The UK university application process

 

If you want to study at a UK university, you must submit your application through UCAS. By applying with Graduateplace though, we can help you choose from thousands of courses and hundreds of universities, colleges, and language schools located all over the UK with our free university application support.

 

Applying with Graduateplace

 

1. First consultation

Our expert consultants will explain the process of applying to a UK university and discuss your study and career goals.

 

2. Choose where you want to study

 

Your consultant will assess your academic background and suggest three universities where you will be able to secure offers.

 

3. Create your application

 

We will review your personal statement, CV, reference letters and application forms prior to submission, ensuring there are no mistakes.

 

4. Check your English level

 

An IELTS practice test will allow our experienced English teaching staff to assess your current English level. We will review the results and advise you on how best to reach your target IELTS score.

 

5. Receive your university offer

 

You will receive conditional or unconditional offers, and we will assist you in making the right choice.

 

University Supporting Documents

 

Whether applying to study in the UK alone or visiting Graduateplace for your free consultation, use the checklist below to ensure you have all the right supporting documents to help make the most of your appointment and application.

 

Required Documents

 

Undergraduate

 

• Copy of passport/visa (if available)
• Academic transcript
• Certificate of graduation
• Certificate of English proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test/Other
• Personal statement
• Reference letters
• CV (if applicable)

 

Postgraduate

• Certificate of graduation/bachelor’s degree

 

PhD/Research

• Certificate of graduation/master’s degree
• Research proposal

 

Previous UK Education History

• Previous CAS letter
• Confirmation of enrolment
• Previous visas (Visa stamp and biometric card)

 

Personal Statement

 

A personal statement is required when applying to UK universities. In it, students are tasked with writing about what they hope to do on the course, what they hope to do after the course and why they are applying.

 

Reference Letters

 

References are usually written by someone who knows you academically or professionally. Most references will talk about you from a teacher’s or supervisor’s perspective: the way in which you interact with other students and your performance in classes and seminars.

Your reference does not have to be academic, but if you’re studying or have recently completed school or college, an academic reference is expected. Choosing the right referee is crucial for your application to university. Things to consider:

• Choose an appropriate referee
• Print on official company or university letterhead
• Explain the relationship between you and the referee
• Express confidence that you will complete the course
• Don’t forget the signature of the referee

 

 

Your UCAS Application

UCAS Application Help for International Students

 

Almost all students wishing to study an undergraduate degree in the UK need to apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

Students can select five universities per application and must also supply a personal statement. Once you have submitted your UCAS application, universities will consider your offer before informing you of their response.

It is vital you understand the UCAS application process fully and choose the right institutions to apply to. Graduateplace will:

• Introduce schools and courses
• Help you decide on five UK universities and courses to apply to
• Create your UCAS application
• Review and edit your personal statement
• Add a reference to UCAS and send your application
• Fully track your application once in the UCAS database

 

Financial support for international students

 

If you are an international student from outside the European Union and wish to study in the UK, you are eligible to apply for and receive funding.

 

How much are international tuition fees?

 

Fees for international students vary depending on the university and the length and type of course. Social science and humanities courses can cost as little as £10,000 per year, but if a student wishes to pursue a medicine programme – where there is huge demand for limited places – this can rise to £35,000.

 

What is the cost of living in the UK?

 

The average cost of living in the UK is around £15,000 per year in London and £12,000 in the rest of the country. This means the average international student can expect to spend between £24-26,000 per year on living and studying in the UK.

 

Does personal finance affect my visa application?

 

International students must be able to prove they can afford to live and study in the UK before they are granted a Tier 4 (General) student visa. Students in London must be able to budget £1,265 for each month of their stay, while students in the rest of the UK must be able to show they can cover £1,015 worth of costs.

 

Scholarships for international students in the UK

 

Graduateplace can help international students interested in studying in the UK secure scholarships, bursaries and funding. We have been issued a number of scholarships for international students who use our services.