Studying in the UK:
The UK is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students. more than 485,000 EU and international students enroll in the UK each year. Of these, 143,000 are from the EU. you have a choice of over 140 universities and alternative higher education institutions. each offers a range of tertiary qualifications recognized round the world. Tuition fees vary between institutions. After Brexit, from August 2021 most EU and EEA nationals won't be eligible for home fee status unless they are from Ireland or are already living in the UK and registered under the EU Settlement scheme. You’ll need to be aware of visa conditions, West Germanic necessities and working papers restrictions. Use this guide as well as other information and advice found across our website. Our UK university rankings are a good place to start.
Applying to A UK University:
Undergraduate applications to UK universities are usually made through the universities and faculties Admissions Service (UCAS). Postgraduate applications are normally made direct to the university, usually via the university website. International students should make sure you get your application in well before the deadline, particularly if you want to study at one of the UK’s top universities. Check individual university website course pages for details of how to apply.
If your qualifications were gained outside the United Kingdom, you’ll need to find out how they compare to the course entry requirements of your chosen university. Some universities have details about this on their websites, or you can contact them for guidance. If you need a ‘statement of comparability’, you can contact UK NARIC (there will be a fee for this service).
How to Apply On UCAS:
Register your details on the UCAS website. make sure to input all your information correctly. Choose a course you’ll be happy to commit to for the next three or more years. International students can also read our advice on choosing a course, and you can use our course chooser to search through over 100,000 courses. Once you've found a course, take note of its unique UCAS code as you'll need this when you fill in the application form. Find a university that’s right for you. Our advice on choosing a university can help you decide. Think about league table position, location, accommodation and facilities.
Once you have made your shortlist of universities, make a note of their unique UCAS codes. Fill in the application form. You only fill in one UCAS application, but with it you have 5 choices. you'll apply to 5 different universities for the same course or five different courses at the same university – it's up to you. You only write one personal statement for all five choices. Send and wait for replies. Once you've submitted your application, universities can take the time to consider and you will receive either offers or rejections.
UCAS Cost:
A lot of students forget that a UCAS application costs a fee. For 2020 entry, the costs are £20 for a single course or £25 for multiple course choices. As of 2021, the application cost can rise to £26 for multiple wills, with a single choice remaining £20.
UCAS Deadlines:
UCAS deadlines apply to all applicants, whether they’re UK, EU or international students. Applications can be accepted by UCAS from early September the year before the course starts. There are October deadlines for applications to Oxford and Cambridge, most medical, dental and veterinary courses, and some conservatoire courses. For the majority of degrees, you need to apply by mid-January – although many institutions can continue to accept applications from international students after this date. Some art and design courses have a later deadline.
If you apply after the end of June you’re entered into Clearing, where you’ll need to contact institutions directly and any spaces remaining on courses may be highly sought after. Most international students apply well before this date. This also allows them plenty of time to make immigration, travel and accommodation arrangements. As well as the UCAS application, remember to check your eligibility for any possible scholarships, loans and grants. many universities have scholarships especially for international students, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level. find the details on our university profiles.