How to Apply to UK Universities: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you confused about the UK university application? As a leading education consultant in Malaysia, we will guide you through the entire process—choosing the universities to getting your visa—in just 5 easy steps.

This is why thousands of f Malaysian students have trusted UK education:

✔  World-Class Education – 4 UK Universities are in the global top 10 (QS 2024).

✔  Fastest Qualification – 3 year bachelor degrees save time and money compared to US/Canada.

✔  Job Opportunities – 2 year Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) gives you opportunity.

✔  No Hassle Applications – You can apply directly through UCAS no agent costs.

Step 1: Choose Your Pathway (SPM, STPM, A-Levels)

‣ For SPM leavers:

1. Option A: Foundation (1 year) → Bachelor’s Degree

Where: UK colleges (e.g., INTO) or Malaysian partners (e.g., PrepWorks)

Entry: 5+ credits in SPM (including English & Maths)

2. Option B: A-Levels/STPM (1.5-2 years) → Direct entry to Bachelor’s Degree

*A quick option if you have strong grades

‣ For STPM / A-Levels graduates:

You can apply directly to Year 1 Bachelor’s (3-year degree).

Pro Tip: Foundation programs in Malaysia cost 50% less than UK!

Step 2: Choose Your University & Course

‣ Top 3 Affordable Picks for Malaysians:

• University of Leeds (Strong engineering, lower living costs)
• University of Sheffield (Generous scholarships)
• Newcastle University (Vibrant student city)

‣ Check Entry Requirements:

Grades: STPM 2A+/A-Levels ABB  (depends on the course)

English Test: IELTS 6.0+ (Can be waived if you got A/B in English in SPM).

Pro Tip: To compare courses, you may use the UCAS course search.

 Additional Information: (For Reference)

If you are a student considering one of the highest ranked universities in the UK, here are the UK university top 10 listed by the famous QS World University Rankings 2024. These world-class universities are among the highest of academic standards, with international recognition and good rates of graduate employment.

1. University of Cambridge (Cambridge)
2. University of Oxford (Oxford)
3. Imperial College London (London)
4. UCL (University College London) (London)
5. University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
6. University of Manchester (Manchester)
7. King’s College London (London)
8. London School of Economics (LSE) (London)
9. University of Bristol (Bristol)
10. University of Warwick (Coventry)

Step 3: Apply via UCAS (It’s Free and Easy!)

1. Create a UCAS account (www.ucas.com)
2. Select 5 universities – Follow this smart mix of:

• 2 Dream Choices (Competitive universities where your grades are slightly below the entry requirements)

Example: If you got AAB you might apply to a course at a Top-10 university like Bristol, where the entry requirement is AAA.

• 2 Safe Choices (Universities where your grades meet or exceed the grades needed)

Example: With AAB, you might apply to Leeds (with an entry requirement of ABB).

• 1 Wildcard (A uni you love but aren’t sure about)

Why? This mixes ambition and security, as this has a tremendous chance to ensure you get at-least 1-2 offers!

3. Submit by deadlines:

• 15 Oct 2024: Oxford/Cambridge/Medicine
• 15 Jan 2025: Most courses

4. Documents needed:

• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement (Try to keep to your passion + link career plans).
• Reference letter (Prompt your teacher early!)

Pro tip: Check the exact grades requirements for courses using UCAS’s course search bar (for free)

Step 4: Secure Funding

‣ Scholarships

1. UK University-Specific Scholarships

• University of Nottingham ASEAN and Oceania Undergraduate Excellence Award

Amount: £2,000 to £6,000 towards tuition fees in the first year

• University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Awards

Amount:  £6,500 and £13,000 per year of the study

• Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships

Amount: 50% discount on tuition fees

2. Subject-Specific Scholarships

• Bank Pembangunan Malaysia (BPMB) BAGUS scholarship programme (Business, Engineering and Technology, and Other Banking-related Studies)

*The scholarship covers tuition fees, subsistence and related allowances.

• Shell Scholarship (For Engineering/Geoscience)

 Want to know more about UK scholarships? We’d be happy to help – feel free to ask!

‣ Part-Time Work in UK

• Allowed 20 hours/week during term time
• Allowed full-time during holidays
• Typical wages: RM60–RM80/hour (Retail, Tutoring, Hospitality)

Step 5: Apply for your Student Visa (Tier 4)

Checklist:

• CAS letter (from University)
• Proof of funds (need RM50K–60K in bank for 28 days)
• TB test (At IMS Medical Centre, KL)
• Visa fee: £524 (ard RM2990) + Healthcare surcharge (£776/year) (ard RM4430)

Apply 3 months before your course starts!

FAQs

Q: Is IELTS mandatory?

– Not always! Some UK universities waive IELTS  if you have A/B in SPM English, or if you’ve completed your STPM/A-Levels in English.

Q: Cheapest way to study in UK?

– Do foundation in Malaysia (save RM50k+)

– Pick universities in northern England (e.g. Leeds, Sheffield)

Q: Can I work after graduation?

– Yes! Post Study Work  (PSW) allows 2 years of work after graduation.

Need Guidance? Talk to Trusted Malaysia Education Consultant

You’re now prepared to submit an informed UK university application with the help of this guide, while DIY applications are cheaper, some students might prefer a little more expertise. If you would like some personal help then you may get the consultation from the education consultant in Malaysia.

Still not sure? Book a free consultation appointment with us now!