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While studying in the UK may inspire thoughts of a bustling London, complete with skyscrapers, the underground and a lively nightlife – there's more to these small islands than first meets the eye.
Beyond the large urban cities like London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham, the UK provides a versatile study destination with plenty of historical, coastal and trendy artistic cities to choose from too.
Renowned for its quality higher education, the UK is home to the prestigious University of Cambridge (ranked second in the QS World University Rankings) and the University of Oxford (ranked fourth), alongside 87 other top UK universities.
If you’re looking to study in the UK, here’s everything you need to know to apply.
1. Research your options
With over 100 universities to choose from and each location offering a unique student experience, choosing where to study in the UK can feel overwhelming. There are lots of ways to make this process easier, so you can feel confident in your decision.
Check university rankings
University rankings, including the QS World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings by Subject, provide an unbiased assessment of the best universities in the world.
Based on a number of indicators including academic reputation, research, employment outcomes and faculty/student ratio, rankings are a great way to start your university search and get an idea for which universities you’ll research in more depth.
Once you’ve made a list of universities that you might be interested in, explore the university websites for a more detailed view including programme information, facilities and student initiatives.
Sign up for university open days and fairs
In-person and online open days are a great way to ask the questions you have about studying. You can talk with academics, students and staff from the university, including the admissions, scholarships and support teams.
If you live outside of the UK and can’t travel to the university for an open day, most institutions now offer virtual open days. While you won’t be able to explore the campus for yourself, you’ll still be able to watch lectures, chat to academics and students and ask questions. Some universities also create 360-degree photographs and videos of the campus so you can still get a feel for studying there.
University fairs, like QS events, give you the chance to meet lots of universities from across the UK at the same time, to ask your questions, network and even get your CV reviewed.
Work with an education counsellor
If you’re feeling unsure about the best decision for your future, working with an educational counsellor can help. QS Counsellors can help you to identify your goals and preferences, and create a shortlist of universities and programmes that feel right for you.
Counsellors provide an unbiased view of the options available to you and can help you with visa information, application support and even interview preparation.
2. Collect your important documents
Once you’ve decided on your shortlist of universities and programmes, it’s time to check the application requirements of each institution. You’ll need to submit a range of documents to prove that you are eligible for study.
Depending on whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you’ll be required to submit your information through different processes. Check the individual university websites for details.
You’ll typically be required to provide your educational qualifications, an application essay (or personal statement in the UK), a reference from a previous lecturer or tutor who can approve your suitability for the programme, and proof of your English Language proficiency if English isn’t your first language. Find out more about English language tests.
3. Apply for university
Once you’ve collected your documents and have made a note of the application deadlines for each institution, you can apply!
Apply for undergraduate study with UCAS
In the UK, all undergraduate applications are submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses at once and UCAS handles everything for you. There is a small fee, but it’s very simple to use.
You can submit all your information into UCAS via your dashboard, including your personal statement which gives you the opportunity to show who you are and why you will thrive on the programme. It’s one of the most important ways for you to stand out from the crowd and give the programme leaders a sense of who you are and what you want to achieve.
You’ll also provide a reference from somebody who can approve your suitability for the programme, like a schoolteacher or tutor. It’s helpful to reach out to your referrer in advance, so they have enough time to write a meaningful reference before the deadline.
Once you submit your applications, you can track your progress on the UCAS website. This is also where you’ll see any offers you receive.
Apply directly for postgraduate study
If you want to study a postgraduate programme in the UK, you have to apply directly to the universities via their own application processes.
Each university website will provide specific details on how to apply, which documents you require and important application deadlines. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, you can reach out to the admissions contact and ask any questions you have.
As a postgraduate applicant, you’ll still be required to submit a personal statement or letter of application, proof of your language skills, previous qualifications and a reference.
Some universities may require you to submit an essay on a topic of their choice, or to take an exam, depending on the subject you choose.
Simply fill out the application form on TopUniversities.com and you’ll be contacted by a QS Counsellor who you'll work with to determine the universities and programmes you want to apply to.
The QS counsellor partners with top universities all over the world, including in the UK, and will submit the applications on your behalf, providing you with the guidance you need along the way.
Examples of partner universities in the UK include the University of Nottingham, the University of Loughborough, Goldsmiths University of London and the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts.
Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to study in the UK! Before you do, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. Your visa will depend on your programme of study and the university you choose, as well as the country you’ll be travelling from.
As the former Senior Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, Laura published articles for our student audience around the world, working with ambassadors and alumni to provide helpful content to those looking for study options. Laura has six years' experience in Higher Education marketing and writing for a student audience.
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How to apply to study in the UK
Laura Lightfinch
Updated Jul 06, 2023Save
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While studying in the UK may inspire thoughts of a bustling London, complete with skyscrapers, the underground and a lively nightlife – there's more to these small islands than first meets the eye.
Beyond the large urban cities like London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham, the UK provides a versatile study destination with plenty of historical, coastal and trendy artistic cities to choose from too.
Renowned for its quality higher education, the UK is home to the prestigious University of Cambridge (ranked second in the QS World University Rankings) and the University of Oxford (ranked fourth), alongside 87 other top UK universities.
If you’re looking to study in the UK, here’s everything you need to know to apply.
1. Research your options
With over 100 universities to choose from and each location offering a unique student experience, choosing where to study in the UK can feel overwhelming. There are lots of ways to make this process easier, so you can feel confident in your decision.
Check university rankings
University rankings, including the QS World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings by Subject, provide an unbiased assessment of the best universities in the world.
Based on a number of indicators including academic reputation, research, employment outcomes and faculty/student ratio, rankings are a great way to start your university search and get an idea for which universities you’ll research in more depth.
Once you’ve made a list of universities that you might be interested in, explore the university websites for a more detailed view including programme information, facilities and student initiatives.
Sign up for university open days and fairs
In-person and online open days are a great way to ask the questions you have about studying. You can talk with academics, students and staff from the university, including the admissions, scholarships and support teams.
If you live outside of the UK and can’t travel to the university for an open day, most institutions now offer virtual open days. While you won’t be able to explore the campus for yourself, you’ll still be able to watch lectures, chat to academics and students and ask questions. Some universities also create 360-degree photographs and videos of the campus so you can still get a feel for studying there.
University fairs, like QS events, give you the chance to meet lots of universities from across the UK at the same time, to ask your questions, network and even get your CV reviewed.
Work with an education counsellor
If you’re feeling unsure about the best decision for your future, working with an educational counsellor can help. QS Counsellors can help you to identify your goals and preferences, and create a shortlist of universities and programmes that feel right for you.
Counsellors provide an unbiased view of the options available to you and can help you with visa information, application support and even interview preparation.
2. Collect your important documents
Once you’ve decided on your shortlist of universities and programmes, it’s time to check the application requirements of each institution. You’ll need to submit a range of documents to prove that you are eligible for study.
Depending on whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you’ll be required to submit your information through different processes. Check the individual university websites for details.
You’ll typically be required to provide your educational qualifications, an application essay (or personal statement in the UK), a reference from a previous lecturer or tutor who can approve your suitability for the programme, and proof of your English Language proficiency if English isn’t your first language. Find out more about English language tests.
3. Apply for university
Once you’ve collected your documents and have made a note of the application deadlines for each institution, you can apply!
Apply for undergraduate study with UCAS
In the UK, all undergraduate applications are submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses at once and UCAS handles everything for you. There is a small fee, but it’s very simple to use.
You can submit all your information into UCAS via your dashboard, including your personal statement which gives you the opportunity to show who you are and why you will thrive on the programme. It’s one of the most important ways for you to stand out from the crowd and give the programme leaders a sense of who you are and what you want to achieve.
You’ll also provide a reference from somebody who can approve your suitability for the programme, like a schoolteacher or tutor. It’s helpful to reach out to your referrer in advance, so they have enough time to write a meaningful reference before the deadline.
Once you submit your applications, you can track your progress on the UCAS website. This is also where you’ll see any offers you receive.
Apply directly for postgraduate study
If you want to study a postgraduate programme in the UK, you have to apply directly to the universities via their own application processes.
Each university website will provide specific details on how to apply, which documents you require and important application deadlines. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, you can reach out to the admissions contact and ask any questions you have.
As a postgraduate applicant, you’ll still be required to submit a personal statement or letter of application, proof of your language skills, previous qualifications and a reference.
Some universities may require you to submit an essay on a topic of their choice, or to take an exam, depending on the subject you choose.
Apply to highly-ranked UK universities with QS
You can also work with QS to submit a single application for university programmes in the UK, and around the world.
Simply fill out the application form on TopUniversities.com and you’ll be contacted by a QS Counsellor who you'll work with to determine the universities and programmes you want to apply to.
The QS counsellor partners with top universities all over the world, including in the UK, and will submit the applications on your behalf, providing you with the guidance you need along the way.
Examples of partner universities in the UK include the University of Nottingham, the University of Loughborough, Goldsmiths University of London and the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts.
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4. Once you’re accepted, apply for a visa
Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to study in the UK! Before you do, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. Your visa will depend on your programme of study and the university you choose, as well as the country you’ll be travelling from.
To apply for a visa, you can fill out a form on the government website and follow the steps to find out what you need, depending on your circumstances. It costs £363 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK and you’ll also be expected to pay a healthcare surcharge for accessing the national health service (NHS). Find out more about applying for a student visa in the UK.
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As the former Senior Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, Laura published articles for our student audience around the world, working with ambassadors and alumni to provide helpful content to those looking for study options. Laura has six years' experience in Higher Education marketing and writing for a student audience.
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