Well-known for the quality of education and breadth of opportunity they provide to graduates, UK universities constitute just under 25% of the top 100 QS world-ranked universities. As a result, applications to study at many UK universities are competitive due to the wide variety of excellent candidates who apply from the world over.

To support students applying to UK universities, we are publishing a series of articles on the preparation and work required during the application and admissions process in order to secure a university place. In this article, we discuss how applications to UK universities differ for international students.

Most of your application will follow the same process as an application from a UK student. Undergraduate applications will still be submitted through UCAS whereas a postgraduate application will still be submitted directly to the university, via their website.

As an international student, you should allow yourself more time by submitting your application well before the deadline, particularly if you want to study at one of the UK’s top universities. This will strengthen your application’s chance of success.

There are a number of additional elements international students will need to consider when applying to a UK university, including equivalent qualifications, English language requirements and visa and immigration information. Below you will find a summary of the key ways that your application will differ as an international student.

Equivalent Qualifications & Grades

When you check a university website course page for details of how to apply, you will find that the qualifications required for entry are stated in UK terms, such as A levels. Most university websites will state alternative qualifications they accept, including international qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate) as well as national qualifications for different countries.

If your qualifications and grades required are not stated then you should contact the admissions department of the university to enquire whether they will accept your qualifications and what grade you need for entry to your course. If you require a ‘statement of comparability’, you can purchase one from UK NARIC.

When providing evidence of your qualifications and grades achieved, you will most likely need your documents certified by a professional authority, before sending them. If part of your evidence is not in English then you will also require an official notarised translation of the document. As universities may ask for additional documents after you have submitted your application, it is best to submit all of your evidence with plenty of time in advance.

English Language Requirements

Unless your prior education has been in a majority English speaking country, you will also need to provide proof of your English language skills. This requirement varies from university to university so it is important to check the English language requirement section on their website as well as the grade required for the course.

To provide proof of your English language skills, you will need to take a specific English language test to ensure your place on a course. The most commonly accepted language tests are:

• IELTS Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• C1 Advanced

• PTE Academic

These tests are performed in most countries around the world on a regular basis. It is advisable to book early and prepare however. Some of them can be taken as many times as you like whereas others have certain specific restrictions. The test certificate can be submitted with the rest of the application or after it is submitted. When a university makes you an offer, part of the conditions will be the English language requirement if you have not already satisfied it. Many universities will also offer a pre-sessional English course to support students to meet their English language requirement.

UK Student Visa

As an international student outside the EU/EEA, you will require a UK student visa. You can find information on how to apply for a UK student visa here. You may also need to take an English language test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If you do, and if you receive an offer for a place on a course, the university will help support you with completing this for your visa application.

For international students applying via UCAS, a wealth of information is available for international students here. For more advice or for a free personalised university application plan, contact our team at info@libraeducation.co.uk.

We hope that this article will provide you with greater preparation for your applications to study at university in the UK and help portray you as a prime candidate for your intended course and university. We wish you success in this next exciting stage of your academic career.