Requirements To Study In UK

There are many different entry requirements depending on your chosen type of UK study. The great thing about studying in the UK is that even if you don’t meet the requirements for one course, you can choose another at a different level and work your way up. The UK offers a range of study options to suit international students at all levels.

UK study guide

University Supporting Documents

If you are visiting us use this checklist to ensure you bring along all your documents so we can make the most of your appointment.

Required documents

  • Copy of passport/visa (if available)
  • Academic transcript
  • Certificate of graduation
  • Certificate of English proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test/Other
  • Personal statement
  • Reference letters
  • CV (if applicable)

Additional documents

Postgraduate

  • Certificate of graduation/bachelor’s degree

PhD/Research

  • Certificate of graduation/master’s degree
  • Research proposal

Previous UK Education History

  • Previous CAS letter
  • Confirmation of enrolment
  • Previous visas (Visa stamp and biometric card)
Study-in-UK

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required when applying to UK universities. In it, students are tasked with writing about what they hope to do on the course, what they hope to do after the course and why they are applying. We will edit your personal statement for free and more details can be found here.

Reference Letters

References are usually written by someone who knows you academically or professionally. Most references will talk about you from a teacher’s or supervisor’s perspective: the way in which you interact with other students and your performance in classes and seminars.

Your reference does not have to be academic, but if you’re studying or have recently completed school or college, an academic reference is expected. Choosing the right referee is crucial for your application to university. Things to consider:

  • Choose an appropriate referee
  • Print on official company or university letterhead
  • Explain the relationship between you and the referee
  • Express confidence that you will complete the course
  • Don’t forget the signature of the reference

Improving your English language skills

You will need a good understanding of English before you can study at most further and higher education institutions in the UK. Studying an English language course in the UK, such as English for academic purposes (EAP) or a pre-sessional course, will prepare you for further study.

 

Another option is to take an English test such as IELTS in your home country before you come to the UK. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s leading English test of its kind, testing the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Over 1,000 UK institutions recognise IELTS and the test is available in over 125 different countries.

You could also take the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), which is administered online at Pearson testing centres. The test is recognised by more than 100 institutions in the UK and accurately measures the English language listening, reading, speaking and writing abilities of non-native speakers.

black UK students

Entry requirements for UK undergraduate study

The qualifications you need depend on the course you want to study. You should have completed at least 13 years of education in your own country or in the UK, and have taken pre-university qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels, Scottish Highers or National Diplomas.

If you haven’t got these qualifications yet don’t worry – you can still study in the UK.

Qualifications required :

HND

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two Scottish Highers or a Higher National Certificate or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Foundation Degree

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, one or two Scottish Highers or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Diploma of Higher Education

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Degree

Qualifications equivalent to two or three UK A-levels, three or four Scottish Highers, a Higher National Certificate or Diploma, or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 6.0-6.5

Entry requirements for postgraduate or MBA study

To begin a postgraduate course in the UK, you’ll need to hold an undergraduate degree from the UK or overseas. You’ll be expected to have obtained a first or good 2:1 (or international equivalent) in a directly related subject and you’ll need to speak English to at least IELTS 6.5 level for most courses.

Ukstudy with sehembz

Qualifications required :

Pre-master’s

Undergraduate degree plus IELTS 5.0-5.5

PG Cert/PG Dip

Undergraduate degree plus IELTS 6.5-7.0, or a pre-master’s course

Master’s degree

First or upper second class undergraduate degree plus IELTS 7.0, or a pre-master’s course

MBA

First degree, 2-3 years’ business experience, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0

PHD

Master’s degree, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0

Entry requirements for UK independent schools

To apply to a UK independent school, you’ll need to have a good standard of education from your own country. You won’t be expected to have passed formal qualifications, but may be asked to sit the school’s own entrance exam in subjects such as English and maths.

Some schools may ask students to sit entrance exams in English and maths. The common entrance exam is also used by many schools for students who enter at the age of 13.

Entry requirements for career-based and pre-university study

The qualifications you’ll need will depend on the course you want to study. Some qualifications (such as A-levels Scottish Highers and and BTEC National Diplomas) are below university level and lead directly on to higher education. Others (such as HNDs and foundation degrees) are university-level qualifications that enable you to join a degree course in the second or third year.

why study in UK

Qualifications required :

BTEC National Diploma

Good general high school education equivalent to four GCSEs grades A –C, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0

AS/A-levels

Good general high school education equivalent to five GCSEs grades A –C, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

Good general high school equivalent to six Standard Grade qualifications grades 1-3, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0

International Foundation Year

Twelve years of school education or equivalent in your own country, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0

HND

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year, plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Foundation Degree

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year, plus IELTS 5.5-6.0