In the UK, degree courses tend to be very specialised, allowing students to focus on their chosen subject from their first day. However, there are others that allow you more flexibility in what you study – so when you start searching for courses make sure you read the course descriptions carefully, and click through to university websites for further information.
How to choose between different universities and colleges
There's hundreds of universities and colleges in the UK with different specialities. So rather than choosing a famous university, see where has the best courses for you.
Ask how many other international students or students from your country are studying there.
Find out if the university has cultural or social clubs you'd like to join.
Think about where you're going to live. Many first years will live in halls of residence, and each uni will let you know whether that’s guaranteed or not. There are other accommodation options available – check out our accommodation advice.
Refer to high quality education assured by QAA below.
Speak to me about moving abroad and settling in a new country, what it's like to study in the UK, and anything else relating to uni that you can think of.
Remember, you can always click on the 'Buddies' drop-down option to filter by country of origin if you'd find that helpful.
Visas and English language tests
You’ll need to prove your English language skills
You might need to take a specific English language test to get a place on a course.
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 your visa application. Check which English language tests your university or college is able to accept. This may be one of the secure English language tests (SELT) which must be taken in one of the SELT centres approved by the UK Home Office.
If you live outside the UK you’ll need to arrange a student visa – including if you’re an EEA or Swiss national coming to the UK.
If so, you’ll need to prove your English language skills, and make an application through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Your university or college will help you apply, and you can enter your passport details here on ucas.com when you fill in your application or after you've submitted it.
Most students apply independently – all the advice and help you need can be found here on ucas.com, or by asking us questions on Facebook or X.
Alternatively, you could choose to seek help from a local adviser – a member of staff at a school, college, university, advisory service or agency that provides information about studying in the UK.
They can sometimes help you with your UCAS application or visa application.
It’s your choice whether you use an adviser or not – they can offer valuable support, but if you don’t use an adviser you’ll not be disadvantaged in any way.
If the adviser is registered as a UCAS centre they'll have access to the best advice and can oversee your application through UCAS’ online system. These centres are widely considered as a trusted source of applications by universities and colleges.
Please note, some advisers may charge for their services if they're agents.
Missed the international deadline?
While the 15 October deadline is usually inflexible, don’t worry if you miss the January deadline – many universities and colleges will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, nearer the beginning of the course.
Don’t leave it too late though, because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.
How to use international qualifications to study in the UK
The qualifications required are often stated in UK terms, such as A Levels.
Don’t worry though – you can also use equivalent international qualifications that you’ve already completed or you’re working towards now.
This 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.
When you search for courses, don’t worry if the entry requirements don’t specify your qualifications – many course providers accept alternative equivalent qualifications. Check on the course provider’s website or contact them to find out.
You can get a statement about how your qualifications compare to UK equivalents from UK ENIC (the UK’s National Information Centre).
If you’re taking or have taken an English language test, you might be able to add the details here, so that universities and colleges can verify the results:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) registration number
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Report Form number
You’ll be able to enter your passport number as well, which will help you if you need to arrange a student visa. Don’t worry if you don’t have a passport yet – you can add your passport number after you’ve submitted your application.
It’s not possible to apply in an alternative language, but you can use some European characters in your personal details, personal statement, employment and referee details.
How to add your previous qualifications
Make sure you add as much detail as possible – including grades and results. Without enough information universities might struggle to make a decision.
Qualifications are listed by name and country, but don’t worry if yours isn’t there – just add it into the ‘other’ box.
How to prove your results for previous qualifications
You may have to send proof of your results in certificates or transcripts.
At UCAS, we’re able to send some of your results – including the International Baccalaureate – but for most international qualifications you’ll have to send them to the university or college yourself.
Different universities and colleges have different policies for how they want to receive results. Some might ask for them as soon as you apply – others might do their initial assessment of your application before asking to see proof of your results.
Fees can vary depending where you study and whether you’re from the EU or outside the EU.
Some EU students, including nationals of the Republic of Ireland or those with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status, may be able to apply for a student loan. Alternatively, any student may be able to find a scholarship.
You might be able to get financial support for teaching. Some EU students, including nationals of the Republic of Ireland or those with ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status, may be eligible for a teaching bursary – find out more from Student Finance England.
There's a lot of a support for international students in the UK. Many course providers have international offices and student societies, activities and academic guidance, plus counsellors and advisers to help you feel welcome and supported throughout your time in UK higher education.
Throughout the website you'll see notes like this one pointing out parts of the application process which are different for international applicants. Most of the process is the same, but there are extra considerations, like matching international qualifications to the UK equivalents and arranging visas. Look out for these notes and a list of all the tips posted throughout the website.
Before you start your course
Once you reply to any offers, you'll start to receive information from your chosen university or college. During this time, if you receive something which seems suspicious, please contact your university to check it.
Each course, and most universities and colleges, have different requirements – usually a mix of qualifications, subjects, or exam grades. Learn more about them here.
