1. Studying in English speaking universities and the art of applying 2012

2. Why study in the English speaking world? Selective system Small group teaching Low drop out rates Fixed length of study Progression to international post-graduate study

3. Where to study within a country? Large city or small town rural area Cost of living University/campus location Academic and social facilities Accommodation facilities and costs

4. Using essential information sources Ucas: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Ucas is the central organisation that processes applications for full- time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges You can apply for five courses (4 courses for medicine) at the same time Accurate self-assessment in relation to course: see grade equivalence sheet 22 pounds for multiple applications/7 pounds for single application collegeboard.com and Canadian universities Using the ucas website

5. Ucas and other deadlines 15 October deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge 15 October for: medicine; dentistry; veterinary medicine/science 15 January is the main deadline for all other applications Entrance exams Timelines: school based dates

6. Application forms and self profiling Personal statement – be very careful about age Academic history List your achieved and pending French qualifications and GCSEs UK universities are familiar with French school system/grades English language qualifications: C grade at English GCSE and OIB bi-lingualism Essays and self-presentation

7. Personal statement Read the course requirements on university website via ucas and respond Show enthusiasm Balance if applying to different areas: check with university for any underlying criteria they may have Don’t alienate different institutions Extras: stages; skills; reading; work experience. TPE: very important Start now!!!!!!

8. Personal statement (cont) The opportunity to sell yourself Good introduction Clear structure Positive messages Strong ending – idea of a future career/readiness for university NO PLAGIARISM OF ANY SORT

9. The reference The reference should support your application You are responsible for its input: not the referee Various sources: bulletins; teacher profiles; students; outside activity leaders and teachers.

10. What happens to the form? Transmitted live online to UCAS or to American universities; by mail to Canadian universities Sent to admissions office at universities Forwarded to departmental admissions tutors to make decision Offer/Shortlist/Reject Universities inform ucas Ucas informs you American and Canadian inform you directly

11. What universities are looking for Students who will be interesting to teach MotivationDedication Students who meet the entry requirements: balance between self- knowledge and ambition

12. Exchange schemes Check with your institution if an exchange agreement with European or world universities institution exists Particularly appropriate for bi-lingual students Erasmus most well known at the moment Apply through your home institution Details on tuition fees, transferability of credits, Erasmus grants etc are linked to individual programmes

13. Study abroad/ visiting students For students who are interested in studying at a UK institution, but where no Erasmus link is available Check individual websites for more information, entry requirements and English language qualifications

14. Tuition fees and living costs www.studentloans.gov.uk www.direct.gov.uk Browne report Next year: student fees rise from £3,200 to a max. of £9,000 With student loan, this can be paid back at 9% of any income over £21,000 EU countries outside UK do not incorporate this into their taxes Student loan company ask for an Overseas Incomes Assessment form Initial reports on applications this year suggest that apps. down 12% at end of October

15. Useful contacts www.ucas.com Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills www.dius.gov.uk

16. Finally… Any questions??