Applying to Study in the UK as an International Student

Are you an international or EU student who is unsure about the application process to study in the UK? 

Ahead of September 2021 entry, we have compiled a list of key checkpoints you need to meet in order to successfully apply to study at a UK university. This includes what supporting documents are needed, visa requirements and tuition fee information.

Learn more below about how to apply to study in the UK for 2021 entry and if you are ready to begin your UCAS application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.

September 2021 International Student Application Guide

- Beginning your UCAS application

Once you have browsed the available courses for September 2021 entry, chosen your UK universities to apply to and met the entry requirements, it is time to begin your UCAS application.

Firstly, you will need to gather your supporting documents for the application. Key documents include:

• Your passport
• Full academic transcripts/certificates
• Personal statement
• English language test results (if available)
• CV

You can give copies of these to your dedicated SI-UK London consultant who will upload them to the relevant university application portals on your behalf, taking the stress out of the early stages of the application process.

- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer

If your application has been successful, you will receive a notification from the university via your consultant that the application has been assessed and an offer has been made. There are two types of offer available:

• Unconditional offer: The student has met all entry requirements and your place has been secured.
• Conditional offer: The student still needs to meet certain entry requirements and you will need to upload your qualification results as soon as they become available.

English language testing 

At this point you will also need to consider taking an English language test to prove your English language ability. UK universities are accepting more types of English language testing proof than ever before, and eligible tests across most universities include:

• IELTS 
• IELTS Indicator 
• Duolingo English Test 
• TOEFL (China)
• PTE Academic 

Applying for accommodation

Once you have received an offer students can apply for accommodation. Generally, international and EU students are guaranteed a place in university halls as long as they meet a few simple criteria and apply by the stated deadline.

- Accepting a place and paying tuition fees

Once you have met the entry criteria and the university has offered you a place on your chosen course, you will need to pay a deposit to guarantee your place ahead of September 2021 entry. There are a variety of ways to pay your fees, including student loans, bank transfer and debit/credit card payments.

Your SI-UK London consultant can help with the process and liaise between yourself and the university to help answer any questions you may have.

- Confirmation of Acceptance

After paying your deposit, the student will receive an email inviting them to the next stage of their application journey, the Confirmation of Acceptance Studies (CAS), which is integral to your visa application.

Your SI-UK consultant will help you gather all the documentation required for CAS, ensuring they are all uploaded in a digital format without error. All documents must be translated into English and will include:

• Proof of English language ability
• Qualifications
• Proof of finance
• Parental consent (if under 18)

- Student visa application

Once the CAS has been confirmed, the student will receive a CAS reference number which allows them to start their visa application.

The SI-UK visa team is registered with the Home Office OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) and has extensive knowledge of the latest immigration legislation, rules and regulations. This means your visa application will be dealt with by experts who can increase the likelihood of it going smoothly and successfully.

• Learn more: SI-UK UK Student Visa Service

- Enrol on your course

Once the above is complete, you will need to pay some portion of your tuition fees and once this has been completed, you can enrol fully on your course and begin your UK university journey!

Study in the UK 2021

SI-UK London can take the stress out of applying to study in the UK by helping with all of the above. Learn more by arranging your free consultation with SI-UK London today.