Entry Requirements to Study in UK For International Students

Filed in Education by on December 29, 2022

Whether you are going for a foundation course, a degree program, or a post-graduate program, there are certain requirements you must meet for you to be eligible to study in the UK. These requirements vary depending on your citizenship status or the program you are applying for.

Major Requirements for Study in UK

The United Kingdom made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is an island nation in northwestern Europe.

England the birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles – is home to the capital, London, a globally influential center of finance and culture.

England is also the site of Neolithic Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman spa, and centuries-old universities at Oxford and Cambridge.

In this article, we would be highlighting the major requirements to study in the UK which would enable you to make your choices correctly and aid your application process to study in the UK.

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Major Entry Requirements to Study in the UK

There are various requirements to study in the UK and they all depend on the study program you are choosing.

They are many study programs that are suitable for all students whether they are international students or UK citizens.

1. English Language proficiency

A good understanding of the English language is very important to study in higher educational institutions in the UK.

If you aren’t already proficient choose the option of taking an English Language course right in the UK.

Examples of such English Language courses are English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or a pre-sessional course that would prepare you for further education.

Types of English Language Proficiency Tests

You could also use the option of sitting for English Language Proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL in your country (of residence) before traveling to the UK.

● The IELTS which means International English Language Testing System is the most preferred because it’s the world’s best English Language test and there are four (4) language skills:

• Listening

‣ Reading

• Writing

‣ Speaking

The IELTS is recognized by more the 1,000 UK study institutions and it is provided for in more than 125 different countries.

● Another is the Pearson Test of English Academic ( PTE Academic. It is taken online at Pearson testing centers. More than 100 UK schools recognize the PTE Academic.

2. UK Undergraduate Study Entry Requirements.

The course of study determines the qualifications required. Basically, completion of at least 13 years of education in the UK or another country is required.

Pre-university qualifications that are equal to the UK A-levels or Scottish Higher or Ordinary National Diploma might be required too.

● HND Qualification

• The equivalent of UK A-levels, two Scottish Higher National Certificates, BTEC National Diploma, or an international foundation year;

‣ IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0

● Foundation Degree

• The equivalent of UK A-levels, 1 or 2 Scottish Higher National Certificates, BTEC National Diploma, or an international foundation year;

‣ IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0

Diploma of Higher Education

• The equivalent of UK A-levels, 1 or 2 Scottish Higher National Certificates, BTEC National Diploma, or an international foundation year;

‣ IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0

Degree

1. The equivalent of UK A-levels, 1 or 2 Scottish Higher National Certificates, BTEC National Diploma, or an international foundation year;

2. IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5

3. A-levels of 4 B grades; or 4 B grades equivalent in BTEC or GNVQ

4. Attending interviews ( for some schools like the University of Oxford and Cambridge).

5. International students have to reach out to the administrator of the program they want to enroll in to find out the exact credentials or requirements for each country

Visit the  University and Colleges Admission (UCAS) Official website for more information.

3. UK Postgraduate or MBA Study Entry Requirements

UK Postgraduate or MBA Study Entry Requirements

You need to have had an undergraduate degree with a First class or Second class upper ( or the equivalent internationally) in a directly related field, with an IELTS score of 6.5 except stated otherwise.

Pre-Masters

  • Undergrad degree
  • IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5

PG Certificate/ PG Diploma

  • Undergrad degree
  • IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0

Masters Degree

  • First-class or Second class upper Undergrad degree
  • IELTS score of at least 7.0

MBA

  • Undergrad degree
  • 2 to 3 years of business experience
  • IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0

PhD

  • Masters degree
  • IELTS 6.5 to 7.0

UK Independent Schools Entry requirements

  • Good standard of education
  • Optional entrance examination in Mathematics, English, and other vital subjects. It is called the common entrance examination.

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4. UK Career-based and Pre-university Study Program Entry Requirements

The course you want to study determines the required qualifications.

‣ University-level qualifications are HNDs and foundation degrees and you can enroll for a degree course in the 2nd or 3rd year with these.

• Below university-level qualifications are A-levels, Scottish higher, and BTEC National diplomas with which you can start a higher education program.

BTEC National Diploma

  • Four GCSEs grades A to C or equivalent high school certificate
  • IELTS score of 4.5 to 5.0

AS/A-levels

  • Five GCSEs grades A to C or equivalent high school certificate
  • IELTS score of 4.5 to 5.0

Scottish Highers/ Advanced Highers

  • Six GCSEs grades A to C or equivalent high school certificate
  • IELTS score of 4.5 to 5.0

HND

  • 1 or 2 UK A-levels, 2 or 3 Scottish Highers, or a BTEC Natuo Diploma or international foundation year equivalent qualifications
  • IELTS 5.5 to 6.0

Foundation Degree

  • 1 or 2 UK A-levels, 2 or 3 Scottish Highers, or a BTEC Natuo Diploma or international foundation year equivalent qualifications
  • IELTS 5.5 to 6.0

Other UK Study Requirements

  • UK Student Visa

To study in the UK, you need a student visa. There are 4 types of UK Student visas which are;

• Tier 4 ( Child) student visa

‣ Standard Visitor Student Visa

• Tier 4 (General)

This is for those who are at least 16 years and have gained admission to study in the UK

  • Short Term Study

You need this if you are at least 18 years to study for less than a year.

  • Financial support

You need financial support as free education in the UK is rare. You need to prove a valid source of funding.

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CSN Team.

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