Before applying for courses, you need to find out from a particular institution about its entry requirements. There are general academic requirements and you also need to prove that your level of English is sufficient for the course.

Academic requirements

Most UK institutions do not require UK qualifications from international students but accept national school leaving certificates. But you should always check with the particular institution you are interested in.

English language requirements

All UK institutions require you to have a sufficient level of English to follow your chosen course. You may have to take an English language test. Individual institutions are free to specify their own requirements. Usually IELTS score 6.0 to 6.5 or Cambridge Advanced are required. You can take these tests at our centre. Find out more about exam dates and requirements from our exams pages.

English language courses

Some English language courses can be started at any time of the year and others have precise start dates. Check EducationUK website or visit our centre where we can advise you on the requirements of specific schools. To apply for an English language course, you should contact the school, and ask for a prospectus and an application form. You will then need to complete the application form and return it to the school direct.

Boarding schools and colleges

Some independent schools have formal application procedures and prefer pupils to apply up to a year before they wish to start. Other schools are more informal and welcome applications at any time. Most schools start in September, although other dates are available.

Career-based courses

Applications should be made direct to the institution by contacting the institution, and asking for a prospectus and application form. There is no standard closing date for applications to career based courses, but you will need to leave yourself enough time to apply for a visa, make travel arrangements and arrange accommodation.

Degree courses

To apply for full-time degree courses and higher national diplomas (HNDs), you simply make a single approach through the centralised application process. This service is provided by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services). All UK universities (except the Open University) and most colleges of higher education are members of UCAS. You can get the UCAS application form and instructions how to fill it in from the British Council office or you can apply online at http://www.ucas.com/intapply/index.html

Postgraduate programmes

You should apply directly to the university that runs the course you are interested in. Details of the application procedure will be available from the institution. For Master's degrees, most institutions require a recognised first degree in a relevant subject for entry. There is no restriction on the number of different courses you can apply to in any one year. Some institutions now accept applications via the internet. Applying this way can speed up your application and admission procedures considerably.