How to apply for college in the UK

If you've decided to go to college, there are various application methods available depending on your age, current qualifications and the type of course you're applying for - discover which is the right one for you

A step-by-step guide to applying for college

If you have just left school and are looking to study an FE course, it's important to know that you can apply directly to sixth forms and colleges in your area or where you plan to live.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has produced a list of colleges in the UK to show how the 260 institutions are divided by each home nation:

• England - 217
• Northern Ireland - 6
• Scotland - 24
• Wales - 13

Find out more by getting an overview of the UK's FE sector.

To apply for college, you will typically follow these steps.

Research courses and colleges near you

While there is no centralised application portal for further education, you can search for online and classroom-based college courses in your area by visiting the National Careers Service (NCS) - Find a course.

This will allow you to consider what courses they offer at Level 3 and beyond, including:

• A-levels
• T Levels
• BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) diplomas

When thinking about what to study at sixth form or college, think about subjects and courses:

• you excel at or may enjoy
• that would allow you to enter a specific profession - explore our job profiles
• that provide a pathway to further academic study, such as university
• allow you to keep your options open if you're unsure about a future career.

Get the lowdown on the full range of college courses and explore resources such as GOV.UK or Career Pilot.

Things to consider before you apply

Before proceeding, be sure to check the entry requirements for your preferred course before submitting an application.

You'll also need to consider your travel options, including whether you plan to drive to classes or take the bus or train. These additional costs must be factored into your decision.

Finally, you'll need to keep to the application deadlines. Remember that most courses start in September of the year of study, in line with the academic calendar, but they may run at other times of the year as well.

The application cycle will therefore follow this. For instance, if you apply for a 2025/26 course starting in September 2025, you can expect the application process to open in the autumn term (October and November) of the year before. This would be when you're likely in Year 11 at school.

The FE college or sixth form may stop accepting applications once courses are full, or they could have a set deadline, such as the end of January.

Complete your application form

Once you've found your ideal college course, ensured that you meet the conditions for entry, are aware of the deadline and worked out how you'll get there, you'll now be ready to start your application.

You can apply to the relevant institution by submitting an online (or paper) application, including a personal statement.

The personal statement gives you an opportunity to showcase your suitability for a particular course by highlighting your:

• main reasons for applying for this course
• skills and achievements from hobbies or sports
• work experience, such as weekend jobs or volunteering
• career plans.

After submitting the application, the college will then usually confirm it has received it within a few days.

For example, The Manchester College has provided a guide to applying for those aged 16 to 18. They aim to confirm they've received your application within 48 hours, but it can take up to a week to hear back from them.

They are available to help with any questions you have related to completing the form.

Attend an interview

Once your application has been reviewed, the college may invite you to interview so you can meet your prospective tutors and discuss your career plans.

This chat, which typically lasts from 15 minutes to an hour, is held on the college campus and may involve an interview panel. You'll be made aware of who you'll be meeting in advance, such as your form tutor, subject teacher or head of the department.

The interview can help you to decide whether this really is the course for you and whether you would enjoy the programme. For instance, you may have changed your mind, and so the college can work with you to find a more suitable course.

Some general questions you could be asked include:

• Why do you want to study at [college name]?
• Why did you choose to apply for this particular course?
• How does this course fit in with your future career plans?

It's best to be prepared to ask some questions of your own, such as:

• What have others who have completed this course gone on to do?
• What skills and qualities do you look for in successful candidates?
• Do you offer career guidance to those exploring their options?
• Will you be able to provide support when making university applications?

If the subject is in the performing arts, you may be asked to audition for your place on the course. Alternatively, if you're looking to study an art or graphic design course, they may request to see some of your previous work.

Take some skill tests

You may be asked to take a number of short online tests or quizzes to gauge your current abilities in core subjects such as:

• English
• information and communications technology (ICT)
• maths.

These are nothing to worry about, and you'll be provided with full instructions on what to do.

Receive an offer

If your application is successful and the college believes it's the right course for you, you'll receive a conditional offer along with further information on how to enrol.

A conditional offer means you just need to meet the grade requirements for the course. For example, you may need to achieve certain passes at GCSE level.

By accepting the offer, you will be provided with an enrolment date to register at the college in person.

International student applications

If you're an international student, you may be able to study a Level 3 qualification, but only on a full-time basis. You'll then need to ensure that you meet the specific entry requirements for the course and check whether the college accepts applications from those living overseas.

According to the AoC, popular subjects for international students include:

• accounting
• business and economics
• construction and the trades
• hair and beauty
• science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
• teaching
• travel and tourism.

If you do meet the college's course entry requirements, you'll still need to prove your English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS.

To apply, you'll need to complete an online application form and provide any requested documents, such as a copy of your passport and relevant academic transcripts.

Finally, you'll need to secure a student visa and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your college.

Read more about your eligibility for studying a course in the UK at GOV.UK - Student visa.

Applying for university-level college courses

When applying for university-level qualifications, the process will depend on your mode of study, i.e., if it is a part-time or full-time course, and whether you're an international student.

You can explore undergraduate courses using UCAS search and browse the A-Z list of UK colleges offering these courses at UCAS - Search universities and colleges.

See our guide to undergraduate qualifications and how they compare to one another.

Full-time study

As with all full-time undergraduate course applications, the process is managed by UCAS. However, you can either apply through your college (the application is sent on your behalf) or you can apply yourself.

Once you've chosen an undergraduate course, you'll need to register with UCAS and complete your application online through their dedicated portal.

If you're only applying for one course, you'll be expected to pay the reduced application fee.

Read more about filling in the form and getting into university.

Part-time study

Contact the college directly to fill out an application form.

As with the process for college courses above, you may then be invited to interview.

If successful, you'll receive an acceptance letter.

International students

Depending on an individual's visa status and right to reside in the country, colleges will usually accept applications from international students with previous qualifications equivalent to those in the UK.

You'll have to submit an online UCAS application either yourself or through an adviser.

International application deadlines will apply, and you may need to undertake an English language proficiency test.

You'll be expected to pay tuition fees, although those EU students with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status may be able to apply for a student loan, with undergraduate scholarships and bursaries also available.

Tuition fees are usually higher than for UK students. For 2025/26, they are capped at £9,535 per year.

Be sure to check the entry requirements for your preferred course. Your previous qualifications will be weighted and assigned a set number of UCAS Tariff points.

Making an adult education application

If you're 19 or over and planning on making a career change or acquiring new skills, colleges offer an array of adult learning options.

The process is more or less the same as for those going to college straight after finishing school, as you'll be expected to:

• apply online
• attend an interview
• take a key skills assessment
• wait to find out if your application was successful.

However, some courses, such as skills bootcamps, may have their own application process - as you may need to enrol through a training provider.

Explore adult education courses.

Find out more

• Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.
• Read about HTQs and NVQs.
• Explore alternatives to university.