UK University Entrance Issues

This information was presented by David Richardson at the IMKEC conference held in London, England in 2007.

Entrance for UK passport students

Candidates apply through a central agency.
Offers are conditional on the outcome of A level examinations.
There is a change in attitude toward more university opportunities later in life, not just at 18-22 years old.
Explosion in number of universities (91 universities in the UK)
Opportunities are also available on the Web (Open University, etc.)

Residency rules relating to higher education study and UK fee status

• Different fees for undergrad and grad courses depending on whether the student is resident in the EU (home fees or overseas fees)
• May depend on whether the family has “chosen” to go overseas or has been assigned by a UK company (A university may choose to call this person a “home student” for fee purposes; student may need to present case or appeal, perhaps can show that they will be coming back to live and work)
• Does the family have a home in the UK?
• Plans to stay in UK after graduation
• Few places for international medical students unless they plan to work in UK

Cost of a course (including tuition fees)

• Set by individual universities but follow a common pattern
• Payment not required until after graduation or until salary is above a set amount.
• Arts – lowest fees (~9,500 pounds in 2007)
• Science – medium fees (~12,000 pounds in 2007)
• Clinical – highest fees (~21,000 pounds in 2007)
• Apply to local education authority for financial support

Student housing

• Can apply for housing grants
• Payment begins when earnings exceed 15,000 pounds per year
• 6,500 – 8,500 pounds for cost of living per year while at university (2007)
• International students need to show that they have enough funds to live without having to work
• Campus housing vital in the first year (Richardson’s rule) for social interaction and easy access to class
• May not include meals
• On campus or a bus ride away? Walk through a bad neighborhood? How far away?
• Arrangements to help find housing for the following years? Any help in finding roommates?
• Parent should not be asking; student should! If they are not old enough to write their own letters, they are not old enough to go to university (Richardson’s rule)

Evaluation of US qualifications for entry to first degree programs in the UK

• SAT scores: SAT I (Math, Verbal and Critical Writing) minimum score 550 plus AP scores in 3 areas with minimum score of 3 but preferably 4 or 5 (SAT II scores OK but AP preferred) Need to take AP tests early.
• Study a specific course of study, not general education

Admission of UK nationals on the basis of a US high school diploma

Admission to continental university

• Necessary competence in language?
• U.S. diploma (need 16 credits, specific ones)
• Many English language programs (esp. Finland, Netherlands, Sweden)
• Even if the program is in English, a student should be prepared to learn the language of the country (Richardson’s rule)

Critical questions about university programs:

• What is the course really like?
• What subjects are covered each year?
• What are the drop-out rates?
• Where is the university? City or rural?
• What if you don’t do well the first year?
• Is there good career assistance?
• Is there a system of personal tutors?
• Is there a counseling service?
• What are campus medical facilities like?
• What aren’t they saying compared to other universities?
• If they don’t mention it, they don’t offer it! (Richardson’s rule)
• Useful websites: UKCISA, British Council, Universities UK

Americans need 3 APs and 2 SAT IIs for Britain, and need need 5 APs for continental universities.

Do you know of any updates or additions to this information? Leave a comment below to share with your fellow consultants!

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