Entry requirements will vary widely depending on the subject, the specific course, and the course provider. When researching any university course, it’s important to check the entry requirements thoroughly.
As an international student, it's likely you may also have to prove you are proficient in speaking English, so check out the ‘English language requirements’ section below.
Qualifications, subjects, and exam grades – Courses will usually have a minimal level of qualification you need to achieve to be considered for the course. The qualifications required are often stated as UK qualifications – for example, A Levels. But don’t worry – you can also use equivalent qualifications you’ve already completed, or you’re currently working towards.
The UK undergraduate application process is different to how some countries manage applications for higher education. In the UK your school or college can provide predicted grades for qualifications you’re studying now that lead to higher education. That way you can apply earlier in the year to increase your chances of getting a place.
Many course providers accept international qualifications that are the equivalent to UK requirements. Check the course university's website or contact them to find out. You can also get a statement about how your qualifications compare to UK equivalents from UK ENIC (the UK’s National Information Centre), or contact the UCAS Qualifications Hotline on +044 371 468 0472 (or 0371 468 0472 if you’re calling from inside the UK) or qualsenquiries@ucas.ac.uk.
You might see something referred to as UCAS Tariff points on some UK undergraduate entry requirements. As an international student you don’t need to worry about these, but if in doubt please contact the university you're applying to.
Personal skills and interests – Some UK undergraduate courses may also include course descriptions that mention skills, interests, or experience, so look out for these details because applications can be quite competitive.
An admissions test – Some undergraduate courses may require you to complete an admissions test as part of their entry requirements. This is less common, but check the course requirements to see if you’ll need to sit one. Some tests are held the year before the course start date.
An interview – Some undergraduate courses require you to interview with the university. For an undergraduate application, if you're invited to an interview, you’ll be notified in the UCAS hub or by the university.
Further requirements – It’s possible there may be health, financial, or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks, which check if you have a criminal record. This information will be set out in the course details, and we provide tips and guides to help you with these requirements.
English Language requirements
As an international student you’ll also need to demonstrate your English language skills, so check with universities and colleges how they want you to do this.
If you need a student visa, its likely you'll need to take an English language test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If so, and if you get a place on a course, your university or college will let you know what to do and will help with the visa process.
Gov.uk is the best place to keep up to date with anything student visa related, including details approved English language tests.
Entry requirements for a UK postgraduate course
Entry requirements for postgraduate courses may be more detailed and specific than those for undergraduate courses. If you're applying for either a taught or research-based course, universities will be looking for:
- Strong evidence of your interest in your chosen field.
- Sustained commitment to research (at undergraduate level) and the ability to work independently and in a team.
- Realistic expectations of what can be achieved in your studies.
- Evidence from other training, experience, and study that you have the requisite academic skills to cope with the course (this is particularly important for mature applicants or those who do not meet the normal entry requirements).
- Indication that you have the requisite motivation to take on a new discipline in a short space of time if completing a conversion course.
Some entry requirements are applicable for all postgraduate qualifications. This helps both you and your chosen university check you’re ready for the level of study a postgraduate qualification requires.
- MA/MSc/MRes/MPhil – You will normally need at least a 2:2 in a relevant undergraduate or ‘Bachelors’ degree. Subject requirements vary depending on the course. Some courses require a degree in a science related subject, while others have more flexible requirements. Industry experience may also be required for certain courses. Other qualifications equivalent to a degree and relevant experience may also be taken into account by some universities.
- PhD – As above, you require a minimum of a 2:1 in a relevant degree (other equivalent qualifications may be considered), although many courses also require a master’s degree. You will also be expected to submit a research proposal detailing the scope of your study.
You can read more about subject specific postgraduate entry requirements on ucas.com