Applying to study in the UK
Why choose the UK?
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The UK has a long history of welcoming international students.
In 2016, over 125,000 people from outside the UK applied through UCAS.
There are over 37,000 undergraduate courses at over 395 providers in the UK.
A UK degree will ensure you are well placed to secure global employment.
UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world.
British universities and colleges provide a multicultural, diverse, creative, and
innovative environment.
What is UCAS?
UCAS is the organisation responsible for connecting people to UK higher education.
You can apply for up to five different courses in one UCAS application.
The UCAS website can be used to:
• research courses
• find out about universities and colleges
• read blogs from international students
• find open days
• download UCAS publications
• see entry requirements
• make and track your application
Top tips for research
There are a number of things for you to consider when applying for
higher education in the UK, such as:
• choosing a subject you enjoy as you are investing time, money,
and effort
• whether it’s right for your career path?
• the location, including transport links
• a study style that suits you
• extracurricular activities to take part in
• finances
Apply – key facts
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Application is entirely online.
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Maximum of five choices.
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Some choice restrictions:
• for medicine, veterinary science/medicine, and dentistry
there is a maximum of four choices
• can only apply for either Oxford or Cambridge
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Simple application cost:
• one choice – £13
• two to five choices – £24
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Equal consideration if deadlines are met.
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Invisibility – universities cannot see where else you have applied.
Key dates
6 September 2017 – completed applications can be submitted to UCAS.
15 October 2017 (18:00 UK time) – deadline for Oxford or Cambridge, and most
courses in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine/science.
15 January 2018 (18:00 UK time) – deadline for the majority of undergraduate
courses.
24 March 2018 (18:00 UK time) – deadline for some art and design courses.
30 June 2018 (18:00 UK time) – last date to submit an application before Clearing.
The UCAS application
Six sections to complete:
1. Personal details
2. Choices
3. Education
4. Employment
5. Personal statement
6. Reference
UCAS
Universities and colleges
Personal statement
Your one chance to sell yourself as an individual, to show course providers why
you want to study the course in the UK and why you would make a great student.
• One personal statement for all choices.
• Maximum of 4,000 characters or 47 lines.
• Minimum of 1,000 characters.
• No spelling or grammar checks.
Personal statement
Shows university and college admissions tutors that:
• you are suited to the course
• you are motivated and dedicated
• you have relevant knowledge and experience gained
from education, work, or other extracurricular activities
• you understand the demands of the course
• you will fit into the university’s environment
Universities’ decisions
Universities and colleges will review:
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personal statement
reference
qualifications
admissions test results
interview
portfolio
audition
Usually, you will get one of three decisions:
• unconditional offer
• conditional offer
• unsuccessful
Track
• Track is our online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application
once it has been submitted.
• It shows your choices, offers, and personal details (you can update these details).
• Gives you 24/7 access via a password.
• You can reply to offers online.
• You also use this system for Extra, Clearing, and Adjustment.
Replies to offers
Once final decisions are received for your choices, a maximum of two offers
may be held.
You have a choice of three replies.
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Firm – if all conditions are met, this is your first choice and where you
will be placed if you meet the conditions of your offer.
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Insurance – usually lower conditions in case the firm choice conditions
are not met; acts as a back-up (it is optional to have an insurance
choice).
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All other offers must be declined.
If all decisions and replies are made and you are not holding a place, you
may be able to use UCAS Extra or Clearing to find available places. See
www.ucas.com for more details.
Other things to consider
• English language requirements – most universities/colleges will require you to demonstrate
proficiency in English or take an English language test. Look at the university or college’s
website, or contact its admissions office to find out which tests are acceptable.
• Immigration and visas – once you have been offered a place on a course, the university or
college will advise you on how to apply for your student visa from UK Visas and Immigration
(UKVI).
• Finance – course fees, travel, and living costs.
• Travel – to and from your country, and within the UK.
• Accommodation – university and college halls or private residences?
Visit www.ucas.com/finance for more information and links to relevant organisations.
Additional help
UCAS Customer Experience Centre
0371 468 0 468
From outside the UK:
+44 330 3330 230
Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 18:00 (UK time)
Find us online at:
www.facebook.com/ucasonline
www.twitter.com/UCAS_advisers