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UCAS applications for UK study

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'Applying to study an undergraduate course in the UK is much simpler with UCAS. You can apply online and choose up to five different courses at the same time. All UCAS institutions and courses are recognised by the UK government, so you can be sure you’re making the right choice for your UK education.'

EdUK_ucas_apply_article_lead_image_420x220 What is UCAS?

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a centralised application process for UK undergraduate study. It makes applying for full-time undergraduate degree courses and Higher National Dipomas (HNDs) straightforward and easy to understand.

All UCAS institutions are recognised by the UK government or offer courses that are validated by UK government-recognised universities. When you apply through UCAS you can:
  • make up to five choices at once on one application
  • apply to a wide range of different courses and institutions
  • apply online using UCAS Apply
  • track the progress of your applications.
All international students who apply through UCAS will be treated fairly under UCAS procedures and rules.

Online applications with UCAS Apply

Most UCAS applications are made using an online system called Apply. When you choose a course and select ‘Apply online’ in the course finder, you will be taken through to the UCAS Apply website. You can also use Apply independently or through a school, college or other organisation registered with UCAS.

Using UCAS Apply offers many benefits:
  • automatic checks ensure accurate applications; common mistakes, such as an invalid date of birth or an invalid course code, are eliminated
  • corrections can be made at any time before sending the application
  • ‘view all details’ lets you see how your application will look when UCAS sends it to the universities and colleges you have chosen
  • you can monitor your progress, change your contact details and accept or decline offers online using ‘Track’.
UCAS Apply is the preferred method of application by UK institutions and can be used by any student with access to the internet.

You can find out more about UCAS online applications at the UCAS Apply website. 

Preparing your UCAS application

You can apply for up to five UK courses in a single UCAS application (two different courses at the same institution count as two choices). If you apply for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science/medicine courses, you can only enter four choices (plus one other choice in a different subject).

The current application fee is £9 for a single choice and £19 for up to five. Only one UCAS application can be submitted in each application cycle.

You do not have to apply for all your choices at the same time. Further choices can be added as long as you have not used up all your choices and have not accepted a place.

You can find video guides to help you prepare your application on the UCAS TV website. 

Dates for your UCAS application

There are three deadlines for course applications through UCAS:
  • October
  • January
  • March
If you are applying from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you can apply at any time between mid-September and 30 June. If you are applying to the University of Cambridge or Oxford, or for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science, you should apply by 15 October.

For UK courses that start between January and May, you may need to apply before these deadlines as the universities and colleges will need time to consider your application. The ‘course details’ page in the course finder will tell you when the start date is.

Although some UK institutions will be happy to receive applications right up to the start of the course, you are advised to send your application early. There is no guarantee that applications received after 15 January will be considered, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after this date.

You can search for courses and apply online using the course finder.

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'Depending on your chosen type of UK study, there are several different ways to apply to UK institutions. Applications are easy and straightforward if you have the right information - you can also apply online for many courses.'

Finding the right course and place to study

Finding the right course and place to study can seem confusing, but there are lots of sources of information to help you.

Before you begin your search however, it’s a good idea to think about what you are looking for and ask yourself following questions:
  • What qualification do I want to achieve?
  • How long am I prepared to study?
  • How much can I afford to pay? Can I support myself financially?
  • Do I want to study in a cosmopolitan city or a quieter location?
  • Do I want to study at a large institution or a smaller campus?
  • What academic and social facilities would I like? Halls of residence? Sports complex? Arts centre?
  • What activities and support do they provide for international students?

Before you apply, you need to make sure you have the necessary qualifications that will enable you to be accepted and that your level of English is high enough. Check these requirements with the institutions that you are applying to.

You might also need a visa to study in the UK. You can find out more about student visas here.

Where to look for information about courses and places to study

On the Education UK website you can find over 150000 UK courses at schools, colleges and universities throughout the UK. The ‘Search’ tool is located at the top right hand corner of this and every other page.

There are three tabs – ‘Courses’, Institutions’ and ‘Scholarships. If you want to find a course, then pick the ‘Courses’ tab, choose the type of course you want to do (e.g. English language/undergraduate/postgraduate etc) and then search for your chosen subject.

Once you have found some courses or places to study that interest you, you can contact the institutions directly through our website.

Other sources of advice and information are as follows:

  • Many British Council offices hold a wide range of information about studying in the UK. You can contact your local office here.
  • The British Council also organises Education UK exhibitions in selected countries around the world, where you can meet representatives from UK schools, colleges and universities face to face to ask questions. You can find out about these exhibitions on this website in the ‘Events’ section, or by contacting your local British Council office at: http://www.britishcouncil.org/about/contact
  • Some UK education institutions have offices and agents in different countries around the world. If they don’t have their own offices they may arrange for you to attend a session to find out more about them at your local British Council office.
  • UCAS list undergraduate courses.
  • Boarding Schools Association
  • State Boarding Schools Association

Making your application

  • UK undergraduate study

You can apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS). Find out more about applying for UK undergraduate courses in  UCAS applications for UK study .

  • Postgraduate or MBA study

Many universities and institutions handle their own application processes for postgraduate study, and you can often apply directly via their website. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance of the course starting date. This might be as early as the October of the previous year, and although there may not be a formal deadline for applications, the earlier you apply the better. Courses start to become full during May, so an application before the end of April is encouraged.

Some institutions use the UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service (UKPASS) scheme. UKPASS allows you to apply for up to ten postgraduate programmes, track progress and receive and reply to offers. You can see which institutions are part of the scheme and find out more at the UKPASS website.

  • Career-based and pre-university study

There are hundreds of top-quality further education (FE) colleges in the UK, offering a wide range of academic and work-related (vocational) qualifications. Some colleges offer a broad range of subjects, while others specialise in a particular field or industry, such as catering, art or drama.

For Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), you can apply online through the course finder or through UCAS. If you want to apply for any other career-based or pre-university programme you should apply directly to the UK institution that offers the course.

There is no standard closing date for applications to career-based courses in the UK. However, you should leave enough time to apply for a visa, make travel arrangements and find accommodation.

You can search for career-based and pre-university courses in the ‘Search tool’ on this website (the box in the top right hand corner).

  • English language courses

To apply for an English language course in the UK, you should contact the UK institution directly for an application form. You can expect to receive a reply within two weeks of sending your application. If you are offered a place, you will receive a letter of acceptance that will confirm your accommodation requirements and a request for a deposit. Once the school has received your deposit they will send you a letter confirming your place - this letter can be used to support your visa application.

  • Schools for pupils up to age 18

There are many different types of school in the UK for pupils up to age 18. They fall into two broad categories: state schools (publicly funded) and independent schools, where parents usually pay fees for their children to attend. Families who live in the EU or who have EU passports may be able to send their children to UK state schools. More than 26,000 international pupils go to independent schools every year.

Schools usually prefer new pupils to start at the beginning of the academic year in September, although most will agree to admit pupils at the start of a new term in either January or April.

You can find out about state schools here. Applications for places at state schools in England, Scotland and Wales are usually handled by the school’s local authority (or, in Northern Ireland, by the school’s local education and library board).

For independent schools, you can consult the Boarding Schools’ Association and the Independent Schools Council. You can also read about individual schools online at www.schoolswebdirectory.co.uk.

Some UK independent schools prefer pupils to apply up to a year before they wish to start. Other schools are more informal and welcome applications at any time.

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'There are many different entry requirements depending on your chosen type of UK study. The great thing about studying in the UK is that even if you don’t meet the requirements for one course, you can choose another at a different level and work your way up. The UK offers a range of study options to suit international students at all levels.'

Improving your English language skills

You will need a good understanding of English before you can study at most further and higher education institutions in the UK. Studying an English language course in the UK, such as English for academic purposes (EAP) or a pre-sessional course, will prepare you for further study. You can search for these and other English language courses in the course finder.

Another option is to take an English test such as IELTS in your home country before you come to the UK. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s leading English test of its kind, testing the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.  Over 1,000 UK institutions recognise IELTS and the test is available in over 125 different countries.

You can find out where your nearest IELTS test centre is at the IELTS website.

You could also take the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), which is administered online at Pearson testing centres. The test is recognised by more than 100 institutions in the UK and accurately measures the English language listening, reading, speaking and writing abilities of non-native speakers.

You can find out more and prepare for the test at the PTE Academic website.

Entry requirements for UK undergraduate study
 
The qualifications you need depend on the course you want to study. You should have completed at least 13 years of education in your own country or in the UK, and have taken pre-university qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels, Scottish Highers or National Diplomas.

If you haven’t got these qualifications yet don’t worry – you can still study in the UK. Try searching for a career-based or pre-university course in the course finder.

Example qualifications required:
  • HND - qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two Scottish Highers or a Higher National Certificate or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0
  • Foundation Degree - qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, one or two Scottish Highers or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0
  • Diploma of Higher Education - qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0
  • Degree - qualifications equivalent to two or three UK A-levels, three or four Scottish Highers, a Higher National Certificate or Diploma, or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 6.0-6.5
Entry requirements for postgraduate or MBA study
 
To begin a postgraduate course in the UK, you'll need to hold an undergraduate degree from the UK or overseas. You'll be expected to have obtained a first or good 2:1 (or international equivalent) in a directly related subject and you'll need to speak English to at least IELTS 6.5 level for most courses.

Example qualifications required:
  • Pre-master's - undergraduate degree plus IELTS 5.0-5.5
  • PG Cert/PG Dip - undergraduate degree plus IELTS 6.5-7.0, or a pre-master's course
  • Master's degree - first or upper second class undergraduate degree plus IELTS 7.0, or a pre-master's course
  • MBA - first degree, 2-3 years’ business experience, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0
  • PhD - master's degree, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0
Entry requirements for UK independent schools
 
To apply to a UK independent school, you'll need to have a good standard of education from your own country. You won't be expected to have passed formal qualifications, but may be asked to sit the school's own entrance exam in subjects such as English and maths.

Some schools may ask students to sit entrance exams in English and maths. The common entrance exam is also used by many schools for students who enter at the age of 13.

Entry requirements for career-based and pre-university study

The qualifications you’ll need will depend on the course you want to study. Some qualifications (such as A-levels Scottish Highers and and BTEC National Diplomas) are below university level and lead directly on to higher education. Others (such as HNDs and foundation degrees) are university-level qualifications that enable you to join a degree course in the second or third year.

Example qualifications required:
  • BTEC National Diploma - good general high school education equivalent to four GCSEs grades A –C, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
  • AS/A-levels - good general high school education equivalent to five GCSEs grades A –C, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
  • Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers – Good general high school equivalent to six Standard Grade qualifications grades 1-3, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
  • International Foundation Year - twelve years of school education or equivalent in your own country, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
  • HND - qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year, plus IELTS 5.5-6.0
  • Foundation Degree - qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year, plus IELTS 5.5-6.0
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'Your UCAS application is the first step to studying at your chosen UK university or college'

UCAS Quick Guide
 
If you want to study at undergraduate level in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, you will need to apply for courses online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS. If you wish to apply for postgraduate study should apply directly to the institution or through UKPASS , while those seeking a place on practice-based music, dance or drama courses at UK conservatoires should apply though the Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS).
 
Check the deadlines for applying: you'll find the latest information on UCAS's important dates page. It's a good idea to get your application in well before the deadline - applications are welcome from mid-September onwards.
 
So make sure you complete your UCAS application on time. If it's late, it may not be considered.
 
These are the UCAS deadline dates for applications for autumn 2013 entry to courses:
  • 15 October 2012 for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses as well as applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities.
  • 15 January 2013 for all other universities and courses (except certain art and design courses)
  • 24 March 2013 for certain art and design courses.  
UCAS can help you apply to universities and colleges which offer a range of qualifications, including the following: Certificate of Higher Education, Higher National Diploma, Foundation degrees, BA and BSc degrees (or equivalent MA and MSc degrees).

Your application through UCAS

UCAS Apply is an online system for applications. It may take you several hours, so be sure to save your application frequently as you work through it. You can log-in again later to finish and check your application before you submit it.
 
To begin your online UCAS application you must first register on the UCAS site. This generates a username, password and UCAS personal ID. As soon as you have those, you can log-in to begin filling in the seven main menu sections. At each of the seven stages when you click on 'Save', you will be offered the 'Section completed' box: only tick this box when you are happy that you have completed the section - you can return to it later.
 
There are seven sections:
  • Personal details - the essentials about you
  • Choices - here you enter the course details for up to five courses that you want to study, and institutions you would like to attend (all courses are listed on the UCAS website). For each of your course choices you will need the details on the UCAS website. Click ‘Edit’ or ‘Remove’ button next to a course to amend or delete a choice. There are some restrictions to the combination of courses that you choose. Read the choices information on the UCAS website before completing this section.
  • Education lets you enter all the educational establishments you have attended (or are still attending). You also need to include all qualifications, even ones that you haven’t completed or don’t have results for yet and specify what language you sat your exams in.
  • Employment - you may list up to five former employees and give addresses, phone numbers and dates of employment. Click ‘Add employer’ for each new entry. Don’t worry if you have not had any paid work experience. Simply click the ‘Section Completed’ button and move on.
  • Statement - your personal statement is a great way to tell admissions tutors about your interest in your subject, any relevant experience you've had and why you have chosen the UK. The statement can be up to 4,000 characters long. The ‘Apply’ section has a link which can guide you on writing your statement.
  • Reference - this should be written by someone who knows the most about you academically. A teacher or tutor is ideal. Arrange a meeting with your chosen referee, talk about your studies and ensure that their reference is no longer than 4,000 characters. They should also include grade predictions for any exams you have yet to take.
  • Pay/send is the final stage before your application is completed. You will have to make a payment (for the 2013-14 academic year of entry it is £12 for one institution, £23 for up to five). When you have completed 'Pay/send' you should receive an email confirming your application has been registered.
Tracking your progress and getting your results

Once you have applied and received your UCAS Welcome letter you can track your progress using your personal UCAS ID and the same username and password you uded in Apply. Institutions will let you know the status of your application via this system. Three outcomes are possible: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer or an unsuccessful application. You may also get an invitation in Track from a university or college which asks you to attend an interview or audition, or to provide a portfolio of work, and essay or other piece of work.

When UCAS asks you to respond to offers, you can accept up to two offers. Your first choice is ‘Firm’ and your second choice is ‘Insurance’ (your back-up choice if you don’t achieve the grades required by your first choice).

If you used all five choices on your application and received decisions from all the universities or college but aren't holding any offers, you might be able to apply through Extra for another course.

Some universities and colleges may offer an unconditional place, and you will not need to wait for your results to confirm your place. More usually, institutions will wait to confirm or decline your place when UCAS sends them your results. If you don’t get the grades you need for either of your choices, you can search for alternative available courses through UCAS Clearing. If you meet or exceed your original conditional firm choice offer conditions, if you want to you can register to look for alternative courses through Adjustment.

Top tips when applying
  • Use the Education UK course finder (top right of this page) to help you search for the right course for you.
  • Include a unique selling point about yourself in your personal statement, to help you stand out from the crowd.
  • Check your application very carefully before you submit it. Get friends and family to check it as well!
  • If you have any problems visit the UCAS international help page.

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