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International Postgraduate Taught: Before you start
Before you start checklist
1. Meet your entry requirements (if this applies to you)
Keep an eye out for emails from the Admissions team, who will get in touch if you need to provide evidence of meeting your entry requirements. You can also check if Admissions are missing anything on your Applicant Portal.
2. Apply for your visa
Your visa is essential, and it is never too early to gather all the information and evidence you will need to provide. Take a look here at our guidance on applying for visas.
3. Complete your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) check
We will email you to check the details we have on record for you are correct. Once you have confirmed and you have met your entry requirements, we can issue you your CAS number. Read more about the process of getting your CAS number.
2. Sort out your funding
Funding advice: Check out the funding options available for postgraduate taught students.
You will need to pay your fees or provide evidence of sponsorship before or after enrolment.
3. Find somewhere to live
You can live in UCL accommodation or find alternative accommodation, such as the University of London housing service.
4. Complete pre-enrolment
Pre-enrolment is the first step to becoming enrolled as an official UCL student. You will receive an invitation to pre-enrol by email, which will explain the steps you need to take. But if you would like to know more please see our dedicated page.
As an international student, you will need to upload visa documents, for help on which documents you'll need see our guide.
5. Register your module preferences (if this applies to you)
After you have been enrolled you will receive an email inviting you to select your module preferences, if this applies to you.
Look out for information and guidance from your department on how to choose your modules.
6. Pay your fees
If you want to pay your fees during the main enrolment period, please select the “Pay Your Fees” option from your Portico account. After the enrolment period, you will see your fee invoices/transactions in your Student Statement (Portico) and will be able to pay from there. See further information on fees.
7. Set up a UK bank account
Setting up a student bank account will pay off by the end of term. It is also a good idea to think about planning your budget. For guidance on setting up a UK bank account as an international student please see this page.
8. Get your vaccinations
If you are under 25, please make sure you have meningitis (ACWY) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations before you arrive. Meningitis and measles are serious conditions and first-time university students are more susceptible. Find out more about these and COVID-19 vaccinations.
9. Complete online inductions
We have interactive online modules you need to complete before your course starts - we highly recommend the International Student Online Orientation.
The modules contain useful information that will give you a great start at UCL. Make sure you don't miss the Masters' Careers Essential module!
10. Attend the International Student Orientation Webinar
The UCL International Student Support team will be holding these webinars from 21 August 2023 to 04 September 2023 for new international students who will be coming to UCL and/or London for the first time. In this webinar, a member of the International Student Support team and a current UCL student will be available via video chat to help you with a wide variety of questions you may have regarding life at UCL or life in the UK.
11. Look into your childcare options (if this applies to you)
If you are a student who is a parent or guardian with caring responsibilities, we have support and advice available for you.