All the admission applications to study in the undergraduate courses offered by UK universities are made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services). Most of the undergraduate courses in the UK begin in the month of September-October. International students are required to submit the completed UCAS application forms along with all the documents by January 26, 2022.

To study in the UK, international students may apply for the following levels in UK universities:

  • Undergraduate courses
  • Postgraduate courses
  • Doctorate courses

To apply for other courses to study in the UK such as foundation, certificate, and diploma courses, students shall visit the official website of the university and follow the instructions.

UK University Entry Requirements

All the applicants will have to satisfy the requirements set by the University/college to be eligible to study in the UK. The requirements vary as per the course, University, as well as the country of the applicant. The basic requirement includes English Language Proficiency, Qualification, Financial ability.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Universities in the UK state their English language requirements in various tests mentioned below. The minimum grade overall, and usually the minimum grades required in writing, speaking, listening, and reading are considered for admission.

Check: Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK

Required Qualifications

International students who want to take admission in a degree course to study in the UK must make sure to check the qualification requirements set by the university for that particular course, the qualification and other requirements vary as per the course and the university. Mentioned below are some common requirements which applicants must have in order to apply for admission at the universities in the UK.

  • Undergraduate degree – Class XII with a minimum of 60% marks plus English proficiency.
  • Pre-master’s-Undergraduate degree plus IELTS 5.0-5.5
  • Master's degree-First or upper second-class undergraduate degree plus IELTS 7.0, or a pre-masters course
  • For MBA - Undergraduate degree, 2-3 years’ business experience, plus IELTS score of 6.5-7.0
  • PhD-Master's degree, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0

Financial Requirement

International applicants who wish to study in the UK must provide evidence of funds to pay for the tuition fees and monthly living costs for the duration of their course(first year) in the UK. This proof will fetch 10 points to the applicants during their Visa application.

International applicants must prove that they have 1,023 GBP per month to live and study. Those who wish to study in London must be able to prove that they have around 1,334 GBP per month.

Step-by-step Guide to Apply Through UCAS

Before applying for courses to study in the UK through UCAS, the international students have to register in UCAS. The school/college does this for them, applicants can register for the same on their own. They may do the same on their own as well.

  1. Search for courses and colleges/universities in the UK.
  2. Save the courses to the favorite page.
  3. Complete the profile by filling in the required information,
  4. Make the UCAS application and submit it along with the personal statement.
  5. Get the Reference letter from teacher/guidance counselor
  6. Do the course preferencing.
  7. Make choices considering the applications received by the university/college.

The international students shall shortlist colleges, prepare for all the documents required and apply at least two to three weeks before the deadline, applying in advance will make sure applicants have ample to receive the decision about admission and prepare for the Visa process. Applicants’ decision about the admission must be notified to the college/university by April.

Visa Requirements

International students shall apply for the student visa as soon as they get Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their respective university/college. The general student visa process for the UK usually takes around a month. Applicants have to apply for either Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or short-term study visa depending on the course of study. 

  • Current passport or other valid travel documentation
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
  • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances
  • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
  • Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
  • Tuberculosis test results
  • Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

Health Insurance

International students applying for UK have to pay GBP 470 per year for health insurance. This is called an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and you have to pay it along with the visa fee when you apply for the student visa. Once payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge is made, you will be registered to the NHS and can benefit from national-level healthcare during your studies. Under the NHS, you do not need to pay anything for:

  • Consulting with your doctor or visiting a walk-in clinic.
  • Hospital treatment after an emergency (A&E).
  • Treatment for minor-injury treatment in a public clinic.
  • Consultation or treatment with a specialist when referred by your GP.

When and Where to Start to Study in the UK?

Given below are the basic steps, International students who want to study in the UK can refer to for their application process.

April 2021 - September 2021

  • Shortlist universities and be updated with the admission requirements.
  • Be familiar with the bank loan options and scholarships to fund the study in the UK.
  • Work on the UCAS admission form.
  • Learn about accommodation options.

June 2021 - December 2021

  • Prepare for standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, UKCAT, TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Register before the test dates, and crack the exam.
  • Check guidelines and process of test and re-exam.
  • International applicants can apply and appear for these test one year in advance, all the universities accept test scores secured up to two years before the admission year.

August 2021 - November 2021

  • Shortlist colleges and prepare the application
  • Prepare documents including reference letter(s), Personal Statement and essays.
  • Apply before the deadline

December 2021 - April 2022

  • Reply to the university's emails.
  • Appear for the interviews(if required)
  • Notify the college about the admission decision.

April 2022 - July 2022

  • Search and apply for external scholarships to study in the UK if applicable.
  • Apply for a student loan(if needed) after you receive an acceptance(CAS) offer.
  • Prepare and apply for a student visa in time.

July 2022 - August 2022

  • Book transportation tickets
  • Arrange for an international debit/credit card
  • Collect all the documents to be taken along
  • Check out pre-departure checklist and manage accordingly

UCAS Application Deadline for 2022 Entry

Date Details
18 May 2021  UCAS Undergraduate application opens for 2022?entry
7 September 2021 Applicants can pay and send their applications to UCAS, and unis and colleges can start making decisions on applications. 
15 October 2021  Applications for Oxford, Cambridge and?most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science should arrive at UCAS
26 January 2022  Applications for the majority of undergraduate courses should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on the equal consideration date
25 February 2022  Extra?starts for eligible applicants. 
30 June 2022  If an application is sent by 18:00 (UK time) on this day, UCAS will send it to the chosen universities or colleges. 
9 August 2022 SQA results day
18 August 2022 A level results day
28 September 2022 The final deadline for applications to 2022 courses. Applications must arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time).
18 October 2022 The deadline for adding Clearing choices.

International students must check their UCAS dashboard regularly. All the information regarding interview, selection and other details are displayed on the dashboard. Students are also advised to keep their email address up to date and keep a check on the application of the UK universities. Once the applicants are done with the application, focus on visa and money requirements and other important matters mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q: What is UCAS?

Ans: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service or UCAS is the centralized service that students use to apply to the university in the UK. Applications to all the undergraduate courses offered in the UK are received through UCAS only.

Q: Does UCAS can be used to apply for Master’s degree courses?

Ans: Yes, International students can use UCAS to apply for the Master’s degree as well, however, universities have their own application portal too for Master’s admission.

Q: What is the application fee for UCAS?

Ans: UCAS Application fee for 2020 is 20 GBP for one course, and 25 GBP for more than one courses, applicants will also have to pay 25 GBP if they apply late.

Q: How many courses can I apply for through UCAS?

Ans: You can apply for as many as 5 courses through your UCAS Application at the undergraduate level.

Q: Can I apply to study in the UK without UCAS?

Ans: Yes, you can apply to the universities in the UK which also accepts the application through their application portal. You should make sure to check the website of that university to make sure whether they accept the application without UCAS.

Q: What are the documents I need to send along with the application?

Ans: You are required to send a personal statement and a letter of recommendation along with your application. Other documents like official transcripts and financial statements are also required. Document requirements vary as per the course and the university you have applied for, you should visit the official page of the course at the university’s website to make sure.

Q: What is a personal statement?

Ans: A personal statement is a statement or an essay that supports your application to study at a university or college in the UK. It’s a chance for you to express why you’d like to study a particular course or subject, and what skills and experience you possess that show your passion for your chosen field.

As an international student, you should definitely mention:

  • Your reason to study in the UK instead of studying in your own country.
  • Your English language skills.

Q: Is it necessary to submit a Personal statement?

Ans: Yes, Personal statement is one of the essential documents to be submitted along with your application. Your application will not be processed by the universities in the UK unless you have submitted your personal statement.

Q: From whom can I get a letter of recommendation?

Ans: If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you can get a letter of recommendation from your subject teacher, guidance counselor, principal.

If your applying for a master’s or higher degree course, you can get a letter of recommendation from your professor at the university you studied your undergraduate in. If you are working, you can ask your employer, volunteering supervisor or trainer to write a recommendation letter for you.

Q: What if I miss the deadline to apply through UCAS?

Ans: If you miss the deadline of October 15, you will have to wait till next year to apply for your choice of course.

If you miss the January deadline, there is no need to worry as many universities and colleges continues to accept applications from International students nearer to the beginning of the course, however, you should keep in mind that you have to arrange a visa and accommodation, so make sure you have ample time to complete these processes after receiving your CAS.