Graduate

Application & Entry: Information for International Graduate Applicants

Education and research are activities which transcend national borders, cultures and languages. By choosing UCL you are opting not just for one of the world’s top universities, but for an institution with a distinct ethos and mission in which teaching, learning and research are informed by the global context in which we operate. UCL is an institution which strives for international excellence in all areas of academic activity; an institution which in accordance with its founding principles, aims to share this experience with those who can most benefit from it, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Nearly 50% of UCL’s graduate students come from outside the UK, and our academic staff come from over 90 different countries. UCL has international research links, collaborations and strategic partnerships with universities, governmental bodies, funding agencies and the commercial sector that contribute to a unique global network of knowledge provision and opportunity.

By studying or conducting research at UCL, you will not only be part of this vibrant, cosmopolitan and challenging environment, but also actively contributing to the further development of UCL’s vision to be a truly global university.

Applications

Applications should be made using any of the standard UCL application methods.

International students are advised to submit an application for admission to study at UCL as early as possible – ideally nine to 12 months prior to the start of the degree programme. Early application for admission will help students meet any required deadlines for applying for degree programmes, for UCL accommodation and for any scholarship or funding applications.

The International Office is here to assist you with any advice or information you may need about applying to and studying at UCL. Members of UCL staff regularly attend events overseas to provide information and advice about UCL and you can find out if we will be visiting your part of the world at: www.ucl.ac.uk/international under the heading 'UCL Visits You'.

Country specific information can also be found by following ‘Country Information’ links from the same website; these pages contain an overview of entry requirements for each country as well as  information about relevant funding opportunities, student societies, in-country contacts and so on.

UCL International Office staff are also able to give guidance on immigration and visa issues, as well as the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), which applies to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who hold offers to read for research and some Master’s degrees in specific subjects.

Before submitting an application to UCL, students may in the first instance wish to contact the British Council Office in their own country which will be able to provide information and advice on educational programmes and living in the UK. If there is no British Council office, then students should contact their local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Personal recommendations are also important, so you may wish to consider contacting UCL alumni for advice and information. Currently UCL has alumni groups in Australia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Nigeria, Singapore, some European countries, the USA and Canada. For further information, please contact the UCL Alumni Relations Office at www.ucl.ac.uk/alumni.

English language support

If your education has not been conducted in the English language,

UCL requires students to reach a satisfactory level of proficiency in English language prior to starting their degree programme and an early application gives students time to obtain an acceptable language qualification while living outside the UK or to book a place on one of the pre-sessional English language courses offered by the UCL Language Centre.

The UCL Language Centre offers a range of approved English language courses, including pre-sessional courses, a Graduate Preparatory course and a Diploma in English for Academic Purposes. The Language Centre also runs part-time in-sessional English language courses for students enrolled at UCL. Courses available include general academic English support as well as a range of courses in more specialised areas, such as academic writing tailored to graduate students, presentation skills and so on.

Further information about our English language courses can be found at www.ucl.ac.uk/language-centre

Fees and funding

UCL offers a range of scholarships and awards for which international students can apply. Further information is available on the Scholarships website at: www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships. UCL also attracts students who have received funding from their own government or other external sources, so prospective students are advised to check with the Ministry of Education in their own country or from the British Council for information about other potential funding opportunities.

General tution fee information is provided on the Fees, costs and funding page.

Support before and after your arrival

Embarking on a graduate degree programme is both an exciting and challenging experience. There are extra challenges in travelling to another country to do this. We aim to make the transition as smooth as possible for you. Our guarantee of accommodation for a year (see the Accomodation page) should alleviate one common concern.

In some countries the UCL International Office, in partnership with student societies, provides pre-departure briefings. A free orientation programme, held immediately prior to the start of the academic year, is designed to help introduce you to UCL and London and the comprehensive range of support services available. A similar welcome event is held a few days later for all students, to provide information about the facilities offered by the Graduate School, the Skills Development Programme, the Postgraduate Association of the UCL Students’ Union, and related graduate activities, social events and clubs.

During your time as a student you will have access to all of the academic and welfare support services at UCL. This includes the National Health Service, under which international students on programmes lasting more than six months qualify for free treatment. The International Office remains available as a source of support and advice throughout your stay at UCL, providing help on a wide range of issues like opening a bank account, working in the UK during your studies and visa renewal.

The UCL Careers Service can provide assistance in finding employment in your home country after graduation and can advise on the various routes into employment in the UK, including the International Graduates Scheme. You can find out more at www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/international

For more information please visit our website: www.ucl.ac.uk/international

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