UCAS: A Guide for International Students

Why study in the UK?
There are many reasons international students choose to study for a degree in the UK.

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​​​​​​​Applying as an International Student
Information on UCAS and what you need to do to apply to study in the UK.

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​​​​​​​Entry requirements
The qualifications and other requirements you need to have to be offered a place to study.

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​​​​​​​Documents 
Learn about visas and other documents you need to produce to be allowed to study in the UK.

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​​​​​​​Finance
Tuition fees, living expenses and other costs you'll need to consider when studying in the UK.

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Accommodation
Think about where you'll be living while studying and get your accommodation sorted out early.

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International Student Tips
Tips and advice for international students applying to university in the UK.

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Choosing A Student Bank Account
Tips on how to choose the best student account when you start university.

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Can international students use UCAS?

Yes, UCAS (the Universities and College Admissions Service) provides application services for all higher education courses in the UK.

If you're going to apply for a full time undergraduate course in the UK then you're going to have to go through UCAS, even if you apply to the university directly.

What is the UCAS deadline for international students?

If you are applying to Oxbridge, or for a medicine, dentistry or veterinary science course, then the application deadline is 15 October.

For all other courses, the deadline is 15 January. If you miss this, don't worry too much - many universities will still accept applications from international students after this, up until 30 June.

How much do international students pay for university in the UK?

Now, UK and EU students at English universities are required to pay up to £9,250 (~US$13,050) per year in tuition fees.

International undergraduate tuition fees vary considerably, starting at around £10,000 (~US$14,130) and going up to £38,000 (~US$53,700) or more for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science degrees.

What are the entry requirements for international UCAS students?

To apply for a degree in the UK, you will need:

  • a good level of English (as proven by either a TOEFL, IELTs or UCLES test)
  • other test scores and requirements the university has for international students (please check with the individual university you want to apply to)
  • a personal statement
  • a reference letter
  • payment to UCAS.

For more information, take a look at our international student entry requirements guide.

Which UK universities provide the best accommodation?

The top 10 best student accommodation in the UK are currently:

1. Falkner Eggington - Loughborough University
2. St Regulus Hall - University of St Andrews
3. Nightingale Hall  - University of Nottingham
4  Josephine Butler College - Durham University
5  McIntosh Hall - University of St Andrews
6  John Burnet Hall - University of St Andrews
7  Grizedale College  - Lancaster University
8  Harry French Hall - Loughborough University
9  Stephenson Hall - University of Sheffield
10  Park Terrace - Newcastle University

For more information on the best student accommodation in the UK, please see The Times.