Tips for international applications

There’s an enormous range of subjects and courses in the UK, so there'll be something to suit your career goals and interests.

1. Search for courses and see what you like best.
2. Each university and college has different specialities, so see which is most suitable for you.
3. Check that employers or professional organisations in your country will accept the qualification you choose.
4. Make sure the course covers the subject you want to study to help you in your chosen career.

More on how to choose between courses

• Ask how many other international students or students from your country are studying there.
• Find out if the university has cultural or social clubs you'd like to join.
• Remember to check entry requirements in the course descriptions to see what you need to do to get a place on a course.
• Think about where you're going to live. Many first years will live in halls of residence, and each uni will let you know whether that’s guaranteed or not. There are other accommodation options available – check out our accommodation advice.
• Refer to high quality education assured by QAA below.

Most students apply independently – all the advice and help you need can be found here on ucas.com, or by asking us questions on Facebook or X. 

• They can sometimes help you with your UCAS application or visa application.
• It’s your choice whether you use an adviser or not – they can offer valuable support, but if you don’t use an adviser you’ll not be disadvantaged in any way.
• If the adviser is registered as a UCAS centre they'll have access to the best advice and can oversee your application through UCAS’ online system. These centres are widely considered as a trusted source of applications by universities and colleges.
• Please note, some advisers may charge for their services if they're agents.

The UK education sector has an Agent Quality Framework (AQF) in place, a suite of tools and guidance to enhance the experience of international students working with education agents and counsellors to apply to study in the UK. 

As well as providing agents, counsellors, and higher education providers with training on best practice in international student recruitment and support, the AQF also includes a guide for international students and their parents on choosing an education agent.

The guide outlines the help an education agent should provide you with, what to look for when selecting an agent, and the key questions you should ask your agent. It also highlights the UK’s global database of certified counsellors, which lists all agents and counsellors who have been certified for their knowledge and awareness of the UK as a study destination through British Council training, and hold a certificate and the ‘I am a UK Certified Counsellor’ digital badge.

Visit the British Council website for information on the AQF and to read the student and parent guide.
 

While the 15 October deadline is usually inflexible, don’t worry if you miss the January deadline – many universities and colleges will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, nearer the beginning of the course.

Don’t leave it too late though, because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.

The qualifications required are often stated in UK terms, such as A Levels.

Don’t worry though – you can also use equivalent international qualifications that you’ve already completed or you’re working towards now.

• This is different to how some countries manage applications for higher education. In the UK your school or college can provide predicted grades for qualifications you’re studying now that lead to higher education. That way you can apply earlier in the year to increase your chances of getting a place.
• When you search for courses, don’t worry if the entry requirements don’t specify your qualifications – many course providers accept alternative equivalent qualifications. Check on the course provider’s website or contact them to find out.

You can get a statement about how your qualifications compare to UK equivalents from UK ENIC (the UK’s National Information Centre).

You can also contact us or email qualsinfo@ucas.ac.uk.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) registration number
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Report Form number

Other English language tests, such as Trinity’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE), Pearson Test of English (PTE), TOEFL, and Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency tests are widely accepted by UK higher education providers.

You’ll be able to enter your passport number as well, which will help you if you need to arrange a student visa. Don’t worry if you don’t have a passport yet – you can add your passport number after you’ve submitted your application.

It’s not possible to apply in an alternative language, but you can use some European characters in your personal details, personal statement, employment and referee details.

• Make sure you add as much detail as possible – including grades and results. Without enough information universities might struggle to make a decision.
• Qualifications are listed by name and country, but don’t worry if yours isn’t there – just add it into the ‘other’ box.

1. Why you want to study in the UK
2. Your English language skills and any English courses or tests you’ve taken
3. Why you want to be an international student rather than study in your own country

You may have to send proof of your results in certificates or transcripts.

At UCAS, we’re able to send some of your results – including the International Baccalaureate – but for most international qualifications you’ll have to send them to the university or college yourself.

Different universities and colleges have different policies for how they want to receive results. Some might ask for them as soon as you apply – others might do their initial assessment of your application before asking to see proof of your results.

How to send your results to universities