideal to say that every country accepts reappears to a certain limit.
Important Note: You cannot apply to study abroad with an active backlog!
How many backlogs are allowed in Canada?
In Canadian academic institutes, Backlogs play a huge role in profile evaluation. Most of the top Canadian colleges and universities accept up to five backlogs; however, there are certain universities and colleges that do consider seven-eight backlogs as well, by stressing more on the overall scores obtained in higher secondary and graduation.
What to do in case of no or zero backlogs?
Another common question students ask is, What should they do in case of no/zero backlogs? In such a situation, they need to see which country they are aiming to apply for study. For instance, countries like Australia and New Zealand asked for a 'zero backlog' certificate as clearance proof of their academic records.
Take the first step and find a good program in Canada. For more information on what and where to study in Canada with all details about programs and courses.
Get great articles direct to your inbox
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.
Popular Universities to Study Abroad
World class education waiting for you.
.png)
Navitas Group - The International College at Robert Gordon University (ICRGU)
England, UK • 70 Programmes
Tuition Fee : GBP 12000-18000 / year

Red River College Polytechnic - Steinbach Campus
Manitoba, Canada • 8 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 8500-17500 / year

Shorelight Group - The University of Texas at San Antonio
Texas, USA • 111 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 23000-23300 / year

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus
Auckland, New Zealand • 8 Programmes
Tuition Fee : NZD 17000-20000 / year

Kaplan Group - Massey University - Wellington Campus
North Island, New Zealand • 47 Programmes
Tuition Fee : NZD 24600-97830 / year


.png)
Shorelight Group - Lycoming College
Pennsylvania, USA • 41 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 49000-49500 / year
Popular English Language Proficiency Exams
Blogs and Articles
Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.
ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?
Updated on • Apr 12,2025 05:40 PM IST • Study Abroad
Updated on • Apr 11,2025 05:53 PM IST • IELTS
Backlog Certificate: A Complete Guide
Updated on • Apr 11,2025 01:47 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance
PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation
Updated on • Apr 09,2025 05:37 PM IST • PTE
Master's in Computer Science in the USA
Updated on • Apr 08,2025 05:59 PM IST • USA
Top Trending MBA Specialisations in 2025
Updated on • Apr 08,2025 04:47 PM IST • Study Abroad
Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic
Updated on • Apr 07,2025 05:50 PM IST • IELTS
How to Get a Job in USA in 2025
Updated on • Apr 07,2025 03:19 PM IST • USA
Highest Paying Jobs in the World
Updated on • Apr 01,2025 05:31 PM IST • Study Abroad
Student Life in Ireland in 2025
Updated on • Mar 29,2025 05:50 PM IST • Ireland
Top Public Universities in Germany
Updated on • Mar 26,2025 04:33 PM IST • Germany
Top Universities for Masters in Ireland in 2025
Updated on • Mar 25,2025 04:36 PM IST • Ireland
Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2025
Updated on • Mar 22,2025 11:57 AM IST • Singapore
PTE vs IELTS : Know the Difference and Which is Easier?
Updated on • Mar 21,2025 03:38 PM IST • IELTS
Updated on • Mar 20,2025 10:19 AM IST • Germany
Updated on • Mar 12,2025 11:20 AM IST • Ireland
Updated on • Mar 11,2025 01:18 PM IST • USA
Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025
Updated on • Mar 08,2025 01:24 PM IST • Study Abroad
Updated on • Mar 05,2025 12:19 PM IST • UK
Fastest Growing Job Sectors in Germany in 2025
Updated on • Feb 28,2025 04:04 PM IST • Germany
Related Blogs and Articles
A little effort to provide an authentic and reliable content for keen readers!!
ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?
Updated on • 12-04-2025 • Study Abroad
Top Trending MBA Specialisations in 2025
Updated on • 08-04-2025 • Study Abroad
Highest Paying Jobs in the World
Updated on • 01-04-2025 • Study Abroad
Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025
Updated on • 08-03-2025 • Study Abroad
Things to Keep in Mind Before Studying Abroad
Updated on • 21-01-2025 • Study Abroad
How to Choose a Study Abroad Destination?
Updated on • 09-01-2025 • Study Abroad
Updated on • 07-01-2025 • Study Abroad
Top MBA Courses to Specialize in Abroad
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • Study Abroad
Part-Time Jobs for International Students Abroad
Updated on • 23-10-2024 • Study Abroad
How Can Overseas Study Experience Help You In Your Career?
Updated on • 15-07-2024 • Study Abroad
Why take Study Abroad Counselling?
Updated on • 08-07-2024 • Study Abroad
Why are Indian Students seeking Education Abroad?
Updated on • 25-06-2024 • Study Abroad
How Canam Consultants Helps in Availing Student Loan to Study Abroad
Updated on • 18-05-2024 • Study Abroad
How Students Can Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing While Studying Abroad
Updated on • 30-04-2024 • Study Abroad
Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2024
Updated on • 30-04-2024 • Study Abroad
How to Apply for Student Loans to Study Abroad?
Updated on • 18-03-2024 • Study Abroad
Countries to study MBA abroad in 2024 : Eligibility, Fees, Exams for Indian Students
Updated on • 05-03-2024 • Study Abroad
Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Internship
Updated on • 15-02-2024 • Study Abroad
Highest Paying MBA Specializations in Abroad
Updated on • 09-02-2024 • Study Abroad
Differences Between Studying in UK vs USA
Updated on • 06-02-2024 • Study Abroad