13 top tips for applying to university in the UK

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There are a few steps to apply to university in the UK which are as follows: research your options, make a UCAS application, and receive and accept an offer. To start, you will want to research what universities and degree programs are available to you. Once you have a list of options, you will need to fill out a UCAS application. After you submit your application, you will receive offers from universities. Once you have been given an offer, you will have a set amount of time to accept or decline the offer.

The process of applying to university in the UK
The process of applying to university in the UK can seem daunting, but there are a few things you can do to make it less so. Here are 10 top tips:

1. Start early. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to research your options and make sure you are making the best decision for you.

2. Do your research. There is a lot of information out there on universities, courses, and entry requirements. Make sure you take the time to find out everything you can before you make your decision.

3. Think about what you want. What are your goals? What do you want to study? What kind of university do you want to go to? Once you have a good
understanding of what you are looking for, your search will be much easier.

 search engines to help you find the information you need. Some of the most popular UK university websites are as follows:
4. Research your options in the UK as well as abroad. Although the UK is a leading centre for higher education, there are also many universities outside of the UK which might offer you a better education, better working conditions, or might just be the right fit for you. Think about what’s best for you!
5. Make a short list of good options. You don’t need to narrow down your options to one university. Make a  short list of maybe three to five universities you would be happy to go to. This will help you save time and money on applications while making sure you don’t pass up a good opportunity.
6. Get verified. To help universities learn more about you, sign up for a verified profile on University Advice. This service verifies your credentials and can help universities spot potential opportunities for you, such as scholarships and bilingual programmes.
7. Prepare your application thoroughly. Spend the necessary time preparing your university application. If it is sloppy, universities might wonder what you can bring to their university community and whether or not you are serious about learning.
8. Make a plan.  Write a personal statement; prepare your credentials, including grades, SATs or ACTs, and any other material required for your particular programme; organise any visa requirements; and book any required exams, etc. in good time.
9. Check the instructions for the application carefully. Every university has different instructions for their application, so please pay special attention to these. Sometimes, the difference between being accepted and rejected can be a well-written cover letter.
10. Register for or log in to the appropriate system promptly. Always make sure to register or log in to the system before the deadline! If you are late, there can be repercussions such as having your application cancelled or not being  eligible for bursaries or scholarships.
11. Choose the UK uni course that is right for you
There are over 400 UK universities and colleges – so first, decide what you’re interested in studying, such as an arts degree, medicine, or a business course. Then find the best university in the UK for your subject of interest. University Advice’s Career Toolbox can help you start narrowing down your options by category or keyword.
12. Make sure your English language qualifications are up-to-date. If the university you’re applying to requires English language qualifications, make sure yours is up-to-date and relevant to the type of  university you’re applying to. For example, if you are applying to an international liberal arts university that is English language oriented, then you should have recent IELTS or TOEFL scores of 6.0 or higher. If you are applying to a technology-oriented university, then perhaps Bisat may be more appropriate.
13. Pay the required fee. Some UK universities charge a prospective student fee towards the end of the application process. This may be contingent on your Certificate of Origin being from the UK, Ireland or Switzerland, or your academic credentials being from particular countries. Therefore, please check the university’s website for specific details on fee payment.