Step1
Search a course
Courses can vary in length from a few weeks to two years; this means you can choose exactly what you need. The UK education system is very flexible enabling you to study academic and vocational courses side-by-side (such as a vocational computer qualification alongside an AS- or A-level in mathematics or economics), learn a vocational skill alongside English language classes, or prepare for university whilst also improving your IELTS score. This way you can be sure that your time is being used in the most effective way for you.

Before selecting a course, you should crystal clear about you want to pursue. Once decided, start looking for the institutions, which offer the course. It’s always advised to go through institutions’ websites and online brochures to have a better idea about what the course curriculum offers and whether it’s in tune with the industry needs or not.

Step 2
Search a college
There is no one university or college which is perfect for everyone: different places suit different people, so it depends upon your preferences. There is no national curriculum for higher education courses, but the Quality Assurance Agency carries out external reviews and the Teaching Quality and RAE assesses the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK. It takes place every four to five years.

Information website contains statistics, documents and reports about the quality of teaching.Students should then short-list the universities depending on several aspects like budget, preference of location, course offered, infrastructures and so on. This is important because they need to focus on a few select universities for taking their application process further. More importantly, they can have their standardised test scores sent to select universities at no extra costs. By identifying a few universities correctly, students can save a considerable amount of money in the form of application fees, standardised test score fees.

Step 3
Apply to a college
Undergraduate students or students applying for bachelor’s degrees, only need to fill out one UCAS or Universities and Colleges Admission Service form. This form can be completed by paper or online and you can send the form to a maximum of six universities. Besides the general information, the form also asks for a short personal statement and one recommendation letter from any professor. You can complete the online application on www.ucas.com [1].

The post-graduate application is similar but you have to fill separate applications for each university. With two reference letters, a personal statement and transcripts of the degree college you are ready to apply.

The only exam that undergraduate students need is the IELTS or TOEFL. The SAT or ACT is not required by UK universities. Graduate students also need only the IELTS or TOEFL. There are exceptions as top MBA programmes require applicants to take the GMAT. Similarly applicants to London School of Economics may need the GRE for admissions. Your best bet is to individually check with each university what their admission requirements are before you apply.

Step 4
Documents required
Students must prepare all the necessary documents to be submitted to the university along with the application form. Students need to provide:

• Transcripts from all universities/colleges attended

• Letters of recommendation

• Essays/Statement of Purpose

• Resume

• Final Application form, including application fees

• Financial aid forms

• Test results

Students might be required to submit a separate form for Graduate Assistantships. Some universities also require students to complete an immunisation form. All this information is available on the university website. Students are therefore required to thoroughly check the requirements of every university they are applying to as it may differ from one university to another.