Key information to know about UK university
Application Process:
- The main application system is UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Students apply through UCAS by submitting a single application that can be sent to up to 5 universities
Entry Requirements:
- UK universities have varying entry requirements, typically a mix of:
- A-Level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers)
- GCSE/IGCSE grades, especially in core subjects like English and Math
- Admissions tests for some competitive courses (e.g. BMAT, LNAT, STEP)
- Interview and portfolio for some creative courses
International Students:
- International students need to meet the same academic entry requirements as domestic students
- Additional English language requirements, usually IELTS with minimum scores around 6.0-7.5
- May need to apply for a student visa to study in the UK
- Some universities offer conditional offers based on meeting visa requirements
Fees and Funding:
- Tuition fees for international students are higher than for domestic/EU students, typically £15,000 to £30,000 per year
- Financial aid options include scholarships, bursaries, and student loans (for some nationalities)
- Living costs are additional, around £12,000-£15,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, etc.
UK Undergraduate Application Timeline for Fall 2025 (UCAS)
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has officially announced the timeline for Fall 2025 UK undergraduate applications, including changes and important deadlines to note:
- April 30, 2024 – UCAS search tool opens for 2025 undergraduate courses, two days earlier than last year.
- May 7, 2024 – Adviser portal goes live.
- May 14, 2024 – Registration for 2025 UK undergraduate courses opens, two days earlier than last year.
- July 10, 2024 – Music conservatories open for applications. Applicants can register, pay fees, and complete their applications, two days earlier than last year.
- September 3, 2024 – 2025 UK undergraduate application portal opens for submitting complete applications, two days earlier than last year.
- October 2, 2024 – Application deadline for music conservatories at 18:00 BST. Different courses may have different deadlines; check the official website for details.
- October 15, 2024 – Application deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry at 18:00 BST. Students must submit their applications to UCAS by 02:00 BST on October 16.
- January 29, 2025 – Application deadline for most UK undergraduate courses at 18:00 BST. Application deadline for dance, drama, and musical theatre courses at music conservatories.
- February 26, 2025 – Extra application opens for students who have not received any offers or have declined all received offers. Students can apply to one course at a time.
- June 30, 2025 – After 18:00 BST, all regular applications submitted to UCAS will be automatically entered into Clearing.
- July 4, 2025 – Extra application deadline.
- July 5, 2025 – Clearing opens. Students who have not received any offers and still have course vacancies can apply through Clearing.
Key Changes for Fall 2025 Applications:
- Application Dates:
- Several dates have been moved two days earlier, such as the UCAS search tool opening (April 30), application submission start (September 3), and the regular application deadline (January 29).
- The deadline for Oxford and Cambridge applications is back to the traditional date of October 15.
- Extra application deadline remains July 4, and Clearing opens on July 5.
- Application Fees:
- The application fee has increased slightly from £27.50 to £28.50 for 2025 applications.
Some majors that have specific requirements:
1. Medicine (MBBS/MBChB):
Requires high academic achievement, typically AAA or AA*A at A-Level
Admissions tests like UCAT or BMAT are compulsory
Relevant work experience and/or volunteering in healthcare is essential
Universities | Course provided | Specific requirements | Deadlines |
---|---|---|---|
Imperial College London | MBBS Medicine |
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year. |
University College London (UCL) | MBBS Medicine |
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year. |
King’s College London | MBBS Medicine |
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year. |
University of Oxford | BM BCh Medicine |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year. |
University of Cambridge | MB BChir Medicine |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year. |
2. Engineering (BEng/MEng):
Requires strong performance in math and science A-Levels, typically A*AA to AAB
Relevant work experience or project-based learning is valued
Some programs may require the ENGAA or similar admissions test
University | Course provided | Specific requirements | Deadlines |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cambridge |
|
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year |
University of Oxford | Engineering Science |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year |
Imperial College London |
|
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year |
University College London (UCL) |
|
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year |
3. Law (LLB/GDL):
Requires either a bachelor’s degree in any subject (for the GDL conversion course) or completion of a law-specific bachelor’s degree (for direct entry to the LLB)
LNAT admissions test is commonly required by top law schools
University | Course provided | Specific requirements | Deadlines |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cambridge | LLB Law |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year |
University of Oxford | BA Law |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year |
University College London (UCL) | LLB Laws |
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year |
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | LLB Law |
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year |
King’s College London | LLB Law |
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year |
4. Art & Design (BA/BFA):
Focuses heavily on the portfolio of creative work and demonstrating artistic ability
Interviews and practical assessments are common admissions requirements
A-Level grades are still considered, but the portfolio is paramount
University | Course provided | Specific requirements | Deadlines |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cambridge | BA (Hons) History of Art |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year |
University of Oxford | BA (Hons) History of Art |
|
October 15 for entry the following academic year |
University College London (UCL) |
|
|
January 15 for entry the following academic year |
References
- “Best Law Universities in UK.” SI-UK: Move Forward. Be Great., www.studyin-uk.com/study-guide/best-law-universities-uk/.
- “Mastering the UCAS Application: Your Comprehensive Guide to the UK University Admissions System.” Crimsoneducation.org, Crimson Education, 30 Jan. 2023, www.crimsoneducation.org/kh-en/blog/ucas-application/. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
- “The Best Medical Schools in the UK.” SI-UK: Move Forward. Be Great., www.studyin-uk.com/study-guide/best-medical-schools-uk/.
- Zhong, Wendy, and Wendy Zhong. “Uhomes – Living Community for Global Students.” Uhomes – Living Community for Global Students, 22 Dec. 2023, en.uhomes.com/blog/uk-university-league-russell-group-and-others. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
- Zoom Abroad. “There Are Many Arts and Design Institutions in the United Kingdom, but Only a Handful Can Truly Be Called the Best. These Are the Schools That Produce the Most Creative and Innovative Thinkers, the Professionals Who Will Go on to Shape the Future of the Creative Industries.” Linkedin.com, 23 Nov. 2022, www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-best-art-design-universities-uk-zoomabroad. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.