How to Apply for Admission in UK Universities! Here See Step by Step Guide

United Kingdom is one of the biggest and most popular study abroad destination for students all around the world. Now USA is also very common choice among international students but UK has always been for centuries. Universities in United Kingdom are more popular and ancient. It is still the first choice of almost every students who wishes to acquire education in a foreign country.

If you wish to study abroad in a university of United Kingdom, you will definitely have to apply for admission first. Admission procedure in UK universities is a little different compared to other countries. All applications for admission in universities of UK are made through UCAS and this includes all the universities of UK. So, let’s start guiding you how you can apply in UK universities in step by step approach. First, you should know what exactly UCAS is.

• SEE ALSO: Complete UK Visa Guide

What is UCAS?

UCAS means Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. They are responsible for all admission applications made to all universities and some colleges of United Kingdom. It is the service where students apply and then those applications forwarded to the relative institute then they contact the students for further processing.

When to Apply for Admission?

You can submit an application form to UCAS any time between 1 September and 30 June of next year. If you wish to study in 2018, you can apply anytime between 1 September 2017 to 30 June 2018. However, it is better to apply as soon as possible.

Oxford and Cambridge University and most courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary have different deadline. You are required to apply by 15 October of 2017 if you wish to study in 2018. Now to the 1^st step of guide on application procedure of UK universities.

Step 1 -   Registration at UCAS:

Now that you know about UCAS, your work will start from the UCAS website. You will have to visit UCAS website and register yourself there. It is like creating an account like you do on Facebook, however, with additional information. This step is not very difficult because all you have to do is just provide the right information while registering yourself. Here is link UCAS Website.

Step 2 -   Select a Course:

This step is very important because most of your career depends on it. After creating the account you will have the option of choosing the course or courses you wish to study. The course you choose will be the one that you will be studying for at least next three years of life and will most probably make career in it. You don’t have to do it right away after creating the account. You can take your time just make sure to meet the deadline for admission. Make sure you choose it wisely keeping their importance and priority in consideration.  For example, I always liked the Computer Sciences field and programming, so, I am now studying BS Computer Sciences.

If you choose a course that you don’t like but only because it will give good earning in future or because your parents wants you to; you will regret it later. I have seen many of class fellows regretting their decision of choosing Computer Sciences field because they thought there are more jobs in it or because their parents deemed it right for them. Studying what you have no interest in require a great deal of effort and struggle.

Step 3 -   Select a University:

After the selection of the course, you will also have to decide where do you wish to study that course. There are hundreds of universities in United Kingdom of which you have to select that is best for you. Now the question is, how do you decide which institute is best you? I am here to help guide you in this matter, after all it is my job. You will also need to do a lot of research for this step. There are a few factors that you should keep in your mind that are:

1. Your Qualification’s Aggregate

You should know what scores are in academic fields. What was your percentage of CGPA in your last degree and how much you will be able to score in the competitive exams. It is an important thing to acknowledge that every institute has its own merit where you might not be able pass eligibility criteria. For example, not everyone can study in Oxford or Cambridge.

2. Your Budget

Every institute decides its own tuition fee for all students and programs and courses. Some universities might cost lesser than other some might cost you a fortune. You should select an institute that is financially in your range.

·         SEE ALSO: All the Cost and Expenses to Study Abroad in United Kingdom

3. Your City

There are many cities in United Kingdom where there are great universities. Some students have already decided which city they are going to. That is probably because they either have proper accommodation, job or a relative there.

·         Here SEE: Best Cities in United Kingdom for Education

4. University’s Rank

University ranking is a great blessing for international students. This way they know how the institute has performed the last years. It also helps you know which universities are out of your range i.e. Top universities (not necessarily though).

·         HERE SEE: Latest Ranked Top 100 Universities for 2018 by QS

5. Your Idea

Also keep in consideration the image you have in mind about the university. You don’t want to think that this university is nothing like you wanted after starting the classes.

Step 4 -   Fill and Submit the Application Form:

Good News is that you can apply for up to 5 courses and 5 universities in UCAS application form. This way, if you don’t get admission in one you still have other options. With the university and course, you will also be required to provide all of your personal and academic information. You will also have to write a Personal Statement in the form which is very important because it be a part of factors that will help university judge you. You can only write one Personal Statement for all courses so think careful and then write about it.

Step 5 -   Prepare all Documents Required by the Institute:

After you are done with selecting the course and university, you will submit the UCAS application form. That information will be sent to the university. They will then analyze the application and contact you. University will need your documents. So, prepare your following documents.

1.     All Mark Sheets of all Previous Education i.e. Intermediate and Matric

2.    Certificates of Previous Education i.e. Intermediate and Matric

3.    IELTS/TOEFL Certificate

4.    Additional Academic Certificates (if any)

5.    Character Certificate from the Last Institute

6.    Your Identity Card and Passport

7.    Reference Letter

8.    CV (in some cases)

Step 6 -   Pass Competitive Selection:

After all the previous steps, you will be required to pass a competitive exam. That test may be held by the institute or they can acquire the help of some testing service. After the test, there may also be conducted any interview by the university administration. These steps depend on the university. If you are lucky the may not even take any test otherwise you will have to go through the rough period of competitive exam and then harsh interview based on judging your personality.

• SEE ALSO: These are the Tests You Must Pass to Study Abroad

If you are selected by the university, they will the proof documents that you are accepted. You will Student Visa only if you have the proof that you are enrolled in a university of that country.

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Usama Ahmed Awan The Editor of StudyAbroad.pk, Usama is a BZU studied Software Engineer, now  a Teacher, Article Writer, Educational Counselor and Journalist. He has been  writing to assist students selecting the right career path.