This page shows you all the extra tips international applicants might need to know when making a UCAS undergraduate application.
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.
There’s an enormous range of subjects and courses in the UK, so there'll be something to suit your career goals and interests.
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You might need to take a specific English language test to get a place on a course.
If you need a student visa as well – which you can check on the gov.uk website – you might 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 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.
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.
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.
You can get a statement about how your qualifications compare to UK equivalents from UK ENIC (the UK’s National Information Centre).
You can also contact us or email qualsinfo@ucas.ac.uk.
Other English language tests, such as Trinity’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE), Pearson Test of English (PTE), TOEFL, and Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency tests are widely accepted by UK higher education providers.
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.
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.
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.