How to apply as an international student

Applying to university can be confusing. And it can be even more confusing if you’re applying from a different country.

So, to make things easier for our future international students, we’ve created a simple step-by-step guide to help make the application process easier.

Whether you’re from countries such as Pakistan, India, or Nigeria, or any other country around the globe, we want to help make this process as easy as possible. Let’s go…

1. Research which course you want to do

There are hundreds of different courses to choose from around the country. An engineering degree at one university wouldn’t be the same at another university.

Research what each university offers and look at the module content for each course. Ask yourself:

• Do the modules look interesting?
• Are there optional modules to choose from?
• Will the course content teach me the employability skills I need to gain work?
• How is the course taught?

With the last question, different universities teach in different ways. Some universities prefer a traditional academic approach which focuses on studying academic papers and writing essays.

However, other institutions, like CCCU, like to use practical and innovative teaching methods, such as completing simulation tasks, creating academic posters, and presenting on relevant topics, alongside more traditional approaches.

Depending on how you like to learn, make sure that the course and university you choose can cater to your learning style. This will make sure the course is enjoyable and will enable you to focus on your strengths and succeed.

You’ll find all the relevant information on the university’s website course pages.

2. Understand the entry requirements

Whilst you’re looking at course pages, make sure you understand the entry requirements, so you know that you have the academic qualifications that the university accepts.

If English is your second language, then be sure to check the English language requirements. You must have a recognised qualification to apply for the Student Route visa.

The recognised qualifications that we accept at CCCU are:

• IELTS
• Pearson PTE Academic
• TOEFL IBT
• Oxford ELLT.

If you haven’t achieved the correct scores from your English language test, there are options for you to study English before your university course starts. At CCCU, you can do the following English courses before starting your degree:

• Pre-Sessional Programme
• International Foundation Programme
• General English course.

3. Decide which application route you’re going to take

At CCCU, you can either apply via UCAS or through an agency.

UCAS stands for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, which all UK students apply through when applying for an undergraduate degree.

Using UCAS can be a little confusing at first, but you can follow this guide to help you complete each step of the application process. If you’re applying for a Health course, then you must apply via UCAS, so be sure to have a read through our guide.

If you need some help with your application, then you can get in touch with our international recruitment partner, InUni. The InUni team are here to support you throughout the application process. From finding the perfect course to sending off the application, they will help you through every step.

You can also reach out to an agency in your country. Depending on which country you’re from, there are many agencies that work with us. The agencies will send off your application on your behalf. Once we receive your application, our Admissions team will contact you. You can find their contact details on the Find Your Country pages.

4. Complete your application

Completing your application can take a lot of time but it’s the most important step to complete. As well as completing your application, writing your personal statement, and getting your references together, you will also need to sort out the following:

• Academic transcripts – copies of your school transcripts
• Passport – a scanned copy of your passport
• English test results – upload any results you have
• Specific course requirements – some courses may ask for a portfolio of work, particularly for creative courses.

If you’re applying through UCAS, then you’ll have to pay the application fee before submitting.

5. Apply for your Student Route visa

After you’ve received and accepted your offer to study at your chosen university, you will then have to wait to receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This could take a little while.

Once you’ve received your CAS, you’re ready to apply for the Student Route visa. You must have the following ready to apply:

• Your passport
• Proof of funding to support yourself whilst in the UK
• Your CAS number
• English language qualification.

You may also have to provide your TB (Tuberculosis) test results, depending on which country you’re travelling from. You can find more information on this on the Government website.

Now it’s time to fill in the Student Route application form on the Government website.

Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll have to pay the visa application fee and the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge).

You’ll then be directed to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your Home country to provide your fingerprints and biometrics. Be sure to keep your application receipt as proof that you’ve attended this appointment.

It’ll then take 3-4 weeks to process your application. You can pay for faster processing if you like, but this is only optional.

6. Apply for student accommodation

Now it’s time for you to apply for student accommodation. Depending on which campus you’ll be studying in, there are many options to choose from.

You’ll also benefit from the accommodation guarantee* if you apply before 31 July, meaning you won’t have to worry about where to live for when you arrive.

 

Applying for university in the UK as an international student can be a long process. But with these six simple steps, hopefully it won’t be as confusing.

If you do have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our International team.

Good luck with your application and we hope to see you in Canterbury next year!