Apply to a UK university in 2025 — all steps

Who this is for (residents, EU/EEA, mature students)

There isn’t just one type of student who applies. UK universities welcome all kinds of learners.

  1. UK residents. If you’ve been living here for a while, you usually qualify for home fees and Student Finance support.
     

  2. EU or EEA citizens. Many still qualify under settled or pre-settled status. If you have EU Settlement Scheme status, you could be eligible for funding.
     

  3. Mature students. If you’ve worked in retail, construction, healthcare, or even warehouses and haven’t studied for years, you still have options. Flexible entry routes exist specifically to help you get into higher education.

     

So don’t overthink whether you “fit the profile.” Chances are, you do.

Entry requirements

Every university will ask for proof that you can handle the course, but the way you show it varies. School leavers usually provide exam certificates. Mature students can use work experience, previous training, or a foundation route. What matters is demonstrating you can succeed at university level — and there’s more than one way to do that.

Do you need IELTS or A-levels?

This is where many people hesitate, but it’s simpler than it looks. You don’t always need an English exam, and you don’t always need A-level results.

For English, if you studied in the UK, you may be exempt. If not, most universities now accept a wide range of alternatives. You could take internal English assessments directly with the university. Some also accept online international tests such as Duolingo English Test, which can often be taken from home. In some cases, you can even book the test on campus and get results within days.

For qualifications, A-levels are only one option. BTECs, Access to Higher Education courses, and Foundation Years all count. Mature students with solid work experience can sometimes apply directly with a strong personal statement and reference, without going back to sit school exams.

7-step application checklist

Here’s what the process actually looks like, step by step:

  1. Check eligibility. Look at your residency status, the level of course you want, and whether you plan to study full-time or part-time.
     

  2. Choose your route. This could be A-levels, BTEC, an Access course, or a Foundation Year.
     

  3. Prepare your documents. This usually means a valid passport, proof of immigration status such as a share code or a British passport, qualification certificates, and in some cases a short CV to show work experience.
     

  4. Write your personal statement. Explain why you want this course, what motivates you, and back it up with examples from work or study.
     

  5. Collect references. These can be from an employer, teacher, or manager who knows your skills and potential.
     

  6. Submit your application. Make sure you know the deadlines — January and September intakes don’t follow the same calendar.


    Don’t want to risk mistakes? Enrol free with Enrollmate: https://enrollmate.co.uk/college-university-enrolment/ — we check eligibility in 24 hours and handle the paperwork.

     

  7. Apply for Student Finance. This covers tuition fees and maintenance support in one application.

     

Funding — do I need to pay anything?

Most students do not pay tuition upfront. If you qualify for Student Finance, the government pays your tuition fees directly to the university. You can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover living costs. Repayments only begin once your income goes above £25,000 a year, and the amount you repay depends on what you earn, not what you borrowed.

Can I study while working?

Yes, and many students do. Full-time courses usually mean around 12 to 16 hours of lectures or seminars each week. That leaves space for part-time work, and some mature students even balance full-time jobs while studying. Universities understand that life doesn’t stop when you start a degree, so many courses are designed with flexibility in mind. You have options to study 2 days per week and you can choose between weekdays and weekend.

Tips and tricks to speed things up

Ask for references early, and give your referee a deadline. If English feels like your biggest obstacle, check first whether the university accepts Duolingo or an internal test before booking IELTS. Think about adding a placement year, since graduates with placement experience often have far better employment outcomes. Keep all your deadlines in one place, because September and January intakes have different cut-offs. And if you’re transferring from another course, request an official transcript early so you don’t lose valuable time.

More help with enrolment

Enrolling can feel like a mountain of forms and deadlines, but you don’t need to go through it alone. At Enrollmate we guide you step by step, from checking your eligibility right through to your graduation. Our service is completely free for students, and we make sure no important detail gets missed along the way.
You can apply here: https://enrollmate.co.uk/college-university-enrolment/ for college enrolment.