Applying to a UK University
Applying to a UK university is not an easy task for international students. Different educational and university systems sometimes can be difficult.
UCAS
All applications to UK universities are made through the UCAS website by completing the UCAS application form and uploading the required documents for registration.
UCAS will send the application to chosen universities. You can choose up to five universities.
In return, UCAS charges £13 in case the student applies for one university and one course. Whereas, the fee is £24 if the application is for multiple universities or courses.
Finally, if you decide to enrol at a UK university, you must apply to UCAS anytime between September 1 and June 30 of the year preceding the academic year in which you will begin your studies.
This is to ensure space availability and allow time for immigration, travel and accommodation.
UK University Requirements
As mentioned above, admission requirements for universities in the UK vary depending on the major, university degree and institution chosen. However, requirements common to most UK universities and colleges can be listed below:
The English language
For most schools and courses, the student’s level of proficiency (especially international) in English is the main criterion for entry into the courses available. To do this, students must pass one of the most commonly accepted English tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
How to take the IELTS test
Typically, you need a score of 6.5 to pass the IELTS test, with at least 6.0 per course accepted at most UK universities. As stated above, the best way to pass your test is to work hard to improve your English, including pronunciation, listening and writing.
In addition to the above, you should practice writing articles in the correct and clean language. The easiest way to develop this skill is to read academic English articles regularly. Try to take advantage of it by learning as many terms as possible, thus enabling you to write on any topic.
It should be noted that sometimes the success of one of these tests may be insufficient, especially in complex disciplines that require a particular academic or technical language. In this case, you may need to study English in the UK independently, to follow the academic education.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate is one of the most important requirements for admission to UK universities. While some colleges in the UK only want to know the degree obtained in scientific disciplines (mathematics, physics, science), others place great importance on the bachelor’s degree.
Personal Statement
All applicants to universities in the UK must send personal statements with UCAS applications. Writing a personal statement is a challenge for any student, especially for those who apply to prestigious universities like Oxford, and Cambridge of UCL.
Cost of studying in the UK
Tuition fees in the UK are known to be high compared to other developed countries. However, the cost of the study is not the same in all universities and specialities, where we find that:
Specialities such as humanities and social sciences are the least expensive:
- Starts from £ 9,250 per year.
- Scientificspecialitiess requiring laboratory and clinical studies:
- Starts between almost £10,000 and £ 38,000 per year.
- The fees increase with the degree of study and with the popularity and leadership of the chosen university.
Although these costs can be high, most UK universities have shorter courses than countries like America, with an average bachelor’s degree taking three years instead of four and one year master’s instead of two.
