Applying To Uk Universities: A Guide For International Students

The UK is a popular destination for international students due to its prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, and its world-renowned qualifications. The UK's universities are known for their academic reputation, faculty support, research opportunities, and excellent facilities. The application process for international students can be challenging, with specific requirements and deadlines to meet. Here's a step-by-step guide to help international students navigate the process of applying to universities in the UK.

English language proficiency tests

If you're considering applying to a UK university as an international student, you'll need to prove your proficiency in the English language. This is a mandatory requirement for all international students, and the level of English language skills you'll need to demonstrate will vary from university to university and even from course to course.

Universities will require you to take an approved English language test and submit your results as part of your application. The specific test you choose to take will depend on the requirements of your chosen university and course. Here are some of the most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): IELTS is one of the most widely recognised English language tests globally. It consists of four parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There are two types of IELTS tests: the Academic test for those seeking to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, and the General Training test for those looking to study below the degree level or migrate to an English-speaking country. The test is scored on a 9-band scale, with 9 being the highest.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): TOEFL is another highly recognised English language test. It also evaluates your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English at the undergraduate level. There are two types of TOEFL tests: the internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the paper-based exam (TOEFL PBT) for test centres without internet access. TOEFL scores are reported on a scale of 0-120, with an individual score for each section and an overall score.
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): PTE Academic is a computer-based exam that assesses your English language skills through 20 different types of tasks. The test focuses on real-life English skills needed for effective communication in academic settings. The scores range from 10-90, and you will receive scores for each skill area.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced: The C1 Advanced exam is for students seeking to pursue a degree-level course at university. It is recognised by institutions in 130 countries and can be used for student visa applications. The exam consists of four sections: reading and use of English, writing, listening, and speaking, each contributing 25% to the final mark.

In addition to these commonly accepted tests, universities may also accept other English language qualifications, such as the Duolingo English Test, Trinity College London exams, Teaching Knowledge Test, and more.

It is important to carefully review the specific English language requirements of your chosen university and course before selecting and taking an English language proficiency test. The university's website should outline the accepted tests and the required scores for each. Additionally, if you are applying for a visa, ensure you meet the English language requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration.

Student visas

If you are an international student, you will need a student visa to study in the UK. The Student Route visa is a points-based system where you must satisfy three key criteria:

• Sponsorship from a licensed institution: You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor, i.e., the university where you plan to study. This confirmation is provided once you have received and accepted an unconditional offer from the university.
• Proof of funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course fees. The amount required varies depending on your circumstances, course fees, and location. For instance, in London, you must prove you have £1,334 per month for the first nine months, while outside London, the requirement is £1,023 per month.
• English language proficiency: You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. This can be proven through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or other approved tests. The specific requirements may vary across universities and courses.

The visa application process can be completed up to six months before your course starts, and you will typically receive a decision within three weeks. The visa fee is £490 per applicant, and you must also pay the healthcare surcharge, which depends on the duration of your visa. You can use the fee calculator on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine the exact amount.

It is important to note that you must complete your visa application and receive acceptance before arriving in the UK. Additionally, you can arrive in the country up to one month before the start of your course if it is longer than six months, or up to one week before for courses six months or shorter.

If you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, there are a few additional considerations:

• You may be exempt from providing proof of funds.
• You can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app on a smartphone to complete the identity stage of your application.
• If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be eligible for a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). However, this could be impacted if you decide to work part-time during your studies.

Working During Your Studies

As an international student in the UK, you are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacation periods, provided you meet certain conditions. These include studying at a higher education provider with a track record of complying with immigration rules and checking your specific visa and biometric residence permit for any restrictions.

Bringing Dependants

In certain circumstances, you may be able to bring your partner and children (dependants) with you to the UK. This applies if you:

• Have financial sponsorship from a government to study a course lasting six months or longer.
• Are studying above the degree level at a compliant higher education provider on a course lasting nine months or longer. If your course starts on or after 1 January 2024, the provider must confirm it is a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree.
• Have permission to study full-time for six months or longer, and your partner or child has been your dependant during this period or was born since you received permission.

University and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS)

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the platform through which almost all students wishing to study for an undergraduate degree in the UK must apply.

Application Process

On the UCAS platform, students can select up to five universities per application and must supply a personal statement. Once the application has been submitted, universities will consider the offer before informing the applicant of their response.

Deadlines

There are different UCAS application deadlines depending on the course and level you wish to study. For instance, the deadline for applying to Oxbridge or for a course in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine is 15 October. For all other undergraduate courses, the deadline is 29 January.

Fees

For 2025 entry, students must pay an application fee of £22 for a single choice or £28.50 for up to five choices.

UCAS Extra

If you receive no offers from your five UCAS choices or change your mind about which courses and institutions to apply to, UCAS Extra allows you to add another choice to your application. UCAS Extra opens each February and lasts until July.

UCAS Clearing

If you still do not have an offer after the July deadline, you can enter UCAS Clearing. UCAS Clearing is for students who are unable to secure an offer from a UK university for three main reasons:

• They applied after the June 30 deadline
• Exam results fell short of conditional offer requirements
• No offers were received, or no offers were accepted

Tracking your application

You can track your UCAS application by registering on the UCAS website to receive your username and password.

Application deadlines

The UK offers three intakes for international students: winter, autumn, and summer. The winter and autumn intakes are the most popular, while the summer intake is offered by only a few institutions. The deadlines for applications vary depending on the intake and the university.

Winter Intake (January/February)

The winter intake is a secondary intake with fewer vacancies and less competition. The application process typically begins in June, and the deadline for applications is usually between June and September. The steps for applying for the January intake are as follows:

• Shortlist universities and gather information on requirements and deadlines from university websites.
• Prepare for standardised tests such as GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS, as required by your chosen universities.
• Fill out the application form and submit the required documents to your preferred university.
• Appear for the selection process and revert within the given deadline.
• Accept the offer from the selected university.
• Apply for scholarships or loans to fund your education.
• With the offer letter, apply for a UK student visa.
• Book your flight tickets and plan your journey to the UK.

Autumn Intake (September/October)

The autumn intake is the main intake for all universities in the UK, with a broad number of courses offered and a high volume of applications received. The application process for this intake begins 8 to 16 months before the session start, typically in April. The steps for applying for the September intake are as follows:

• Shortlist universities and gather information on requirements, deadlines, etc.
• Prepare for standardised tests such as GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS.
• Start preparing your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and collect other documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.
• Fill out and submit the application form, along with the required documents, to your chosen universities.
• Wait for the universities to revert and accept the offer from the selected university.
• Apply for education loans and scholarships.
• Apply for a UK student visa with the offer letter.
• Book your flight tickets and plan your journey.

Summer Intake (April/May)

The summer intake is offered by a limited number of universities and has a smaller number of programs available. The competition for this intake is reasonably low, and students have a good chance of getting into the university. The steps for applying for the summer intake are as follows:

• Make a list of universities offering the summer intake and the courses available.
• Keep track of the deadlines and start dates of the application forms on the university websites.
• Attempt all the essential qualifying examinations before the admission process starts.
• Apply as early as possible when the applications open.
• After receiving a confirmation letter, apply for a student visa.

General Application Advice

It is recommended to apply well before the deadlines, especially for the top universities and competitive courses. Additionally, international students should allow enough time for immigration, travel, and accommodation arrangements. The UCAS application fee for 2024 undergraduate applications is £27.50.

Key Dates for 2025 Entry

• Applications for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science, are due by 18:00 UK time on 15 October 2024.
• The equal consideration date for applications for most undergraduate courses is 18:00 UK time on 29 January 2025. After this date, universities do not guarantee to consider applications, and some popular courses may not have vacancies.
• Applications received by 18:00 UK time on 30 June 2025 will be sent to universities and colleges. Applications received after this date will automatically enter Clearing.

Scholarships and funding

Funding your studies in the UK as an international student can be challenging, but there are several scholarships and funding opportunities available to help you out. These range from part-funding, which may cover part of your fees, to full-funding, which typically covers programme fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK.

Undergraduate Funding

Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries for international students are less common than those for postgraduate studies, but they do exist. Funding for international undergraduate students can be split into two categories: those offered by UK universities themselves and those offered by third parties, usually governments or organisations in your home country.

University Scholarships and Bursaries

Many universities offer scholarships and bursaries to attract students from overseas and to help them with the substantial cost of moving far from home to study.

Academic, Merit and Excellence Scholarships

These are usually awarded to students with a strong academic background, including high grades in their school exams. This doesn't necessarily mean getting the highest grades possible. For example, international students at one university automatically receive an international merit scholarship worth between £1,000 and £2,000 if they get CCC or above (or its equivalent).

Subject-Specific Scholarships

These are similar to academic scholarships but are for students studying a specific course or subject. They're usually administered by the relevant school or department at a university and may be donated by an external organisation or in memory of a former professor. The eligibility criteria and application process typically focus on your interest, skills, and experience in that subject, such as any relevant work placements you've done.

Performance-Based Scholarships

These are awarded to those with exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity, such as sports, music, or performing arts like dance or drama. You don't have to be studying a related degree to be eligible. However, you may be expected to take on certain roles or responsibilities, such as playing on a university team or performing at events on campus.

Equal Access or Sanctuary Scholarships

These scholarships are for refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution in their home country. They can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or a maintenance award. Eligibility typically depends on your immigration status, and each university sets its own eligibility criteria, so it's important to check the details with the university you're applying to.

Disability Scholarships

These scholarships support international students with disabilities, including physical impairments, long-term health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs. They may contribute towards any extra costs incurred because of your condition or impairment.

Non-University Scholarships and Bursaries

As well as universities, international scholarships to study an undergraduate degree in the UK are typically provided by governments, commercial and charitable organisations, and special interest groups involved in international education. These may be in your home country or in the UK.

Postgraduate Funding

The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to financially support international students who need help funding their studies in the UK.

UK Government Scholarships

The three main UK government scholarships on offer are:

• GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects for students from 18 countries.
• Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded master's degrees in the UK.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Scholarships given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.

Wider UK Government Funding

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and additional financial support to students from a large number of countries.

Postgraduate Studentships

Many universities offer fully-funded postgraduate studentships for PhD programmes.

Institution-Specific Scholarships

Many UK higher education institutions offer their own scholarship programmes based on factors that can be broadly split into the following categories:

• Academic, merit and excellence scholarships
• Performance-based scholarships
• Subject-specific scholarships
• Equal access or sanctuary scholarships
• Disability scholarships

Frequently asked questions