How to Apply to UK Universities from Scratch! UCAS 2025 Complete Application Guide [UKApp Ep.1]

[@jaydenwalsh-lx4sv]

why can’t i see the reference section on my 2025 application?

[@aryaksrivastava4302]

Heya, I am planning to take A levels as a Private Candidate in June 2025 for September 2025 intake. The reason I am taking it is because the school I am currently enrolled in is not recognized by UK Unis, basically the board is not recognized. My question is as far as my A levels predicted grades are concerned, will it be filled by a teacher of the centre at which I will be taking exam as a private candidate or can my current school teacher also fill those predicted grades?

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, I recommend you start by confirming whether it is true that your national exam board isn't recognised by UK universities. Some UK universities do consider grades and examinations from a wide range of countries, so I suggest you begin by checking for this first. If you are sure that taking A-levels as a private candidate is what you need to do, you could get your predicted grades from your current school teacher (who could assess you and assign fair grades for you), not from the exam centre where you take your exam as a private candidate. I am curious whether you have done your AS already, because you are required to submit your AS results alongside your predicted grades. I hope this answers your question.

[@aryaksrivastava4302]

@@zhiheng796 Hi. Thanks for your prompt reply. Regarding that AS level thing, can you please elaborate on it as the info I have is that UK Unis want A levels and the requirements mentioned there are mostly AAA or A*AA. So there was no mention of any other requirement. In India, we have a board exam at 10th Class which I have successfully cleared but that exam was conducted by a board that is not recognized by UCAS. I have also passed my 11th Standard and I do have a report card of that also but that too from the board which is not recognized. So I am planning to give A levels directly, is giving AS levels also required becuase that I can't considering I am applying for sept 25 intake? Can you please clarify, I am a bit confused. Can I only give A levels?

[@iamme141]

Hi . I am an international student. When applying for 2024 entry, I never got to add 5 choices ( I tried to apply late, course are in clearing). 9:55 in this page the first circle is profile,not “ 0/5” . I thought I would choose which courses/ universities after I fill in my details. I filled my details and sent application but i never added any choices. Was I not to supposed to do that? I think I gravely misunderstood what I’m supposed to do . I tried adding a clearing choice just to try and it is saying “ waiting for the provider to confirm your place in clearing” . I think I massively misunderstood what’s going on and what I’m supposed to do .

[@zhiheng796]

That's weird; I don't think it is possible to submit a UCAS application without filling out at least a university choice. I'm not sure about your case, but I recommend you contact UCAS or the university you picked as your clearing choice to ask about this issue.

[@user-zl8iv5uz8v]

Hi, I got few questions. 1. what should I fill in the field of TRF numbers if i havent sat ielts yet? 2. I took iALs after graduation of college. Should I fill the name of exam centre as college name?

[@zhiheng796]

1. If you haven't sat for IELTS, you could just leave the TRF blank. Declare your intention to sit for IELTS in the future under the education section using the method I've shown in the video. 2. Yes, you could fill in the name of the exam centre as the college name. Set the duration of studies as the exam period, for instance, May 2024 to June 2024. I hope this comment helps.

[@user-zl8iv5uz8v]

@@zhiheng796thx mate!

[@user-zl8iv5uz8v]

@@zhiheng796​​⁠I couldn’t see where can i declare my intention of taking it later (?) would u mind to point it out🙏🏻😭

[@zhiheng796]

Sorry, I was confused. The explanation on IELTS could be found in the second video of this trilogy, at 2:02. Here's the link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoLElJyYapl1r68 You could declare your intention to sit the IELTS by inserting a predicted IELTS result in the same way as you would insert an A-level grade into the UCAS system. In the 'results' box, just put your results for all 4 sections (reading, writing, listening, speaking) as 'pending'.

[@tanishakhan3717]

Greetings! Thank you for such a detailed video! I have some queries and I hope you could help me with it. I am a 2024 12th grade pass out. My parents admitted me to a college for my bachelors in august. I really want to study my undergrad degree in UK. I heard transfer is extremely competitive. I am going to apply for my undergradute through UCAS for september 2025 intake. Is this the correct way? Should i withdraw from my current institution after i get my acceptance?

[@zhiheng796]

Yes, you could choose to apply for entry in Sep 2025, the UCAS application period is open now. As for your current degree, I suggest you remain in the course and don't withdraw, just in case your UCAS application doesn't work out as expected. You could always withdraw from your current university after your UK university offer is confirmed. All the best!

[@princessdani7725]

Hi, if you have two predicted grades for different subjects from two different teachers is it possible to put 2 teachers ar referees cause I only see an email for one but I have two subjects

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, I suggest you put your college's university relations department as your referee, since it would be able to provide a single reference (including both your predicted grades).

[@lkk7821]

Do I need to put middle name or just first name and last name ?

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, I recommend you insert the same name as the one on your passport or identity card. Generally, you should insert your surname in the 'last name' box and the rest of your names in the 'first name' box. But I think it's best that you check with your friends or teachers if you are confused about inserting names in your UCAS application.

[@lkk7821]

@@zhiheng796 so the Cambridge or Oxford assessment test registered name also need to follow the same for ucas registration? For example my ID name is Alex Lim Ah Fook thus First Name: Alex Ah Fook and Last Name: Lim.

[@zhiheng796]

Yes, I think this is the correct way of inserting things. But don't take my word for it, you might want to check with your friends, university guidance counsellor, or other more knowledgeable person.

[@chaitanyarathi1422]

whats the start date and the end date of the applications? and are they universal for all colleges?

[@zhiheng796]

UCAS is usually open to applications starting in May each year and ending in January the following year. Oxbridge have earlier application deadlines. The application period is the same for all students, regardless of country and fee status.

[@user-tk4ly4tt4c]

Can I apply now? I did everything but I can't choose which university or major I want

[@zhiheng796]

Yes, you could apply to universities now for entry in September 2025. As for university and course choices, I recommend you seek professional advice from your seniors or your college's university relations department.

[@vrdrive2538]

Hello, my predicted grade in Y12 was only ccc, which only meets the entry requirements for a lower-rated university at the present. I'm confused about what I should do right now for upcoming ucas application. Do you have any advice for me? What happens if I continue to apply to universities with have better rating but not meet their entry requirements? what would happen if my final a level result is better than my predicated say bbb? thx

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, thank you for commenting. I may well have some advice for you, and I am very glad you asked. Firstly, I think it is very unlikely that universities will accept your application if your predicted grades do not meet their entry requirements. However, I still suggest you apply to the higher-ranking universities this year, but put in 1~2 backup options (whose entry requirements you meet). Hopefully, one of your desired universities will give you a contextual offer with lower requirements, provided you submit a marvellous personal statement. You'll have to risk £28.50 though, which is the UCAS application fee this year. The alternative is that you could choose not to apply this year and try your best to do well for the actual exam. Then you could take a gap year and apply to universities with a better actual grade next year. If you are confident that you can achieve a much better grade than CCC in your actual exam, then I would advise you not to waste time on university applications for the 2025 entry round, but to focus on studying for a better grade and apply next year. The final choice is completely yours. I hope this reply helps you make a more informed decision.

[@vrdrive2538]

@@zhiheng796 i appreciate your advise, really helpful. I understand your first suggestion, but I never considered the second one. Do you mean I can skip the upcoming ucas application in Nov 2024? And then I continue with remaining year 12 and 13. Work hard and hope to score higher on the a-level exam. If I really get the desired grade, i will use it to apply for UCAS in Nov 2025? But my question is whether I can still apply for ucas in Nov 2025 with my 2024 results ? Because by Nov 2025, I will be in my gap year, which means I will not be attending a sixth form school and will be applying on my own. last but not least, do you think a course with foundation year is another option?

[@zhiheng796]

Yes, it is possible to apply for UCAS in the 2025 round using your A-level results from 2024. That means you could choose to apply on your own, submitting an individual application instead of a school or college application. This was also what I did. However, you might want to seek help from your college for writing your reference, especially if you wish to include any predicted grades in your UCAS application (for admission tests, IELTS, etc.). If you submitted predicted grades but did not attach a reference supporting those grades, then your application would be disadvantaged. I am not very sure about the foundation year, though. I believe it is wise if you talk to the university relations department of your school so that you will get proper advice. Hopefully, this comment will clear up some doubts.

[@erkanerdal3624]

Hello. I want to apply from Turkey as well. Currently, I'm working on improving my English and plan to apply around this time next year. Is there anything else I should do during this process? For example, what can I do to make the application easier, and if I find a teacher to provide a reference, what exactly will they do? Also, I'm confused about when universities start. If I apply around this time next year, will university start in 2026, or will I be applying for the 2026 academic year?

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, if you apply through UCAS between now and late January 2025, you will start university in September 2025. If you wish to apply for entry in September 2026, you could start applying in May or June next year. Aside from practicing English, you could potentially start writing a draft personal statement now. You still have plenty of time to prepare if you want to apply for entry in September 2026. You could also start practicing for your admission test if the course you apply to requires you to sit for one. You could also choose to sit for IELTS (the test for fulfilling UK English requirements) whenever you feel confident in your English command, but I suggest you sit for the test as late as possible because IELTS only has a two-year valid period. I hope this comment helps. If you're doing A-levels, then these subjects will be the most important thing to study for.

[@erkanerdal3624]

@@zhiheng796 Thank you for your answer. I want to computer science. I developed many project in high school. I can make PCB or software for a card. i studied for 12 years, but there was no A-level or IB in it. Can I get "foundation" from any university.

[@zhiheng796]

I'm glad to hear about your passion for computer science. You likely don't have to study a foundation course in the UK if you have sat for your national secondary examination in Turkey. You could find more information about the university entry requirements for your national syllabus by reading through the websites of the universities you intend to apply to.

[@MekdesAregay]

how can i waive the application fee

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, I'm not sure whether waiving the UCAS application fee is possible, but feel free to check out the UCAS official website or ask your university relations department for more information on this.

[@zizilemagaqa3136]

Hi Zhi👋🏻... Can you please help me with the UCAS application, You say GCSES and I'm Clueless, what the hell is even that... I have already successfully applied to most of the local universities in my country,South Africa...e.g. University of Pretoria/Cape Town/Johannesburg etc. However I want to secure a spot in one of the top uk universities so I can get a world class education and be the best and produce the best. The only thing I currently possess is my 12th grade report. This year I'm upgrading a few of my results/grades....Have it nice 🌻

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, thank you for your comment! GCSE (or IGCSE) is the secondary school syllabus adopted by schools in the UK and some other countries. It is completely fine that you don't have an IGCSE result; I believe most of the top UK universities have an entry requirement for the national examination in South Africa. Unfortunately, I have very little understanding of your country's 12th grade examination and the university entry requirements. However, please be assured that you can readily find this information online. For example, this is the one for LSE: www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/international-students/country-pages/south-africa . You could look at the equivalency of the South African National Senior Certificate with GCE A levels. I hope this comment helps.

[@zizilemagaqa3136]

@@zhiheng796 Good day Zhi,I appreciation the time and effort you dedicated to providing me with detailed information and insights. Although my academic and professional interests are concentrated in the fields of Information Technology (IT) or Law, I am grateful for your willingness to assist me.🤍

[@ideallyperfect]

I am an international student kind of, I used to live in the Uk 3 years ago, however had to move to my country for reasons. However I’m deciding to move back to the uk and am wanting to apply to uk universities just before I move back to the uk. I don’t not have my A-level qualifications of uk or GCSEs as I moved back just before that. Is it possible for me to apply to uk universities with my 12 grade report. Thank you for the great video! Which qualification requirements are needed for top uk universities, also will I have to take the ielts test?

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, thank you for your comment! Yes, I believe you could apply to UK universities with your 12th grade report. However, you might want to check the entry requirements for your country's examination of each university you wish to apply. The entry requirements for each university is likely different, but all of these information is available online. For IELTS, if you come from a country where English is not the first language, you are likely required to sit for the test. Each university has different IELTS requirements so I advice you to check their official webpage for information regarding the test. I hope my comment helps!

[@ideallyperfect]

Thanks! Another question. As I studied 12 grade in India, however if I wanted to could I possibly give a levels in a college in uk in a year, so I could get a decent university in uk because my 12th grade report wasn’t so great due to reasons. However I’m willing to put effort and I’m quite sure I will get good grades if I took A levels however I want to do it within a year not two. If it possible are there colleges which accept my request like this? Not only do I want to take admission in uk university but I am really willing to get into a really good university! Also am I supposed fill this UCAS application like you’ve shown in the videos, if so I will surely. I’m just unsure if it necessary for me as I’m kind of an international student

[@zhiheng796]

Sure, taking A-levels within a year is possible, but it takes huge determination. If you have not done any A-levels as of now, you will need to sit for at least 3 A-level subjects and achieve good grades (A or A* for all subjects) to increase your chances of getting an offer at a top university. I do not know anyone who has succeeded in doing well in three A-level subjects within one year, but I won't discourage you if that's what you really want to do. If you finally decide to sit for A-levels, you could contact and ask your local A-level colleges or educational institutions whether they could teach you within a year and predict a grade for your university application if necessary. You could sit for A-levels in June or October 2025 and apply for admissions in September 2026. The application period will be between September 2025 and January 2026. I'm not sure how you could register to sit A-levels in India, but you'll likely have the option to sit A-levels at a private candidate in a test centre or sit A-levels with a college/school. It is completely up to you which way you want to do it. As for the UCAS question, yes, most undergraduate applications to the UK, domestic or international, will be processed by UCAS. Submitting a UCAS application is necessary, as you can't apply to the top UK universities directly at the undergraduate level. There's an Indian student who shared her UK application experience, she's studying in Durham now; you might find her video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpSTqHiufa12o9U No matter your decision about A-levels, I wish you the best and hope you succeed.

[@ideallyperfect]

Thanks, actually I’m confused. I want to take A-levels in the uk, not india however if I do well in it will I be able to start uni in September 2025. As September 2026 would be too late for me. Unfortunately I don’t have great results of 12th grade here but I want to do better in the uk, and I’m confident about it however giving a year is a big decision for me, and if I do I want to start uni by next year. But am I still able to apply to ucas for admission in September 2024. Is it possible to apply to both requesting A-levels within a year in a uk college and also for uni starting in September 2024? I want to get in a top uni for my undergrad degree for Biomedical Engineering but I think that won’t be possible if I consider my 12th grade results of India right? So this is why I’m considering doing A-levels within a year and if I achieve a good grade I can secure a top uni in the uk. Also I have studied in the uk for 8years 2013-2020 and then I returned to india and studied in an English school here, do I still have to give the ielt test, im confused on that but I don’t mind giving it either way. Plus would it be convenient to apply for ucas right now as my 12th grades are poor, actually I kinda messed up and it’s a long story but I know I can do much better to score good grades for A-levels but it would be me risking a year as I’m 18 right now. One more question, is it possible to take A-levels in Oct/Nov 2024 in Physics, a chemistry and Mathematics. I have decent knowledge on all of them and I think I could try this year if I did it within these 3months. I just want to know if it’s possible and could u give me advise and how I could do that to apply for this in the uk. I will be leaving india to go uk next month so I could write an application for such if it’s possible for me.

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, there is still enough time to apply for entry to UK universities in September 2025. Application is open until around the end of January 2025 for most universities. For Oxford and Cambridge, the application deadlines are around mid-October 2024. Are you confident in getting good grades for A-levels if you only start studying for it now, given the extremely short time frame? I wouldn't say it's impossible, but achieving this is very difficult indeed. You mentioned your plan to sit for A-level math, physics, and chemistry in the Oct/Nov 2024 series. The results for this series will be released in early January 2025. Therefore, applying to Oxford and Cambridge is out of the question. However, it is still possible to apply to the rest of UK universities because their deadline is late January 2025. So, you'll have time between roughly 10 Jan and 20 Jan to focus exclusively on your UCAS application. I suggest you have a personal statement written beforehand so you won't feel anxious about the short deadline. As for IELTS, I am not sure whether you need to sit for the test. It will depend on your fee status, so I suggest you check whether you would be classified as a home or overseas student. Overall, you can apply to UK universities for admission in September 2025. To do that, however, you need to register to sit for your A-levels as a private candidate in the UK in the Oct/Nov series, but I am not entirely sure whether this is possible. If it is, you will need huge discipline and determination to do well on the exam within less than three months. But you're a brave person and I believe in you. It's up to you to decide whether you're up for the challenge.

[@aymanrahim7334]

How much is the application fee?

[@zhiheng796]

Hi, according to the UCAS website, the application fee for entry in 2025 will be £28.50. I hope this helps.

[@mehelinova9874]

Hi, I had a qs and Ive been confused about it. When do we need to apply for example will we need to finish both AS and A2 aka the entire A levels or will I have to finish my AS and then apply and get a conditional offer? Im a bit confused on the process of this.

[@zhiheng796]

Yes, most students apply to universities with their AS results alongside their predicted grades (graded by their college teachers), and they will receive an offer from the university conditional upon achieving certain A-level final grades.