Admission
Requirements
These vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum English language requirement. Along with that a minimum academic record of 65% and above for humanities stream in class XII, and 70 - 80% and above for Science/Commerce stream in class XII will also be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.
The following documents also need to be submitted:
Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume
Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
Proof of funds
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Timeline
Here is a timeline to follow to get admission steps completed in time:
12-18 months before enrollment • Start researching and select 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines etc.
• Learn about options to fund your studies.
• Make custom application strategies for different universities.
10-12 months prior to enrolment • This is the time when you shift from the preparation mode to creating the application. Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-assessment.
• Register yourself and start preparing for required standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, UKCAT, TOEFL or IELTS - depending on the course and university.
10 months before enrolment • Begin by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites.
• Start working on the UCAS admission form and application.
• Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
• Take standardized tests like GMAT and TOEFL.
• Contact your professors and direct managers for at least two reference letters.
• Begin drafting your SOP and essays.
• Alongside your admission applications, plan for your expenses like applying for an education loan.
Enrolments
Apply before the deadline!
• You may have to appear for a video interview in front of the admissions committee.
• You will get your rejection letter via e-mail by April-June (the months may vary). The acceptance letter helps you attain student visa.
• Gather paperwork for your student visa.
• Depending on the deadline, you will need to notify the universities of your decision, pay a non-refundable deposit, and apply for your student visa.
Application fee:
All colleges require that you pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending upon the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.
SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should reflect your personality as well.
Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.
LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager etc.
UCAS
Applications to all undergraduate courses are filled through Universities and Colleges Admission System or UCAS - a central organization in the UK that is responsible for receiving undergraduate applications and forwarding them to the respective institutions.
UCAS allows you to apply to five Universities through a common form. £13 is the fees for one course or £24 for multiple courses and applications. The services offered by UCAS are designed for the admission to the September/October intake in the UK and you normally apply directly to a university for courses starting in January or February.
Note - Students seeking admission to a postgraduate program will have to apply to individual universities using the application form of that particular university. Most universities offer the facility to apply online for a nominal fee. Once the application form is filled appropriate supporting documents would have to be sent to the university. Although universities do not have a deadline it is recommended that you apply early to enhance your chances of being made an offer.
Intake seasons
The main intake seasons are September/October and January/February in the UK. The services offered by UCAS are designed for the admission to the September or October intake in the UK. You have to apply directly to a university for courses starting in January or February.