Applying to study in the UK An introduction to UCAS 1

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Applying to study in the UK

An introduction to UCAS

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Why choose the UK for your studies?

• The UK has a long history of welcoming

international students

• Every year 110,000 people from outside the

UK apply through UCAS

• UK Qualifications are recognised and

respected throughout the world

• A UK degree will ensure you are well-placed to

secure global employment

• British universities and colleges provide a

multicultural, diverse, creative and inviting

environment

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Higher education in the UK

• Number of institutions

• Number of courses

• Number of students

accepted in 2012

• Over 12% of these were

international students

300+

35,000

464,910

57,519

• Teaching Excellence

• Essential Skills

• English Language

• Iconic Culture

• Creative Industries

• Multicultural society

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About UCAS

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What is UCAS?

• UCAS is the organisation responsible for connecting people to UK higher education

• You can apply for up to five different courses on one UCAS application

Applications are made online at www.ucas.com

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The UCAS Website• Research courses• Find out about universities

and colleges• Read blogs from international

students• See entry requirements• Make and track your

application

• UCAS Tariff• Guidance

• Statistics • Parents Advice

Plus...• Video guides

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Research – Additional sources• UCAS Publications• Open Days/Taster Courses• British Council events• Unistats – unistats.direct.gov.uk• Meeting uni/college reps in your own

country

Or find us online at:

• www.facebook.com/ucasonline • www.twitter.com/ucas_online • www.youtube.com/ucasonline www.ucasconnect.com/blogs

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When to apply

1 September First day for receipt of applications

15 October Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry, Oxford or Cambridge

15 January Advisory application deadline

24 March Many art & design courses (check each course for deadline)

30 June Applications after this date held for Clearing

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The UCAS Application

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The UCAS application process

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References can be done by your school or college, or by someone who knows

you well.

Every applicant has to complete:

• Personal details• Student finance (UK and EU only)• Choices• Education• Employment• Personal statement• A reference

Making a UCAS application

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Personal Statement• Gives you the chance to tell universities and colleges why they should

want you as a student

• Every personal statement should be unique. Just keep in mind that it’s your chance to sell yourself

• What you might include:

• Why you want to study in the UK• Evidence to show you can complete a higher education course taught in

English• Examples of leadership, communication skills or other relevant

experience• Any preparation you have done for the course

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Institutions may also request an

interview, ask to see your portfolio or

ask you to take admissions tests

Decision - making by institutions

An admissions tutor may make one of three decisions:

• Unconditional offer• Conditional offer• Unsuccessful

Or they may offer a place on an alternative course

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TrackYou can see what’s happening with yourapplication, like whether you’ve received anyoffers and the replies you’ve made.

• Enables you to follow the progress of your application (24/7, access via password)

• Quickest way to find out about new offers• Shows choices, offers, personal information• You can reply to offers online

Track is our online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application

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Applicant replies to offers

• Once the final decision has been

received from your chosen institutions,

a maximum of two offers may be held.

• Applicants have a choice of three reply

options:

• Firm acceptance – Your first choice

• Insurance acceptance – Optional. Acts

as a back-up

• Decline the offer

If all decisions and replies are made and you are not holding a place, you may be able to use UCAS Extra or Clearing to find available places. See www.ucas.com for details.

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Other things to consider

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English language requirements

• The university or college you choose will tell you what standard of English you need

• Most will require you to demonstrate proficiency in English or take an English language test

• Look at their website or contact their admissions or international office to find out which tests are acceptable

Available tests include ESOL, IELTS and TOEFL

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Other things to consider

• Finance – Course fees, travel and living costs

• Immigration/visas – visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

• Travel – to and from your country, and within the UK

• Accommodation – Uni halls or private residences?

...are you ready to ‘go it alone’?

Living away from home...

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Or call our Customer Contact Centre on:

+44 330 333 0230

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday

8:30 – 18:00 (UK time)

For more information

Ask us a question online: www.ucas.com

Or find us on: