Application Procedure for Undergraduate (Bachelor Degree) Programmes - Study Abroad Information Resources

This section explains the process of applying to universities in England and Scotland for Undergraduate (Bachelor Degree) courses.

For details on how to select a university that matches your interests, needs and academic background, go to the Selecting Universities section.

Application Requirements

Applocation Forms

Applications are made through a computerized national system known as Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Students must complete a single UCAS form which allows them a choice of six universities and courses so that they don’t have to make costly and time consuming multiple applications. UCAS forms are available at all British Council Offices  for self funded students.

When to Apply?

UCAS forms should be ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year. Students can start applying even if they have received their final results. However, even after 15th December, applications can still be processed in the normal way until 30th June. After that, applications will be handled through "Clearing Process".

Note : For Oxford and Cambridge

• Students must apply before 15th October of the year preceding their year of proposed entry.
• There are specific forms to be filled and sent to the universities.
• You cannot apply to both the colleges in the same academic year.

Eligibility

Application Requirements

Academic records

Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.

Students applying for are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but most require only one.

If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. If your undergraduate qualification or university is unknown to the admissions tutor, the British Council would be able to advise.

Standardized test

IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take  IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.

Note : Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.

Letter of recommendation

Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.

The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.

Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.


Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
For more details on letters of recommendation, formats and tips, check out Letters of Recommendation

Statement of Purpose

The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.

A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.

For more details on various essay topics, tips, sample essays, check out our Essays/Statement of Purpose section.