Study in UK Application Procedures
August 2016
UK application process varies greatly between different levels of education and types of institution, so make sure you find out all the details for your chosen course.
First, ensure you meet the entry requirements - don't waste time applying for a course that you're not eligible for! These requirements will relate to your qualifications, your English language skills, and whether you will be able to secure a visa.
Give yourself enough time. Many English language courses and shorter further education courses have start dates throughout the year, but most other courses start in September or October, and the deadline for applications can be up to a year in advance.
The application process can be nerve-wracking, but if you complete everything you're asked for - and ask for help if you need it! - then this is just the beginning of your UK Education.
Intakes
The main intake offered by all Universities is September / October Few universities offer select programs for the Jan / Feb intake.
English Language Requirements
IELTS minimum score of 6.5 for Postgraduate courses and 6.0 for Undergraduate Studies.
TOEFL minimum score of 90 (Internet Based Test) for Postgraduate and 80 (Internet Based Test) for Undergraduate Studies.
Successful completion of a degree through the medium of English or 70% in English in std. XII may help you to get Exemption.
*Please note TOFEL and selected institutes accept PTE.
Entry Requirements / Eligibility
Undergraduate
- 65% and above for humanities in XIIth.
- 70 - 80% and above for Science, Commerce, Engg in Std. XII / Diploma.
- 2nd class could also be considered by some Universities if there is some additional qualification / experience. (Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%)
- Student must complete 18 years of age before commencement of program
Postgraduate
- 60 % and above in 1st Bachelors Degree is required by most of the Universities for Masters and Research courses.
- Some universities may even accept student at 55% and above in the 1st Degree along with a GMAT scores ranging between 600-700 for Management Programs
Full time work experience of 2-4 years after Bachelor's degree may require by many Universities for Management Programs (MBA). The duration of work & GMAT, vary from University to University.
- All AMBA accredited universities require a minimum of 3 years or above work experience and an age criteria of 25 years plus as a minimum age requirement.
Documents
- Attested copies of mark sheets of Std X, XII, and all the Bachelors degree semester wise marksheet and degree certificate. Edwise counsellors can attest these for you, on sighting the originals.
- At least, 2 Academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently. Once reference in case of UG application on the UCAS application form itself.
- If you have work experience then at least one work recommendation from the employer who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities.
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume.
- Photocopied score reports of IELTS / TOEFL / PTE
/ GMAT if available / required.
- Portfolio (in case of Students applying for art and design courses & Architecture programs).
- Others (Certificates / Achievements at the State and National Level and Miscellaneous extra curricular activities).
The Process
Applying for Undergraduate Courses
Applications are made only through UCAS (only 1 application can be made in an academic year).
It is an online application method.
One can apply to 5 different UK Universities on the same UCAS application form.
UCAS application fee and deadlines: The fee for applications is £12 for a single choice or £23 for multiple courses for most courses, the deadline to submit your application to UCAS is 15 January.
Final Deadline:
- Art and Design - 24th March
- Oxford / Cambridge -15th October
- Other Programs - 1st Deadline - 15th Jan : 2nd & Final Deadline - 30th June
Sandwich and Foundation Programs: Sandwich programs are made up of combinations of periods of study and time spent in industry. So the course duration extends to 4 years instead of the usual 3 years.
Foundation programes are of 1 year duration and are generally tailored for students as an alternative route to bridge between one own qualification and that which is required for entry for a degree program in a university / college.
Please note that it is advisable to meet the 1st deadline which is 15th Jan.
Students are strongly advised to apply sooner as the application process may take time due to Universities getting an overwhelming number of applications.
Applying for Post Graduate Programs
Application forms available at Edwise offices free of cost.
One can apply to numerous Universities with free guidance and assistance from expert counselor at Edwise Very few Universities charge an application process fee
Deadlines
- Certain universities have deadlines
- Most Universities do not have deadlines but it is advised to apply at least 6/8 months in advance (especially if applying to a Popular University).
Frequently asked questions
What are the key documents required for a UK student visa application?
UK student visa procedure involves submitting certain key documents that are necessary to obtain a visa. Here are the documents required:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Valid Passport
- Visa Application Form
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the Previous Visa (if applicable)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Academic Qualifications
- Financial Evidence
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if applicable)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Accommodation Details
- Additional Supporting Documents
- Proof of Parental Consent (if under 18)
- Proof of Relationship (if applicable)
Can I apply to multiple UK universities with one application?
UK admission process for Indian students does not allow the students to apply for multiple universities. Unlike common application forms made in USA, UK has separate forms for each university. Each university has different application system where the student needs to submit specific application. Each document, application has to be tailored as per the course and the university.
The students applying for British universities need to fill two forms in total- UCAS and university forms. In addition, the university websites needs to be checked regularly for admission deadline, application status, and scholarships.
How does the UCAS system work for applying to UK universities?
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a centralised admission portal in UK, which is a part of admission process to study in UK. UCAS is mainly applicable to the students who will be pursuing their under graduation.
- Visit the official website of UCAS: After reaching the website, select “UCAS hub”. Select the level of study. Post a, answer the questions asked.
- Complete the registration: Answer the questions asked. Make sure that all details filled are accurate.
- Academic and professional background: The second section of the form includes providing academic and employment background.
- The third part of the form is selecting the courses. The maximum limit of courses is five. Whereas, students applying for science and related fields can only apply for four courses at a take.
- After duel filling all the details, one can submit the form. At the end, the form will ask for references from teachers, professors and professions.
- Submit the form and wait for the decision
- When the results are declared, students will get either unconditional offer or conditional offer. Here, students with unconditional offer can proceed with applying for their course. Whereas, conditional offer holders need to undergo clearance.
Are there different application procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK?
UK admission process for Indian students is different for postgraduate and under graduation. Have an overview of the admission process of under graduation and post-graduation:
Under graduation:
- Students need to fill a common application form of Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
- Post filling the UCAS form, students are required to fill university specific forms. Students can fill up to 5 university forms for the same or different course
- After duel filling the form, personal statement or statement of purpose with the necessary documents have to be submitted.
- Based on the grades, a offer letter will be issues. The offer letter can be conditional or unconditional.
- After the declaration of results, the conditions mentioned in the conditional offer letter has to be fulfilled.
Post-graduation:
- Postgraduate students are required to apply directly through the university portal
- After filling the form, the students are required to submit all the documents.
- The university will carefully review all the documents and the eligibility of the student for the program
- Based on the decision of the university, students can proceed with the next step, i.e paying any additional fees or submitting extra documents.
What is the deadline for submitting UK university applications?
UK admission process is about to close for January intake. Those will wish to know or are yet to apply can note down the deadline for submitting the applications in the universities:
- Deadline for UCAS application: 15th January every year. The form is for all courses including arts, humanities and social sciences
- UCAS form deadline for arts and design courses: 24th March every year
- Last date for filling UCAS: 15th October every year.
How can I check the status of my UK university application?
Students who want to study in UK and have done with their application procedure from India, can check their application status through a number of ways:
- Application portal: For checking the status of the university, students’ needs to login in university portal. Most universities have a separate online portal where the application system can be accessed.
- Apart from checking the portal, email confirmation will be given from the university’s end after submitting the application. The email may contain instructions for tracking the application process.
- In addition, one can contact admission office through calls or emails.
- Certain universities contain conditional offers. If the offers are met, the university will provide the status of the application.
- If the application is complete through UCAS, you can log in into your UCAS account to check the application status.
- Deadline for the admission needs to be kept in mind. If the application goes beyond the deadline, the universities may find it difficult to process the application.
Are there any specific requirements for international students when applying to UK universities?
UK admission process for Indian students involves specific requirements set by the universities. The universities vary as per the level of study such as undergraduate and postgraduate. Some common requirements include:
- English language proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or course specific tests
- Portfolio (if applicable) if the student is pursuing graphic designing or creative courses.
- Reference letters from professors and colleagues
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) stating your academic background
- Personal statements
- Visa requirements
- Tuition fees
- Health insurance
Can I apply for scholarships along with my UK university application?
Yes, a student can choose to apply for scholarship and a course simultaneously. Though the process for both is different, here are some factors to be considered while applying for a British university:
- Research about the scholarship
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria of the scholarship
- Note down the application deadline of the scholarship
- Gather required documents
- After applying for scholarship, submit documents in the given portal
- Submit additional documents if asked fort
- Monitor the application system
What are the English language requirements for studying in the UK?
Study in UK requirements involves submitting the scores of English language proficiency. The students can choose to appear for any of the accepted and recognised entrance tests.
However, there are certain exemptions to the tests:
- If the student has graduated in English, the student can choose not to appear for the entrance test
- Applicants who belong to nations where English is the primary or national language are exempted
- Candidates who have performed well or have done specific course can be a exempt.
What are the common mistakes to avoid during the UK study application process?
Application process for UK universities can be competitive but one needs to make sure that there are no mistakes in the application. Here are some mistakes that can be avoided:
- Missing deadline: Late admissions results in application not been considered.
- Incomplete details: All details need to be provided accurately. Failing which can lead to the rejection.
- Generic personal statement: Tailor the personal statement according to the course and write details to the point, in brief. In addition, proofreading the statement is necessary.
- Overlooking additional documents: Be aware of the additional requirements such as portfolio (for creative courses) and entrance exams as a part of admission. In addition, reference letters for the same is necessary.
- Not researching enough about the university: Researching thoroughly about the reputation, faculty and facilities is a sign of showing genuine interest in studying at the university. In addition, universities accept students who are passionate about studying.
- Ignoring visa requirements: Ensure that all documents are up-to-date for smooth visa application process.
How to apply for university in UK for international students?
UK study process for international students is done through few simple steps that can be seen below:
- Fill the UCAs form (if applying for undergraduate program) or via UKPASS (if applying for master’s or doctorate programme)
- Fill all the details and apply for five programs at a go.
- Appear for English language proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or course specific test
- Submit all the necessary documents.
- After receiving university acceptance letter, apply for UK student visa. Simultaneously, start searching for accommodation options.
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Name : Pooja Das
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