Have you considered applying to a UK-based university? If you answered yes, then this article is for you. In this article, we’ve provided a simple guide to help you apply easily to UK-based universities. There are clear-cut information that will aid you in the process of successfully completing your application to a chosen university in the UK.

There are several reasons why students choose to study in the UK. The United Kingdom is considered as one of the top study abroad locations. As a matter of fact, the UK offers an excellent educational infrastructure with advanced teaching and research methodologies.

Here are some reasons to study in the UK:

• You will receive qualifications from internationally recognized universities.
• The UK is home to students from over 150 countries. This, you will be exposed to multiple cultures.
• You can volunteer or work part time jobs in various organizations while studying, thereby honing your skills which can be added to your portfolio later on.
• You can choose to apply to various scholarship opportunities available in the UK.

Before we proceed further on how to apply to UK-based universities, let’s quickly observe few questions frequently asked by students.

Is it Easy to Access Universities in the UK?

It can be quite difficult to access the top 10 universities in the UK. To do so, you must have a high GPA, with great essay and recommendation. However, it’s very easy to access the top 30 or 50 UK-based universities. Regardless of the degree you wish to obtain, you can get into a UK-based university as long as you meet the minimum requirements of the university.

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Can I Apply to UK Universities for Free?

Often times, applying to a UK-based university can be quite expensive. However, not all universities in the UK have application for international students. Here’s a few of them:

• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• University of Cambridge
• University College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Warwick
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds
• University of Sheffield

What Qualifications do You Need to Enroll in a UK-based University?

The entry requirements to a UK-based university varies for international students. The program or course you are enrolling in will determine the entry requirements to the school. Thus, you must properly inquire to the course or program you are considering.

What Exam is Required to Study in the UK?

Regardless of your university or course, there are vital tests you must take. In other words, you will not be admitted to the university if your application does not pass the special exam required for enrollment. One of such special exams is the English language proficiency test. 

To be accepted in any UK-based university, you must have a good level of English language understanding. Here’s a few accepted tests of English language proficiency:

– TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

– IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Is There an Age Limit for Studying in the UK?

You can apply for a student visa if you are 16 years of age or older.

In applying to study in the United Kingdom, you must know this first: All applications to any UK-based university must be done through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service often called UCAS.

Here’s a 5 step guide to apply to a University in the UK.

Step 1: Meet All Requirements

You must ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. You will need a valid passport, an English language qualification, proof of how you will finance your studies, a tuberculosis test (depending on your country).

Step 2: Select a Course, Then Universities

Unlike the US system where you have to submit special application to a particular university, in the UK you have to first choose a course, then write a personal statement and apply to about 5 universities. Once you have selected a course, search for a university offering that course on UCAS and note the unique code of the various universities you have chosen.

Step 3: Apply Through UCAS

On the UCAS website, you will need to fill out your personal information, including the UCAS codes you collected while searching for universities. At the moment, UCAS charges about £13 — £15 on your application to just one university and course. But for application to multiple universities or courses, UCAS charges about £24 — £27.

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If successful, you will receive your Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) form. This virtual document contains a unique reference number sent by the university that accepted you. This unique number must not be lost, as it will be needed while applying for a student visa. 

Step 4: Apply for Your Student Visa

Before applying for a student visa you will need to pay a £150 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to be eligible to receive free healthcare for the duration of your study. This payment can be made online. Afterwards, apply for your student visa. This can be obtained through an online application.

Step 5: Go for Your Visa Interview

After you application to obtain your student visa, you will be invited for a visa interview where you will be asked certain questions concerning the university you applied to, course of study, even your financial status. Ensure you have all your documents. Also, be outspoken in English as you speak.

Now, you can begin making plans to travel to the UK. Ensure you speak to the university concerning your accommodation. Also, don’t forget to keep all your documents in place where it can be easily accessed upon request at immigration.

Also, kindly note that all information contained in this article are correct at the time of writing. However, the information is subject to change. Thus, you mut check with your university and the UK embassy if need be.

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