How to apply as an international student
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How to apply as an international student
1. Making the right choice
Ways to apply:
- Direct via our course pages (free of charge). You should use a desktop or a laptop to apply.
- Common App (for undergraduate North Americans)
- UCAS
- Check your English Language Requirements
2. Filling in your application
3. Receiving your offer
Once you've received your offer, don't forget to check out our:
Check your English Language Requirements if you have a conditional offer.
UCAS applicants: check your UCAS hub on a regular basis.
Direct/ Common App applicants: check your emails regularly.
4. Accepting your offer
Don't forget to:
- Apply for accommodation
- Pay your deposit using the Applicant Portal via your unique link in your offer letter or submit your guarantee letter from your sponsor (if you are Federal Aid/Sponsored).
- Accept your offer via the Applicant Portal - use a desktop or laptop to do this.
5. Passing all relevant pre-CAS Checks
There is information on passing the pre-CAS checks on our Student Visa page.
6. Understanding CAS
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). You can find more information about passing pre-CAS checks to obtain a CAS on our Student Visa information page.
If you've not received your CAS, you may have further assessments to complete. Please contact us for more information.
7. Further assessment
Visit our student immigration and compliance pages for more information
Read up on:
- Applying for a visa - Inside the UK or outside the UK
- Student visa information
- Maintenance requirements
- Supporting documents
8. Nearly there
Get ready for your induction week and prepare to have an extraordinary life at UEL!
Applications and Admissions
How do I apply for a course?
Apply online via our course pages on the UEL website. If you're an international student, you will be redirected to our Applicant Portal. It's best that you use a desktop or laptop to access this.
When is the deadline to apply?
Deadlines for upcoming intakes are on our International Admissions Deadlines page.
Can I have an update on my application?
You can check your application status by logging into your UEL Applicant Portal.
How can I defer my offer?
You can request a deferral using the ‘contact us’ button in the Applicant Portal. Just choose the deferral request as the enquiry topic and then send your request.
How do I transfer to UEL?
You will need to complete an online application for the course that you wish to transfer to. We would need to see all your transcripts to allow us to review your application. See our transferring to UEL page.
Can international students apply via clearing?
No, Clearing is not open for international students. You can apply directly via your course page.
Offers, CAS and Enrolment
When will I receive the enrolment link?
To receive your enrolment link, you must have first already received your CAS Letter and paid your full ‘Enrolment’ deposit or Full fees as outlined in your offer letter. If you have not yet paid your full enrolment deposit or full fees, please refer to the Applicant Portal to make a payment. Once we receive your funds and these are allocated to your account, you will be sent your enrolment link with instructions on how to complete your enrolment.
How do I log into CAS Shield?
Once the university has received your tuition fee deposit amount and this has been allocated to your account, you will be sent a link to CAS Shield and instructions on how to log in.
What’s the difference between an offer and a CAS?
An offer means we can give you a place on a course. It may be conditional; for example, you still need to send final grades or English evidence. A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued after you meet your offer conditions, pay your tuition fee deposit, and complete any pre-CAS checks. You need a CAS number before you can apply for a Student visa.
Where do I find the Student Declaration form?
The form can be found on our website. Please choose the course that is relevant to you to download the appropriate form
Accommodation
How do I apply for UEL accommodation?
You can apply for UEL accommodation online after receiving an offer from the university and confirming your place with us. Prices vary based on room type and location, with on-campus housing available at Docklands. View our accommodation FAQs for more information.
Applicant Portal and Technical Support
I have forgotten my applicant portal password
Please send an email to the International Team to reset your password for your Applicant Portal.
English Language Requirements
What are the acceptable English language requirements for international students?
All students are required to meet our standard English language requirements. We accept several different English language qualifications/tests for entry onto our courses, with IELTS being the most common.
Can I apply without IELTS or use other English evidence?
Yes. We accept a range of English language tests and qualifications, and some students can meet the requirement through previous study in English or country-specific awards. Check the English language requirements for your course, then upload the evidence with your application or through the Applicant Portal.
Can I have information about the Pre-sessional English course?
The online Pre-sessional English programme (PSE) is designed for international students who need to acquire the right level of English language skills required to study a taught course at the University of East London.
Courses and Study Information
Do you offer pre-degree courses?
The University of East London has a partnership with Malvern International to offer a fully embedded on-campus International Study Centre. The programmes offered by Malvern International provide progression to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the university.
I would like to find out the structure/timetable of a course
Course structures, including modules and timetables, vary and are subject to change. You can find an overview on your course page, or you can contact the academic for scheduling information.
How do I upload my portfolio?
You will need to upload your portfolio via the Applicant Portal.
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Guidance for your region
Explore UEL’s region pages for international students. Find entry requirements, fees, scholarships and popular courses tailored to your country.
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International scholarships
Find out how our international scholarships work and see what scholarships are on offer for your studies.
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Undergraduate and Postgraduate Open Events at UEL
Our Open Days are your opportunity to experience life as a UEL student, whether you’re exploring undergraduate options, thinking about postgraduate study, or considering a career change.
