The United Kingdom would be a dream destination for international students. The UK keeps most of the best universities of the world surrounding beautiful landscapes, historical towns, and vibrant cities. If you have a dream of applying to UK university, we bring you a UK university admission for international students’ step-by-step guide. Your dream degree can be started by following the step-by-step process as follows.
Firstly, you need to understand the UK university admission system, for this: understandability regarding UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is very important for UK university admission for international students. UCAS is a distinct system to the US university admission process. For instance, in the US you need to fulfill university-specific requirements for the process of your applications, but for UCAS in the UK, the students would need to present a written personal statement based on this you can apply via an online portal yet for five universities maximum.
The process seems easy and simple yet if you could handle it properly. But when you start your application there are various things that you need to understand to make the process effortless and easy-going. Henceforth, you can begin your adventure in the UK smoothly!
International students from European Union may not face difficulties yet need to fulfill the basic requirements like a British applicant. International students need to complete the following steps to complete the UK university admission process for the years 2021-2022.
1. Ensure you meet all requirements
Firstly, see the deadline carefully, and start your application process as early as possible – if you miss the deadline, you need to wait for another year. Before starting the application, it needs to assure that you have the following documents in your hands;
A passport (at least with a 1-year expiry date remaining)
Proficiency Qualification for the English Language (IELTS, TOFEL or others)
Source of Funding (How will you fund your study, means who will pay your fee)
A Tuberculosis test (It is needed for various countries)
For the language profiency requirement, you would need to get a certification of IELTS from the British Council or other equivalent language proficiency from a recognized organization.
If you choose to study in London, you would need basic living monthly expenses of at least £1,020 (US$1,430) with tuition fee. For this, you need to provide proof of your source of funding. These expenses can be reduced to £820 (US$1,150) if you choose to study other than London!
For the UK Entry, international students from various countries need to provide Tuberculosis (TB) test, so you need to check that your country is on the list of this requirement. If yes, go for the test earlier!
Regularly check the UCAS website for application deadlines updates. For veterinary science and medicine, or various other courses, or for Cambridge or Oxford, you need to apply earlier than others, so be sure to be updated regarding the application deadlines.
2. Finding Courses and Universities
In the UK, the selection of your course is an important element before starting of application. The area of study is a forefront element of your application. After the course selection, you are allowed to choose any five universities of your choice. Remember to note the codes for your subjects and universities that UCAS assigns.
3. Write your personal statement
Your personal statement decides your success of the application and your university and your position in the competition of UK university admission. You need to write a comprehensive and concise proposal statement of 4,000 characters (remember characters, not words!) within a maximum of 47 lines. Write, your interest, the reason to choose this university and course, and what have you already done in your chosen subject area.
4. Apply through UCAS
On UCAS’ website, first, remember the codes you have noted, and start filling in your personal information, codes, and your personal statement. In the year 2021, the UCAS application fee is £20 (US$27.51) for a single university. If you are applying for more than one university you would need to pay £26 (US$35.75). Click apply and wait for acceptance of your CAS form (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from the university which accepted you! CAS form is an important document to keep safe for visa application and other details, i.e., it is an official confirmation of your university, course, tuition cost, or starting date of your studies.
5. Pay for Immigration Health Surcharge
After receiving your CAS from, you just need to pay Immigration Health Surcharge before applying for the visa. Check health surcharge details here!
6. Apply for your visa
International students need a Tier 4 (General) visa to study in the UK which you can obtain by applying via an online application. You will need photographs to upload and fingerprints to be taken at your near visa application centre (to get a Biometric Residence Permit).
7. Visa interview
In the current situation, more possibly, you will have to appear for an online interview to get your UK visa. The interviewer may ask you about your interest in studies, choice of your destination, and your proof of your financial support You will be invited to a visa interview, at a visa application centre or possibly via video link, where you will be asked questions predominately about your university, course and financial source of funding.
After getting your visa prepare for your journey early as possible to join your university reaching the UK on time!
