Documents for UK University Applications
The papers students from India and Pakistan need to apply to a UK university. For a bachelor's degree, you apply through UCAS (the UK's online application website for bachelor's courses). For a master's, you apply on the university's own website. Money on this page is in British pounds (£, GBP).
What each group of papers is for.
Study papers
Transcripts and certificates, with official English translations if needed.
English test
A test result if English is not your first language.
Statement and references
Why you want the course, and people who can speak about your work.
Fees and deposits
An application fee for most courses, and often a deposit after an offer.
Your marks and certificates show the university you are ready for the course.
- For every qualification you have, and for any course you are still studying
- Marks so far, if you are still studying
- Final marks can come later. The university may ask for them after it offers you a place.
- Your degree certificate, or school certificates for a bachelor's
- Universities still need full transcripts and certificates in the end
Translations
These show who you are beyond your marks.
- Three questions instead of one long essay
- 4,000 characters in total for all three answers
- At least 350 characters for each answer
- Asked for by many universities, such as King's
- Some courses ask for specific points in it
- King's asks for one reference contact email, usually academic
- The University of Manchester (Manchester) may ask for two
- Referees send the reference straight to the university
Money you pay while you apply, before your visa. The visa money is only to show.
- £34.50 for 2027-28 entry
- One fee, however many courses you apply to
- Most master's courses charge a fee that is not refunded
- University College London (UCL): £90 for most master's courses
- You pay again for each course you apply to
- Many universities ask for a deposit (money paid to hold your place)
- King's: £2,000 if you pay the international fee, on most master's courses with classes
- The deposit counts towards your tuition fee
Average Cost Overview for United Kingdom
UCAS fee
When you send your UCAS application
Master's application fee
Before you submit your application
Deposit
When you accept your offer
Get your translations and test results right, so your application is not delayed.
For Students From India and Pakistan
- Papers not in English need an official English translation
- Use a professional translator or a recognised translation service
- Some English test results are valid for 2 years only
- The result must be valid on your course start date
Document Verification Timeline
UCAS early deadline
15 October 2026, 18:00 UK time (this date has passed)
For Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine courses starting in 2027.
UCAS main deadline
13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
For most other bachelor's courses starting in 2027.
Master's applications open
From mid-October each year
At King's College London (King's), for courses that start the following September.
•Missing the UCAS deadline for your course
•An English test result that runs out before your course starts
•Translations by an agent instead of a recognised translation service
•Teachers who do not know they will be asked to write a reference
Most UK universities ask for these. Your course page lists any extra papers.
Study Papers
English
Statements and References
Other
Name Your Files Clearly
Name each file for what it is, such as "BSc degree certificate", "transcript" or "CV". Upload what you have when you apply, including your marks so far if you are still studying.
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