How do I apply for an undergraduate course in the UK?

If you want to study an undergraduate course at a UK university then you should apply through the official UCAS website. You can complete the form online and get to list 5 different universities on your application form and can list different courses if you wish. However, it is best to choose courses at different universities in the same subject, so you can write about that one subject in your personal statement.

UCAS takes applications at certain times each year for the next academic year of courses. The opening and closing dates vary, but here is rough guide of when you should apply:

• EU students must submit their application between mid-September and mid-January during the academic year before your course starts. However, if you are applying for the University of Oxford or Cambridge, or for a Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary course, you need to apply by mid-October.
• Non-EU students can usually apply any time from mid-September to late June in the academic year before you want to start your course. However, like EU students, if you are applying for the University of Oxford or Cambridge, or for a Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary course, you need to apply by mid-October.  

The general rule should be that regardless of when your application deadline is, you should plan to apply as soon as possible to give yourself plenty of time. Similarly, if you are a non-EU student and leave it till June to apply, many of the courses may have already filled up.  

After you have sent your application form, some institutions will require you to go for an interview, whilst some will base their offer solely on your application. If getting to an interview in the UK is a problem for you, most universities offer the option of a telephone interview or one in your home country.