How Do I Apply To Study in the UK?

The monarchy, black cabs, and tea are just a few things that the United Kingdom are famous for. The UK—comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—this study abroad destination is popular amongst international students pursuing post-secondary education. The UK boasts many renowned educational institutions that rank high throughout the world.

How Do I Apply To Study in the UK?

Your first step is to review the admission requirements for the course that you’re interested in. There’s no one-size fits all when talking about admission requirements—course requirements may vary by institution, and many other factors may impact requirements too. Please also note: requirements for the same course can change over time.

Post-secondary institutions in the UK will typically assess its prospective students by evaluating a variety of factors, these include:

• The student’s previous academic performance—previous transcripts will likely be required, as well as translations where applicable.
• Prerequisite courses, for admission to specific courses.
• English language proficiency (typically evaluated using an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL).
• Other supplementary information, such as a resume or statement of purpose.

For admission into undergraduate level university courses, prior completion of A-levels, Advanced Highers, or equivalent-level qualifications is typically required. The marks that are considered acceptable varies by course and by institution.

What If I Don’t Have A-Levels?

As an international student you may not have been educated in the UK system—this does not mean you can’t study at a post-secondary institution in the UK. However, you will need to contact the institution to find out what credentials are required from your home country.

When Do I Submit My Application?

It's important to make note of application deadlines and submit your completed application within the deadline provided by the educational institution.

Just like Canada and the US, the academic year typically begins in September in the UK. There are three terms to be aware of:

• Autumn: September to December
• Spring: January to April
• Summer: May to August

Most institutions offer admission for entry during the September (autumn) intake, but selected programs also accept students for spring and summer intakes.

Please note: we strongly recommend checking the institution’s page on the ApplyBoard Platform for the most accurate deadline information.

How Long Will It Take to Process My Application?

There is no easy answer to application processing times, however, we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. This will give you time to secure a study permit and visa, as well as address any comments that the institution may have.

Admission to courses in the UK are generally offered on a rolling basis. This means that educational institutions will review and make admission decisions as they receive applications. Applications will close once the course fills up. Some courses fill up quickly, so students should apply as early as they can.

What’s Next?

Now that you have a general overview of the UK application process, it's time to hit the ground running! Use the ApplyBoard Platform to get started on your application, and reach out to an ApplyBoard student support adviser to receive free study abroad counselling.