STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE
ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY
__
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
26
KEY SKILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLYING TO MASTER’S DEGREE
PROGRAMS
Allambergenova Gulsanem Kenesbaevna
Presidential School in Nukus
Global Perspectives Teacher, PhD
Kirkbaev Arislanbay
3
rd
year student of KSU
Annotation:
This article explores the key skills and qualities that international universities look
for in applicants to master’s degree programs. It emphasizes that beyond academic performance,
institutions consider a candidate's English proficiency, professional experience, soft skills, cultural
competence, leadership ability, and clarity of academic and career goals. Drawing on examples from
prestigious universities and programs such as Fulbright, the article provides international students
with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to craft a strong, competitive application. It
serves as a practical guide for those aiming to pursue graduate education abroad.
Keywords:
master’s degree application,international students ,university admissions, graduate
school skills ,english language proficiency, academic excellence ,research potential, soft skills,
cultural competence ,leadership,statement of purpose, study abroad, graduate admissions criteria,
TOEFL/IELTS, professional experience
What Skills Do International Universities Look For When Admitting International Students to
Master’s Degree Programs?
Applying to a master’s degree program at an international university involves more than
submitting transcripts and test scores. Admissions committees use a holistic review process to identify
applicants who are not only academically qualified but also likely to succeed and contribute
meaningfully to the university community. This article provides an in-depth look at the key skills and
attributes international universities seek in prospective international graduate students.
1. Academic Excellence and Research Potential
Academic achievement remains the cornerstone of any graduate school application. Universities
assess an applicant’s undergraduate GPA, academic transcripts, and the rigor of their previous
coursework. A strong performance in subjects relevant to the intended field of study is particularly
important. In addition, evidence of research skills, such as a thesis project, research assistantship, or
published papers, can significantly enhance an application.
Institutions like the University of Oxford and Stanford University place a premium on research
potential, especially for research-based master’s programs. Admission committees look for analytical
thinking, problem-solving ability, and intellectual curiosity, as demonstrated through academic work
and letters of recommendation from professors familiar with the applicant’s capabilities.
2. English Language Proficiency
For non-native English speakers, proficiency in the English language is essential. Most
universities require standardized test scores such as the TOEFL or IELTS to assess English fluency.
Minimum score requirements vary by institution and program, but competitive applicants typically
exceed the minimum.
Beyond test scores, written application components—such as the statement of purpose, CV, and
writing samples—are scrutinized for clarity, coherence, and vocabulary. Oral communication skills
are often evaluated through interviews, particularly in programs where active classroom participation
is expected.
3. Relevant Professional or Internship Experience
Work or internship experience demonstrates practical knowledge and a commitment to the field
of study. This is especially valuable in professionally oriented programs such as business (MBA),
STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE
ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY
__
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
27
engineering, public policy, and healthcare administration. Experience in leadership roles or in
multicultural settings can also signal readiness for graduate-level challenges.
For instance, the University of Toronto notes that competitive applicants often bring several years
of work experience or internships that directly relate to their chosen program. This experience is
viewed as evidence of maturity, initiative, and the ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world
problems.
4. Soft Skills and Interpersonal Abilities
Graduate programs emphasize collaboration, critical discussion, and teamwork. As such,
universities assess candidates for soft skills including communication, emotional intelligence,
adaptability, and time management.
Admissions essays and letters of recommendation offer insight into these attributes. Applicants
who can demonstrate teamwork experience, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to work under
pressure will stand out. Soft skills are also essential for navigating the cultural transition of studying
in a foreign country.
5. Global Awareness and Cultural Competence
International universities value students who can thrive in multicultural environments. Global
awareness includes an understanding of international issues, the ability to interact respectfully across
cultures, and a demonstrated interest in global perspectives.
Applicants who have studied abroad, are multilingual, or have been involved in international
organizations or projects are often viewed favorably. Cultural competence is particularly important
for programs related to international relations, public policy, and global health.
6. Leadership and Initiative
Leadership potential is another critical criterion, especially for applicants to management, public
administration, and policy programs. Universities seek individuals who take initiative, inspire others,
and contribute positively to communities.
Evidence of leadership can be found in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, entrepreneurial
projects, or academic settings (e.g., leading study groups or student organizations). The Fulbright
Program, for instance, explicitly evaluates candidates on their demonstrated leadership and
community engagement.
7. Clarity of Goals and Motivation
A compelling statement of purpose is a vital component of a strong application. This document
should clearly articulate the applicant’s academic interests, career objectives, and reasons for choosing
a particular university and program.
Admissions officers look for coherence between past experiences and future aspirations. They
want to see that the applicant has thoroughly researched the program and understands how it aligns
with their goals. An applicant who presents a thoughtful, well-reasoned plan for their academic and
professional future signals commitment and vision.
Conclusion
Gaining admission to a master’s degree program at an international university requires more than
academic qualifications. Successful applicants exhibit a balanced combination of intellectual ability,
real-world experience, cultural competence, leadership qualities, and a clear sense of purpose. By
understanding and developing these key skills, international students can craft applications that
resonate with admissions committees and increase their chances of acceptance.
References:
1.
British Council. (n.d.).
Why choose the UK
. Retrieved from
https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-uk/why-choose-uk
2.
Harvard University. (n.d.).
International Applicants
. Retrieved from
https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/international-applicants
STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE
ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY
__
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
28
3.
University of Melbourne. (n.d.).
Graduate Study for International Students
. Retrieved from
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/international-applications/graduate-study
4.
QS Top Universities. (n.d.).
Graduate School Application Checklist
. Retrieved from
https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/admissions-advice/graduate-school-
application-checklist
5.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
6.
MIT Graduate Admissions. (n.d.).
Graduate Admissions
. Retrieved from
https://oge.mit.edu/graduate-admissions/
K.SMAMUTOVTIŃ «SIZLERGE AYTIP KETEJAQPAN...» ROMAN-
ESSESINDE BAYANLAWDIŃ FOLKLORLIQ USILI
Allambergenova Mafruza Adilbek qızı
QMU magistrantı
Annotaciya:
Biz bul maqalamızda K.Smamutovtıń «Sizlerge aytıp ketejaqpan...» roman-
essesinde bayanlawdıń birqansha folklorlıq úlgilerin kórip shıǵamız. Roman-essede orın alǵan
folklorlıq usıllarǵa ayrıqsha tallaw jasaldı hám analiz etildi.
Gilt sózler:
folklor, jazıwshı, frazeologizm, naqıl-maqal, dástan, xalıq qosıqları.
Keńes Smamutov qaraqalpaq ádebiyatında ózine tán shıǵarma dóretiw sheberligine iye bolǵan
jazıwshılardıń biri. Jazıwshı búgingi kúnge shekem birqansha kólemli shıǵarmalardı dóretip, kitap
oqıwshıları qálbinen salmaqlı orın iyeledi. Akamdemik Marat Nurmuxammedov jazıwshı haqqında
bılay dep atap ótken edi: «Keńes Smamutov keleshekte eń sheber jazıwshılardıń qatarınan orın aladı».
Haqıyqatında da, jazıwshı Keńes Smamutov mine usınday jazıwshı bola aldı desek qátelespeymiz.
Onıń sheberlik penen dóretilgen shıǵarmalarınıń biri «Sizlerge aytıp ketejaqpan…» roman-
essesi esaplanadı. Jazıwshı bul shıǵarmadaǵı waqıyalardı oqıwshıǵa hár tárepleme jetkilikli túrde
túsindirmekshidey seziledi. Bul maqsetke erisiw ushın shıǵarmada waqıyalardı bayanlawda jazıwshı
folklorlıq usıllardan sheber paydalana alǵanlıǵın kóriwimizge boladı.
Folklor – bul ómir aynası. Onda eń áyyemgi dáwirlerden baslap, tap usı kúnge deyingi ápiwayı
xalıq ǵáziynesinen shıqqan sóz marjanları bar ekenligin kóriwimizge boladı. Sonlıqtan da, xalıqtıń
ruwxıy baylıǵı sıpatında onıń mádeniyat táriyxında úlken orın tutadı. Bálki, sonnan bolsa kerek,
folklor dúnya ádebiyatı táriyxında baslı orınlardıń birin iyelegen. Biz bul maqalamızda shıǵarmada
gezlesetuǵın folklorlıq bayanlaw usılların kórip shıǵamız.
Roman-essede waqıyanı bayanlawda folklorlıq usıllardan naqıl-maqallar jetekshi rol oynaydı.
Qaraqalpaq esseshiliginde avtordıń alǵa qoyǵan ideyasın oqıwshıǵa ıqsham hám tásirli etip jetkeriwde
jazıwshılarımızdıń naqıl-maqallardan sheber túrde qollanıwı úlken áhmiyetke iye. Esseniń janrlıq
tábiyatına say derlik hár bir qaraqalpaq essesinde tábiyiy túrde awızeki ádebiyattıń bul túrine
dóretiwshilik penen qatnas jasaladı. Bul esseniń filosofiyalıq tábiyatı menen de belgilenedi [1]. Naqıl-
maqallardı qollanıwda hár bir avtordıń ózinshelligin seziw qıyın emes. Sol qatarı K.Smamutovtıń bul
roman-essede naqıl-maqallardan qay dárejede paydalana alǵanlıǵın kórsek boladı.
«Apatlı aqıbet» bóliminde mınaday naqıl keltiriledi: «Ishten shıqqan jaw jaman». Bul naqıldıń
negizinde tereń máni bar. Yaǵnıy bul naqıl shıǵarmada bılay keltiriledi:
«Ishten shıqqan jaw jaman». Kitaptı oqıp ibrat alatuǵın biybaha ruwxıy baylıq sıpatında emes,
al beti alamıshlanǵan qaǵaz sıpatında kóretuǵın górsawat qara orıslar qollarına adam atatuǵın qural
tiygennen keyin eki ayaqlı jırtqıshlarǵa aylandı da ketti. Qaraqum iyshannıń Oraylıq Aziyaǵa belgili
bay kitapxanası bar edi. Sonı Shımbaydıń shar bazarınıń maydanshasına tasıtıp aldırıp órtep
jiberdi
[2]
