Requirements to Study in UK for International Students

As you make plans for your study in the UK, you need to fulfil many conditions. Every level of study in the UK, be it undergraduate, master's, PhD, or MBA, has different requirements to meet to get admission. This blog will tell you everything you need to know about the conditions for studying in the United Kingdom. 

What Exams are Required to Study in UK

As an international student, be it for a specific course or to get the language proficiency requirement, do you pass some types of exams before studying in the UK? There are many exams required for varied reasons. Like the most common language exams, we all know – the IELTS and TOEFL, which are especially important for international students.

Depending on the university, the minimum requirement may be different. And remember that tests such as the GRE and GMAT, among others, are a crucial part of any level of study. We will divide the types of exams into two based on what is required primarily as part of your study requirements.

• Language Proficiency Exams
• Admission Tests

Language Proficiency Exam

To get admission to study in the UK, the home office sets a minimum need that every aspiring international student must have at least a B2 level of English language proficiency. To meet this requirement, exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, ISE, and PTE are what you need to take. Not all, though. You need to choose one and get it right. Also, the results last for two years, after which you have to resit for another one in case you didn't get admission within the two years.

The scores required for each exam in different universities differ based on the level of study, i.e. bachelor's degree or master's degree. But usually range between scores as low as 5.5 to 7.0 for IELTS. And between 43 to 75 for the PTE exam.

Admission Tests

Some courses require you to have a specific test to be eligible for admission. Examples of such tests are GRE, GMAT, MAT, STEP, LNAT, CLAT, and GAMSAT. Unlike the language proficiency test, these admission tests may not be compulsory, although necessary. So, if you plan to study law, business, mathematics, and medicine, you might need it. Remember always to check your desired university to know which you need to get for the UK course you wish to study.

Entry Requirements to Study in UK: Undergraduate Level

Sri Lankan students who wish to pursue their undergraduate study in the UK must ensure that they have completed their high school or secondary school first. Also, you need to possess the minimum requirements to be eligible to study your preferred course in the UK. Other types of qualifications you require to be suitable include;

1. HND certificate
2. Foundation degree
3. Diploma
4. Degree

Below is a summary of the list of what you need to study at the undergraduate level in the UK.

• Your high school completion certificate
• If you have been to other higher academic schools, then you need to provide original copies of the transcript
• Your statement of purpose
• English language proficiency exam
• Proof of funds (usually a bank statement showing you have the financial capabilities to study in the UK will do)
• Letter of recommendation (LOR)
• International passport
• University offer letter
• Student Visa

For language proficiency, you will need to get a minimum of 5.5 to be eligible for an undergraduate study. Some schools require up to 6.0. So remember to check for the university-specific requirements before applying.

Entry Requirements to Study in UK: Postgraduates

As the name suggests, the postgraduate level of study will require you to have completed at least an undergraduate level and obtain the necessary certificate. You should have at least 2:1 as your grade (although some UK universities accept lower rates) in a subject related directly to what you intend to study. With that said, below are some qualifications you can use to pursue postgraduate admission.

1. Undergraduate degree with a good 2:1
2. PG Cert/PG Dip. And to study a PG course to get either a certificate or a diploma in the UK, you need to have an undergraduate degree and an IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.
3. Master's degree. Master's level education. To pursue a master's degree in the United Kingdom, you must first get a bachelor's degree. You need an undergraduate course with a good grade or a PG cert/PG Dip. Also, you need an IELTS score of at least 7.0.
4. MBA. And to study MBA in the UK, you need an undergraduate degree and about three years of professional experience and a minimum IELTS score of 6. 5
5. PhD. And to study for a PhD in the UK, you need to have a master's degree and an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Below is a summary of the list of what you need to study for a postgraduate course in the UK thoroughly:

• Completed undergraduate degree with a good grade in the same field or closely related
• Original academic transcripts
• Letter of recommendation (2)
• Statement of purpose
• Professional resume
• Proof of funds
• International passport
• English language proficiency
• Offer letter
• Student visa

Entry Requirements for PhD. Scholars in UK

A PhD or doctorate is like the last step in academic learning, at least in schools. And to study for a PhD in the UK, you need to have a master's degree and an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Below is a summary of all that you need to study for a PhD in the UK A thoroughly completed master's degree from a recognised university

• Academic transcript
• Your research proposal
• Statement of purpose
• CV
• Proof of funds
• International passport
• English language proficiency score of at least 7.0
• Offer letter
• Student visa

Entry Requirements to Study in UK: Vocational Course

Vocational courses in the UK don't require any formal qualifications. You only need to prove your proficiency in English and show some literacy skills. However, as we always say, check with the school you plan to study at to confirm the requirements. This is because every university in the UK has specific provisions to study with them.

Requirements To Study Law in UK For International Students

Law is one of the courses held in high regard by many people. And a law degree can rake you far in your career. Studying law in the UK won't only equip you with the necessary knowledge to practice the profession. Still, it also opens you and your career to endless possibilities. To study undergraduate law in the UK, you need to meet the following requirements.

1. An international Baccalaureate with a minimum of 34 points
2. A-level requirements
3. IELTS with at least a 6.5 score.

Suppose you don't meet the above requirements. In that case, you can opt to study for a foundation degree and then study for your bachelor's in law at the same institution.

For a master's degree in law, you will need to provide the following

• An undergraduate degree certificate in law
• Academic transcripts
• Detailed resume
• Proof of professional experience
• Statement of purpose
• Language proficiency.

There is a test for aspiring law students in the UK who are expected to write in the UK. And that is the LNAT (national admission test for law). The LNAT test is primarily required to evaluate your skills, including verbal reasoning, analysing, providing a conclusion relating to a problem, and accurate interpretation of available information. However, you don't need any law knowledge to take this test.

As we always say, endeavour to check and confirm the requirements of the university you intend to study at as they may change yearly.

Requirements To Study Medicine in UK

To study medicine in UK, you have two options; either you opt for the A100 medicine program or the A104 combined with a foundation year. So, if you are going directly for the medicine program (A100), then you need

• International Baccalaureate with 37 points and chemistry with any other science subject.
• A-level results
• in IELTS of at least 7.5 overall.

For this A100 medicine program, you will spend at least five years and a maximum of 6 years. Suppose you are a graduate already but wish to study B.Sc. in medicine. In that case, you will need the same qualification mentioned above apart from chemistry or any other science course. And for graduates, the course lasts for four years as it is an accelerated degree.

The A104 is the same as the A100, but it is combined with a year foundation course either as a stand-alone or part of the whole degree program. Also, the requirements are the same, except you don't need to provide chemistry or any other science subject. You only need thirty-four points in your international Baccalaureate.

What visa is required to study in the UK?

The student visa (Tier 4 visa) is the required visa for every international student planning on pursuing their studies in the UK, and this visa is only given to a student who has an offer to study full-time in the UK.

Best Universities to Study in the UK

UK Admission Process

The admission process in UK universities is quite simple and depends on you. Here are six simple steps to apply to

• Select your desired university and choose a study program,
• Ensure you meet all the application requirements
• Submit your application
• Wait for admission,
• Get your finances in order,
• Apply for a student visa

And you are good to go.

The United Kingdom is a popular study destination for overseas students. Partly because English is their mode of communication and has some of the best universities. We hope our detailed article helps your process to study in the UK easier.

AECC Global is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.