You have the chance to develop the knowledge, perspective, and confidence you need to reach your full potential by coming to the UK to study. It is advisable to learn as much as you can about the variety of courses, colleges, and universities that are available and compare them in order to make sure that you pick the course that is ideal for you and your goals.

 

It's also essential to review the prerequisites for the programmes you wish to apply to as they may vary between education providers. You are advised to check the course profiles on respective provider's websites or visit the UCAS website. You can get in touch with us for information about courses, scholarships and seek help with your applications.

Foundation studies, A-levels and boarding schools:

You can apply to sixth form colleges, boarding schools or foundation/ pathway programmes in the UK directly or with the help of an education agent. In the case of boarding schools or foundation courses packaged with high-demand degrees such as medicine, students are advised to lodge their applications at least 6 to 12 months ahead of the intake. 

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Undergraduate:

Applying to undergraduate programmes in the UK can be done via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) portal which is a centralised application system for UK universities, or directly to some universities. Either way, you can get the help of an education agent / consultant.

 

UCAS for undergraduate applications

• Register an account with UCAS and complete your details

• Select your university and course choices

  • You can choose up to 5 courses

  • For medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, you can choose a maximum of 4 courses

  • For University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, you can apply to either one

• You will need to craft a Personal Statement of approximately 1,000 words telling the universities why you'd like to study with them and what skills and experience you have

• You will also need to nominate a reference which is a written recommendation from a teacher, adviser or professional who knows you academically

• Once you have completed your application, you can submit it and pay an application fee. For 2024 entry, the application fee is £27.50 for up to five choices (there is no single choice fee).  

 

Postgraduate:

Postgraduate courses in the UK have their own specific entry requirements and application processes, so check the individual course websites for instructions on how to apply or get in touch with an education consultant for assistance. 

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Once you've completed your application, UCAS will pass it on to your chosen education providers. They'll review and consider – and may invite you to an interview or audition - before deciding whether to make you an offer. You can track your applications in your UCAS account.

 

If you had lodged an application via an education agent, your agent will update you on any outcome they receive from the education provider. 

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There are different types of offer you could get from your education provider. They come through at different times too, so don't worry if you don't hear anything for a while.

Either a conditional or unconditional offer is good news.

• A conditional offer means you still need to meet the requirements – usually exam results or proof of English proficiency

• An unconditional offer means you've got a place, although there might still be a few things to arrange.

• An unsuccessful or withdrawn choice removes that option, but you could add more.

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Accepting your UCAS offers:

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Firm acceptance – this is your first choice.

• If it's an unconditional offer, the place is yours! So that course provider will expect you as their student.

• Or if it's conditional, the place is yours if you meet the offer conditions. So just in case you don't, you can pick a second offer as a backup – your insurance acceptance.

 

Insurance acceptance – the back-up choice to a conditional firm acceptance.

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Decline – you'll need to decline any other offers you get.

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Deadline for 2023 entry applications

• If you receive your last decision on or before 18 May 2023, your reply date is 8 June 2023 (except if you're using Extra to find a place).

• If you receive your last decision on or before 12 July 2023, your reply date is 17 July 2023 (including Extra choices).

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Deadline for 2024 entry applications:

• If you receive your last decision on or before 1 May 2024, your reply date is 29 May 2024 (except if you're using Extra to find a place).

• If you receive your last decision on or before 17 July 2024, your reply date is 24 July 2024 (including Extra choices).

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Accepting your direct offers:

If you had applied to the education providers directly or via and education agent, you can accept your offers directly with the university or via the agent once you have met all your offer conditions. A deposit payment is usually required upon accepting your offer. 

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You may be eligible for one of the many scholarships available to help with the cost of your studies. Scholarships are usually partial and are offered to students who have applied and accepted their offers early. Most scholarships apply to the first year of studies with a handful of education providers offering scholarships for the whole duration of study. ​

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You may also be able to obtain an education loan from a financial institution in your country. Most families rely on their own savings or monies in their retirement fund such as EPF. 

​As an international student, you are likely to need a student visa to pursue your studies in the UK. If you had use the service of an education consultant, they can help you with the visa process. 

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CAS: Before you lodge your visa application, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your education provider will send you a reference number called a CAS once your place is confirmed. You will need to enter your CAS number in the student visa application. 

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Money you need: You’ll need to show you have enough money to support your course fee and living expenses for 1 academic year in the UK. The amount of course fee you need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The amount for living expenses stipulated by UKVI is

• £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London

• £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

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You must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa. These details must be shown in the financial document you submit in your visa application. 

 

If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company.

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Visa application fees: It cost £363 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK. 

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Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. IHS cost £470 for every stay that lasts 6–12 months and £235 for any additional period that is less than 6 months. 

 

If you are studying a 3-year undergraduate degree course you will have to pay £470 IHS for each year of your course plus £235 for the additional amount of time you are given on your visa before the start of your course and at the end of your course. Therefore you will have to pay a total of £1645 (£470 x 3) + £235 IHS fees.

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Medical examination: You must be tested for tuberculosis (TB) if you are coming to the UK for more than 6 months and are a resident of Malaysia.Your test must be from a clinic approved by UKVI. 

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Lodging Biometrics: After completing your online visa application, you will need to arrange an appointment with the UK visa centre in your location to lodge your biometrics, submit your passport and supporting documents such as your medical report, proof of funds, IELTS test report.

 

Timeline: The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. 

It's time to start packing once you've received your visa! You can now start making arrangements for flights, airport transfer and accommodation, and anything else you'll need to make the most of your time in the UK.

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You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:

• up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less

• up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

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If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.