International students can apply to UK universities through UCAS or directly to the university’s admissions office. They usually need to provide academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, and a personal statement.
For more information read below
International students who wish to study in the UK have two main options for applying to universities: through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) or directly to the university’s admissions office.
If applying through UCAS, students can choose up to five courses at different universities and submit a personal statement as well as academic transcripts and language proficiency test scores. The application fee for international students is £20 for a single choice or £26 for multiple choices.
Alternatively, students may choose to apply directly to individual universities. This method may require different application forms and fees depending on the institution.
It’s important for international students to note that there may be additional requirements for non-native English speakers, such as taking an English language proficiency test like the IELTS or TOEFL.
“In terms of global reach, higher education in the UK is definitely one of the success stories of the past 15 years,” says Simon Marginson, director of the Centre for Global Higher Education at the UCL Institute of Education.
Some interesting facts about international students studying in the UK:
- The UK is the second most popular destination for international students after the USA.
- The number of international students in the UK hit a record high of nearly 500,000 in the 2018/19 academic year.
- China is the largest source of international students in the UK, followed by India and the USA.
- International students contribute over £20 billion annually to the UK economy.
- The top subjects studied by international students in the UK are business management and mathematics.
- The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are both ranked in the top five universities in the world by QS World University Rankings.
Table:
| UCAS | Direct Application |
|---|---|
| Choose up to 5 courses for multiple choices | Apply only to 1 university at a time |
| Submit personal statement, academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores. | Submit individual required application forms depending on university. |
| Application fees of £20 (for a single choice) or £26 (for multiple choices) | Different application fees depending on the university. |
See a video about the subject
This video provides a comprehensive guide for international students on how to apply to UK universities in five steps. The process begins with creating an account on UCAS and entering personal details, grades, and courses applied for. The next steps involve providing a personal statement and a reference, paying the application fee, and submitting the application before the deadline. The video also explains how to choose firm and insurance choices once you receive conditional offers from universities and the importance of sticking to deadlines. Taking tests, preparing for interviews, and following up on decisions made via UCAS Track are also discussed.
There are other points of view available on the Internet
Applying to study in the UK is a straightforward process and we will guide you through it step by step.
- Decide on a university or college and course.
- Register and apply.
- Accept your offer.
- Arrange funding.
- Apply for a visa.
- Prepare for your stay.
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- Typically you’ll need UKVI IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all skills (or accepted equivalent)
- Some degrees and universities accept slightly lower English scores, while some require higher English scores.
- Create a UCAS profile.
- Choose degree program and university.
- Meet entry requirements.
- Write an outstanding personal statement.
- Submit your application.
- Obtain student visa.
- Meet financial requirements.