Most full-time bachelor’s degree in England lasts 3-4 years, depending on the chosen course and university. Medicine, law and architecture specialties, however, often require additional training to receive the full qualification.
The documents for application are submitted centrally through the UCAS system. The deadline for submission is January 15th. In Oxford and Cambridge, the deadline for applying is October 15th each year.
Most scholarships for undergraduate studies are small and rarely cover the full cost of tuition fees. The cost of studying for international students is an average of £14,000 — £18,000 per year plus at least £10,000 for living costs.
In the UK, pre-university schooling lasts longer than in many countries and school children are most likely to study until they reach the age of 18. So to compensate the differences between the British schooling system and other countries, there are a number of ways for foreigners to enter into a bachelor’s degree:
1. After finishing school in your native country, you can enter a Foundation course at many English Universities. Usually this is the same university in which you plan to continue studying in the undergraduate program. The advantage of this method is that you are immersed in the university atmosphere and you have the opportunity to richly improve your English. There are some disadvantages, however, as it will cost almost the same as a full undergraduate year.
2. Take A-Level exams. Admission to an English school teaching A-Levels is possible after you turn 16 years old. This again can be costly, but it will immerse you in the language. Another possible disadvantage of this method is that if your grades fall from the level that you had back home, this could affect your chances of getting into your chosen university.
3. Complete the International Baccalaureate programme. Schools teaching the International Baccalaureate system are located all over the world.
4. Applying to enter after completing one or two courses in a native university on a similar programme. This is the cheapest method of entrance; however, it must be taken into account that it is not possible to use it for getting into Oxford or Cambridge.
