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Checklist for studying in the UK: 9+ things you should know | IDP Vietnam

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writer
Hong Khanh
  • Published: 8 May 2025
  • Updated: 7 May 2025

Studying in the UK has always been the dream of many Vietnamese students because of its prestigious education, diverse learning environment and unique cultural experience opportunities. If you are planning to study in the UK, careful preparation early on will help your learning journey be smoother and more complete. To help you conquer this journey, IDP has compiled a complete and detailed checklist for studying in the UK below.

1. Choose a school & program

Do your research carefully to choose a school with a quality learning environment and training program that is right for your orientation. You can find the following information to make the right choice:

  • Find out about UK schools & courses.

  • Check the entry requirements (GPA, English, etc.) and relevant qualifications (high school transcripts, high school diplomas, college transcripts, or undergraduate degrees)

  • Use UCAS (British University Admissions System) to apply for university.

2. Prepare a study & foreign language profile

A well-thought-out academic profile and good foreign language skills are the keys to helping you get your hands on the door to study in the UK. Here are the documents or certificates you need to prepare:

  • Transcripts & degrees (translated into English).

  • English language certificate: IELTS or IELTS UKVI 6.0+ (with foundation programs), TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.

  • Some schools require A-levels, IB or Foundation Year.

  • For graduate programs:

  • GMAT/GRE (especially for finance and business)

  • ATAS certificate (specific engineering disciplines).

  • Work Experience

3. Apply for admission

After choosing a school, quickly prepare the paperwork and submit your application on time. You can check the steps below to complete the application procedure:

  • Apply via UCAS (for undergraduate) or in person (for postgraduate).

  • Pay the admission fee.

  • Prepare the documents:

  • Transcripts/transcripts for the most recent level.

  • High school diploma/university degree

  • Personal Statement/Essay

  • Letters of recommendation

  • CV (if needed)

  • Portfolio (for design and art)

  • Wait for the Conditional/Unconditional Offer Letter.

4. Accept the invitation & complete the conditions

When you receive an offer letter, you need to complete all the conditions to officially confirm the place. Here are the things you need to do to complete the acceptance of your offer of admission:

  • If a Conditional Offer is received, it is necessary to supplement the missing documents (e.g. diploma, IELTS).

  • Pay the tuition deposit to confirm admission.

  • Proof of finances (Passbook).

  • Tuberculosis examination and interview.

  • Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from the school.

5. Nộp hồ sơ xin Visa du học Anh (Tier 4/Student Visa)

A student visa is an indispensable passport for your journey to study in the UK. Check your application thoroughly and complete the proper procedures to avoid late admission.

  • Apply online at www.gov.uk/student-visa

  • Pay the visa application fee (524 GBP).

  • Pay your Health Insurance Premium (IHS) to use NHS health services (~776 GBP/year)

  • Go to the visa application center in Vietnam to get a biometric stamp.

  • Required documents:

  • The passport is valid, at least 06 months.

  • CAS Letter from the University

  • Proof of finances (tuition fee for the first 1 year + 09 months of biology tuition fee)

  • TB Test

  • Confirmation of payment of visa fee & IHS

6. Prepare financially

Studying in the UK requires you to prepare a large amount of money, including tuition fees and living expenses. Here are the documents you need to prepare to prove your finances:

  • Confirmation of Passbook balance, ensuring that there is enough finance to pay:

  • Tuition Fees

  • Living expenses (GBP 13,347/9 months in London and GBP 10,224/9 months outside London)

  • Academic records and English language certificates as required by CAS mail

  • Students under the age of 18 need a "Letter of Consent"

  • If the passbook is in the parent's name: Financial guarantee letter, birth certificate

  • Online Visa Declaration Form

  • Appointment for fingerprinting at VFS

  • Open an international bank account for convenient transactions.

7. Book flights and find housing

Booking your flights and finding the right accommodation will give you peace of mind as you embark on your new journey to the UK. Here are some options that you can refer to:

  • Choose a hostel or a homestay, or rent a private house.

  • Book airport pick-up (if needed).

  • Prepare your luggage in accordance with the British weather.

8. Prepare entry documents

When you arrive at the UK airport, you need to bring all the documents to go through immigration quickly. Some documents and documents you need to check fully before flying:

  • Passport & Student Visa.

  • CAS letter from the university.

  • Tuition payment receipt, photocopy of savings book and certificate of savings book balance.

  • Tuberculosis examination certificate.

  • Update e-Visa status on UK Immigration ID Check

  • English Language Certificate and CAS Academic Record

  • Students under the age of 18 need a "Letter of Consent".

Note: Students are only allowed a maximum of GBP 3,000 in cash when exiting Vietnam.

9. Prepare for your arrival in the UK

Your early days in the UK will be more favorable if you actively install the necessary applications and get used to the new environment. Here are some useful tips that you can refer to:

  • Download the required apps (Google Maps, NHS App, banking apps, etc.).

  • Activate a UK SIM & bank account.

  • Attend orientation sessions & register for classes.

Study in the UK at IDP

Hopefully, with the checklist for studying in the UK that IDP has just shared, you have a better idea of what you need to prepare for the upcoming journey. However, visa policies and requirements from UK universities can change from year to year, so it is extremely important to keep up to date with information. If you need more answers, don't hesitate to contact IDP's expert team via the 19006955 hotline for quick and dedicated support.

With more than 55 years of experience accompanying thousands of Vietnamese students on the journey to conquer international knowledge, IDP is committed to fully supporting you from the first step until you arrive in the UK. IDP's team of consultants is always ready to answer all your questions about choosing a school, hunting for scholarships, preparing documents , visa procedures or registering for the IELTS test.

Let IDP be your trusted companion on your journey to study in the UK and other top countries such as Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland!

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