Study Gap - Top Things You Should Know

One of the most frequently asked questions to any counsellor is, ‘How much gap is accepted by the university or college abroad?’ In fact, I was speaking to a counsellor friend recently, and she told me that 6 out of 10 students still ask this question. This made me realize the need for a simple guide to address all study gap-related concerns.

So today, let’s discuss the top study gap questions asked by students.

Question 1: What is a study gap?

A study gap is a broad term that largely refers to a period where a student is not studying, working, running a business, or pursuing any meaningful activity. There are two major types of gaps:

• Study Gap: A break between academic pursuits.
• Employment Gap: A break between employment periods or between employment and further education.

Universities and colleges abroad consider both when you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree.

Question 2: What is counted as a gap?

This depends on the level of study.

Undergraduate Applicants: Any break between 10th and 12th grade or between 12th grade and the intended Bachelor’s start date is counted as a study gap. Example: If you completed your 10th in 2010 and 12th in 2014, this results in a 2-year gap. Similarly, if you completed 12th in 2014 and plan to start a course in 2016, that’s a 1.5 to 2-year gap.

Postgraduate Applicants: A gap can exist between:

• Bachelor’s Degree and intended Master’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree and Employment
• Employment gaps between different jobs

Example: If you completed your Bachelor’s in 2015 and are applying for a Master’s in 2017 without any professional experience, you have a 2-year gap. Similarly, if you completed your Bachelor’s in 2015 and started working in 2016, you have a 1-year gap.
 

Question 3: How much of a gap is accepted for undergraduate applicants?

The general rule for undergraduate applicants across most study-abroad destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand is that a 1-year gap is widely accepted.

Exception: In rare cases, a 2 to 3-year gap may be accepted, but only if it is properly justified.

Note: Any unjustified gap between 10th and 12th can be very difficult to explain and might impact your admission chances.

Question 4: How much of a gap is accepted for postgraduate applicants?

For postgraduate students, a 1 to 2-year gap is usually acceptable. However, students must provide valid reasons for any break in education or work experience.

Exceptions: Students with a 3+ year gap have also secured admissions, but only when they can strongly justify the break.

Question 5: How can I justify my study gap?

Here are some common reasons students provide to justify their study gap:

• Travel & Exploration: Many students take a gap year after high school or college to travel, backpack, or explore the world. This is accepted by most universities.
• Medical or Health Issues: If you or a family member had medical challenges, this can be a valid reason. Ensure you have proper documentation.
• Competitive Exam Preparation: If you spent time preparing for exams like SAT, ACT, NEET, JEE, etc., a 6-month to 1-year gap is usually acceptable.
• Financial or Personal Issues: If financial difficulties or personal circumstances delayed your education, this can be justified.
• Natural Disasters or Political Instability: If external factors such as calamities or political instability impacted your education, these reasons are valid as well.

Question 6: How do I explain my study gap to the university or visa office?

In the case of a gap, a Statement of Purpose precisely allows you to put your point across in front of the university and the high commission. That is why SOP forms the most important part of your application and make sure you have your SOP drafted by some of the best experts.