A well-crafted CV (Curriculum Vitae) can be one of the most important documents when applying to universities abroad. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or research program, your CV is a formal introduction to your academic and personal achievements. It allows admission officers to understand your educational journey, professional potential, and how you align with their program.
At CHS Education Limited, we guide hundreds of students every year in preparing high-quality CVs for study abroad applications. This detailed guide will help you understand what a study abroad CV should include and how to write one effectively.
Why a CV Matters for International University Applications
When you apply to universities in countries like the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, or Germany, you are competing with students from around the world. A CV allows the admission committee to get a quick yet comprehensive view of your:
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Academic qualifications
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Skills and technical abilities
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Research interests and projects
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Professional experiences or internships
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Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
It is often submitted alongside the Statement of Purpose (SOP), transcripts, and recommendation letters. A strong CV complements your overall application and may even support scholarship or assistantship opportunities.
CV vs Resume: Which One Should You Submit?
This is a common question among applicants. While both documents present a candidate’s background, there are key differences between the two. In most international university applications, especially at the postgraduate or PhD level, you are expected to submit a CV rather than a resume.
Key differences:
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CV is more detailed and academic in nature
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Resume is shorter and focused on job experience
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CVs often include research, publications, certifications, and academic achievements
Always read the university’s specific requirements to know which format they prefer.
Standard Structure of a Study Abroad CV
Your CV should be well-organized, concise, and tailored to your academic goals. Below is the standard structure you can follow for your study abroad CV.
1. Personal Information
Start your CV with your basic contact details. Keep this section formal and avoid unnecessary personal data.
Include:
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Full Name
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Phone Number (with country code)
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Email Address (use a professional one)
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LinkedIn Profile (if available)
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Nationality
Avoid including personal details like passport number, photo, religion, or marital status — unless the university specifically asks for them.
2. Academic Qualifications
This is the most important part of your CV. List your educational history in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent degree.
Include:
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Degree Title
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Institution Name
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Duration (Month, Year – Month, Year)
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CGPA/Grade
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Relevant coursework (optional but helpful)
Example:
Bachelor of Business Administration
North South University, Dhaka
Jan 2020 – Dec 2023
CGPA: 3.78/4.00
Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, Marketing Research
3. Final Year Project or Thesis
If you’re applying for a Master’s or PhD program, universities expect to see your research experience. Mention any major projects, thesis, or research assignments you’ve completed.
Include:
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Project/Thesis Title
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Short description (2–3 lines)
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Your role and responsibilities
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Tools or software used (if any)
Example:
Undergraduate Thesis:
“Digital Marketing Strategies in the Bangladeshi E-Commerce Sector”
Conducted market research, analyzed digital campaign data, and proposed models for customer retention.
4. Work or Internship Experience
This section adds weight to your CV, especially if your chosen field values industry exposure. List experiences that are relevant to the program you’re applying for.
Include:
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Position Title
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Company/Organization Name
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Duration
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Key responsibilities and contributions
Example:
Marketing Intern
CHS Education Limited, Dhaka
June 2022 – August 2022
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Assisted in developing social media strategies for student recruitment
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Designed campaign reports using Google Analytics and Meta Ads Manager
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Conducted competitor analysis for education consultancy markets
5. Skills
Present a mix of technical and transferable (soft) skills. Use this section to highlight your capabilities in tools, software, and practical techniques relevant to your program.
Common skills include:
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Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
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Python, SPSS, R (for data-related programs)
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Research writing and referencing (APA, MLA)
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Public speaking and presentation skills
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Time management and teamwork
6. Certifications and Training
Adding certifications strengthens your profile, especially for competitive programs. Include short-term online courses, language proficiency scores, or professional certifications.
Examples:
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IELTS – Overall Band 7.5 (Listening 8.0, Speaking 7.0)
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Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing – Coursera (2023)
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Microsoft Excel Advanced Level – Udemy (2022)
7. Awards and Achievements
This section showcases your merit and extra efforts. Universities want students who are both academically driven and active beyond the classroom.
Mention:
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Academic honors (e.g., Dean’s List, Scholarships)
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Competition wins (debates, Olympiads, etc.)
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National/international recognitions
Example:
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Dean’s List Award, 2021 & 2022
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1st Runner-up, National Business Case Competition, 2023
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100% Tuition Waiver for Academic Excellence
8. Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering
Active participation in co-curricular or volunteer activities adds depth to your personality. It reflects leadership, commitment, and initiative.
Examples:
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General Secretary, NSU Economics Club
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Volunteer, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
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Founder, “Career Talks” YouTube Channel for youth education
9. References
Unless specifically asked, you can keep it simple and say:
“References available upon request.”
If references are required, include:
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Referee’s Name
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Designation and Institution
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Official Email Address
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Contact Number (if required)
Choose academic references, such as your department head or thesis supervisor.
Tips for Writing a High-Quality CV for Study Abroad
To ensure your CV is effective and professional, follow these key tips:
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Keep the CV between 1 to 2 pages
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Use a professional font (e.g., Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial)
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Avoid large blocks of text — use bullet points where appropriate
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Use action words like “developed,” “led,” “assisted,” “researched”
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Tailor your CV to each university or country if needed
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Always proofread and correct grammatical or spelling errors
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Save your file as a PDF to maintain formatting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students make small mistakes that can harm their chances of admission. Be sure to avoid:
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Using an overly casual tone or format
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Including irrelevant personal details
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Submitting the same CV to every university without customization
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Writing in paragraphs only — no bullet points
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Forgetting to update your CV with the latest achievements
Request a CV Template from CHS Education
Need help getting started? CHS Education Limited offers professionally designed CV templates for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD applicants. These are free for our registered students and are accepted by top institutions worldwide.
You can also request a one-on-one CV review session with our experienced counselors to refine and polish your CV before submission.
Final Words
Writing a strong CV for study abroad is not just about listing your qualifications. It’s about presenting yourself as a capable, motivated, and globally-minded student. Take time to create a structured, well-written CV that highlights your strengths.
At CHS Education, we offer complete support for CV writing, SOP development, university selection, and visa assistance. Our expert counselors ensure that your documents reflect your true potential.
Get in Touch
📞 Call us: 01896-507090
🏢 Office: H#24 (South Waterside), Flat-1B, 14/A, Dhanmondi-1209, Dhaka
🌐 Website: www.chseducation.com
📧 Email: info@chededucation.com
Let us help you take the first step toward your international education journey with confidence.
