Applying to university? Here's what you need to know

Applying to university is a big decision, and it can definitely feel overwhelming with so much to think about. From picking the right courses to keeping track of application deadlines, it’s easy to get lost in the details. 

But don’t worry—there are some simple steps you can take to make the whole process a lot easier. By doing a little research, setting some realistic goals, and getting your application in order ahead of time, you’ll be well-prepared not just for applying, but for diving into university life too. 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the entry requirements needed to study at university, how to apply and the key steps you need to take to make a successful application. 

What do you need to get into university?

Entry requirements for applying to university will differ depending on several things, including the level of study, the university and the course you choose. The main entry requirements that universities will look for are your qualifications (such as A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers etc).

In addition to your qualifications, universities will also look at your UCAS points (which are a way of measuring grades across qualifications), GCSEs, and some may require you to have an interview or submit portfolios as evidence of your work.

How to apply to university in the UK

Applying to a university from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

If you are a British citizen applying for university in England then you simply need to make an application through UCAS. You will need to register for an account before you can start your application.

Before making the application, you should have decided where and what you want to study. You should also be fully aware of the entry requirements, deadlines and other key dates that will affect your application. 

Applying to university as an international student

If you are an international student wanting to apply to a university in the UK, you will also need to submit your application through UCAS. 

Depending on where you reside, you may need a visa to study in the UK. If you do require a visa, you need to apply for one once you have submitted your application and received your unconditional offer. The university you are attending will issue you a Certificate of Acceptance Studies (CAS), which will allow you to begin the process of applying for a student visa. 

When should you apply for university?

The deadline to apply for university will differ depending on the course and university you are applying to. You can expect to begin your application around September for a start date in the following academic year. 

Some universities and courses, however, have earlier deadlines and require applications to be made by early October. For information on application deadlines, you should refer to the course pages on the university website. 

Key steps for applying to university

Choose your course and university

Before beginning your application, you need to think about where you want to study and the courses you wish to apply for. Begin by thinking about your passions and interests as well as your academic strengths. You want to make sure that the course you do is something you enjoy – and that it aligns with your career goals or future aspirations. When you have an idea of the area you want to study, you should research courses and universities. Most university websites will have a course finder where you can explore courses, their structures, the entry requirements and the career opportunities they can open up for you. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it's a good idea to attend university open days. These events allow prospective students to visit the university and learn more about its courses and general student life. Open days are also ideal if you’re looking to learn from the experiences of current students, as you’ll have the chance to speak with them to find out more.

BSc International Management student, Isabel, explains how attending an open day helped her to narrow down her choices: 

“Attending open days significantly helped me in narrowing down my university choices. The first-hand exposure to campus, interactions with faculty members and students, and insights into academic and extracurricular offerings helped me to make an informed decision.”

Find out the deadlines and key dates for applying

As we’ve briefly mentioned above, you must be aware of the deadlines and any key dates related to your application. For example, most undergraduate course deadlines are in January of the year you want to study. If you do miss the deadline, it may still be possible to apply, but many universities may not consider it, particularly if they already have lots of applications for that particular course.

Check the entry requirements

Entry requirements are set by the universities, and the criteria you need to meet will differ depending on the course and university you apply to. Requirements for the course may include qualifications such as A-Levels, GCSEs, Highers or BTECs. You may also be required to submit additional pieces of work, such as portfolios or complete interviews and admissions tests. All of this information can be found on the course web pages or in brochures.

Start your application

Once you have narrowed down your choices and you’ve registered with UCAS, you can begin to start your application. When you apply through UCAS, you’ll be able to select up to five different courses/universities. The application will involve you filling out your personal details, education history, qualifications and a personal statement. If you are currently studying for a qualification or you are waiting for your results, it's important that you still include your predicted grades. You will also need to add a reference in your application. Your UCAS referee will usually be someone who knows your academic capabilities, such as a teacher or tutor. The reference aims to highlight your suitability for higher education, and it usually includes an overview of your academic performance, a description of your key skills and qualities, as well as any other relevant work experience or extracurricular activities you have undertaken.

Submit your application

Before submitting your application, you should make sure all the details you have provided are accurate and your choices are correct. While you will be able to change your contact details, such as your email, postal address and phone number, you won’t be able to amend your predicted grades or add any new qualifications. You can substitute a choice for a different one within 14 days of receiving your welcome email. However, if you change a course and it passes the cut-off date, it will be considered late and may jeopardise your chances of securing a place on the course.

You can choose to include an additional contact, such as a parent or supporter, who will then have ‘nominated access’ and can contact UCAS – or your unis – on your behalf to discuss your application.

Wait for the results

Once you apply, the waiting game begins! Waiting times to hear back can vary, particularly if you have applied for a course which requires a portfolio or interview. Results of your application can be tracked via your Hub on UCAS and you can typically expect to hear back by mid-May if your application was submitted by the deadline. If your university application has been successful, you will either receive a conditional offer (you still need to meet the requirements e.g. through your exam results) or an unconditional offer (you have a place).

Applying for university FAQs

Can I apply directly to a university?

In the UK, the majority of undergraduate applications are processed through UCAS. However, for some situations—especially for master’s courses or international students—it may be possible to apply directly to a UK university.

When are UCAS applications due?

For the majority of undergraduate courses, the application deadline is in January. Although some universities and courses do have an application deadline of mid-October. You should also check with the individual universities and courses you are applying for if you are unsure.

Do you have to pay to apply to university?

If you apply for university through the UCAS application method, then there is a small charge for this. 

How do UK universities select their students?

UK universities select students based on a range of criteria, which varies depending on the programme and the university itself. However, the general selection process for undergraduate students typically relies on your academic qualifications, personal statement, references, and, if required, an exam, interview or portfolio.

Can universities see what other courses you have applied for?

No, universities cannot initially see where you have applied through UCAS. Once you accept an offer, they will then be able to see where you have applied, but this does not impact the outcome of your application in any way.

How long does it take for a university application to be accepted?

The time it takes to receive an offer from a university depends on when you apply and their decision-making process. In line with UCAS deadlines, you should expect to hear back by mid-May if you submit your application by the end of January or mid-July if you submit it by the end of June.

Discover our range of undergraduate at Warwick Business School

At Warwick Business School we offer a range of undergraduate courses in areas such as accounting and finance, management, marketing and business. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the courses we offer, use our course finder or download a course information brochure for more information on our world-class programmes.