Applying to study in the UK
An introduction to UCAS
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Why choose the UK for your studies?
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The UK has a long history of welcoming
international students
•
Every year 110,000 people from outside
the UK apply through UCAS
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UK Qualifications are recognised and
respected throughout the world
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A UK degree will ensure you are wellplaced to secure global employment
•
British universities and colleges provide a
multicultural, diverse, creative and inviting
environment
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Higher education in the UK
• Teaching Excellence
• Iconic Culture
• Essential Skills
• Creative Industries
• English Language
• Multicultural society
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Number of institutions 300+
Number of courses
35,000
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Number of students
accepted in 2012
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Over 12% of these were
international students 57,519
464,910
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About UCAS
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What is UCAS?
• UCAS is the organisation
responsible for connecting people
to UK higher education
• You can apply for up to five
different courses on one UCAS
application
Applications are made
online at www.ucas.com
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The UCAS Website
• Research courses
• Find out about universities
and colleges
• Read blogs from international
students
• See entry requirements
• Make and track your
application
Plus...
• Video guides
• UCAS Tariff
• Guidance
• Statistics
• Parents Advice
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Research – Additional sources
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UCAS Publications
Open Days/Taster Courses
British Council events
Unistats – unistats.direct.gov.uk
Meeting uni/college reps in your own
country
Or find us online at:
• www.facebook.com/ucasonline
• www.twitter.com/ucas_online
• www.youtube.com/ucasonline
www.ucasconnect.com/blogs
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When to apply
1 September
First day for receipt of applications
15 October
Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry, Oxford or Cambridge
15 January
Advisory application deadline
24 March
Many art & design courses (check each course for deadline)
30 June
Applications after this date held for Clearing
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The UCAS Application
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The UCAS application process
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Making a UCAS application
Every applicant has to complete:
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Personal details
Student finance (UK and EU only)
Choices
Education
Employment
Personal statement
A reference
References can be done by
your school or college, or
by someone who knows
you well.
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Personal Statement
• Gives you the chance to tell universities and colleges why they
should want you as a student
• Every personal statement should be unique. Just keep in mind that
it’s your chance to sell yourself
• What you might include:
• Why you want to study in the UK
• Evidence to show you can complete a higher education course taught
in English
• Examples of leadership, communication skills or other relevant
experience
• Any preparation you have done for the course
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Decision - making by institutions
An admissions tutor may make one of
three decisions:
• Unconditional offer
• Conditional offer
• Unsuccessful
Institutions may also request an
interview, ask to see your portfolio or
ask you to take admissions tests
Or they may offer a place on an
alternative course
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Track
You can see what’s happening with your
application, like whether you’ve received any
offers and the replies you’ve made.
• Enables you to follow the progress of your
application (24/7, access via password)
• Quickest way to find out about new offers
• Shows choices, offers, personal information
• You can reply to offers online
Track is our online
system that allows
you to follow the
progress of your
application
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Applicant replies to offers
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Once the final decision has been received
from your chosen institutions, a
maximum of two offers may be held.
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Applicants have a choice of three reply
options:
• Firm acceptance – Your first choice
• Insurance acceptance – Optional. Acts as
If all decisions and replies are made
and you are not holding a place, you
may be able to use UCAS Extra or
Clearing to find available places. See
www.ucas.com for details.
a back-up
• Decline the offer
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Other things to consider
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English language requirements
• The university or college you choose will
tell you what standard of English you
need
• Most will require you to demonstrate
proficiency in English or take an English
language test
• Look at their website or contact their
admissions or international office to find
out which tests are acceptable
Available tests include ESOL,
IELTS and TOEFL
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Other things to consider
• Finance – Course fees, travel
and living costs
Living away
from home...
• Immigration/visas – visit
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
• Travel – to and from your
country, and within the UK
• Accommodation – Uni halls or
private residences?
...are you
ready to ‘go it
alone’?
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For more information
Ask us a question online: www.ucas.com
Or call our Customer Contact Centre on:
+44 330 333 0230
Or find us on:
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday
8:30 – 18:00 (UK time)
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