With top institutions, excellent teaching standards and world-recognised qualifications, it's no surprise that the UK is one of the world’s most popular study destinations. Whether you decide to stay in the hustle and bustle of one of the big cities, or prefer the backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, there's lots to do and people from all walks of life to meet.
"It was really interesting and
helpful to see your company's
resources... You truly have some
great resources for students."
"I particularly like the page
turning function. Easy to use
and easy to read."
"This type of advice is so necessary and useful for our students... A magazine such as this has been long overdue."
"This material really supports
the research and planning processes
that the students and their
families undertake."
"Very creative and with
useful information."
"I really enjoyed the modern and interactive style of the magazines
and think that it is very clever."
"With each passing day, students everywhere are using technology with greater frequency and ease... i-studentgroup is breaking new ground in getting information about colleges and universities to students, parents, and guidance counsellors around the world."
"I went through some of the magazines on offer and was very impressed. The wealth of information on hand will certainly be very useful."
"I believe that your online resource is
a tremendous help to students and
even parents who are anxious about
university attendance."
"What an outstanding resource! I'm truly impressed, this perhaps is the best resource I've seen for students to identify schools outside going there personally."
"The site is extremely helpful and a very
useful tool for us. Looking forward to
new issues of the web magazine."
"I truly think you've done an excellent job
on i-studentadvisor. It is colourful,
informative and user-friendly."
"Terrific, fantastic, informative, appealing,
attractive, effective and wonderful!"
"We recommend the i-studentadvisor magazines and websites to our
students and families as a great research companion."
"The site was not only strictly business, but also had the type of information that students, and future scholars, want to know about. I very much enjoyed the articles and found it quite resourceful."
"I really enjoyed the way the site separates each category. This makes students able to analyse the things offered in each region."
"i-studentadvisor supplements our programme with web resources that
give up-to-date, user-friendly guidelines to make the application process
more manageable."
"The online magazine was not only organised and detailed, but also very helpful in providing a glimpse of what a student’s life would be in college."
Applications to almost all registered UK institutions and undergraduate courses are processed through the centralised Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). This includes both UK and non-UK students. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with UCAS and the service they provide before you begin the application process. The UCAS website features special sections with information for international students.
Each institution handles postgraduate course applications differently and you will need to apply to each one directly. There is no limit to the number of applications you can make to different institutions, but applications can be lengthy. You will normally be required to fill in an application form, either on paper or electronically. See your chosen institutions’ websites to find out how to apply. For more information about postgraduate courses, visit - www.postgrad.com
How to apply
Undergraduate applications are made using the online service Apply. This service will guide you through each stage of the application and will tell you what information is required. Applying can be done individually or through your school, counsellor or agent. You will need to obtain a reference from a tutor before you return the application.
Applying costs £11 if you are only applying to one institution or £22 if more than one. Payments can be made online using debit or credit cards or through your school, if it is registered with UCAS.
Entry requirements
Before applying, you will also need to check that UK institutions accept your type of qualifications for entry onto relevant courses. You can check your qualifications at UK NARIC, which will provide you with a statement about the level of qualifications that will be accepted by UK institutions.
If you have suitable qualifications, you will then need to check whether your level of qualifications meets the university entry requirements. You can find out which entry requirements are needed by checking the institution website, contacting them directly or applying for a prospectus. You can also use the UCAS Course Search. However, you should remember that institutions often make decisions on your overall suitability for the course and not just minimum entry requirements.
For more information on qualifications you can contact the UCAS Qualifications Hotline on 0044 871 468 0472 or email qualsenquiries@ucas.ac.uk
Deadlines
There are set dates you need to be aware of when applying to university through UCAS. For most courses, the application deadline will be the 15th of January, but for some art and design courses it will be March the 24th. For medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses, and all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, this deadline will be earlier - October the 15th. These deadlines apply to all students around the world so it is important you know when they are.
Even after the final deadline, you may be able to apply in ‘Clearing’. This is a last opportunity to find a place at a university or college if you have not got a place by the original deadline. If you are flexible about your course options and you have reasonable exam marks you are likely to be able to find a place on a suitable course, though it may not be at your desired institution.
You can see all of next year’s deadlines for 2012 applications, and more information about applying, on the UCAS website.
English language requirements
Your institution may require you to prove your level of English, usually by evidence of test scores from English language exams (such as IELTS, ESOL etc). You may also need to prove your level of English for your visa application.
New visa rules coming in to place during 2011 and 2012 will require students studying at degree level to be capable in English in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at an ‘Upper Intermediate’ (B2) level. Universities will be able to vouch for a student’s ability if they are studying at degree level or above.
Students studying at lower level courses will need a minimum level of ‘Lower Intermediate’ (B1). Students studying outside of universities will need to present a test certificate to the UK Border Agency to prove their ability.
UK Border Agency staff will be able to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter, and who therefore clearly do not meet the minimum standard. The UK Border Agency only accepts certain English language tests as proof of English language proficiency; please see the UK Border Agency website for updates.
Last updated: 30 November 2011
