Applying to the UK
Applying to UK universities is fairly straightforward and is done in majority of cases using UCAS. Students who are applying to the UK do so based on a specific academic program, or in the case when they are interested in two (generally complimentary) subjects, may opt to apply for a joint honors course. You must decide what you want to study before starting your application, as most program changes will require a fresh start from year one.
Applicants are only allowed to apply to a total of five universities or five programs at one university. It is recommended that students only choose to apply to one subject area or joint honors course (i.e. History and History/Philosophy) and not a different course at every university. This is because there is only one personal statement submitted. UK universities view applications for multiple courses as a lack of commitment to a certain academic area. UCAS applications (other than for Oxford, Cambridge and medical/dental/vet science schools) must be submitted online by 15th January and all applications received by then will be given equal consideration. Applications submitted in October/November are read first and have a better chance receiving offers. Offers are made as early as November but some programs may not respond until as late as April.
Students applying for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences may only choose 4 universities (instead of five universities as for other subjects). A student may choose a 5th related subject such as Science, Biomedicine or Zoology for example. Please note that some universities require applicants to sit exams for law and medical programs (LNAT, BMAT, UKCAT and TSA). You must check with the specific university that you are applying.
UK universities place the greatest emphasis on academic achievement and entry requirements (IB Diploma points or UCAS Tariff points) are published clearly on the university website and UCAS. IB Diploma students will generally have no difficulties entering directly into the first-year of University, however IB Course students may find it a bit more challenging. It is recommended that IB Course students also consider applying to Foundation courses as they may not meet the academic requirement for direct entry into a Bachelor's programme.
Applicants are only allowed to apply to a total of five universities or five programs at one university. It is recommended that students only choose to apply to one subject area or joint honors course (i.e. History and History/Philosophy) and not a different course at every university. This is because there is only one personal statement submitted. UK universities view applications for multiple courses as a lack of commitment to a certain academic area. UCAS applications (other than for Oxford, Cambridge and medical/dental/vet science schools) must be submitted online by 15th January and all applications received by then will be given equal consideration. Applications submitted in October/November are read first and have a better chance receiving offers. Offers are made as early as November but some programs may not respond until as late as April.
Students applying for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences may only choose 4 universities (instead of five universities as for other subjects). A student may choose a 5th related subject such as Science, Biomedicine or Zoology for example. Please note that some universities require applicants to sit exams for law and medical programs (LNAT, BMAT, UKCAT and TSA). You must check with the specific university that you are applying.
UK universities place the greatest emphasis on academic achievement and entry requirements (IB Diploma points or UCAS Tariff points) are published clearly on the university website and UCAS. IB Diploma students will generally have no difficulties entering directly into the first-year of University, however IB Course students may find it a bit more challenging. It is recommended that IB Course students also consider applying to Foundation courses as they may not meet the academic requirement for direct entry into a Bachelor's programme.