Universities, applications, costs and the Student visa
We help you compare universities and courses, choose a suitable entry route and create a personal plan — from checking your documents to receiving an offer, obtaining your CAS and starting your studies.
✓Foundation, undergraduate, master’s and Top-up courses
✓applications through UCAS or directly
✓city, campus and study mode comparisons
✓official sources with the date checked
✓a plan for each step through to enrolment
The UK comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Qualification titles, entry requirements and application processes may vary by nation and university.
Entry requirements
Foundation
Foundation usually prepares you for the first year, while International Year One combines the first year with additional support. For both routes, check the available degrees and written undergraduate progression requirements.
School-leaving certificate, full transcript and relevant subjects.
Depends on the university
English language
An accepted test, overall score and component scores for your chosen course.
For some subjects
Additional requirements
A portfolio, interview or subject-specific task.
Foundation · academic preparation
Undergraduate
Your qualifications, grades and subjects must meet the requirements of the specific course, as well as the university’s general requirements.
Usually required
Academic documents
A school-leaving certificate or other school qualification, transcript and required subjects.
Depends on the university
English language
An accepted test and minimum component scores.
For some subjects
Additional requirements
UCAS question responses, a reference, test, interview or portfolio.
Undergraduate · direct entry
Top-up
Your year of entry depends on more than the qualification title: the level, volume and content of previous study also matter.
Usually required
Academic documents
Qualification certificate, transcript and detailed module descriptions.
Depends on the university
English language
Evidence that meets the specific Top-up course’s requirements.
For some subjects
Additional requirements
A portfolio, experience or interview; the university confirms recognition of previous study.
Top-up · matching previous study
Master’s
You can change subject if the course accepts your academic background. Check degree and subject requirements: even similarly named courses may differ in content and project type.
Degree certificate, full transcript and the required academic result.
Depends on the university
English language
A test, overall score and component scores required by the course.
For some subjects
Additional requirements
A CV, personal statement, references, experience or portfolio.
Master’s · academic suitability
Pre-Master’s
Before applying, check which master’s courses the Pre-Master’s leads to and the results required for progression.
Usually required
Academic documents
Previous degree, transcript and intended master’s subject.
Depends on the university
English language
Entry English level and language requirements for progression.
For some subjects
Additional requirements
A CV, explanation of your change of subject or subject-specific materials.
Pre-Master’s · preparation for a master’s degree
Selected route: Foundation
Application deadlines and start dates
Choose when you would like to start studying for a personal planning guide. These periods are not universal official deadlines.
Current focus: Your profile and entry route. Preferred start — September 2027.
Preparation periods
🍂Autumn
Your focus nowSeptember 2026 — December 2026
Your profile and entry route
Gather your academic information and check available routes.
❄Winter
December 2026 — March 2027
English and documents
Prepare evidence and narrow down the verified shortlist.
✿Spring
March 2027 — May 2027
Submitting applications
Complete your documents and apply through the appropriate route.
☀Summer
May 2027 — July 2027
Offers, conditions and deposit
Compare offers and meet the confirmed conditions.
☀Summer
June 2027 — August 2027
CAS, visa and accommodation
Complete the university’s internal checks and prepare to move under the current rules.
🍂Autumn
September 2027
Arrival and registration
Follow the university’s instructions and begin your studies.
UNITED KINGDOM · PLANNINGA budget you can plan around
The cost of studying in the UK
Estimate your costs before enrolment and your first-year budget for studying in the UK. Use confirmed amounts for your chosen course.
Quick estimate
Fees for later years are not multiplied automatically and need checking separately. IHS may depend on the actual length of the visa granted.
Want a budget that reflects your circumstances? Enter tuition, living costs, travel and a contingency in the calculator on the ‘Costs and funding’ page.
For applicants who meet the university’s criteria, such as its graduates or a particular applicant group. Eligibility and whether discounts can be combined need separate checks.
What it may provide
A reduction in tuition fees under written terms; discounts do not usually cover living costs.
How GUGA helps
We check available offers and the conditions for keeping a discount, and help clarify the final tuition fee before you pay a deposit.
For students who meet bursary, hardship or targeted support criteria. Household income, particular circumstances and residence status may be considered.
What it may provide
The fund or university decides the amount and purpose of support; some schemes are available only after enrolment.
How GUGA helps
We help find relevant fund rules, check the evidence needed and prepare questions for the finance team.
For students whose university allows payment in instalments. A deposit and first payment may be required before classes begin; check amounts, deadlines and refund terms in your offer and the written payment rules before transferring money.
What it may provide
Payments spread across dates, with no reduction in the total fee. Get the schedule and consequences of late payment in writing.
How GUGA helps
We help match payments to your budget and clarify deposit and refund terms. The university decides whether to allow instalments.
Get written confirmation of support before including it in your budget. GUGA does not guarantee scholarships or funding.
Courses and universities
Compare the next confirmed start dates and application deadlines. Select your fee status — Home or International.
Checked on 11 September 2026
The course title links to a GUGA article about the subject area. It is an overview to help you choose a subject, rather than a description of the university’s specific course.
Home is a fee status determined by the university. It does not automatically mean you are eligible for Student Finance. Check your status, UK nation and funding conditions separately.
Courses in GUGA’s current selection · checked on 11 September 2026
International applicants also need to allow time for the deposit, CAS and visa. A course application deadline does not replace these deadlines or guarantee that late arrival is possible.
Courses in GUGA’s current selection · checked on 11 September 2026
¹ 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time is the equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses, not a universal final deadline. UCAS applications for 2027 entry can be submitted from 1 September 2026. UCAS dates and application stages
This checks published intakes, not the availability of a place. Universities may close applications earlier. September 2026 is not listed as open without separate confirmation; STEM Foundation at Leicester remains outside the table until the next available application opportunity is confirmed.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different academic traditions, city lifestyles and campus settings. This is a neutral starting point for comparison, not a city ranking.
01/10
01 · England
London
Compare courses, campus location, accommodation and travel time to university.
02 · England
Manchester
Compare courses, campus location, accommodation and transport costs.
03 · England
Birmingham
Compare courses, campus setting, accommodation and the ease of your daily commute.
04 · England
Liverpool
Compare course content, university location and accommodation options.
05 · Scotland
Glasgow
Compare course requirements, campus location and the total budget.
06 · Wales
Cardiff
Compare courses, campus type, accommodation and transport to university.
07 · England
Leeds
Compare courses, campus location and confirmed accommodation costs.
08 · England
Sheffield
Compare courses, campus setting, accommodation and your daily commute.
09 · Scotland
Edinburgh
Compare courses, university location, accommodation and the total budget.
10 · Northern Ireland
Belfast
Compare courses, campuses, accommodation and entry requirements in Northern Ireland.
The UK Student visa
First check the CAS and application process, then the current amounts and requirements for your circumstances.
What to check
Open a question
CAS
A university with a student sponsor licence issues the CAS once offer conditions and internal checks are complete. Before applying for a visa, check your personal details, course, tuition fees, payments made and education details.
Not everyone needs a test. The requirement depends in part on where you have lived and for how long; the certificate must come from an approved clinic.
An ATAS certificate may be required for certain postgraduate subjects and nationals of certain countries. Check the code and requirement in your course documents before applying for a visa.
Whether family members can join you depends on the course category, funding and current rules. Check your individual circumstances before planning the move.
Work conditions depend on your immigration permission, course level and period of study. A work placement must be an authorised part of the course; eligibility for an apprenticeship requires a separate check.
Information checked on 09.08.2026. Check the latest rules before paying or applying.
Accommodation, relocation and work
Choose a topic: accommodation, preparing for arrival or first steps towards work.
Accommodation
Compare university halls and private accommodation: booking deadlines, contract and deposit refund terms, guarantor requirements, utility bills, move-in dates and travel time to campus. Students arrange their own contract and payment.
Check your eVisa, CAS and offer; save your accommodation confirmation, airport route and emergency contacts. After arrival, plan for a SIM card, bank account, university registration, GP registration and transport.
Documents and travel routeFirst steps after arrival
Your permission to work depends on your visa and may differ during term time and holidays. A work placement must be part of the course and comply with your visa conditions; apprenticeship eligibility requires a separate check. A CV, portfolio and university careers service can help you prepare, but do not guarantee employment.
Check your visa conditionsPrepare your CV and portfolio
Work conditions depend on your specific immigration permission and current rules. GUGA does not guarantee employment or earnings.
With you at every stage
GUGA Education support
From choosing a course to your first day — with a clear plan and personal support.
We match your education, English and budget to course requirements. We help prepare documents, explain your offer and keep track of key deadlines.
For Home students, we check potential Student Finance options; for International students, we plan the CAS and visa steps. We explain what to check when choosing accommodation and preparing to move.
Universities and the relevant organisations decide on admission, CAS, visas and funding. Students remain responsible for accurate documents, final choices, accommodation contracts and payments.
