Timeline

Ideally, the process of applying for graduate study in the UK will begin 1- 1½ years before enrollment. For most current college students, this is during the spring at the end of their junior year of college.

Do not panic if you are late getting started in this process. If it is the fall before you anticipate enrolling in a UK graduate program, there is still plenty of time to put together your applications. You will simply need to work at a faster pace!

1½ Years Before Enrollment (For current college students: Summer at the end of junior year):

At this time, we recommend that you begin learning about the UK higher education system application process and Fulbright Awards.

You will also want to begin researching and choosing UK degree programs with a view to narrowing your search from over 130 institutions to 4-6 universities to which you will apply.

For more information, begin by reviewing the graduate study in the UK and Fulbright Awards sections of this website. You may also be interested in viewing the list of relevant online sources on the enquiries page.

 

8-10 Months Before Enrollment (Fall of senior year):

At this point, you will need to complete and submit your admissions applications. Although most UK Master’s and Ph.D. programs do not have official application deadlines, we recommend that students apply between late November – early February. However, as deadlines will vary from program to program, it is advisable to check with each institution first.

Students applying to study medicine, law or teaching should note that there are official deadlines for applications and centralized admissions procedures for these fields and should prepare accordingly. Additionally students applying for medicine and law programs may be asked to sit an admissions exam.

Alongside completing your admissions applications for graduate study in the UK, you will also want to research and consider financial matters.

 

Lead up to Enrollment (Spring/Summer of senior year):

By the spring, you should expect to receive admissions decisions by post or e-mail. You will need to notify the universities on your plans to accept or decline their offer(s) of admission by the summer.

During the summer, you will complete your visa application. Your studies will begin in late September or early October.