Admissions procedures to UK universities

Applying to a university in the United Kingdom can be a long winded, daunting task, however once you understand the process you mind will be put at rest.

The first step for an Undergraduate student is to research a course they would like to study before finding out which universities offer it. Creating a short list of five universities is recommended, and providing you have the entry requirements, you can then proceed to the second step.

The second step is to complete a UCAS application, which is then submitted to the universities you have chosen. It does take a few months before you receive a reply, so it is always recommended that you submit your application at least six months before your course commences.

Thirdly, during the waiting period, you should consider applying for funding from the government or Student Loans Company. In Scotland, SAAS provides bursaries to students and pays the course tuition. For students in England or outside the UK, alternative funding is available either privately or through special application, such as requesting a scholarship.

Again, it is vital that you apply once you have been given your UCAS reference number so your application for funding can be reviewed well before you begin your course.

Your application for a place at a university is reviewed and you are then given a Conditional or Unconditional offer. A Conditional offer is an offer to attend the university providing you met set criteria, for example you achieve a minimum grade A in a subject. An Unconditional offer does not carry such regulations. Once you have decided which university you would like to attend, you simply reply to the offer of your choice online via the UCAS control panel.

Similarly, you will be offered funding which may be solely as loan or could be a combination of a loan and bursary if you are a Scottish student. You will be written too by the company(s) involved so you can produce this on your first day at university. This will clarify if you need to pay your fees or not and will allow the university to then updated their records.