At postgraduate level, applications are made direct to the institution. With so many courses to choose from, it is important that you think very carefully before you make an application as the process can be lengthy and time consuming.
Student advisers recommend that you draw up a shortlist of six to eight universities, after finding out as much information as possible from individual institutions. You can get prospectuses and application forms at education exhibitions; you should also visit the university websites. Most UK universities have an international office which deals with applications from students from outside the UK.
Timing
Some courses fill up their places very quickly, so you must prepare well in advance of the starting date. This might be as early as the October or November of the previous year; ideally, it shouldn’t be any later than April, although some courses accept students as late as August.
Research students
Research students may begin their studies at any point in the year, with the agreement of their academic supervisor. As it is not possible for international research students to be interviewed before being offered a place at university, you must convince a potential supervisor that you have the foundation of knowledge to pursue the research in question. If communication is poor at the start of the application procedure, you could encounter problems in the future, even if you have been offered a place.
Things to remember
• You should consider the time it takes to gather information, the time referees need    to supply references in support of your application, and the fact that it may take a    number of weeks for a university to make a decision due to the sheer number of   applications it receives.
• Your application will be considered on your academic achievements and on    references. Referees should be university tutors who are able to comment on
your academic performance. You should also take into account the time it will take    to arrange funding. In most cases, scholarship-awarding bodies need to know that    you have an offer of a place at a university before you are eligible to apply.
• Many UK universities provide online application services. This may be a     downloadable    form or an entire online application system, or both
.
Equivalence of qualifications
The National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) supports universities and colleges in making their decisions on the recognition of international qualifications, but the final decision is always made by the individual institution. NARIC also provides a service for international students seeking information on comparability between international and UK qualifications.
As an independent enquirer, you should forward the following: a photocopy of your degree certificate(s) together with transcript(s), a translation in English if necessary and a covering letter. Once NARIC has received this information, they will provide you with comparability information shortly afterwards. Responses to enquiries will usually be given free of charge (apart from postage and telephone charges).
Further information
UKNARIC, Oriel House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL50 1XP UK
t 00 44 (0) 870 9904088
f 00 44 1242 258611
www.naric.org.uk