Studying in the UK: Applying for a University and getting a visa

Most Universities in the UK require that you apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Here you should register and choose the Universities that you wish to apply to. Administrative charges are £12 for one University and £24 for two or more (you can choose up to 5 Universities). At this link you can study the process of applying through UCAS in more detail.

Some courses can also be applied for directly to admissions at a University.

After your application has been considered and if you are accepted, your University will send you a conditional or unconditional offer. The obligatory condition for most international students is usually an English language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or others – it will be stated in your offer).

As soon as you meet all the conditions of the offer, you should start applying for your visa (Tier 4 visa).

Waiting for a visa is a very emotional and heart-pounding experience for the whole family. But there is no need to worry: if all the necessary documents have been submitted, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get the visa. Here's an example of one of the families.

At first your University will request the necessary documents from you and prepare a CAS document (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This is your invitation from the University that confirms that you intend to study in the UK, and meet all the requirements to do so.

The list of necessary documents you are required to send the University can vary. Usually the list includes first of all your previous education certificates, your English language certificate, and evidence that you can afford to study and stay in the UK. The requirements for the financial evidence are very precise and should be read and adhered to carefully.

Of course, each University will guide students through the process of applying for the visa. On University websites you can find detailed guidance how to apply, for example at Manchester Metropolitan University where I study: MMU Applying for a visa? Find out what to do next.

Some more useful links on getting your Tier 4 visa:

UCAS: visas, immigration and English language tests

British Council: student visa to the UK

UK Council for International Student Affairs