Are you looking to apply to a UK University as an international learner? This may seem a daunting process, however we are going show just how easy it is! We have many learners each year study International A Levels through the college and progress onto University within the UK. Here are the steps below.
Why study within the UK?
First of all, why is the UK a consideration? You could be currently living in South Africa, Malaysia, Spain or the US. What makes you want to apply to a UK University and why is it so desirable to learners?
(1) Rankings in comparison to other Universities worldwide and standards
If you look at the top ten Universities worldwide, the UK makes the cut with Oxford, Cambridge and the University College London. These three are ranked among others such as Harvard, Stanford and Columbia. Whilst Oxford, Cambridge and the University College London have made the top ten, all UK universities must meet a standard level with their education and therefore whichever University you apply to within the UK, you can’t go too wrong.
(2) International Learners – you’re welcome in the UK!
Again, the UK falls within the top countries welcoming international learners to study. In 2022/23 there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities. 95,505 of whom were from the EU and 663,355 from outside the EU. This accounted for 26% of the total 3student population. Therefore as an international learner within the UK, you will be able to mix and interact with a large amount of other international learners and learn about their cultures and values.
(3) The UK is a great place to live
Whether you choose to study within London or another city such as York, Birmingham or Exeter, every city offers so much to learners. There are museums, shops, nightlife and attractions. You will also have great transport links to other cities.
(4) Work while you study
International learners who study a full-time degree course at a recognised university are usually eligible to work part-time during term time and full-time during the holidays.
(5) Develop your English skills
English is the third-most spoken native language and the most widely learned second language in the world. There are many courses available help learners improve their English skills in preparation for University within the UK.
Which course and University should I apply for?
Before you apply to a UK University, you will need to look at the study options on offer within the UK such as foundation degrees and undergraduate degrees. Different options provide alternative routes of study along with course flexibility.
The most important part of deciding on a course is knowing that you are going to enjoy learning about the subject in question and the career that it could potentially lead onto.
For help seeing which courses are available along with the Universities, you can visit UCAS which has a database of most degrees within the UK.
Entry requirements for UK courses
Once you have decided on the course, head over to the website for that university. Once you have found the course, the university should list what the entry requirements are. This is normally A Levels and sometimes they will ask for 3-4 A Levels with certain grades. It is also important to look out for other requirements such as IELTS or English as a Second Language IGCSE.
How to register and apply
You can apply to your chosen University via ucas.com. You can normally submit your UCAS application for September enrolment 12 months prior to the course start date. If you are applying for courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science, the deadline for this closes in the October prior to when you start the following September. All other applications close in the January prior to when you start in September.
What happens if I miss the UCAS deadline?
You can still apply to university after this date, however it is worth first checking with the University to see if there are places still available.
If you are an International or EU student, it is worth noting that many universities and colleges will continue to accept applications until later in the year, nearer the beginning of the course.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending on the course and university. On average, for an international learner studying an undergraduate degree in the UK, it can cost approximately £22,000 per year.
If you are an international non-EU student, it is unlikely you will be able to obtain a student loan of the UK government. Scholarships are the most popular form of funding available for EU and international learners. There are a large amount of scholarships to study within the UK and provided you can meet their criteria, the British Council provides a list of scholarships available.
Student visas
Before applying for a student visa, you will need to take some steps initially. These are as follows:
- Add your passport number to your UCAS application.
- Prove your English Language skills.
- Accept an unconditional offer for your course.
Most International learners will require a student visa in order to study within the UK. The cost per applicant is approximately £490 GBP. Students can apply via the UK government website.
As part of your visa application, you will also be required to pay the healthcare surcharge. This will entitle you to treatment under the NHS for free from the date your visa starts.
Arriving in the UK
Once you have put all the above in place, you will need to prepare for living in the UK. You will need to arrange accommodation as soon as possible in order to secure a room and a good location. You will also need to setup a UK bank account known as a current account. This way you will be able to pay for most things with a bank card whilst you are out and about.
Also become familiar with UK laws so that you don’t get into trouble. Here are some basic laws to help you out:
- No smoking in public buildings, restaurants, pubs or public transport.
- Vehicles drive on the left and keep an eye out for bicycles as well as cars and buses when crossing the road.
- It’s illegal to discriminate against anyone, including verbally, for their race, religion, gender, sexuality or any disability.
Hopefully this article has been helpful to anyone applying to the UK for a degree course. We wish you the best of luck and feel free to contact us with any questions.