Table of contents
- STEP 1: Get hold of your passport
- STEP 2: Do not forget to take an English Proficiency Test
- STEP 3: You can not miss your GMAT or GRE Test
- STEP 4: Bachelor's Transcript & Educational Certificates are a must
- STEP 5: Curriculum Vitae (CV) is indispensable
- STEP 6: Prepare a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- STEP 7: Gather your Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- STEP 8: List out your target universities
- STEP 9: Submit applications to the shortlisted universities
- STEP 10: Do not miss the opportunity to apply for an education loan
- STEP 11: Make arrangements for your stay
- STEP 12: Decide on your offers
- STEP 13: Apply for a Visa
- STEP 14: Work on your finances
- STEP 15: It's time to leave
STEP 1: Get your Passport
Every door needs a key. Your passport is one of the most crucial documents which will give you access to the UK. It is the initial step you take towards your fruitful journey, and you have to make sure that you take care of it well in advance. Refer to this section to get a detailed overview of all the requirements related to your passport.
STEP 2: Do not forget to take an English Proficiency Test
The UK is one of the high profile countries that prefer to set benchmarks in educational excellence. Therefore, they expect international students like you to maintain linearity in terms of their language standards. Proving your proficiency in English language is a necessary pre-requisite for your application process, especially if you are coming from a non-native English speaking country.
You will either have to take an IELTS or TOEFL test to convince them and prove your mastery in English language. Need more information on this? Click the below link to get a complete picture of the proficiency test.
STEP 3: You can not miss your GMAT or GRE Test
If the IELTS or TOEFL test acts as one side of a coin, the GMAT or GRE is the other side of the coin. These standardized tests hold a certain percentage of value in your application (in terms of your candidature). Hence, you must start your preparations early and aim to get a score that is accepted in the UK universities. Compared to the IELTS, the GMAT is far more challenging and demands a lot more time, concentration, and commitment.
Need a bigger picture in this arena? Refer to the section below that will assist you in understanding these standardized tests.
STEP 4: Bachelor's Transcript & Educational Certificates are a must
In addition to the amount of significance drawn towards the passport, you must also understand that your Bachelor’s Transcript & Educational Certificates hold no less value. These are mandatory documents that are needed for the course you choose to apply. Before you start with your application process, ensure that you have procured your Bachelor’s transcripts, along with your degree certificate and mark sheets. To have in-depth knowledge on this, read this section.
STEP 5: Curriculum Vitae (CV) is indispensable
The Curriculum Vitae acts as a much more enhanced identity/personality card that will help the admission committee know you. Your first appearance to the committee will have a significant role in deciding your candidature, and therefore, it is noteworthy that you will provide this mandatory document. Besides, your CV has to align to the university you are applying to (some universities prefer a specific style such as the European format) and highlight your achievements. Want to know how to make this kind of a CV? Briefly have a look at this section.
STEP 6: Prepare a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The Statement of Purpose is a critical part of your application process. Known by several synonyms such as Statement of Intent, Motivational Letter, etc., the SOP is a comprehensive document that articulates your motivation for higher studies. A Statement of Purpose showcases your overall personality with answers to insightful questions like – ”what is your motivation behind choosing this program, do you have the right background that fulfils the fundamental requirements for this program, what are your short-term/long-terms goals,” etc.
Combined with the CV, the SOP will further give the admission committee an outlook on your candidature and improves your chances of getting an offer. If you wish to know more about this persuasive document, go through it thoroughly in this section.
STEP 7: Gather your Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Letters of Recommendation are like icing on cakes; they help you increase your chances and show the admission committee that you are hardworking, reliable, smart and committed, in its essence, define your core values. Letters of Recommendation are quintessential documents provided by your professors (academic) or your supervisors (professional), or both, depending on your university’s requirements. LORs further strengthen your application and highlight your skills. Are you confused about whom to ask for a LOR? Go through this section deeply.
STEP 8: List out your target universities
You have done all the hard work and have gathered all the documents; what’s next? Now, you have to list out the universities you wish to apply for. A mandatory step, and its significance are undebatable as you have to ensure that you extensively research about universities and come up with a list that suits your profile. You can use our expert advice for the profile evaluation process for university shortlisting and receive a consolidated shortlist, including application process, deadlines, application portal link, contact, etc.
STEP 9: Submit applications to the shortlisted universities
After finalizing a list of select universities, you have to start the process by sending your applications. While there are several ways in which you can submit your application, you should read through your desired university’s website for accurate details. Almost all universities have online portals for applications, and you will have to send the hard copies of the documents after you apply (depends upon different universities). Briefly go through the UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) portal to further help you smoothly complete this step.
STEP 10: Apply for an education loan
Studying in the UK could turn out to be quite expensive, and hence education loans are at your disposal. As your application process is nearing to conclusion, the next step is to apply for an education loan. Some loans could cover part or full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel. Do you want to apply for an education loan, but not sure how to tackle this complicated process? This section will help you with the whole process.
STEP 11: Make arrangements for your stay
Needless to say, arranging for your stay beforehand might help you in settling down quickly. While some universities provide student dorms, you have various options to choose from. This largely depends on the university you choose, whether it has halls of residence or flats and shared houses or indoor dorm options for international students, and various other factors like budgets, ease of traveling, and the city your university is located in. Your accommodation will have an equivalent role to play in your master’s degree in the UK. Check this section for further information on your stay options.
STEP 12: Decide on your offers
Once you have the list of your offers, you have to decide on the university you wish to go to. After accepting the offer from your desired university, you will have to notify the university and transfer a non-refundable deposit of 1000 euros (on an average) and then pay the initial deposits according to your university’s procedures. Find out more in this section.
STEP 13: Apply for a Visa
This is your last stage of the process as you have to apply for a student visa in the UK. You can either apply to the UK embassy in your country, or you can apply online through the official UK Government website. You would need a Tier 4 student visa, and this process could take 3 to 5 weeks, depending upon when you apply for the visa. Are you confused about this process? Then, go through this section briefly.
STEP 14: Work on your finances
Obviously, you will have to work on your finances as you will have to pay initial deposits and non-refundable fees accordingly. The option to pay in full or in parts depends upon your university’s policies and regulations. Read further to know about this.
STEP 15: It's time to leave
Hurray! You have done all the hard work, and now you can sit back and relax and leave everything to others for you to take care of. Oops, you cannot ignore this step as this will determine how quickly you settle in the UK. From smart packing to working on your shopping list, this section will play a huge role in easing your work in the UK. Want some help in this arena? All you have to do is read further, pack your bags, and take a deep breath!
