1. Applying to study in the UK

2. Why choose the UK?
The UK has a long history of welcoming international students.
In 2016, over 125,000 people from outside the UK applied through UCAS.
There are over 37,000 undergraduate courses at over 395 providers in the UK. 
A UK degree will ensure you are well placed to secure global employment.
UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world.
British universities and colleges provide a multicultural, diverse, creative, and innovative environment.

3. What is UCAS?
UCAS is the organisation responsible for connecting people to UK higher education.
You can apply for up to five different courses in one UCAS application.
The UCAS website can be used to:
research courses
find out about universities and colleges
read blogs from international students
find open days
download UCAS publications
see entry requirements
make and track your application

4. Top tips for research
There are a number of things for you to consider when applying for higher education in the UK, such as:
choosing a subject you enjoy as you are investing time, money, and effort
whether it’s right for your career path?
the location, including transport links
a study style that suits you
extracurricular activities to take part in
finances
Which modules are the most interesting and relevant to your career aspirations?
How many lectures are there and how much group work will be done in seminars?
What combination of exams, coursework or presentations is the course assessed by?
Who are the tutors and are they experts in areas that you want to learn about?
What subject areas do they specialise in?
Can you study abroad or get help with work placements?
Are there sports facilities or societies to join?
How near a city center or the countryside are they?

5. Apply – key facts Application is entirely online.
Maximum of five choices.
Some choice restrictions:
for medicine, veterinary science/medicine, and dentistry there is a maximum of four choices
can only apply for either Oxford or Cambridge
Simple application cost:
one choice – £13
two to five choices – £24
Equal consideration if deadlines are met.
Invisibility – universities cannot see where else you have applied.
Equal consideration – this means that if you meet the published deadlines then a provider must consider your application. Applications received after the deadlines will still be forwarded to universities and colleges, providing they have vacancies, but they are not obliged to consider them.
We send the application on to each of the chosen universities and colleges at the same time. Each university or college has access to the information about their choice only. They must not ask you to reveal your other choices. This is what we call invisibility. Only much later in the application cycle, when you have received decisions on all your choices and replied to any offers, will each university or college be able to see details of the other choices. This ensures that each university or college decides independently whether to offer a place and what conditions, if any, to attach to an offer. You do not need to rank your choices in order.

6. Key dates
6 September 2017 – completed applications can be submitted to UCAS.
15 October 2017 (18:00 UK time) – deadline for Oxford or Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine/science.
15 January 2018 (18:00 UK time) – deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses.
24 March 2018 (18:00 UK time) – deadline for some art and design courses.
30 June 2018 (18:00 UK time) – last date to submit an application before Clearing.
Applications received after the deadlines will still be forwarded to universities and colleges, providing they have vacancies, but they are not obliged to consider them.

7. Universities and colleges
The UCAS application
Six sections to complete:
Personal details
Choices
Education
Employment
Personal statement
Reference
UCAS
Universities and colleges

8. Personal statement
Your one chance to sell yourself as an individual, to show course providers why you want to study the course in the UK and why you would make a great student.
One personal statement for all choices.
Maximum of 4,000 characters or 47 lines.
Minimum of 1,000 characters.
No spelling or grammar checks.

9. Personal statement
Shows university and college admissions tutors that:
you are suited to the course
you are motivated and dedicated
you have relevant knowledge and experience gained from education, work, or other extracurricular activities
you understand the demands of the course
you will fit into the university’s environment

10. Universities’ decisions
Universities and colleges will review:
personal statement
reference
qualifications
admissions test results
interview
portfolio
audition
Usually, you will get one of three decisions:
unconditional offer
conditional offer
unsuccessful
A conditional offer means you still need to meet the requirements – usually exam results.
An unconditional offer means you have got a place as you have already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it. First check the offer to see if there's anything else you need to do or to arrange.
An unsuccessful application means they have decided not to offer you a place on the course.

11. Track
Track is our online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application once it has been submitted.
It shows your choices, offers, and personal details (you can update these details).
Gives you 24/7 access via a password.
You can reply to offers online.
You also use this system for Extra, Clearing, and Adjustment.

12. Replies to offers
Once final decisions are received for your choices, a maximum of two offers may be held.
You have a choice of three replies.
Firm – if all conditions are met, this is your first choice and where you will be placed if you meet the conditions of your offer.
Insurance – usually lower conditions in case the firm choice conditions are not met; acts as a back-up (it is optional to have an insurance choice).
All other offers must be declined.
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 for more details.

13. Other things to consider
English language requirements – most universities/colleges will require you to demonstrate proficiency in English or take an English language test. Look at the university or college’s website, or contact its admissions office to find out which tests are acceptable.
Immigration and visas – once you have been offered a place on a course, the university or college will advise you on how to apply for your student visa from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Finance – course fees, travel, and living costs.
Travel – to and from your country, and within the UK.
Accommodation – university and college halls or private residences?
Visit for more information and links to relevant organisations.

14. Additional help UCAS Customer Experience Centre From outside the UK:
From outside the UK:
Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 18:00 (UK time)
Find us online at: