How to apply to study in the UK

Once you’ve decided on your shortlist of universities and programmes, it’s time to check the application requirements of each institution. You’ll need to submit a range of documents to prove that you are eligible for study. 

Depending on whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you’ll be required to submit your information through different processes. Check the individual university websites for details.  

You’ll typically be required to provide your educational qualifications, an application essay (or personal statement in the UK), a reference from a previous lecturer or tutor who can approve your suitability for the programme, and proof of your English Language proficiency if English isn’t your first language. Find out more about English language tests.  

Once you’ve collected your documents and have made a note of the application deadlines for each institution, you can apply!  

Apply for undergraduate study with UCAS 

In the UK, all undergraduate applications are submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses at once and UCAS handles everything for you. There is a small fee, but it’s very simple to use. 

You can submit all your information into UCAS via your dashboard, including your personal statement which gives you the opportunity to show who you are and why you will thrive on the programme. It’s one of the most important ways for you to stand out from the crowd and give the programme leaders a sense of who you are and what you want to achieve.  

You’ll also provide a reference from somebody who can approve your suitability for the programme, like a schoolteacher or tutor. It’s helpful to reach out to your referrer in advance, so they have enough time to write a meaningful reference before the deadline.  

Once you submit your applications, you can track your progress on the UCAS website. This is also where you’ll see any offers you receive. 

Apply directly for postgraduate study 

If you want to study a postgraduate programme in the UK, you have to apply directly to the universities via their own application processes.  

Each university website will provide specific details on how to apply, which documents you require and important application deadlines. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, you can reach out to the admissions contact and ask any questions you have. 

As a postgraduate applicant, you’ll still be required to submit a personal statement or letter of application, proof of your language skills, previous qualifications and a reference.  

Some universities may require you to submit an essay on a topic of their choice, or to take an exam, depending on the subject you choose.  

Apply to highly-ranked UK universities with QS 

You can also work with QS to submit a single application for university programmes in the UK, and around the world.   

Simply fill out the application form on TopUniversities.com and you’ll be contacted by a QS Counsellor who you'll work with to determine the universities and programmes you want to apply to.  

The QS counsellor partners with top universities all over the world, including in the UK, and will submit the applications on your behalf, providing you with the guidance you need along the way.  

Examples of partner universities in the UK include the University of Nottingham, the University of Loughborough, Goldsmiths University of London and the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts. 

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to study in the UK! Before you do, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. Your visa will depend on your programme of study and the university you choose, as well as the country you’ll be travelling from. 

To apply for a visa, you can fill out a form on the government website and follow the steps to find out what you need, depending on your circumstances. It costs £363 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK and you’ll also be expected to pay a healthcare surcharge for accessing the national health service (NHS). Find out more about applying for a student visa in the UK.