Enquire Now
Apply Now
What You Need to Apply

Application Guide

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to submit your application, TEG London is here to help every step of the way. Our dedicated team provides personalised, one-to-one guidance tailored to your individual circumstances. Below you’ll find a full breakdown of the key documents and requirements you’ll need throughout the process.

Document Checklist

The documents required to apply for a higher education programme in the UK are usually quite standard. It’s advisable to have all documents available electronically, with a file size no larger than 2MB, and translated into English (if not already) by an attested translator. 

  • Academic qualification certificates 
  • Academic transcripts 
  •  English language proficiency test certificate 
  •  A signed academic and/or professional reference letter on headed paper 
  • Copy of Passport 
  •  Personal Statement 
  • CV in English (if applicable) 
  • Visa/CAS statement (if held) 
  •  Proof of funding (if required) 
  •  Details of any previous visa refusals (if applicable) 


Personal Statement 

You will also need to submit a personal statement, or statement of purpose, as part of your undergraduate or postgraduate application. This is a document that you will write in order to demonstrate your ability and motivation to study the course you are applying for. Your personal statement should include: 

  • Why this university? Why a specific campus? Which other institutions did you consider? 
  • Why did you choose to apply for this course? Did you consider any other courses? 
  • How does the course content align with your career plans? 
  • How does the course link to your academic background and any relevant work experience? 
  • Is this course offered in your home country? If so, why have you decided to study abroad? Why have you chosen the UK, and what are the benefits of studying here rather than your home country? 
  • If you have had a long break in studies, why are you returning now? 
  •  What are your plans after you have finished your studies? 
Course Pages

English Language Requirements

Universities want to see that students have a good grasp of the English language. This is particularly important for those studying at a postgraduate level, where the taught content can be highly technical. 

In most cases, you will need to provide evidence of your English language ability when applying, unless you are exempt. There are a variety of Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) and other accepted English qualifications. The most commonly accepted ones include: 

Secure English Language Test (SELT)Score
IELTS*Overall score of 6.0, with no skill below 5.5
TOEFL iBTOverall score of 78, with no component score below 17
Cambridge English (CAE/CPE)Minimum Grade C 
PTE Academic

For programmes requiring IELTS 6.0 (with no element below 5.5): overall score of 59–64, with no element below 59 
For programmes requiring IELTS 6.5 (with no element below 6.0): overall score of 65–75, with no element below 65

LanguageCert International ESOL

Undergraduate entry: B2 Communicator pass.

Postgraduate entry: B2 Communicator pass or High Pass

*Academic IELTS must be taken at a UKVI-approved test centre if required for visa purposes. Test certificates must be dated within 2 years of application. IELTS for UKVI is required when applying for a pre-sessional English programme.

English Language Requirements

Course Fees and Payment Plans

University course fees vary depending on factors such as the institution, course, degree level, and duration. 

In the case of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and for the 2026/27 academic year, international and EU students can expect to pay between £16,275 and £18,900 per year, depending on the course chosen. There are various bursaries available for international students; however, UWS does not currently offer full-fee scholarships. 

UWS requires 75% of the course fees to be paid in advance upon receiving your offer letter. The remaining 25% must be paid before the start of the second term. 

Whether you are paying online or by bank transfer, please ensure that you include your Banner ID and full name when making a payment. 

Non-refundable deposits 

If you receive a CAS from UWS and subsequently decide not to take up your place, a non-refundable fee of £500 will be retained by the university. The same amount may also be retained if your visa is refused. The university will review each visa refusal on a case-by-case basis, taking all relevant factors into account before making a decision. 

*Please note that fees and payment policies are subject to change. Applicants are advised to check regularly for the most up-to-date information. 

Enquire Now

CAS Checklist

CAS stands for ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’. A CAS is an electronic record issued by the university for the Home Office and is required for your Student Visa application. 

To obtain a CAS, applicants are usually required to attend a credibility interview and provide the following documents: 

  • Proof of course fee deposit payment 
  • Bank statement (covering a minimum of 28 consecutive days) 
  • Tuberculosis certificate (if applicable) 
  • Birth certificate and affidavit of support if sponsored by parents or guardian, otherwise not applicable 
  • Financial support letter* 
  • Sponsorship letter (if applicable) 


*If your parents or guardians are supporting your tuition fees or living expenses, you will need to provide a financial support letter from them, along with your birth certificate to confirm your relationship. 

All documents that are not in English must be translated by a certified translator. 

Accommodation

There are over half a million international students studying in the UK each year, so there are plenty of accommodation options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Some options to consider include: 

Homestay 
A homestay provides an opportunity to live with a local family for a fee. It is an affordable accommodation option, ideal for gap year students or those looking to experience local culture and community while studying abroad. 

Flat or house share 
A flat share is where two or more people live in a property together. Each person usually has their own bedroom, with or without a private bathroom. Shared areas typically include the kitchen and living room. 

Studio apartment 
A studio apartment is a self-contained space where the kitchen, living area, and bedroom are combined into one room. These typically include a private bathroom. 

University halls of residence 
These are large student accommodation blocks housing hundreds of students. Rooms are usually furnished and arranged in corridors or shared flats with communal kitchens. Bathrooms may be shared, although en-suite options are often available. 

Key terms 

PCM: Per calendar month 
PW: Per week 
Bills included: All bills are included in the rent, with no additional costs 

UWS London 

While there is no UWS-managed student accommodation in London, there are many private rental options available. Private accommodation is managed by landlords or estate agents. This can sometimes be challenging, particularly for international students arranging accommodation from abroad. 

You can find a list of accredited accommodation providers and useful websites on our accommodation providers page.

Student Visa

The Student Visa caters for students from outside the UK or EEA who are looking to study a full-time degree level course at a university, college, or other eligible educational institution in the UK. 

You can apply for a Student Visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you: 


For full guidance on how to apply for a Student Visa, please access the UK GOV website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa 

Applying from outside the UK 

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Always check your personal details on your visa in case of any errors, and get them corrected straight away. Check your passport validity. If it does not cover the full duration of your course, request a new passport before applying for your visa. 

Most common documents required to apply for a Student Visa: 

  • CAS certificate 
  • Passport 
  • Proof of finances. Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course 
  • The documents listed on your CAS certificate which the university used to assess your application 
  •  Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months 
  • Visa refusal history (if applicable) 


You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide. 

How Much Money Do I Need to Study in the UK? 

To apply for a UK Student Visa, you must show proof that you can pay your tuition fees and cover your living expenses for up to 9 months. 

  • If you are studying in London, you need to show £1,529 per month (for up to 9 months) for living costs. 
  • If you are studying outside London, you need to show £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) for living costs. 


This financial requirement is in addition to your course fees. 

You must hold the required funds in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. The balance must not drop below the required amount during this period. 

*Please note that visa requirements and supporting document rules may change. Applicants are advised to check regularly for the most up-to-date information on the official UK Government website. 

Pre-arrival Checklist

We strongly advise all international students to keep all required documents safely in their hand luggage when travelling to the UK, including those used for their UWS application and Student Visa. 

We also recommend that all documents are printed and easily accessible for arrival checks at the UK border. 

You should review official guidance on entering the UK here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control 

Documents to carry in your hand luggage 

  • Unconditional offer letter from UWS 
  • CAS certificate 
  • Passport 
  • Proof of finances 
  • Proof of deposit payment 
  • Letter of sponsorship, if applicable 
  • Proof of relationship to sponsor, if applicable 
  • Tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable 
  •  Certificate of enrolment 
  • BRP collection letter, if applicable 
  • Accommodation confirmation 
  • Flight or travel details 
  • Contact details for your accommodation 
  • Any official correspondence from the university regarding late arrival 
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence or birth certificate) 


Don’t forget 

Ensure you travel to the UK within the validity period of your Student Visa. Keep your passport and important documents safe at all times. It is strongly recommended to keep copies of all documents separately from the originals during travel. 

Useful Links


This information is provided in good faith. TEG cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Immigration regulations are regularly changing and being updated. So, we strongly advise students to always check the official guidance when applying for a Student visa: https://www.gov.uk/study-uk-student-visa. 

Table of Contents