If you’re keen to chase your study goals in the UK, here’s how early you should prepare for it.

The UK continues to be a popular destination for many international students, in part due to its array of world-class universities as well as cities steeped in culture and history.

From London to Manchester, Edinburgh to Belfast, international students have continued to revel in an array of fruitful study abroad adventures. Also, graduates from British universities stand to gain a two-year post-study work visa, which is valuable when it comes to gaining work experience.

While our education counsellors can help narrow down the universities that are ideal for you and guide you through the application process, it is always handy to find out what’s required and what to expect.

We’ve also created a university application timeline, which depicts how early you can apply as well as the documents and actions required.

For the UK, the main intake periods are:

Semester 1: September to December

Semester 2: January to April

Summer: April to June

Usually, students choose an intake based on a range of factors such as preferred choice of study, the availability of a program in a particular university, and academic records.

There are also application deadlines for each intake (below), and these can vary for certain institutions and programs with a different intake from the main ones. It would be best to speak with one of our counsellors to get tailored advice and up-to-date information.

Intakes

Type of course

Application deadline

Fall Intake (September Intake) Main Intake

UCAS (UG for medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry courses)

Usually falls in Oct for next year's intake

UCAS (For all other undergraduate courses)

The main deadline is January for all students.

International students can apply up until 30 June – subject to course availability.

Applications received after 30 June will be entered into Clearing for the Sept intake.

PG

All the PG intakes are guided as per specific guidelines of the university. So you need to check with your host university for the deadline of your application

Spring Intake (March-April intake)

UCAS (For all other undergraduate courses)

Oct -Jan for next year's intake

PG

All the PG intakes are guided as per the specific guidelines of the university. So you need to check with your host university for the deadline of your application

We’ve also charted a timeline to give you an overview of the university application journey, to better prepare you for an exciting new chapter ahead.

Stage 1

Explore study abroad options

Stage 2

Make an appointment with a counsellor (6 months to 2 years before course commencement)

Stage 3

Prepare necessary paperwork- Academic documents - i.e., SPM, O Levels, STPM, UEC, A Levels, IB, Polytechnic diploma, Bachelor's degree, etc

- Passport copy

- Personal statement

- Reference/Testimonial

- 1 for UG; 2 for PG

- IELTS Academic or UKVI IELTS

- Resume/CV Work experience

Stage 4

Apply to universities

- 5 Choices of Foundation/Universities

- Application fee waived for Foundation and UCAS (provided student applies to IDP Clients), PG courses may be subject to an application fee

- Certifying of documents

Stage 5

Post-submission Follow-up

- Submission of any pending documents

Stage 6

Receive offer

- Foundation will receive in 3 to 7 days

- Undergraduates will receive in 2 to 6 weeks

- Postgraduate students will receive an offer in 4 to 8 weeks

Stage 7

Book an IELTS test if required- UKVI for Foundation and Pre-masters

Stage 8

Accept unconditional offer

- Payment of deposit (if any)

- Apply for Accommodation

- Complete Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Preview

Stage 9

Receive Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)- 3 months before course commencement

Stage 10

Apply for Tier 4 General Student Visa

- Fill Online application

- Pay for a Visa application online & NHS Immigration Health Surcharge insurance

- Attend Biometric Appointment

- Submit your passport for processing

Stage 11

Receive Passport with Visa Vignette- Standard processing: 15 working days, Express processing (additional charges apply): 5 working days

Stage 12

Pre-departure Seminar- Exclusively held for students using IDP Malaysia's services

Stage 13

Arrive at the destination

- Pick up the BRP Card at the nearest post office or on campus within 10 working days of arrival in the UK

- Check into Accommodation

- Attend Orientation

- Enroll in classes

- Schedule a Bank Appointment

- Register with the NHS

Keen to embark on an exciting study abroad adventure? Simply fill in your details and chat with our counsellors for free!