Applying To University

How do I apply to university in the UK?

You can apply for an undergraduate course at university in the UK by filling out an application form through UCAS (University and College Admissions Service).

Once you submit this, UCAS will send it on to your chosen universities, who will decide whether they want to accept you on to their course.

The personal statement is one of the most vital parts of your application, so it’s important to spend as much time on it as possible.

For help and advice on putting together a successful personal statement, please see:

• Personal statement examples
• Personal statement template
• Personal statement writing guide
• Personal statement FAQ
• Personal statement length checker
• Personal statement editing services.

What if I need to go into Clearing?

If you think you may need to enter Clearing, then you can apply through this process up until late September.

A full list of course vacancies is published between mid-August and late-September on both the UCAS website and in the Telegraph newspaper.

First of all, we suggest you find out what courses are still on offer in UCAS Extra at the end of June.

Once you have found some suitable ones, check their entry requirements and make sure you are realistic about whether you can achieve the required grades.

Next, check out the course content for each one, and see if they cover all aspects of your subject that you are interested in and want to learn more about.

If so, put together a shortlist and call up the universities one by one to enquire further, making sure you have your notes about each course to hand.

This way, you will come across as an informed candidate that sounds genuinely interested in attending their university.

You can add Clearing choices through UCAS Track, but only one at a time, and you can only add one after you have spoken to the university first.

Hopefully one of the universities on your shortlist will consider your application and offer you a place. If not, don’t be disheartened – keep looking, and you will find somewhere suitable eventually.

If you’re really struggling however, remember that you can always withdraw your application and reapply next year.

For more help and advice, take a look at our Clearing Guide.

What are distance learning degrees?

Distance learning degrees allow you study wherever you want and offer a flexible approach.

This allows you to fit your degree around work or other commitments. You learn using study materials and online learning resources that are designed for active learning.

There will usually be an opportunity to connect with other students via a virtual learning environment.

Discover more about distance learning degrees and whether they might be a good option for you.

Should I study abroad?

As well as saving money on lower tuition fees, there are many great reasons to consider taking your higher education overseas. These include:

• The opportunity to travel
• Immersing yourseld in a new culture
• Learning a new language
• Gain new skills and overcome personal challenges
• Forge new friendships from around the world
• Enhanced career opportunities
• Discover new interests
• Postgraduate admissions
• A high quality education.

Find out more with our dedicated studying abroad guide.