UCAS
Why should students choose the UK for higher education?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026The UK offers globally respected universities, shorter degree durations, and strong academic quality. Students benefit from industry-aligned courses, research exposure, and international recognition of UK qualifications.
What is the UK Graduate Route?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026Curently, the Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK after completing their degree to work or look for work. Undergraduate and master’s graduates can stay for 2 years, while PhD graduates can stay for 3 years. However, effective from 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route will allow international students to stay for...
How many universities should I apply to?
Last Updated: 7 January 2026UCAS allows up to 5 choices, which is usually enough for a balanced list. All 5 choices see the same personal statement, so make sure it’s relevant to all courses you’re applying to. For competitive fields like medicine, you can only choose up to 4 choices plus one non-medical course.
What are predicted grades?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026A predicted grade is the grade of qualification an applicant’s high school believes they’re likely to achieve in positive circumstances and are usually provided after mid-term exams in Grade 12. These grades are then used by universities and colleges, along with a range of other information, as part of the admissions process to help them...
Do UK universities focus on extracurricular activities while selecting students?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026A competitive UCAS personal statement is one that shows your subject interest through evidence and reflection, and that you are ‘university-ready’ by taking ownership of your own learning outside of the classroom. That type of learning can take several forms like online courses, internships, volunteer work, research, summer schools, etc. But a lack of extra-curriculars...
Is a law degree from any foreign institution valid in India?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026As per official guidelines, it is necessary for the Bar Council of India (BCI) to examine the details of courses, infrastructure, international scholarships and other requirements which are needed for an Indian student pursuing legal education in a foreign country. For more details, read this article with the law degree requirements in India.
What is the UCAT exam for?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based admissions test, established in 2006 by a consortium of leading UK universities to help achieve greater fairness in selection. The UCAT is used by a consortium of UK and Partner Universities to help select applicants to their medical and dental degree programmes.
Does the Duolingo English Test have any real value when compared to the IELTS and TOEFL?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026Yes, but with limits. Many UK universities accept Duolingo English Test (DET) for admission, especially for undergraduate programmes. However, IELTS & TOEFL remain the most universally accepted, particularly for competitive universities and visa processes. Some students may be admitted with Duolingo but later asked for IELTS/TOEFL for visa or final enrollment, depending on the university...
Do UK universities such as Cambridge accept CBSE qualifications for undergraduate admissions?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, universities like Cambridge do accept CBSE, but they require very high Class 12 scores, often in specific subjects, and sometimes additional tests (like TMUA, TSA, etc.) or interviews. CBSE is accepted, but the bar is extremely high and course-specific.
For the 2026 Fall intake, have the registration deadlines for tests such as TMUA already passed?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026For most applicants, yes. The October sitting of TMUA typically closes in September of the previous year, and the January sitting usually closes by mid-December. At this stage, registration for TMUA for 2026 entry is generally closed. Students should now focus on universities or courses where TMUA is not required or is optional, and check...
What are the UCAS SOP changes?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026If you’re applying to UK universities for 2026 entry, you’ll be among the first students to experience the most significant change to the UCAS personal statement in decades. Instead of submitting one continuous piece of text, you’ll now answer three separate questions designed to help you showcase your strengths, passions, and readiness for higher education....
What are Extra and Clearing?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Extra gives you a second chance before the main results come out, if you used up all your original application choices and didn’t get (or declined) any offers, you can add one more choice through Extra. Clearing kicks in after results are out, when courses still have vacant seats, and you either didn’t get an...
What is the Russell Group and why does it matter?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026The Russell Group is a prestigious association of 24 leading UK research universities, representing excellence in research and teaching. However, not being in Russell Group doesn’t mean a university is bad. Many excellent universities exist outside the Russell Group too.
What are the emerging sectors in the UK?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Following is a snapshot of companies that hire in these sectors in the UK are: • In IT/Technology: Phoenix IT, Telicity group, Microfocus • In Construction: Balfour Beatty Carillion, Kier Group • In Fintech: Revolut FreeAgent, Funding Circle Monzo • In Manufacturing: Unilever, Rio Tinto, GlaxoSmithKline, Anglo American, AstraZeneca • In Data Protection: BT, PwC,...
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Last Updated: 8 January 2026You must show funds to cover tuition for one year plus living expenses (London: £1,529/month; outside London: £1,171/month). The UK Government also announced significant updates to its immigration rules for international students and graduates, published on 14 October 2025.
Is London the best option, or should I look at other cities?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026London offers incredible opportunities but has the highest cost of living. Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Glasgow offer excellent universities, lower costs, and strong student communities.
Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026No. UCAS rules prohibit applying to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same application cycle. You must choose one.
What’s the difference between a conditional and unconditional offer?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026A conditional offer means the university is offering you a place provided you meet certain conditions, usually exam results, subject requirements, or other stated criteria. An unconditional offer means the university is offering you a place without needing to meet further academic conditions, you’re essentially guaranteed the place (though you still must meet other administrative...
Should I take the SAT/ACT for UK admissions?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026No. UK universities evaluate CBSE/ISC scores, predicted grades, and subject prerequisites. SAT/ACT is optional and rarely required.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in breaks.