- Where to start?
- Step 1: Choosing courses
- Step 2: Applying
- Step 3: Offers
- Step 4: Results
- Step 5: Next steps
- Step 6: Starting university or college
- UCAS terms explained
- UCAS Tariff
- Student finance
- Important dates
- Events
- News
Further information about higher education and working in the UK
English language courses
Most universities and colleges provide English language courses and other forms of support to help you with your studies. The British Council also provides information about English language support.
You may want to take English classes when you arrive in the UK - for more information see EnglishUK. If you are also interested in improving your academic listening skills, EASE (Essential Academic Skills in English), may be able to help. In addition, you may find Prepare for Success useful as it is a website which provides information on preparing for many aspects of academic life in the UK.
Working in the UK after your studies
From 30 June 2008, the International Graduates Scheme and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme ceased to exist. They have been replaced by Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) under the new Points Based System. The relevant Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules has been published (see paragraphs 245V-245ZA under the heading Tier 1 (post study work) migrants for the basic provisions) although the more detailed guidance is not yet available. You must have successfully completed your studies in the UK, as before, and you must have studied with either student or dependant immigration permission. You will also have to provide some financial guarantees. (Information extracted from the UKCISA website - see www.ukcisa.org.uk).
View the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.
You might find the NASES (National Association of Student Employment Services) website useful - the site helps international students with employment-related issues, such as how to create a successful CV and apply for vacancies. Your own university or college careers service will be able to help you with any work or further study matters.
Other sites that can help
Unistats
Unistats is a website that can help you to research subjects and universities before deciding where to apply.
You can compare subjects, universities, colleges and UCAS points as well as look at student satisfaction ratings and explore the figures about getting a graduate job after completing a course.
Unistats has the results of the National Student Survey and also statistical information on universities, colleges, subjects and teaching style.
yougofurther.co.uk
You can also join yougo, a student-only networking site where you can meet people doing your course, or going to your university or college before you start. You can create your own profile page and take advantage of the student-only areas, such as discussion forums, and talk to UCAS, universities and colleges, who all have profile pages on yougo to help you make the big decisions.