Studying and living in the UK

Qualifications and checking the institution

• Will my qualifications be recognised in the UK?
• Where can I find out about courses of study in the UK?
• What must I know about the institution where I want to study?
• How do I know which institutions offer UK degrees?
• How do I apply for a place on a course?

Will my qualifications be recognised in the UK?

You can check the equivalence of your country's qualifications with those in the UK by contacting the National Recognition Information Centre for the UK (UK NARIC). The international recruitment staff at the institution where you want to study may also be able to advise you.

Where can I find out about courses of study in the UK?

The internet is a good place to obtain information about an institution and the courses it runs. For example, you can search for courses on the British Council's Education UK website and on the Hotcourses website.

You can look for and apply for courses using the UCAS

If you want to find out about postgraduate research and study opportunities, you can check the Prospects website.

Most institutions have details of their courses on their websites, or you can ask them to send you their prospectus, a free booklet which provides information about the institution and the courses it offers. Many British Council offices have copies of these prospectuses, and the British Council also produces a range of Education Information Notes about studying in the UK.

What must I know about the institution where I want to study?

UK immigration permission is granted only for study at colleges and universities which are listed on the Register of Education and Training Providers.

It is very important that you check whether the institution you want to attend is on the Register before you make your immigration application. If the institution is not on the Register, your application will be refused.

The following education and training providers are automatically included on the Register:

• those that receive public funding
• institutions that are accredited through the British Council, the British Accreditation Council, or the Association of British Language Schools
• institutions that have been inspected and approved by government inspection bodies.

All other institutions have to apply to be included on the Register. However, their inclusion provides no guarantee of the quality or standard of their courses.

How do I know which institutions offer UK degrees?

The UK Government has an official list of institutions that can award recognised UK degrees.

How do I apply for a place on a course?

For undergraduate degree level courses, you must apply to universities through a central admissions system called the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The UCAS website has information specifically for international students and you can apply on-line.

For other courses, check the institution's prospectus for the correct way to apply and the application deadlines.

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