UCAS for International Students 2024 Entry

Studying in the UK presents numerous and exciting opportunities. Applying through UCAS for international students is the first step on your journey. UCAS for international students is the same for UK applicants. There are a few things you should bear in mind, however, if you are applying to a UK university through UCAS for international students.

What is UCAS?

UCAS a non-profit charity that centralises applications to British universities and colleges for higher education, also offering valuable advice and information on the application process. If you are applying for an undergraduate degree programme, you will send your application through UCAS, and can also do so for some postgraduate courses. At undergraduate level, you are allowed to apply to a maximum for 5 courses at one time. In 2019, UCAS processed approximately 706,000 applications, 140,000 of which were from international students. Of these, 540,000 applicants gained places on courses, with 77,000 international applicants also being accepted.

Why should you study in the UK in 2024?

The UK attracts the world’s second-largest number of international students – more than 430,000 each year. So why is the UK so attractive to students? In terms of higher education, many of the UK’s institutions rank amongst the best and oldest universities in the world, with reputations and academic standards to match. There is an incredible amount of choice in what to study too – at undergraduate level, there are over 300 universities and colleges with around 40,000 courses to choose from, so make the most of this. You can use the UCAS course search to explore all of what is on offer. You can apply to the leading institutions from all around the UK – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – all with their own unique history and flavour.

Due to its deep history and high standards of academic excellence, degrees from the UK are highly respected around the globe. Because of this, a British degree greatly strengthens your CV and will boost your employability in whatever career sector you want to go into!

By studying in the UK, you will not only get to experience its varied and rich culture, but you will also be exposed to multiple different cultures. Thanks to the many students who study here from abroad, student life at the UK’s universities is incredibly diverse – campuses across the country are marked by their vibrancy.

Not only will you receive a first-class and world-leading education, but you will also have the opportunity to work here during your time of study. Depending on the course programme, many students have time to get a part-time job or even undertake an internship to further enhance their personal and professional development alongside their studies. Some courses in fact encourage their students to get internships, experiences which will improve your employability prospects.

If you will graduate from the summer of 2023, you will now also have the opportunity to get a post-study visa, which will allow you to work in the UK for two more years!

Although international students are not able to benefit from the British Government’s Student Loan Scheme, as a valued part of the student community, there is plenty of support on offer through grants, bursaries, and scholarships. Most course descriptions will include information on what financial support you can access, and if not, don’t hesitate to look at the university’s website or call them up.

UCAS fees international students

There are also financial benefits to studying here. Compared to the fees of some universities in the world, British undergraduate fees can often be cheaper. Degrees here tend to be shorter too, normally lasting three or four years, and you only need one year to complete Master’s in fulltime study.

To see exactly how much your undergraduate degree will cost, look at the course description and university website.

UCAS for international students In 2024

How to choose what to study

One of the greatest features of degree programmes in the UK is that they allow you to specialise early on. Whilst most courses will include compulsory modules which all students are required to take, they will also allow you to pick from a huge array of specialised topics. Use the UCAS search tool to find courses that best suit you. Course descriptions will give you a good idea about what you can expect to study, and you can find out more by going to the university website.

A good place to start when choosing a university course is to think about what subject you love studying, or if there is a particular career path you want to take. To be a doctor, for example, you need to study Medicine. Many subjects will also help you develop the transferable skills future employers will look for, so think carefully. But remember, it is ok not to know what you want to do after graduation! Pursing a subject that you love is often the best way to ensure you will work hard and enjoy your time at university.

It may be tempting to simply apply to the most famous universities. These universities are often famous for very good reasons and are very good universities. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that institutions tend to specialise in something, so if you’re truly passionate about your subject (which you should be!) it may be best to look for the best courses. Course content varies across universities, even if they are offering the same subject, so make sure you thoroughly research before applying.

It might also be a good idea to investigate how other international students have found studying in the UK. See what clubs and societies the university has to offer if this is important for you – many have societies for students from the same country. Also, have a think about where you will live if you get accepted. Some universities guarantee first-year students a place in halls of residence, but double-check this!

UCAS points for international students

If you’ve already had a look at what courses are on offer, you may have noticed that the course requirements are normally expressed in terms of British qualifications such as A-Levels. Don’t worry – you can still apply to university if you haven’t taken British secondary education qualifications! Any exams you’ve already taken at school, or exams you are currently working towards, are completely valid. If you’re not sure whether you meet the entry requirements for a course, contact with the course provider and speak to an admissions tutor.

One international qualification that is recognised in entry requirements for many courses is the IB. In 2016, 159,000 students from around the world took IB Diploma programme exams, including students in the UK.

You may have noticed that on the entry requirements for some courses mention IB point scores alongside A-Level grade requirements, and may even specify scores for certain subjects. About a third of UK universities also use the tariff system, where qualifications are translated into numerical scores. For example, here are the points achieved from IBO Certificates at Higher Level.

If you’re not sure what your exam results and qualifications mean, contact the university – they will be able to help!

UCAS application for international students

Like student applying from the UK, you can only apply to 5 choices through UCAS. This means that you only send off one application through UCAS to all 5 choices – you don’t have to send each one out separately.

Your application will include some personal information, your qualifications and exam results, a personal statement, and a reference. Once you have submitted your application, you can keep up to date on its progress via ‘Track’, the platform UCAS use to show you what’s happening with your application, and where any offers will be shown.

If English isn’t your first language, it is like you will have to prove your language abilities. You can include any you’ve already taken as part of your application. If you’re not sure, check with the university as to how they want you to prove your language skills – they may ask you to take a specific test.

You will likely require a student visa. To find out if you do, go to the gov.uk website. Some visas require applicants to take language tests.

You cannot apply in another language. All your supporting documents and information must be in English – this is the language you will be studying in after all. Some European characters are allowed to be used, however.

Make sure you include all your qualifications where applicable. You will be able to select them from a list which is organised by name and country. If you can’t find yours there, you can include it in the ‘other’ box.

Don’t forget that you need to include a reference in your application. This is essentially a letter of recommendation provided by a teacher or supervisor, or former teacher or employer, to confirm that you will be a good student. The best references come from those who know you best. If their first language isn’t English, you can use our proofreading and editing services to polish off your reference before submitting it. You can also get your English teacher to help your referee write the reference.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to and love for your subject, as an international student, you will also need to explain why you want to study in the UK particularly. What is it about the UK which has prompted you to want to study here? Along with any other skills and achievements you have gained, you should also mention any English courses or tests you’ve taken, or give detailed evidence to prove you are proficient in English.

Also, think about why you have chosen to study in the UK as opposed to your home country – what opportunities does the UK present?

If you are applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or to study Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Science/ Medicine, you need to apply by the 15th of October. If not, the next deadline is in January. Check the course details to see when your exact deadline is – it may vary between institution and subject. Most places will accept applications from international students after the January deadline, but it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible so you can organise any accommodation and sort out your visa.