Applying to study abroad

How to apply to study some, or all, of your undergraduate course outside the UK.

  1. When to apply – if you’re considering taking part in a placement abroad, you'll need to apply to your UK course provider.
  2. Once you’ve applied – your UK university or college will liaise with your respective department or school (ie. business school) and foreign study coordinators to assess your application.
  3. Hearing back – your application can take weeks to be processed before you get a response. Most universities and colleges will notify you via email, but check what your uni’s process is. Successful applicants will then be allocated the available places.
  4. Once you’ve accepted your place – your foreign study office and course department will help you select the modules the overseas university or college offers to create the most appropriate study programme for your course. You can also use this time to discuss any disability, learning difficulty, or medical condition that may require additional support during your time overseas.
  5. Completing university forms – you will need to complete an application form for the modules and study programme you would like to study at the overseas university or college. Your coordinators can help you complete these.
  6. Arranging accommodation – once you know where you’re going, you'll need to research and apply for accommodation. Many universities and colleges offer student accommodation, or will be able to provide you with a list of accommodation providers in the area.

Studying your whole course abroad

If you’ve chosen to complete all your undergraduate study abroad, you'll need to research how to apply to a university in that particular country. Once you’ve sent your application, the next steps and how offers are made will vary depending on the country and specific universities you’ve applied to.

Here are some examples of what to expect:

US universities

As all applications to US universities are direct, timings for application deadlines and processing vary. For example, for a ‘regular decision deadline’, you apply by 1 January, and you should receive a decision by 1 April. 

  • If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter explaining how to accept their offer and asking you to provide any forms you need to complete – for instance, to show you have access to the funds you need for your first year of study. You may also be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to hold your place, which will be deducted from your tuition costs.
  • Once you’ve accepted your offer, you can apply for your student visa through your nearest US embassy or consulate. Your US university will provide you with a form you may need if you are required to attend a visa interview. Once you’ve got your visa, you can book your travel. Your US university will provide a range of resources, information, and advice to help you, including how to apply for funding, scholarships, and grants, and how to arrange accommodation.

EU universities

You usually need to apply directly to the university or college, but there are some central admissions services too (a bit like UCAS). Application deadlines are usually in the first few months of the year in which you intend to begin your studies.  

  • In France, the application deadline is January, and French universities and colleges inform applicants of their decisions between 15 June and 15 September for programmes starting in October. It's therefore possible that you may have no more than a month to arrange your travel, accommodation, and funding. If you are a UK citizen, you will not require a visa.
  • In Germany, the application deadlines are usually January or July for winter/summer enrolment, and offers are usually made within two months. If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to study in Germany. However, once you've found accommodation, you'll need to apply for a residence permit from the local resident registration office.

Australia

Most university courses in Australia start in February, and the academic year finishes in November. The application deadline is usually the September prior to the course start date, although it is recommended you start planning your application a year in advance. 

  • If your application is successful, you will receive ‘Letters of Offer’. These are usually sent within four to six weeks of the university or college receiving your application.
  • To accept an offer, you will need to pay a deposit to receive a ‘Confirmation of Enrolment’ document from the university. You need this document and your offer letter to apply for your visa, as well as Overseas Student Health cover from a certified provider. 
  • Once your visa application is underway, you can start looking for accommodation. Many universities offer accommodation, but places are limited and often on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Asia

You will need to make your application directly to the university in Asian countries, which means deadlines and start dates vary. In China and Singapore, you need to apply by June for a September start date, although individual courses may have a corresponding application deadline. In South Korea, the main intake of students is in March or September each year, with application deadlines of September to November, and May to June respectively. 

  • If you're offered a place, the process to get a visa varies. The university may need to arrange a local sponsor for your visa application, or you may have to do this via the appropriate embassy in the UK.
  • You will need to submit a visa application form with proof of identify, evidence of your qualifications, and a financial statement. Immigration departments may ask you to provide health certificates or details of where you intend to live, so be prepared to arrange this in advance.