Students from every country in Africa study in the UK. For centuries, the UK has welcomed international students to its universities. There are currently more than 1.8 million full and part time students in higher education in the UK. This includes more than 300,000 international students from 180 different countries.

In many ways, applying to a university in the UK is simpler than in other countries. That’s because virtually every university in the UK uses the UCAS, the United Kingdom Central Application System, for undergraduate applications. The UCAS is a centralized system that uses one application for over 50,000 programs at more than 325 colleges and universities.

Most courses for a bachelor’s degree last 3 years in the UK. Some may last 4 years, with the final year being a “sandwich” year involving both study and work in the field. Some four-year programs include medicine, dentistry and architecture.

Students in the UK complete a single college application, the UCAS form. Students may specify up to 6 courses at different universities that they are interested in. The UCAS application includes information on the student’s qualifications and grades, any jobs that the student has held, and any criminal history. It also includes a personal statement. Letters of reference are included. For students in their final year of secondary school, the letters of reference from teachers usually state the grade the student is expected to earn in that course.

Since the same application is submitted to all universities and colleges, it’s wise to take your time completing the form. Make sure it is correct, and shows you in the best possible light. Since you will be writing only one essay or personal statement, it’s usually best to focus on your passion for the course you’re applying in. If you’re applying for courses in veterinary medicine, your personal statement would be about your passion for animals.

Each university program that the student has specified receives a copy of the UCAS. They decide if they will accept the student, and send the information back to UCAS. The UCAS sends the info to the student. Often, students are accepted “conditionally.” This means they will be accepted if they earn a certain grade in their current courses, or if they complete their current course of study by August 31 for classes beginning in September or October.

In most parts of the UK including England, Wales and Northern Ireland, students specialize very early. Secondary school students pick a few subjects to specialize in by the time they are 16. During the last two years of secondary school, students study just 3 or 4 subjects. Often, these are highly specialized subjects that the student hopes will improve his or her chances of being accepted at university. For example, a student interested in medicine may study Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, while a student interested in English literature might study English, English Literature and Critical Thinking.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know if a university in the UK will accept your secondary school credentials, certificate or diploma. Each university and college sets its own policies regarding international students. It’s best to contact the office for international students at the university of your choice.