A resume is a one-page document that summarizes your education, skills, and experience for a university or college admissions team. Many institutions require one as part of an international study abroad application — here is exactly what to include and how to format it.
Resume or CV? In some countries, the terms "resume" and "CV" (curriculum vitae) are used interchangeably. For university applications through ApplyBoard, "resume" and "CV" refer to the same document. Check the Application Requirements tab for your specific program to confirm what is expected.
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What Is a Resume for a University Application?
Unlike a job resume, an academic resume for a university application focuses on your educational background, academic achievements, and any experiences that show you are ready to succeed in your chosen program. Admissions teams use it to understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
Whether one is required for your application will be shown on the Application Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard profile. Some institutions have specific formatting requirements — always check before you start writing.
What to Include in Your Resume
1. Contact Information
Your full name should appear at the top of your resume in a clear, professional font large enough to read easily. Your contact details follow below your name.
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number (include your country code)
- Location (city and country is sufficient — you do not need your full address)
2. Objective Statement
An objective statement is 1 to 3 sentences at the top of your resume that summarizes your background and what you are looking to achieve. It should be tailored to the institution and program you are applying to — not a generic statement you copy across every application.
A strong objective statement answers: who you are, what experience or skills you bring, and why you are applying to this specific program.
3. Skills
Include a mix of skill types that are relevant to your chosen program. Think beyond obvious technical skills — language fluency, tools you use, and interpersonal strengths all count.
- Languages: Any languages you are fluent or proficient in, including your native language
- Hard skills: Technical abilities such as coding, software programs, data analysis, or equipment operation
- Soft skills: Transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, or problem-solving
4. Experience
Experience is one of the most important sections of your resume. Include any roles that demonstrate skills or qualities relevant to your chosen program — this includes paid work, volunteer roles, internships, and extracurricular activities. List them in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent.
For each role, include:
- Position or role title
- Organization or company name
- Start and end dates (or "present" if ongoing)
- Two to four bullet points describing your key duties and accomplishments
Tip! Use action verbs to describe your experience — "led", "managed", "developed", "coordinated" — rather than passive phrases. Focus on what you achieved, not just what you did.
5. Education
Your education section is especially important for a university application. List your academic history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current qualification.
For each qualification, include:
- Degree, diploma, or qualification name
- Name and location of your institution
- Start and end dates (or expected graduation date if still in progress)
- Any academic awards, honours, or notable achievements
Resume Writing Tips
- Keep it to one page. Academic resumes for university applications should be concise. One page is the standard — if you are struggling to fit everything, prioritizes the most relevant experiences for your target program.
- Tailor it to each program. Just like your SOP, your resume should be adjusted for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the program you are applying to.
- Use a clean, readable format. Stick to a professional font (such as Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman at 10–12pt), clear headings, and consistent spacing. Avoid graphics, photos, or elaborate design unless the institution specifically asks for them.
- Proofread carefully. Spelling errors and inconsistent formatting leave a poor impression. Read through your resume at least twice and ask someone else to review it before you submit.
- Update it regularly. As you gain new experiences and skills, keep your resume current so it is always ready when a new application requires it.
- Submit as a PDF. Unless the institution specifies otherwise, submit your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays consistent across devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always — it depends on the institution and program. Whether a resume is required for your specific application will be shown on the Application Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard profile. Postgraduate programs are more likely to require a resume than undergraduate programs.
In many countries, particularly in South Asia and Africa, "CV" (curriculum vitae) is the standard term for the document that describes your education and experience. In North America, "resume" is used for a shorter, one-page version of the same document. For university applications through ApplyBoard, the two terms are generally interchangeable — the Application Requirements tab will specify what format is expected.
For most university applications, one page is the standard. If you have extensive relevant experience — for example, applying to a postgraduate program after several years of professional work — two pages may be acceptable. Always check the institution's specific requirements on the Application Requirements tab.
Many students applying to undergraduate programs have limited work experience — this is expected. Focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any part-time or informal roles. Transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork are valuable regardless of the context in which you developed them.
PDF is the recommended format for submitting a resume — it preserves your formatting across all devices and operating systems. Check the Application Requirements tab for your specific program in case a different format is required.
You can use the same resume as a base, but tailor it for each application where possible. Adjust the objective statement and highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to each specific program. A generic resume is better than no resume, but a tailored one makes a stronger impression.
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