The UK is a global leader in multiple areas of education. They encompass engineering, science, business and management, law and finance, art and design. The UK’s legacy as a global hub for scientific research makes it a top choice for some of the best students globally. With only 1% of the world’s population, the UK is responsible for 8% of the global scientific publications.
It offers a renowned education system with qualifications that can really give a boost to future career prospects which is why it is important to know the 10 steps to secure admission into a UK university. The UK attracts over 600,000 international students every year into various programmes.
Universities in the UK such as Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, LSE are among the first few universities which come to mind while studying as an international student.
And why not?
After all, these are among the world’s top-class universities and inspire millions of students to consider an international education. To study in the UK, there are more than 150 universities, including some of the oldest and renowned schools in the world.
Does this resonate with your future career aspirations? If yes, then this blog on the 10 steps to Secure Admission into a UK university is for you…
1. Ensure you meet all requirements
You will need:
- An up-to-date passport
- An English language proficiency qualification
- Proof of how you will be funding your studies
- A Tuberculosis test (certain countries)
2. Good grades
Good grades always allow a bigger advantage and increase your chances of being considered. This translates to good grades in school-leaving examinations (i.e., A levels, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers or BTECs) and good scores in any additional tests to boost your application.
3. Beyond good grades
The application form that is required from all universities often provides space for describing extracurricular involvement. This is one of the ways to influence the admissions committee into offering you a place and giving them more personality as the academic record and potential can be very indicative. Nonetheless, if your course requires an interview, then you can use that to your advantage to talk about your profile in a holistic way.
4. Academic suitability
Documents such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, resumes must highlight your passion for the subject.
5. You are unique – be yourself!
Share all the good that you have done in your time and all the course-related preparations that you might have undertaken. Just know that this does not come naturally to individuals, but always stay genuine, as the “true you” has to be at the heart of your application.
6. Be sure to proofread
To apply, you need to be organised. You must plan ahead..
Cover points such as fixing dates for taking any tests required to enter your desired university, getting in touch with your referees, and leaving time for proofreading and receiving feedback to improve on your application. Highly selective universities such as Oxford and Cambridge open their application process about one year in advance, so it is important to be very prepared.
7. Maintain a positive perspective
If by any means you don’t get an offer from your first-choice university, please do not get defeated.. chances are that your higher education experience is most likely to happen in a place where you’re supposed to be. Stay positive!
8. Select an appropriate preparation course
This excludes applicants who come from an English-speaking country. You’ll have to deliver proof of your English language proficiency. Accepted language tests include the following:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- C1 Advanced
- PTE Academic
At Kampus Group, our team members are equipped and can help you prepare and provide well-structured advice and coaching virtually.
9. Where to apply?
Undergraduate studies:
Most applications for Bachelor’s degrees in the UK are submitted via UCAS. The mainstream and verified universities will only accept your application via the UCAS system.
Postgraduate studies:
Master’s and PhD students applicants can apply directly to their desired university.
You can apply via the UK PASS system as well.
PhD programmes:
Applicants are usually expected to also choose a suitable supervisor from the university as part of their application process.
10. The final steps after receiving your university acceptance letter
We strongly advise you to fix your health insurance. All the U/EEA residents can use the European Health Insurance Card (also known as EHIC).
We also strongly advise you to file for the UK student visa well in time.
Find out if you are required to register at a police station within the first week after you arrive in the UK, this is only required in instances if your visa sticker in your passport states ‘Police registration’.
A minority of UK universities require you to pre-enrol online on the university website before arriving in the UK.
FAQs
1 – What can I do to increase my chances of getting into university?
Focus on Academics and ensure you obtain good results.
It is also important to prepare for the required standardised tests to get in. –
Applying to a diverse selection of universities as well as applying early is vital !
Demonstrate interest in your upcoming degree, this requires you to spend time developing your application essays/SOP.
2 – Which is the hardest major to get into?
We have simplified the GPA required for certain degrees or courses
Chemistry (Average GPA: 2.9)-
Chemical Engineering (Average GPA: 3.2) –
Electrical Engineering (Average GPA: 3.3) –
Physics (Average GPA: 3.1) –
Architecture (Average GPA: 3.3) –
Nursing (Average GPA: 3.2) –
Accounting (Average GPA: 3.2) –
Cellular and Molecular Biology (Average GPA: 3.2)
3 – How do I get into the top universities?
Applying to the top universities within the UK takes a lot of work, and only about 5%, for instance, one out of twenty applicants get accepted. Apply with lots of time on your hands and apply to a variety of universities. Also, during your studies it is important to secure good grades for your prospective universities. Finally, it is important to score well on the placement tests, as well as writing an amazing essay depicting your interests and motivation for your chosen major.
4 – What do the UK institutions look for?
Achieving good grades and high test scores aren’t enough to set you apart from the many applicants. Colleges and universities also look at extracurricular activities, from as well as community service projects that you’ve taken part in. For UK applications, academic performance is highly considered.