Applying Through UCAS: A Guide for International Students Pursuing UK Universities

• Author: Ketan Srivastva, Physical Education BA, School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences

If you’re looking to apply to a UK based university but you’re not from the UK yourself, then you need to know about UCAS and the application process!

Preparing a university application requires a lot of careful planning and attention to detail. There are lots of things to consider, I started my journey by researching my course options, looking into universities that offered those courses, finding out what the entry requirements were and then discovering what future career opportunities were on offer.

Once I knew what courses I was interested in and where I was applying, I started drafting a personal statement ensuring it reflects my passion and experience. I then organised my academic records, degrees, certificates, and letters of recommendation. Finally, I submitted everything before the deadline to maximize the chances of getting successful admission on my desired course.

In this blog I will go through the different stages I used for my university application and how to navigate UCAS, with the hope it will help you at the start of your own university journey!

Understanding the UCAS Application Process

The UCAS application process is one of the most crucial steps for securing a place at a UK university. UCAS allows us to apply to multiple institutions with just one application.

Below is a summary of the eight steps that I personally followed to make my UCAS application: 

1. Registration: I registered on the UCAS website to manage my application.  

2. Course Selection: I selected the courses I was planning to apply to – you can choose up to five, based on your interests and qualifications! 

3. Personal Info: I provided personal details like contact information and nationality.  

4. Education: I included my educational history, listing the schools I attended and my qualifications.  

5. Personal Statement: I wrote a personal statement to showcase my passion, skills, and experience for my chosen courses.  

6. References: I submitted a reference from a teacher, but you can also get a reference from a professional who supports your academic potential.  

7. Payment and Submission: I paid for and submitted my application through UCAS, ensuring all the information was correct.  

8. Tracking – UCAS offers tracking, so I tracked my application for responses and offers from universities. 
 
In the following sections I will go into more detail about some of the steps above and how I maximised my chances for success!

Choosing the Right Course and University

Choosing the right course and university is one of the most important decisions you will make during your application process. 

I started by considering my area of interests, strengths, and career goals; researching course content, teaching methods, and assessment styles.  

Where possible, I visited university campuses to explore facilities, and consider location, reputation, and student support services. If travel wasn’t possible, I found online campus tours to be really helpful. 

I Prioritized institutions that aligned with my academic and personal preferences to ensure a fulfilling university experience. 

For me, being an international student and a sportsperson, choosing the University of Brighton has become one of the best decisions of my life, the facilities and the support provided by the University have been amazing, it has created a very positive environment, where the teachers and staff are extremely welcoming and supportive!

Writing a Standout Personal Statement

Here are the things I included in my personal statement to help me standout:  

1. Introduction: I briefly introduced my passion for the subject and why I was applying. 

2. Interest in the Course: I explained why I was interested in the chosen course and subject.  

3. Relevant Skills: I highlighted the academic and personal skills that make me a good candidate. 

4. Experience: I Included work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities related to the course I was applying to.  

5. Achievements: I showcased relevant accomplishments that demonstrated my abilities.  
6. Career Goals: I connected the course to my future career aspirations.  

7. Conclusion: I summarised my enthusiasm and commitment to the course.  

8. Proofreading – To ensure it was error-free and clearly written, I made sure to read over my statement a couple of times. 

Gathering Strong References

To gather strong academic references, I followed these simple steps:  

1. Choosing the right referee: Reach out to a teacher or mentor who knows you well academically and can speak to your strengths, commitment, and potential.  

2. Request Early: Give your referee plenty of time to write a detailed and thoughtful reference by asking well in advance of deadlines. Informing them at the last moment could lead to extreme pressure or you might even miss out on the reference letter! 

3. Provide Information: Share your course choices, personal statement, and relevant achievements so your referee can tailor their recommendation to the application. 

4.Maintain Communication: Keep in touch with your referee to ensure they submit your reference on time 

Ensure all the details provided are correct as the university might contact them to confirm your details! 

Meeting Application Deadlines

Meeting application deadlines is essential to ensure your application is considered. Deadlines vary depending on the course and university, so it is important to stay informed. You can find all relevant deadlines on the UCAS website, which lists key dates for different types of applications.

Be sure to regularly check for updates and set reminders to stay on track! Missing a deadline could limit your choices or delay your application, so plan and allow plenty of time to complete all sections of the application process. 

Preparing for University Interviews

It is important to review the specific requirements of each university and program to find out if an interview is part of the application. 
 
Preparing for a university interview is crucial for courses that require them, such as Medicine, Law, and Teaching. Here is what to expect and how to prepare: 

1. Understand the Format: Interviews may be one-on-one or panel-style, and could include questions about your motivation, subject knowledge, and relevant experiences.

2. Research the Course: Familiarise yourself with the course content, teaching methods, and any specific requirements.  

3. Practice Answers to Common Questions: Prepare for typical interview questions, such as why you chose the course, your strengths and weaknesses, and scenarios related to your field. 

4. Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show your passion for the subject and your commitment to succeeding in the course.  

5. Prepare Your Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers, demonstrating your interest in the university and course. 

6. Dress Professionally: Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately for the interview.  

7. Stay Calm and Confident: present yourself confidently during the interview. 

Many courses do not require interviews as part of the application process. Instead, admissions decisions are usually based on your personal statement, academic qualifications, and references. 

Personally, I did not have to interview for the University of Brighton, however, it does vary from course to course. 

Gaining Relevant Experience

Gaining experience is one of the most vital aspects of career progression and personal growth and is highly valued throughout our lives. 

During my studies before university, I aimed at gaining relevant experience through work placements and extracurricular activities as this is essential for a university application. Such experiences enhance your skills, demonstrate commitment, and provide practical insights into your chosen field. It shows admissions officers your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and highlights your initiative and enthusiasm. 

Involvement in clubs, sports, or volunteer work helps develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, making you a more well-rounded candidate. Overall, these experiences enrich your personal statement and provide compelling examples during interviews, setting you apart from other applicants. 

The University of Brighton offers several opportunities for students of all abilities to enhance their work-based experience, improving their chances of success in the employability world. Working for the university as a Student Ambassador is one example of the many opportunities offered by the University of Brighton to their students and it has helped me learn and gain experience while studying!

Funding Your University Studies

ecuring funding for your university studies is unquestionably essential to ensure that you can focus on your academic journey. Here are some common options available to help the financial management of your studies: 

1. Student loans: They cover tuition fees and living costs and are repaid after graduation when your income reaches a certain threshold.  

2. Grants and scholarships: These are assessed on a case-by-case basis, often looking at academic achievement, financial need, or specific talents and they do not need to be repaid. 

3. Bursaries and hardship funds: These are offered as additional support for students in financial difficulty and assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

4. Part-Time Work: You can also work part-time to help cover living expenses but ensure it does not interfere with your studies! 

Explore all funding options early in the process so that you have enough time to make separate applications for the funding schemes. 

What Happens After Submitting Your Application?

After submitting your application through the portal, UCAS processes it and sends it to your chosen universities. Here is an idea of what happens after sending the application: 

1. Acknowledgment: You will receive a confirmation from UCAS and the respective universities that they have received your application.  

2. Application Review: Universities will review your application, including your personal statement, qualifications, and references. Some courses may require an interview or additional assessment.  

3. Offers: You will receive either a conditional offer (based on pending qualifications), an unconditional offer, or a rejection. This will be communicated via UCAS.  

4. Reply to Offers: Once you have received all your offers, you will need to choose a firm (first choice) and insurance (backup) option.  

5. Results and Confirmation: If you meet the conditions of your offer, your place will be confirmed.  

6. Clearing: If you don’t meet the conditions of your offer, you may enter Clearing to find available courses. 

Navigating the UCAS Application Process for International Students

To summarise, here are some helpful tips that should be considered while making your application: 

1. Before searching for different universities and courses, ensure you have a good understanding of what you are looking for, otherwise it can be quite overwhelming! 

2. Complete your application early so you have enough time left to apply for a VISA (it is a long procedure all international students must complete) to ensure you do not miss the start of your classes! 

3. If you are struck making your application, do not hesitate to contact the university support staff or team. I personally took assistance from the international team to guide me with my application and VISA.  

4. Having a consultation at the university is free of cost. Just email the required department. University of Brighton is supportive in terms of helping students while making application and beyond. 

5. Make sure you enter all your personal details correctly in your application as this will impact your transcripts and degree. 

6. Stay true and real in your interviews and personal statements. Faking would not lead to positive results! 

7. Prepare and plan your funds taking into consideration your tuition fees, living expense, travel, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses in advance to avoid any problems later! 

8. Keep checking your emails regularly to avoid missing out on updates your application.  

9. Lastly, stay positive and good luck!