How to apply for UK universities and colleges: Step by step guide

Searching Google for options to study in the UK is not enough to clarify everything about applying to UK universities. More important is to know where to start your research and when?

First of all, you need to know that all applications to study in the UK must be submitted through the official UK application service: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The admission criteria may slightly differ according to the student’s home country and the institutions requirements. However, UCAS serves as a platform for all university applications in the UK.

If you are applying for a degree in performing or creative arts, such as a degree in music, drama or film, you’ll need to apply through the Conservatories UK Admissions Service (CUKAS).

In case the UK university you are seeking admission in is not listed in the UCAS or CUKAS systems, you should contact the institution and inquire about the admission process they follow.

Gaining entry into UK universities is so competitive. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you start your research at least one academic year in advance, in order to have ample time to prepare the required documents, such as academic certificates and test scores, and get ready for the admission process.

For undergraduate students, September marks the start of the new academic year in the UK, and July is when it ends. The UCAS application process starts in the first week of September, so you’ll have to keep in mind these UCAS applications deadlines:

• 1 October: Application deadline for music courses through UCAS Conservatories
• 15 October: Application deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
• 15 January: Application deadline for most of the undergraduate courses

Check out the universities’ websites to know about the application deadlines for your preferred programs. Also, we would strongly suggest that you don’t wait for the deadlines and apply as soon as possible.

The universities not listed in UCAS or those accepting students in the middle of the year may have specific deadlines stated on their websites, so don’t forget to double-check.

What if you’re applying for a postgraduate degree in the UK?

Many postgraduate programs in the UK have flexible applications deadlines and the application process is often handled by the universities. You can apply directly for your postgraduate program at the university website when they open the application process for that program.

However, if you’re applying for postgraduate courses in some areas of studies, like performing arts, teaching, social work or medicine, you will need to do this through the UCAS Postgraduate application portal. Therefore, you need to always check the university website to know about the application process and deadlines.

Once you’ve done your research and checked the deadlines, now is the time to get to work. Most of the universities require you to submit test scores for a variety of admission and aptitude tests with your application. For instance, you will be required to appear for GAMSAT for medicine programs or LNAT for law programs. If English is not your native language, you will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency by submitting scores of TOEFL or IELTS.

Universities include minimum test scores in their eligibility criteria and getting a better score would improve your chances of getting admitted into the course of your choice. Hence, you must prepare beforehand and take practice tests. Getting a test date of your choice depends on how early you book the test. Test scores are sent to the institutions and reported online after a couple of weeks, so you must not delay it.

To apply for UK universities, you will be asked to submit some important documents with your application, such as:

• Your official academic certificates
• Personal statement (or statement of purpose)
• Letters of recommendation

Make sure that your qualifications are recognized in the UK and/or if you’ll need an equivalency certificate.

Your statement of purpose holds great value as the university gauge your suitability for the program on its basis. Write and edit it multiple times. Have your statement of purpose proofread and ask your friends or colleagues to give their opinion on it. If you are applying for multiple programs, you need to write more than one personal statement. Follow a formal and direct style of writing and avoid filling it with redundant, generic, or incomplete thoughts. Your statement should be coherent, concise, and comprehensive at the same time. Stick to the word count required. The UCAS application allows for no more than 4,000 characters.

You must request two to three letters of recommendation from your teachers or employers. Prepare a sample draft for them to follow when writing the letter. Keep your passport, ID card, or driver’s license ready. Once the university or college sends an official acceptance letter, non-EU students will have to apply for a student visa to study in the UK. So, check the additional documents that you might need for the visa process.

You can choose to apply for up to five courses at different universities through the UCAS undergraduate application system. However, it is best to prioritize your choices. Complete the UCAS application form carefully and make a checklist to ensure that you’ve submitted everything required. Apply well before deadlines.

If you are late in submitting your application due to any unforeseen circumstances, UCAS accepts late applications until the 30th of June. Please note that these applications are only considered if the available positions are not already full.

Following these steps would make the admission process smooth and stress-free for you. So, are you ready to live your dream? Speak with your IDP counsellor today!