The gateway to higher education in the UK

INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE GUIDE APPLICANTS

The Shard, London

Buckingham Palace, London

Blackpool Tower, Blackpool

Pembroke Castle, Wales

St Pauls Cathedral, London

Manchester Central Library, Manchester

Angel of the North, Gateshead

The Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham

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Why choose the UK for your studies?

Welcoming...
The UK has a long history of welcoming international students to study in its universities and colleges. Every year, over 110,000 people from outside the UK apply through UCAS to study a full-time undergraduate degree course in the UK.

Quality...
UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world, and courses must meet strict academic criteria. A UK degree will ensure you are well-placed to secure employment in the global marketplace.

Cultural diversity...
British universities and colleges provide a multicultural, diverse, creative and inviting environment, which will encourage you to reach your full potential.
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Studying in the UK
If youre thinking of coming to study at a university or college in the UK, youll have lots of decisions to make, and questions to ask, such as:

Where should I study? What course should I study? How much will it cost? How will it improve my future?

UCAS can support you in making the right decisions. This guide will help you find answers to your questions and provide links to other sources of advice and support so you make the right choices.

What is UCAS?

UCAS is the organisation responsible for connecting people to UK higher education. We manage applications for UK universities and colleges; you can research course options and apply on our website www.ucas.com.

We make it easy for you, as you can apply for up to five different courses on one UCAS application. On our website www.ucas.com you can search for courses, find out more about universities and colleges and their entry requirements, make your application and track its progress to see when the institutions you apply to make their decisions.

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UCAS applicant journey

The UCAS applicant journey

In six easy steps, heres an overview of what happens when you apply through UCAS we call it the UCAS applicant journey.

STEP 1

Choosing courses
STEP 2

Use Course Finder at www.ucas.com to find out which courses might suit you and the universities and colleges that offer them.

Applying

You can apply for up to five courses using the online application system at www.ucas.com.

STEP 3

Offers

You can check the progress of your application using Track at www.ucas.com, which will be updated as we receive decisions from universities and colleges. If you dont receive any offers, or decline all the offers you do receive, you may be able to use Extra, which allows eligible applicants to apply for a new choice.

STEP 4

Results

We receive some exam results direct from the exam boards - check the list at www.ucas.com. If your qualification is not listed, send your results direct to the universities and colleges. Check Track at www.ucas.com to see if youve got a place on your chosen course.

STEP 5

Next steps Starting university or college

Depending on your circumstances, you might use this step. If you have received different grades than expected, or have changed your mind, there may be other options available. You need to look at Track and course vacancies at www.ucas.com.

STEP 6

Once you have your place and a confirmed start date, you can go ahead with your visa arrangements and travel plans. Also plan your finances to cover the cost of course fees, accommodation, living and travel costs.

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When do I apply?
If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you need to be aware of the three application deadlines:

15 October application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all professional medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses, and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

15 January the advised application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed above with a 15 October deadline, and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline.

24 March application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for art and design courses, except those listed with a 15 January deadline.

Many universities and colleges will still consider your application until 30 June. This, however, does not apply to applications for:

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science at any university.

For all of these, you must apply by 15 October the year before you intend to study. Some universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after 15 January, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure. Clearing: any applications received at UCAS after 30 June are entered into a process known as Clearing. It can help people without a confirmed place to find suitable vacancies on degree courses. Through Clearing you need to contact institutions direct about course vacancies, which will be listed on www.ucas.com from mid-August until late September. Find more information about Clearing at www.ucas.com/students/nextsteps/clearing. Apply as early as possible. Remember to allow enough time to obtain your student visa (if required), and make travel and accommodation arrangements. Visit the websites below for all the information you need about applying for a student visa:

UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/studying/. UK Council for International Student Affairs: www.ukcisa.org.uk.

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The application cycle

15 October Deadline for receipt at UCAS of all applications, including the reference, for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. 15 January Deadline for receipt at UCAS of all applications, including the reference, for all courses except those with a 15 October deadline, and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline. 24 March Deadline for receipt at UCAS of all applications, including the reference, for some art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline. 30 June Applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing. Application completed with up to five choices. School or college adds reference, or applicants not applying through a UCAS centre add referees details. Reference added and application sent to UCAS. UCAS sends acknowledgement to applicant, who checks it carefully. UCAS sends copies of application to all universities and colleges chosen. Each university or college makes decision on application.

Offer is made. UCAS sends details to applicant.

Unsuccessful application.

Unconditional offer.

Conditional offer based on examination results.

Decisions received from all chosen universities and colleges. Applicant replies to offers using Track at www.ucas.com or by calling our Customer Contact Centre.

Applicant declines offer.

Applicant may choose one firm and one insurance place.

Examination results published.

University or college does not confirm place.

University or college confirms place.

All applications declined or unsuccesful.

APPLICANT ACCEPTED
Firm acceptance commits applicant to this university or college.

ADJUSTMENT
If applicant achieves better grades than required for their firmly accepted offer, they may look for an alternative course that has places available whilst still holding their original choice.

EXTRA

CLEARING

Extra and Clearing are UCAS services that help an applicant, without an offer of a place, to continue their application to find a suitable degree course.

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Help with applying

You apply online at www.ucas.com through Apply, our secure web-based application service. You can use this anywhere in the world, whether youre applying independently or through a school, college, university regional office or agent. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. You can return to it later and change or add information. Weve tried to make it simple and full explanations and help text are available in each section of Apply.

English language requirements

The university or college that you choose will tell you what standard of English, both written and spoken, you need for the courses that you're interested in. If English is not your first language, most institutions will require you to demonstrate proficiency in English or to take an English language test. Visit the institution website, or contact its admissions or international office, to find out which English language tests are acceptable. You can find more information about English language tests at www.ucas.com/students/wheretostart/nonukstudents/englangprof.

Your personal statement

What is a personal statement? This is the part of the application which gives you the chance to tell universities and colleges why they should want you as a student. What should I include in it? Universities and colleges will want to know why you are interested in the course and what you hope to do after your studies. Other information you could include might be:

Why you want to study in the UK. Evidence to show that you can complete a higher education course that is taught in English. Positions of leadership youve had or ways you have used your communication skills. Any preparation you have done for the course to which youre applying.

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UCAS provides unbiased, accurate information to help you make the right choices about your future
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When writing your personal statement

Do create a list of your ideas before attempting to write the real thing. Do expect to produce several drafts before being totally happy. Do ask people you trust for their feedback. Do check university and college prospectuses, websites and course entry requirements, as they usually tell you the criteria and qualities that they want their students to demonstrate.

Do use your best English and dont let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement. Do be enthusiastic if you show your interest in the course, it may help you get a place.

Dont feel that you need to use elaborate language. If you try too hard to impress with long words that you are not confident using, the focus of your writing may be lost.

Dont say too much about things that are not relevant if you think that you are starting to, take a break and come back to your statement when you feel more focused.

Dont lie if you exaggerate you may get caught out if you are called to interview and asked questions about your personal statement. Dont rely on a spellchecker as it will not pick up everything proofread as many times as possible. Dont leave it to the last minute your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out. Dont expect to be able to write your personal statement whilst watching TV or surfing the internet this is your future, so make the most of the opportunity to succeed.

Dont cut and paste from examples. The personal statement must be your own work, and will be checked for plagiarism.

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Where can I get more help with my personal statement?

There is a whole section on the website to help you start thinking about what to write: www.ucas.com/students/applying/howtoapply/ personalstatement. Youll also find a timeline, mind map and worksheet to download. Watch our UCAStv video guide to writing your personal statement at www.ucas.tv.

Seeking advice
You may choose to seek advice about studying in the UK from a careers tutor or teacher in your school or college, or to visit a particular universitys office or agency representative in your country. Collectively, this group is referred to by UCAS as Advisers.

An Adviser can be an individual, company or other organisation, providing services to assist students and their parents to gain a place on a course of study overseas.

Different titles may be used to describe Adviser services, including student Adviser, education consultant, agent, university office or representative.

Most Advisers will have a formal arrangement with a number of universities and colleges to help promote their courses. But some have no particular tie and may advice on studying in the UK on a more general basis.

As well as providing course and general information on studying abroad, some Advisers can also help with the completion of the UCAS application. And some may offer help with the UK visa application process.

Applicants and their parents may appreciate the opportunity to use the services of an Adviser, but this is a personal choice. Some applicants decide to conduct their own research and complete the UCAS application process on their own. Ultimately, the decision of which course and where to study is an individual one for the applicant and their family to make.

The UCAS website www.ucas.com will guide applicants through all stages of the process.

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How can I find out more about studying in the UK?

Theres lots more information and advice about studying in the UK and applying through UCAS on www.ucas.com. This includes:

A section of the website especially for international students www.ucas.com/international. Course Finder: you can search here from over 30,000 courses from accountancy to zoology. You can search by a wide range of features, including subject, qualification, region and campus www.ucas.com/ students/coursesearch.

The International Big Map contains guidance to help you apply and includes a large map of the UK showing the locations of UCAS universities and colleges www.ucas.com/documents/ucasguides/ intbigmap2013.pdf.

Track: once youve sent us your application you can check its progress and reply to your offers using our online system at www.ucas.com/ track.

Contact us: our details can be found at www.ucas.com/about_us/ contact_us/. To help you find the information youre looking for, youll also find a list of frequently asked questions and a search function where you can type in any other questions you have.

Other useful information sources include:

University and college websites you can find these on the list of institutions at www.ucas.com/students/choosingcourses/ choosinguni/instguide/.

International events are held throughout the year. You can meet faceto-face with UK universities and colleges to find out what its like to study in the UK. Find out more on the British Council Education UK website www.educationuk.org/UK/.

League tables give an insight into courses and are mainly based on data from the institutions themselves. These can be useful to help you decide which universities and colleges meet your needs, but always use them alongside other information sources to think about the right course at the right institution for you. Some league tables you might find useful are:

The Guardian newspaper www.guardian.co.uk. The Times newspaper www.thetimes.co.uk. The Complete University Guide (www.thecompleteuniversityguide.

co.uk) an interactive site which allows you to create your own unique table based on your requirements.

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Connect with UCAS online

There are lots of ways for you to find information or contact us visit www.ucasconnect.com to:

Watch UCAStv video guides at www.ucas.tv, including one specifically for international students and one from an international student talking about her experience of studying in the UK.

Find tips on applying. Link to our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and UCAS Advisers blog. Read UCAS applicant blogs.

Thoughts about applying to and studying at a UK university from Andra, a Romanian student.

watch video guides at www.ucas.tv on most digital platforms

Induction week - Andra (international student)

"I chose England because I have friends here and they said its great for them so I thought I would give it a try. Also the people are very kind and helpful. It was very easy to apply to this university using UCAS and the university has an official representative in Romania which really helped. So far I have met a few people from Romania at the university as well as students of other nationalities too. I loved my first day at university. The induction or Freshers week is full of other new students, I really like it theres lots of energy. Im sure Im going to make lots of friends here. I really like the university, its everything I was looking for and Im sure I will have a great time studying."

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Guide to UCAS terms

Acceptance Apply Clearing Conditional offer Course Finder
You have met all the conditions set by the university or college and you have a place. The UCAS online application system for applying for higher education courses in the UK. A service available between July and September. It can help people without a university or college place to find suitable vacancies on higher education courses. The university or college will offer you a place if you meet certain conditions, which are usually based on your exam results. An online search available at www.ucas.com where you can find and compare courses based on subject, university and location. If you have used all five choices on your application and arent holding any offers, you can apply through Extra for another course. In Extra, you can apply for any course with vacancies. Extra is open between the end of February and early July. The offer you have accepted as your first choice.

Extra

Firm offer HE Institution Insurance offer Offer Personal ID

Higher education.

A university or college offering higher education courses. The offer you have accepted as your second choice, in case you do not meet the requirements of your first choice. When a university or college has considered an application they make one of two decisions: offer a place or make the application unsuccessful. A 10-digit individual number you will be given when you register to use Apply. You will need to give this number if you contact us or the universities about your application. The online system where you can track the progress of your application at www.ucas.com. You can use it to check if youve received any offers and make your replies. You have met all the requirements and the university is happy to accept you.

Track Unconditional offer

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