Applying to Undergraduate Studies in the UK: A Beginner's Guide

If you're thinking about studying in the UK, you'll be surprised how many possibilities there are. With over 150 universities in the country offering thousands of courses and having flexible entry criteria, you should be able to find many options to match your needs.

This article will explore two common entry options, discuss basics of application process, and highlight the support you can get to help you start your course at the university in the UK.

Undergraduate, bachelor, foundation - what do they mean?

Undergraduate program is the first stage of higher education in the UK. It lasts for 3-4 years and leads to a qualification called a Bachelor's Degree. Depending on your field of study, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).

If you meet the universities' entry criteria, you can apply directly to year 1 of your undergraduate studies. Alternatively, if your high school results or English abilities are not strong, you can start your studies with a foundation year. 

After completing your undergraduate studies, you can pursue postgraduate studies, typically lasting one year and resulting in a Master's degree. This article will focus on undergraduate applications.

Two main entry options to undergraduate studies in the UK:

1. Apply directly to year one: This is the standard path to studying in the UK, where the application requires meeting the entry criteria of the universities you're interested in. While each university has its own requirements for high school exam results, the English language requirements are mostly similar across universities. In this path, your full-time undergraduate studies will take 3 years to complete (or 4 years if your chosen course includes a work-based placement year).

2. Apply to a course with a foundation year: This option allows entry to a UK university if your qualifications don't meet entry criteria for year 1. Foundation year, or ‘year zero’ is designed to help you prepare better for year one by filling in gaps in subject-related knowledge, improving your English abilities, and developing academic skills. Once completed, you will progress to year 1 of undergraduate studies. In effect, a full undergraduate course including foundation year will last 4 years (or 5 years if your chosen course includes a work-based placement year).

Typically, securing a place at a foundation year is easier due to more accessible entry requirements and in some cases you might be able to start the foundation year even without your final high school exams. You can learn more about it here and you can quickly check your options based on your own situation in our Can-I-Apply tool. 

Year one application - the basics:

Application to undergraduate studies in the UK is a standardised process set by UCAS, an institution that manages the application system on behalf of British universities. You will need to create an online account on the UCAS website and complete your application there. You can apply for up to 5 courses per academic year using a single UCAS application.

To apply to a British university, several steps must be taken, which typically involve:

  1. Selecting course and universities that meet your needs
  2. Preparing application documents, including personal statements and references
  3. Completing online UCAS application form
  4. Interpreting and responding to university offers
  5. Applying for funding
  6. Confirming your final choice of university
  7. Passing a language test, such as IELTS
  8. Obtaining a visa (if required)
  9. Planning the next steps before starting university

For some courses related to arts, applicants might also be required to create an appropriate portfolio. In very few cases there might be an entrance test or an initial interview.

Each of the steps mentioned above presents its own unique challenges and requires specific strategies for successful completion. If you’d like to learn in detail about each step, you can read this article.

To assist you with the task of applying to year 1 of your undergraduate studies, we have designed a dedicated Application Portal. It’s free to use and provides access to detailed guides, step-by-step instructions and personalised support through online chat to make your application easier, faster and more successful.

UCAS will charge you an application fee of £27.

Foundation year application - the basics:

In most cases, the application process for the foundation year is similar to undergraduate studies. However, some UK universities offer simpler and faster alternatives. These selected institutions might not require high school exams and have lower English language requirements and accept direct applications, eliminating the need for a UCAS application, personal statement, or references. To apply you can use the UniEdu QuickApply which will let you complete your application in a few minutes.

Currently, the following universities accept QuickApply for their Foundation Year programs:

  • De Montfort University (Leicester)
  • University of Greenwich (London)
  • London Metropolitan Birmingham Campus (by QA Higher Education)
  • London Metropolitan London (by QA Higher Education)
  • London Metropolitan Manchester Campus (by QA Higher Education)

In addition to completing a simple application form, you'll need to provide a translated copy of your high school qualifications in the form of a scan or photograph - do not worry if you don't have these now, you can upload it later, even after sending the application.

QuickApply Application is entirely free-of-charge.

When to start your application to British universities?

The ideal timing for preparing your application depends on the course and university you wish to study. Here are some general guidelines:

  • For studies beginning in April 2024: Try to complete all steps of your application by mid-March 2024.
  • For studies starting in September 2024: Start preparing your application as soon as possible, giving yourself a couple of weeks to complete it. The next deadline is June 30th, but it also possible to apply during the summer for remaining places.
  • For studies beginning in January 2025: Start considering your options and choices now, and try to complete all steps of your application before December 2024, to be on the safe side.
  • For most studies beginning in September 2025: Applications will open in September 2024
  • For Oxbridge and medicine or veterinary courses starting in September 2025 the deadline is 16th of October 2024.

Costs and financial support for studying in the UK

Home (UK nationals and (pre-)settled applicants): The cost of studies is £9,250 per year. You don't have to pay upfront with your own funds. If you haven't studied at a university before, you can apply for UK government student loans to help pay for university fees and living expenses. The UK government offers two types of loans and one type of grant:

  • Tuition fee loan: Up to £9,250 per year, plus one extra year if needed. This money goes straight to your university each year.
  • Maintenance loan: Up to £9,987 per year outside London and £13,022 per year in London for living expenses. This goes directly into your bank account. Additional criteria have to be met to receive this funding.
  • Childcare Grant: Non-refundable financial aid for eligible parents.

More information on student loans, application process and repayments can be found here. You can also check if you can get any of these funding in the UniEdu Can-I-Apply tool. 

International applicants without any special UK immigration status, studies in the UK will typically cost £15,000 per year or more, depending on the course and university. You won't be eligible for student loans and will have to pay with your own or your sponsor's money. 

Application support you can get:

Going to UK universities is a big adventure with many steps. It's exciting and we at UniEdu will be happy to be part of it with you. We are approved by UK universities and certified by UCAS and our support is entirely funded by British Universities. In effect, we're here to help you for free with:

  • Choosing the right course and universities
  • Preparing and perfecting your personal statement and references
  • Completing the university application correctly
  • Applying for UK government student and living finance
  • Communicating with universities pre- and post-application
  • Scholarships applications (if applicable)
  • Student visa application (if applicable)
  • Portfolio and interview advice (if applicable)
  • Moving to and job hunting in the UK
  • Procedural assistance during your studies
  • CV review and more

Our free and personalised support, along with dedicated application tools will make your application process easier, reduce the chance of mistakes and increase your chances of successful admission to the best possible universities. The support covers every stage of the application process and continues throughout your studies in the UK.

How to begin your application? 

It's simple - you can start by registering your account in the UniEdu Application Portal; if you wish to check your closest universities and get to know available funding for you - you can use the UniEdu Can-I-Apply tool.

By using the UniEdu Application Portal, you will be guided step-by-step in your application process and be able to use our free support. You'll receive reminders, updates, and instructions at each step of the process.

Benefits of applying with UniEdu's Application Portal:

  • save time and effort 
  • minimise mistakes 
  • enjoy a simplified application process
  • improve your chances of being accepted by the university
  • get access to easy-to-use application management portal
  • receive automated updates on your application progress
  • get step-by-step guidance and personalised advice and support at every step
  • access to online chat consultations on demand

If you want to discuss your options, choices, and funding availability in more detail, you can contact us through online chat at any time. As licensed university partners and a UCAS-accredited centre, data protection is our utmost priority. Our support, fully funded by British universities, is available to you at no cost and with no obligations.