Why Students Are Rushing Toward Online Degrees in 2026

Picture this: you passed your Class 12 two years ago but never made it to a traditional college. Maybe money was tight. Maybe you started working to support your family. Or you are 29, stuck in a mid-level job, watching younger colleagues with postgraduate degrees get promoted over you.

None of these situations are uncommon in India, and none of them mean your window to earn a recognised degree has closed.

The online education sector in India has matured dramatically over the last five years. Today, you do not have to choose between paying your bills and earning a qualification. Universities with strong institutional track records, real employer acceptance, and structured academic programs are offering fully online degrees to students exactly like you.

Amity Online sits among the most credible of these institutions. With the 2026 intake now officially open, this guide will walk you through the complete picture: what courses are available, how much they cost, whether you qualify, and how to submit your application.


What Is Amity Online and Who Runs It?

The Institution Behind the Degree

Amity University is a private university established under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, operating since 1999 under the Amity Education Group. Its headquarters sits in Noida, and the group runs campuses, schools, and research centres across India, Dubai, London, Singapore, and South Africa.

Amity Online is the dedicated online and distance learning vertical of Amity University. It functions as a fully regulated academic division, not a third-party training platform, which means the degree you receive at graduation is issued by Amity University itself, backed by the same institutional weight as any degree from its physical campuses.

How UGC-DEB Approval Protects Your Investment

Before spending a single rupee on any online degree, the most important thing to verify is whether the institution holds UGC-DEB approval. The University Grants Commission's Distance Education Bureau is the Indian regulatory authority that licenses universities to offer online and distance education programs. Without this approval, a university cannot legally award distance or online degrees that are formally recognised for employment or further education.

Amity University holds UGC-DEB approval, and its online programs are listed on the official UGC Distance Education Bureau portal. This is not a technicality. It is the entire reason your degree will be accepted by employers, state governments, central government departments, and other universities if you choose to pursue higher studies in the future.

If you ever want to verify this independently, you can visit the UGC website, navigate to the Distance Education Bureau section, and search for Amity University in the list of approved institutions.

What NAAC A+ Actually Signals to Employers

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council grades Indian universities on a scale that runs from C to A++. 

What does this mean for you practically? When a hiring manager or a government recruitment board sees your degree certificate, the NAAC A+ status signals that the institution issuing it has been independently assessed and found to meet strong standards in teaching quality, academic infrastructure, faculty qualifications, governance, and student outcomes. It is essentially a third-party endorsement of the university's credibility.

Very few purely online universities in India carry both UGC-DEB approval and a NAAC A+ grade simultaneously. Amity Online has both, which is a meaningful differentiator.

Five Solid Reasons Students Pick Amity Online Over Others

Employer name recognition: Amity is a brand that Indian hiring managers already know. That matters most in the first job or first career transition, when your credentials are doing the heavy lifting before you have built a track record.

Current curriculum: Course content is reviewed in collaboration with industry advisory boards. The MBA programs, for instance, have incorporated practical tools like Google Analytics, Python, Power BI, and Tableau into relevant specialisations, because those are the tools that interviewers ask about in 2026.

Experienced faculty: Academic delivery involves both tenured university faculty and working professionals from industry, which prevents the curriculum from drifting too far from what actually happens in workplaces.

Structured support system: Amity Online is not a self-study portal. Live sessions, assignment deadlines, faculty office hours, and examination schedules keep students on track throughout the program.

Placement infrastructure: The university maintains a dedicated placement cell for online students, which is a resource that many smaller online platforms do not have.


Amity Online 2026 Admissions: A Quick Snapshot

Key Detail What You Need to Know
Intake Status Open for July 2026 Session
Delivery Mode Fully Online via Amity LMS
Exam Format Online Proctored Assessments
Recognition UGC-DEB Approved, NAAC A+
Programs UG and PG Degrees
Application Mode 100% Online, No Campus Visit Required
Placement Support Dedicated Online Placement Cell

Session Start and Application Window

The 2026 intake at Amity Online is currently accepting applications for the July session. Enrollments are processed on a rolling basis, meaning there is no single common deadline that applies to every program. That said, seats in high-demand programs like the MBA and MCA tend to get filled quickly, and applying 4 to 6 weeks before the session start gives you the best chance of securing your preferred specialisation.

How Classes Are Delivered

Amity Online delivers its programs through a blended online model. Recorded video lectures form the backbone of the academic content, and these are available on demand through the Learning Management System so you can watch them whenever your schedule permits. Live sessions are held on a weekly basis through video conferencing, giving you direct access to faculty for doubt clearing and discussions. Semester examinations are conducted online in a proctored format, meaning you sit the exam from your own device under remote webcam supervision.

Student Profile: Who Typically Enrolls

The Amity Online student community is genuinely diverse. Fresh graduates who passed Class 12 and want a degree without relocating make up one segment. Working professionals in their late 20s and 30s who are upgrading their qualifications while staying employed are another large group. There are also homemakers re-entering the workforce, defence personnel completing civilian education, and students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who lack access to strong on-campus options locally.

Career Support That Comes With the Degree

Every enrolled Amity Online student gets access to the university's online placement and career development resources. This includes virtual placement drives with corporate hiring partners, resume and profile building workshops, mock interview sessions, and industry mentorship through the alumni network. This is covered in full later in this guide.


Undergraduate Programs at Amity Online 2026

Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The Online BBA from Amity prepares students for careers in business management across sectors ranging from banking to retail to entrepreneurship. The curriculum covers financial accounting, business economics, marketing principles, operations management, organisational behaviour, and business law. In the second and third years, the program deepens into functional areas so students develop genuine expertise rather than a surface-level familiarity with every topic.

Students who complete this degree are well-positioned for entry-level roles in sales, marketing, operations, retail management, banking, and financial services, as well as for further study in an MBA program later in their career.

Online Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

The Online BCA is built for students who want to build technical skills in software development, systems analysis, and IT operations. The curriculum takes you from foundational programming concepts in C and C++ through to object-oriented programming in Java, database management with SQL, web development, computer networks, and introductory data science with Python.

Graduates from the BCA are prepared for junior software developer, web developer, systems analyst, database administrator, and IT support roles immediately after completing the three-year program.

How Long the UG Degree Takes

Both the BBA and BCA span three academic years, divided into six semesters running approximately six months each. Students who need to pause their studies mid-program due to personal or professional circumstances can typically apply for a semester gap, subject to Amity Online's academic leave policy.

Who Qualifies for UG Admission

To apply for any undergraduate program at Amity Online, you need:

  • Class 12 (10+2) completion from a board recognised by the government (CBSE, ICSE, or any state board)
  • Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 (45% for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per UGC-DEB inclusion norms)
  • No entrance exam is required for BBA admission
  • A background in Mathematics or Computer Science is recommended for BCA, though not always made mandatory

What UG Programs Cost

Amity Online structures its UG program fees on a per-semester basis. The total cost of a three-year BBA or BCA program at Amity Online is substantially lower than what you would pay at a comparable private university on-campus program. Exact figures for the July 2026 session should be confirmed on the official Amity Online website, as fee schedules are formally revised before each new intake.

Jobs You Can Target After a UG Degree from Amity Online

BBA graduates from Amity Online commonly enter roles such as marketing executive, sales development representative, banking operations trainee, retail floor manager, logistics coordinator, and junior HR executive. BCA graduates typically target positions including junior software developer, front-end web developer, QA analyst, network support technician, and data entry analyst, with the technical foundation to progress toward senior developer and system architect roles over time.


Postgraduate Programs at Amity Online 2026

Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

It is designed explicitly for people who cannot step away from employment for a full-time residential MBA, but who want the same formal qualification and career benefits that a strong postgraduate management degree provides.

The curriculum covers core management disciplines in the first year: strategic management, financial management, marketing strategy, human resource management, operations research, and business analytics. In the second year, students specialise in a domain of their choice, going deep into the specific knowledge and skills required for their target career path.

Online Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

The Online MCA is a technical postgraduate program for IT professionals and computer science graduates seeking advanced capabilities in software engineering, system design, and IT project management. The curriculum moves beyond undergraduate-level programming into software architecture, advanced database systems, cloud computing concepts, cybersecurity principles, and IT governance.

This is a particularly strong option for working IT professionals who completed a BCA or B.Sc. Computer Science and now want the academic credentials and technical depth to move into senior developer, technical lead, or IT manager roles.

Online Master of Commerce (M.Com)

The Online M.Com targets B.Com graduates and commerce professionals who want to build advanced expertise in accounting standards, corporate taxation, financial analysis, auditing, and business research. It is widely pursued by students preparing for competitive examinations like CA, CS, and CMA, as the academic content overlaps meaningfully with the syllabi of these professional certifications.

PG Program Duration

All postgraduate programs at Amity Online run for two academic years divided into four semesters. Each semester is approximately six months in length. Students who satisfy all academic requirements including assignments, internal assessments, and semester exams complete the program within the standard two-year window.

Graduation Requirements to Apply

  • Any recognised bachelor's degree for MBA (any discipline accepted)
  • BCA, B.Sc. in Computer Science, B.Sc. in IT, or equivalent for MCA
  • B.Com or an equivalent commerce degree for M.Com
  • A relevant undergraduate degree in humanities or social sciences for MA programs
  • Minimum 50% aggregate in your bachelor's degree (45% for reserved category candidates per UGC norms)

What Specialisations Are Available

Amity Online's MBA program offers seven specialisation tracks covering both established business domains and high-growth emerging fields. These are detailed in the following section of this guide.

How Placement Works for PG Students

PG students at Amity Online receive more targeted placement support compared to UG students. The online placement cell runs dedicated hiring drives for MBA, MCA, and M.Com graduates, with corporate partners who specifically recruit from Amity Online's postgraduate batches. Pre-placement training, which includes resume workshops and interview preparation, typically begins in the third semester so students enter their final year ready for hiring processes.


Amity Online MBA Specialisations 2026: Choosing the Right One for Your Career

Your MBA specialisation is not just an academic choice. It is the primary signal you send to recruiters about the kind of work you want to do. Choosing a specialisation that genuinely aligns with your career direction rather than picking the most popular-sounding option is one of the most important decisions you will make during this program.

Marketing Management

This track covers consumer psychology, brand development, market research methodology, retail and channel strategy, integrated marketing communications, and performance marketing. Students who complete this specialisation are well-suited for roles in brand management, category management, business development, and marketing analytics across FMCG, e-commerce, and media industries.

Finance and Accounting

The Finance and Accounting track goes deep into corporate financial management, investment evaluation, working capital strategy, cost accounting, financial risk management, and both Indian and international accounting standards. Professionals in this track typically move toward roles in treasury, corporate finance, investment analysis, financial planning, and accounts management.

Human Resource Management

This specialisation covers talent acquisition strategy, performance management frameworks, compensation and benefits design, HR analytics, learning and development architecture, labour legislation, and organisation design. It suits working HR professionals formalising their expertise and fresh graduates targeting HR business partner or talent management roles at structured organisations.

International Business

The International Business track is built for students targeting careers with multinational corporations, export-import companies, international trading firms, and global logistics businesses. The curriculum covers global trade policy, foreign exchange risk management, international marketing, cross-cultural management, and export documentation and procedures.

Data Science and Analytics

This is consistently among the highest-demand specialisations at Amity Online in 2026. The track combines business strategy thinking with practical technical skills: Python for data analysis, statistical modelling, SQL for database querying, data visualisation using Tableau and Power BI, and machine learning fundamentals for business applications. Graduates from this track are positioned for business analyst, data analyst, MIS manager, and analytics consultant roles.

Digital Marketing

The Digital Marketing specialisation covers search engine optimisation, Google Ads and Meta Ads management, social media content strategy, email marketing automation, affiliate marketing, web analytics using Google Analytics 4, and e-commerce operations. Given that virtually every Indian business now needs digital marketing capability, placement rates from this specialisation are among the strongest of any track.

Entrepreneurship and Leadership

This track is designed for students who want to build, scale, or revive businesses rather than join the corporate ladder. The curriculum covers business model innovation, venture capital and funding strategy, growth hacking, startup operations, family business management, and executive leadership development. It is equally useful for aspiring founders and for second-generation family business owners looking to bring structured management thinking to existing businesses.


Complete Eligibility Criteria for Amity Online 2026

UG Program Admission Requirements

To apply for the BBA or BCA programs at Amity Online for the 2026 intake:

  • You must have passed Class 12 from a recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, or any state board)
  • Your aggregate percentage in Class 12 should be 50% or above
  • Reserved category candidates (SC, ST, OBC) require a minimum of 45% as per UGC-DEB inclusion guidelines
  • No entrance examination is required for BBA admission
  • Mathematics or Computer Science background is advisable for BCA applicants

PG Program Admission Requirements

To apply for MBA, MCA, M.Com, or MA programs at Amity Online for the 2026 intake:

  • A bachelor's degree from a UGC-affiliated university is mandatory
  • MBA accepts graduates from any discipline
  • MCA requires BCA, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. IT, or an equivalent technical undergraduate degree
  • M.Com requires B.Com or an equivalent commerce degree
  • MA programs require relevant undergraduate study in humanities or social sciences
  • Minimum graduation aggregate: 50% for general category, 45% for reserved category candidates
  • No mandatory entrance exam for most programs (individual programs may have specific conditions)

Document Checklist Before You Apply

Gather digital scans of these documents before starting your application to avoid interruptions mid-process:

  • Class 10 marksheet and board passing certificate
  • Class 12 marksheet and board passing certificate
  • All university semester marksheets (for PG applicants)
  • Graduation degree certificate or provisional certificate (for PG applicants)
  • Government-issued photo identity proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or valid passport
  • Recent passport-sized photograph with a plain white background
  • Caste or category certificate, if applicable to your reservation status

Amity Online Fee Structure 2026

UG Program Costs Explained

Amity Online charges UG program fees on a per-semester basis rather than as a single annual or total lump sum. This structure makes budgeting more manageable, particularly for students from families with moderate incomes.

The BBA and BCA programs are priced at levels that are meaningfully lower than comparable three-year undergraduate degrees at traditional private university campuses. When you factor in that an online student also saves on accommodation, transportation, and the day-to-day costs of campus life, the total financial advantage of going online with Amity is significant.

Confirmed fee figures for the July 2026 session are available on the official Amity Online admissions portal. Always check the portal directly before committing, since fees are revised before each new session.

PG Program Costs Explained

MBA and MCA programs carry a higher per-semester cost than UG programs, reflecting the depth of the curriculum and the more intensive faculty involvement.

For a working professional earning a monthly salary and pursuing an online MBA simultaneously, the net financial position at the end of two years is dramatically better than it would be for someone who quit their job to attend a full-time campus program.

Paying in Instalments: EMI and Scholarship Routes

Amity Online has arrangements with financial partners that allow eligible students to convert their semester fee into monthly EMI payments at zero or reduced interest rates. This is particularly useful for students who are self-funding their education and need to manage cash flow carefully.

Scholarships are available on merit and need basis. Merit scholarships reward students with strong academic records from their previous qualifying examinations. Need-based assistance is available for students who can demonstrate financial constraints. Scholarship amounts, eligibility thresholds, and the application process for the 2026 session are listed on the official admissions portal.

Employer-Sponsored and Corporate Fee Options

If your employer has a learning and development budget or a tuition reimbursement program, Amity Online's admissions team can work directly with your company's HR department to set up corporate enrollment. Group enrollments from the same company often attract institutional discounts. If you are not sure whether your employer offers education sponsorship, it is worth raising the question with your HR team before you apply, since many companies have such programs but employees are unaware of them.


Applying to Amity Online in 2026: The Full Step-by-Step Process

The entire application process is handled online. There is no requirement to visit a physical Amity campus at any stage of the admission process.

Step 1: Set Up Your Applicant Account

Open the official Amity Online website at amityonline.com and go to the admissions section. Select the specific program you intend to apply for, then click the registration or apply button. Enter your name, mobile number, and email address. A one-time password will be sent to your mobile to verify your identity and activate your applicant account.

Step 2: Fill the Application and Upload Documents

Log in with your new credentials and open the application form. Upload clear scans of all required documents in the file formats and size limits specified on the portal. Pay close attention to scan quality: images that are blurry, cut off, or difficult to read are the single most common cause of application delays in the verification stage.

Step 3: Complete Fee Payment

Once your application form and documents are submitted, you will be directed to the payment section. Amity Online accepts payments through UPI, net banking, debit card, and credit card. If you are enrolling on an EMI plan, choose your preferred financing option at this stage and complete the short verification process with the lending partner. Keep your payment receipt or confirmation screenshot for your records.

Step 4: Get Confirmed and Start Learning

After Amity Online's admissions team reviews your documents and processes your payment, you will receive a formal admission confirmation to your registered email along with your enrollment number. Simultaneously, your student login for the Learning Management System goes live. Your academic calendar, lecture schedule, assignment timelines, and course materials will be accessible through the LMS from the first day of the session.


Career and Placement Services at Amity Online

Online Placement Drives with Real Hiring Companies

Amity Online's placement cell organises structured virtual placement drives multiple times each academic year. These are formal hiring events, not job boards. Companies from sectors including IT, BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), retail, logistics, consulting, and digital media participate as active recruiters. HR panels from these companies attend, review student profiles submitted in advance, conduct preliminary screening rounds, and issue interview calls to shortlisted candidates, all through virtual meeting formats.

Resume Building and LinkedIn Optimisation

The career services team runs dedicated workshops on resume construction and LinkedIn profile development. These sessions go beyond generic advice and focus on how to communicate your specific academic background, work experience, and specialisation to recruiters in your target industry. For students who are entering the job market for the first time, this structured guidance is especially useful.

Group Discussion and Interview Coaching

Before each placement drive, the career team conducts mock group discussion rounds and individual mock interview sessions. These simulate the format and pressure of actual corporate hiring processes. Students receive specific feedback on communication clarity, argument structure, body language in video interviews, and domain knowledge gaps they need to address. For students who have never been through a structured corporate interview before, this preparation makes a concrete difference in performance.

One-on-One Industry Mentorship

Amity's alumni and industry partner network provides access to mentorship from professionals currently working in fields aligned with various MBA and MCA specialisations. Mentorship meetings are conducted virtually, making them accessible regardless of where you are in India. For a student pivoting from one career field to another, having an honest conversation with someone already working in the target role gives you insight that no textbook or recorded lecture can provide.


Realistic Assessment: Strengths and Limitations of Amity Online

This guide would not serve you well if it only highlighted what Amity Online does right. Here is an honest assessment.

What genuinely works in your favour:

Amity University's brand recognition among Indian employers is a real advantage, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 city job markets. The UGC-DEB approval and NAAC A+ grade provide institutional credibility that withstands scrutiny from HR teams and government departments. The MBA specialisation range is broad and includes high-demand fields like Data Science and Digital Marketing that smaller online platforms have not yet built properly. The placement cell is operational and conducts real drives with real hiring partners. Fee levels are accessible, particularly when compared to on-campus private university alternatives.

What you should be aware of:

Your success in an online program is more dependent on personal discipline than in a classroom setting. There is no one watching whether you watch lectures or submit assignments on time, which means students who struggle with self-motivation need to build strong personal routines from day one. Physical networking, which often creates some of the most valuable professional connections during a campus MBA, is naturally limited in an online format. And while Amity Online is excellent for mid-market corporate roles across India, students targeting the most competitive positions at IIM-feeder consulting firms or bulge-bracket investment banks will find that recruiters at those organisations still strongly prefer full-time program graduates from premier institutions.


Conclusion

The 2026 intake at Amity Online is open, and for students and working professionals who need a credible, flexible, and affordable path to a recognised degree, this is one of the stronger options available in India right now.

What sets Amity Online apart from the noise in the online education market is not any single feature but the combination of regulatory standing, institutional reputation, relevant curriculum, and functional career support that it brings together in one platform. That combination is genuinely uncommon.

If you are serious about enrolling, the most useful next step is to visit the official Amity Online website, check the confirmed fee schedule and session dates for your specific program, and submit your application well ahead of the July 2026 session start. The earlier you apply, the more options you retain in terms of specialisation selection and scholarship consideration.

A degree from a UGC-DEB approved, NAAC A+ accredited university is a meaningful credential. Earning one without putting your career or finances on hold is exactly what Amity Online makes possible.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a degree from Amity Online accepted in Indian Governmet Job? Amity University is a UGC-DEB approved institution, which means its online degrees are formally recognised. Most Indian private sector employers accept Amity Online degrees. For government jobs, UGC-DEB approval is typically the required condition, and Amity satisfies it. Always verify eligibility conditions in individual job notifications for government posts.

2. How does the Amity Online MBA compare to a full-time MBA in practical terms? For mid-market corporate roles in India, the Amity Online MBA is widely accepted and its graduates compete effectively in hiring processes. For highly competitive roles at top-tier consulting or investment banking firms that specifically recruit from premier B-school campuses, a full-time program from an IIM or equivalent institution carries more weight. Knowing your specific career target before choosing your MBA format is important.

3. What is the weekly time commitment for an Amity Online program? Working professionals typically dedicate 8 to 15 hours per week depending on their program and semester. This includes watching recorded lectures, attending live sessions, completing assignments, and preparing for examinations. The workload increases during examination months.

4. Can I apply if I completed my graduation through distance mode? Yes. As long as your previous degree is from a UGC-recognised institution, whether delivered on-campus or through distance/online mode, you are eligible to apply for Amity Online's PG programs, provided you meet the minimum percentage requirement.

5. How does Amity Online conduct its semester examinations? Semester exams are conducted online in a remote-proctored format. You sit the examination from your computer at a scheduled time and date. A proctoring system monitors the session through your webcam. Examination schedules are communicated through the LMS well in advance so you can plan accordingly.

6. Is the Amity Online MBA degree the same as the on-campus MBA degree? The degree is issued by Amity University in both cases. The program mode (online vs. on-campus) may or may not be indicated on the certificate depending on UGC's current regulations on disclosure, which evolve periodically. For current specific information on degree certificate format, contact Amity Online's admissions team directly.

7. What happens if I miss a semester due to personal or professional reasons? Amity Online has a formal academic leave and gap semester policy. Students who need to pause can apply for a break subject to the university's terms. Re-entry into the program is possible after the approved break period. Contact the student support team before your semester begins if you anticipate any disruption.

8. Does Amity Online offer any programs in regional languages? Current Amity Online degree programs are delivered in English. Students who are comfortable working in English will not find this a barrier, but it is worth being aware of if your educational background has been primarily in a regional language medium.

9. What is the process to get a corporate scholarship or employer sponsorship? If your employer offers education benefits, connect your HR department with Amity Online's admissions team. Amity Online can provide formal enrollment documentation for corporate reimbursement processes. Group enrollments from the same organisation can also qualify for institutional pricing.

10. Can I access the LMS from a smartphone? Yes. The Amity Online Learning Management System is accessible from smartphones and tablets through a web browser or dedicated app. For examination purposes, a laptop or desktop with a functioning webcam is typically required to satisfy proctoring system requirements.

11. How current is the MBA curriculum in 2026? Amity Online updates its MBA curriculum in consultation with industry partners. Current MBA specialisations in Data Science and Digital Marketing, for example, include tools and platforms that are actively used in industry today including Python, Google Analytics 4, Power BI, and Meta Ads Manager. The curriculum is not static, which is a meaningful advantage over institutions that teach the same course material for years without revision.

12. What is the average package for Amity Online MBA graduates? Placement outcomes vary significantly based on the student's prior work experience, specialisation, the effort invested in career preparation, and market conditions at the time of graduation. Students with prior work experience and strong specialisation knowledge in high-demand fields like Data Science or Digital Marketing typically achieve competitive outcomes. Fresh graduates without prior experience should plan for entry-level compensation at the start of their career.

13. Are there any hidden costs beyond the published fees? Students should check the official fee structure carefully for the specific session they are enrolling in. Costs to be aware of include examination fees, registration charges, and any technology or library fees that may be added to the per-semester tuition fee. The admissions team can provide a complete cost breakdown before you commit.

14. How long does the admission confirmation process take after applying? Document verification and admission confirmation typically take a few working days after your payment is processed. Delays can occur if uploaded documents are unclear or incomplete. Submitting clean, legible scans at the application stage speeds up the verification process.

15. Is there a physical orientation or any mandatory campus visit required? For most Amity Online programs, there is no mandatory campus visit at any stage of the program including admission, coursework, or examinations. All interactions from orientation to graduation are handled through the online platform. Confirm this for your specific program with the admissions team, as requirements can vary.