Studia w Wielkiej Brytanii

Application process – key information

Applying to study in the United Kingdom is done through the centralized UCAS system (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Within one application, a candidate may choose up to five programs – these can be at different universities and in different fields, but all within a single procedure, with one form and one motivation text – the “Personal Statement.” This solution greatly simplifies the recruitment process and eliminates the need to contact each university separately.

Application deadline

Most programs share a common application deadline – usually mid-January, in the upcoming season it will be 14.01.2026. The exceptions are the most prestigious universities – the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge – as well as medical, veterinary, and dentistry programs. In their case, the application deadline falls earlier, on October 15. It is worth noting that applications submitted after these deadlines may still be considered, but universities are not obliged to review them with the same priority as those submitted on time.

How much does applying cost?

The cost of applying is relatively low. The fee for applying to one or up to five universities is currently £28.50. In certain situations, it is also possible to receive a fee waiver (e.g., for those eligible for free school meals in the UK).

What documents are required?

The application process does not require a large number of documents, but some elements are mandatory and play a key role in assessing the candidate. It is required to provide personal details, educational history (grades, qualifications, planned exams), as well as to write the so-called Personal Statement – an essay of up to 4,000 characters, in which the candidate presents their motivation, interests, and reasons for choosing a specific field of study. A reference (recommendation) must also be attached to the application, most often written by a teacher. Our team is ready to guide you through the entire process and ensure that your application is “perfectly polished.”
For international candidates (including those from Poland), it may also be necessary to provide a language certificate (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), and at a later stage – proof of financial resources and any required visa documents.
Costs of studies and living – what to keep in mind?
Costs associated with studying in England consist of two main categories: tuition fees and living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transport, and other daily costs.

How much is the tuition fee?

Tuition fees depend on the student’s status. Those with “Home” status (i.e., UK citizens and individuals with permanent residency) pay up to £9,535 per year – this rate was set by the government and applies from the academic year 2025/2026.
For international students, including Polish citizens, the tuition fee is determined individually by each university and is significantly higher. It may also differ depending on the program and change from year to year. For undergraduate studies, typical ranges are from around £11,400 to £38,000 per year (according to British Council data for 2025), though the vast majority are closer to the upper end.
In medical programs or at prestigious universities (e.g., Oxford, Imperial College), tuition can reach as high as £60,000. Master’s programs are usually somewhat cheaper – most often between £9,000 and £30,000 per year. It is worth noting that for UK citizens, the Student Finance support system is available.

What are the estimated living costs?

Living costs in England are also significant and vary depending on location. The most expensive city to live in is, of course, the capital – London, where a student’s total monthly expenses can amount to £1,300 or more (according to data presented by Imperial College for 2025). In other parts of the country (e.g., Manchester or smaller towns like Warwick), one can manage on amounts closer to £1,100 per month or more, depending on lifestyle preferences. The most important expenses include accommodation (student halls or private rental), food, transport, utilities, phone, internet, and basic personal needs.
It is also worth remembering about the costs associated with obtaining a student visa, which include the visa fee (about £348) and the mandatory IHS health surcharge – Immigration Health Surcharge – which, depending on the length of stay, amounts to about £470–776 per year.
After summing up all costs, studying and living in England can amount to tens of thousands of pounds per year – depending on the university, program, and place of residence. Despite these costs, England continues to attract students from Europe and around the world thanks to the high quality of education, globally recognized diplomas, and rich academic and cultural life.
Daily study versus student life
The class schedule at British universities is usually not overloaded – in practice, it resembles part-time work more than full-time study. Students typically have a few to a dozen lectures and seminars per week, and the rest of the time is dedicated to self-study, preparing essays and projects, and consulting with lecturers. This model fosters independence, time management, and working with academic sources.

How to spend free time?

Thanks to a flexible schedule, many students engage in student organizations, societies, sports clubs, and academic groups, of which there are hundreds at British universities – from classic university debates or robotics clubs, to theater groups, and even more niche interests like Harry Potter fan societies or board game clubs. Campus events are also very popular – quiz nights, themed parties, and charity actions.
Many students also take advantage of the opportunity for legal part-time work – under visa conditions, during term time they may work up to 20 hours per week. Typical jobs include working in cafés, student accommodation receptions, libraries, or local shops, which allows them to earn extra money and gain work experience. Altogether, this creates an environment conducive not only to acquiring knowledge but also to building relationships, developing passions, and gaining independence in life.

Entrance exams – what are they, who do they apply to?

It is also worth remembering that some universities and programs – especially the most competitive ones – require entrance exams. This applies particularly to Oxford and Cambridge, as well as programs such as medicine, law, or mathematics.
These exams are held in autumn, usually in October or November, and require prior registration. Depending on the chosen program and university, example tests include BMAT, MAT, and PAT. For many candidates, they are challenging, which is why it is worth taking advantage of professional support in preparing – both for the tests and for interviews, which are also used, for example, at Oxford and Cambridge.
After submitting an application, the candidate receives decisions from universities (usually by the end of March), which may be in the form of a conditional offer (e.g., achieving certain results in final exams) or an unconditional one. Then the candidate chooses a “firm” (main) and an “insurance” (backup) university, and after the results are announced, they can confirm their place or – if conditions are not met – take part in the Clearing process, i.e., the second round of admissions, which starts in the summer.
Student exchanges

Since 2021, due to Brexit, the United Kingdom has ceased participation in the Erasmus program, which offered student exchanges in Europe. Instead, a replacement has been introduced, the Turing Scheme, a program providing financial support for UK university students to go abroad not only to Europe but also worldwide.
Unlike Erasmus, the program is not based on reciprocity, meaning international students come to the UK only under individual university agreements. However, by studying at a university covered by such a program, one has the opportunity to go abroad during their studies even without being a UK citizen.
Studies in Scotland

Studies in Scotland differ from those in England in several important respects, although the application process itself is carried out in the same way – through the UCAS system. Selected programs at Scottish universities count towards the list of five applications.
The biggest difference concerns funding. In Scotland, undergraduate studies for Scottish residents are free – tuition is covered by the Scottish government (though the number of funded places is limited). However, this applies only to those who meet the residency criteria. Students from other parts of the UK (e.g., England), as well as international students – including from Poland – must pay tuition, the amount of which is set by the given university. These are usually rates comparable to those in England.
It is also worth mentioning that undergraduate studies in Scotland usually last four years (one year longer), which gives students more flexibility in choosing courses and specialization. This model is closer to the American one, where the first two years can be used to explore different fields. When applying to the UK, it is definitely worth considering Scottish universities, such as the University of Edinburgh.

Application to study in the United Kingdom with Tuteer

In our team, there are graduates of top British universities who have been involved in educational consulting for a long time. Among them are the leaders of our Team – graduates of the University of Manchester – Szymon Kasprzyk and Filip Moldzyński.

At Tuteer we will help you at every stage of the application – from choosing a program, going through UCAS procedures, refining your Personal Statement, preparing for entrance exams, all the way to final preparations for starting your academic career abroad. We know all the details of the process inside out and will help you maximize your chances of getting into your dream university.

Contact us via the contact form (link here), call, or send us an email today and book a free consultation regarding studying in the United Kingdom.