Written by Kacper Kryk
Are you thinking of applying for university courses in the UK? This short blog entry will help you understand the process ahead of you and will be a useful aid in making sure you are staying on top of the necessary requirements. And, if you haven’t decided whether the UK is right for you yet, it will provide you with some useful information to consider.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and boasts the 3rd highest number of top 100 universities in the world, after the U.S. and China. British higher education is renowned for top quality teaching, interesting and diverse courses, easy access to employment opportunities and vibrant campus life & culture. There is an institution for everyone: from the academic rigour of Oxford University through the vibrant, multicultural London-based schools, to the inspiring & lively campuses in places like Bristol, Exeter or Durham, there is something for each type of student in Britain
Getting started
If the UK sounds attractive to you, begin by exploring the vast array of courses and universities available. There are many options to choose from, and it is always helpful to start early. Think about what courses and course aspects you liked most so far, particularly in the IB, and look for related courses at institutions based in cities you find appealing. Ranking tables, such as Times Higher Education or QS might help you see what options are available.
Consider course content, university reputation, location, campus culture, and available facilities. University open days, both virtual and in-person, are invaluable opportunities to get a feel for the institutions you’re interested in; there is plenty of information to be found in prospectuses and on university websites, too.
Understanding UCAS
Have you decided that the UK might be worth your shot? Great! The next step is understanding how the admissions system works: this is where UCAS comes in. UCAS is a single online platform which allows students to apply to multiple universities and courses at once. It is there to make your life simpler, as you will only submit one application to all universities you choose!
Understanding the timeline is essential. The UCAS application cycle typically begins in the year before you intend to start university, so in most student’s cases, in their final year of the IB or A-Levels. For example, if you are sitting your IB finals in May 2025, you should start completing your application in autumn/winter 2024-2025.
In 2024/25, the application deadline for most courses is 19 January 2025. However, if you’re applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or for courses in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, the deadline is earlier: 15 October 2024. It’s essential to check the specific deadlines for your chosen courses on the relevant institution’s website to avoid missing out.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to register with UCAS. Creating an account on the UCAS website is straightforward. You’ll need to provide personal details, including your education history. UCAS allows you to apply to up to five courses, so choose wisely. Ensure that your selected courses align with your academic strengths and career aspirations.
Key elements of your application portfolio
There is some documents & information you need to prepare before the final deadline for applications for your chosen course:
1. Personal Statement
Crafting your personal statement is perhaps one of the most critical aspects of your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your passion for the subject, highlight your achievements, and convey your unique personality. Admissions tutors read thousands of applications, so making yours stand out is essential. Discuss what motivates you, give evidence of your engagement by describing any relevant experiences you’ve had and show off your potential! Be honest, reflective, and concise—the character limit is 4,000 characters or approximately 500 words.
2. References
Securing a strong reference is equally important. These should be provided by a teacher or tutor who knows you academically. The reference is meant to attest to your academic potential, work ethic and other relevant personal qualities. It’s a good idea to discuss your university plans with your referee so they can tailor their reference accordingly.
3. Predicted grades
UCAS will also require your referee to provide your predicted final grades in the IB/A-Levels, a list of which you should obtain from your teachers. This is because most universities in the UK make admissions conditional on you obtaining certain results in your high school examinations: for example, to study English at the University of Bristol, you would be required to achieve a 6 in all your Higher Level subjects. These will vary from course to course, and you should be predicted to be capable of obtaining the relevant final marks for your application to be considered.
Additional requirements
Some courses may require additional tests or interviews. For instance, applicants to Oxbridge, some elite London universities, medicine or law might need to sit for the UCAT, LNAT, LSAT and other tests. It is important to check these requirements on each university’s website.
For international students, there are some additional considerations, like visas, tuition fees, qualification eligibility and language proficiency. Luckily, IB students do not have to worry about the latter two: the IB is universally recognised by UK universities as both a qualification and proof of English proficiency.
After submission
Once you have submitted your application, the wait begins! Oxbridge candidates might be invited for interviews but otherwise, the replies will come automatically via UCAS and e-mail. At most universities, a reply takes the form of a conditional offer: it requires you to achieve certain results (such as two 5s and a 6 in your HLs) to be conclusively admitted to a course.
Throughout this journey, staying organized and proactive is your ally. Keep track of deadlines, speak with your teachers and referees, and regularly check your UCAS account for updates.
We at Lanterna can help too! If it all sounds a bit overwhelming, it might be a good idea to speak with an admissions tutor, who could assist you with all stages of your application, from choosing the best campus & course to completing your application. Once you get your offer, it might be a good idea to make sure you do not ‘miss’ it, that is, that you satisfy the academic conditions attached to it: our 1-on-1 tutoring can help with that, too.
Main Tips
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to complete each section of the application thoughtfully.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and required documents using a planner or digital calendar.
- Visit Campuses: If possible, attend open days or virtual tours to get a feel for the universities.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers, advisors, or mentors for help throughout the process.
Applying to university in the UK can be quite a long journey, but students invariably find that the rewards are worth it. Follow the tips outlined above, and if you ever get lost, do not hesitate to seek help: you can speak to one of our Student Advisors by registering using this link.
Good luck!
