Application Procedure For Undergraduate Course In UK

Application Procedure for Undergraduate course in UKUK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world. Your UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. The wide range of undergraduate courses in the UK gives you a huge amount of flexibility. A UK undergraduate education gives you an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in a subject that fascinates you.

• Eligibility
  British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as opposed to twelve years in India. Outstanding marks from one of the two Central Boards (CBSE or ICSE) or their equivalent, or the first year of an Indian degree programme are therefore usually required for direct entry into an undergraduate programme in UK.
  For those who do not, as yet, have these qualifications, there is a range of access or foundation courses available. Foundation courses range from four months to a year.
• UCAS
  UCAS (Universities and Colleges admission services) is the central organization that processes application the full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
  
  All UCAS institutions are recognized by the UK government or offer courses that are validated by UK government-recognized universities.
• Processing of Direct Application:
  All those wishing to study for undergraduate degrees in the UK must apply through UCAS. Applicants submit a single application via UCAS's website with a list of up to five courses for which they are applying. Choices are not listed in preference order. All five choices are confidential during the application process so universities and colleges considering an application cannot see any of the candidate's other choices. UCAS forms should be ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year.
  
  A fee of £ 19 is charged by UCAS to process applications and £ 5 if applying to just one University.
• Processing of Application through BCES:
  At BCES, students have the provision to apply directly to most of the Government funded colleges and some Universities.

• Documents Required for Admission

1. Academic Records
2. English Language Tests
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

1. Academic Records
   Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.
   
   Students applying for are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but most require only one.
   
   If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. If your undergraduate qualification or university is unknown to the admissions tutor, the British Council would be able to advice.
2. English Language Tests
   IELTS: For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Testing System) which is regularly administered by the British Council.
   Note: Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
3. Letter of Recommendation
   Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
   
   The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
   
   Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
   
   Note: Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
4. Statement of Purpose
   The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
   
   A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.