Colourful flags on the roof of the Students' Union

1. Choose a course  

Discover options and choose the right course for you. Check our country guides to see if there are any special requirements or offers for your region. Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the programme you would like to study and the entry requirements for your country, including the English language requirements .  
Students who do not have the required qualifications may be able to gain them through University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) now and join their chosen programme later.

2. Apply through UCAS or a local agent

Applying through UCAS

If you need help with your UCAS application, contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
You must enter your name as it appears in your current passport when applying for a course and ensure all personal details are correct. 

Write a personal statement

If you apply through UCAS, you will need to submit a personal statement. A personal statement is a short essay or letter explaining your reasons for applying to the University of Plymouth and why you have chosen your degree programme. Make sure it contains information about why you feel you should be accepted by the University for a place on the course. Use previous study and/or work experiences, as well as personal interests, to support this. 

Applying through a local agent   

Contact one the University’s representatives in your country and ask them to apply on your behalf. 
Be aware of fraud and scams
Please be wary of individuals who may contact you through social media channels such as Telegram, WhatsApp etc. and state that they can act on your behalf to apply to the University of Plymouth. They may make promises that they can secure you a CAS and possibly also a Student visa to the UK. Students have been scammed by such individuals previously and have lost large amounts of money and had their applications rejected. It is the decision of the University whether to issue a CAS after all the required documents have been supplied and checked, academic conditions met and credibility checks carried out where appropriate. It is the decision of the UK Home Office (UKVI) whether to grant a Student visa or otherwise and no one can guarantee that you will receive a visa.
Please also note that if any communications or documents received as part of an application to the University of Plymouth, appear to have been sent by the applicant direct, the applicant will be held responsible if those documents are found to be fraudulent or if false statements have been made. Therefore, please do not allow third parties to use your email address or to pose as you (the applicant) in any communications with the University, or to complete any documents that you should complete. Recognised overseas recruitment agencies will state their company, name and job title in communications with the University.  

Information for agents

Most agents can apply through UCAS and some can apply directly through the University. Find out how to apply on behalf of a student: guidance for agents on submitting applications .

3. Your Applicant Portal

After you have applied, you will be given access to your Applicant Portal. This is where you will be able to view copies of offer letters, details of your application status, scholarships and any outstanding conditions that you have to meet.

4. Your next steps

Once your academic conditions have been met, and you have provided your evidence of finances, we will need your £3,500 tuition fee deposit (please note that this deposit amount is subject to change). Then you will be able to request you Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) via your Applicant Portal. You will need your CAS if you need to apply for a Student visa to study in the UK. 

5. Apply for a Student visa

Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. 
Student visas are only granted for full-time study and cannot be obtained for part-time study.
We are a licenced Student visa sponsor under the Points-Based Immigration System. To comply with our duties as a Student visa sponsor, we are required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, such as any previous studies and your immigration history in the UK or other countries.

6. Wait to receive your Student visa

Student visa applications can take around three weeks to process, but this time varies for each country – you can ask your local visa office for more information. 
Once you have your Student visa, you can begin to make plans to arrive in the UK after the visa’s start date and before your course begins.
Check that your visa has been issued for the correct length of time and has no other mistakes. Any mistakes must be corrected before you travel to the UK.

7. Prepare to travel to the UK  

Before leaving your home country to begin your studies in the UK, you should prepare all of the essential items and documents needed to enter the UK, establish yourself as a resident and enrol at the University of Plymouth.

8. Arrive in the UK  

Ensure you know which documents you will need to show to enter the UK and how to get to Plymouth from your port of arrival.
 
Enjoy living and studying in Plymouth. 
We are looking forward to meeting you.
 
Smeaton's Tower on Plymouth Hoe