Studying in the UK

How do my qualifications compare to those on offer in the UK?

The UK’s National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) provides information on how overseas qualifications compare to those of the UK, and can advise you on which ones are accepted by UK institutions. You can find out more by visiting www.naric.org.uk.
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How much will it cost?

Fees for students from all European Union (EU) Member States are the same in the UK, but are higher for students from outside the EU. These, however, do vary greatly, so it is best to approach the institution providing your chosen course for information about what the fees will be. Living costs will also vary between the different parts of the UK, with the southern and eastern regions being more expensive than the northern and western regions, and with London being the most expensive. Again, institutions will be able to give you further information about expected living costs.
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Can I get help with my fees?

Scholarships, bursaries and other financial support are available to international students. These are provided by Government bodies or the institutions themselves. You should approach UK institutions directly for more information. The British Council also has a comprehensive scholarships database at www.britishcouncil.org.
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Are there any administrative formalities?

Students from outside the EU will have to apply for an appropriate visa for their period of study in the UK before or on arrival in the country. The department issuing the visa or their university will let them know of any further formalities. This does not apply to EU students.
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Will my qualifications be acceptable?

It depends. To make sure that your qualifications are comparable to UK qualifications and therefore meet the entry requirements of the institution you have chosen, you should approach the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) at www.naric.org.uk, which provides information on how overseas qualifications compare to those of the UK.
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Will there be any language requirements?

Yes. As the home of the English language, all UK institutions will conduct their teaching in English. You must meet the minimum English language requirements as set down by your chosen institution, usually given as an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) grade or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. There are many English language courses on offer that can help you if you don’t quite make the grade.
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How do I apply?

For most full-time degree courses, you will apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Apply online at www.ucas.ac.uk. Fill in the application form, choosing up to six institutions. Send the form to UCAS, who contact each of the institutions. They will decide whether to offer you a place and inform UCAS of their decision, who will then inform you.
Next, UCAS will ask you to decide which of the offers you receive to accept, and will then pass on your decisions to the institutions. Postgraduate students should directly approach the department or faculty that interests them. Apply direct to their graduate admissions office.
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