Deciding on a university will depend on your course but keep the below in mind:
Programmes in Scotland last for an extra year (4-5 years) compared to other UK countries
What experiences matter to you? - City living, small towns, or coastal towns. - Exposure to different cultures. - Somewhere where you’d need to learn a new language. - A place with a big Malaysian community.
The university’s academic reputation: - Accreditation and recognition. - Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). - Research Excellence Framework (REF). - League tables.
Estimating costs: What to expect?
Tuition and additional academic costs
Cost of living - Food, accommodation, day-to-day expenses, warm clothing, books, transportation.
Scholarships
University scholarships - Usually partial and specific to the student and course. Look for international student scholarships, academic achievement scholarships and sports scholarships.
Evidence-based pedagogy, flipped classrooms, peer-based active learning, online guided exercises, inquiry and project-based simulation pre-labs, and guided peer discussion post-lab
Sandwich Courses
This requires you to extend your degree by a year, which you will use to gain work experience in an industry as part of your course.
Added Value
Many universities will allow you to opt for additional language courses or elective modules.For example, it’s not uncommon to see Chemistry and Engineering courses paired with language or business and management options*.
*Some may or may not require an increase in course length.
Apply
The application process starts at least a year in advance and is done via Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS). The UK academic year begins September/October and ends June/July.*
*Some application deadlines end earlier, as early as mid-October.
Personal details, contact details, education and employment history
IELTS/TOEFL Number
Finance and funding
Personal Statement (one personal statement is read by all universities applied to)
Choice of 5 universities
Payment and submission
Note: Reference section & forecasts to be completed by school or college.
OFFERS
Students can expect to see an Unconditional Firm (UF) offer or Conditional Firm (CF) offer.
UF offer means you got it!
CF offer means you’re in if you meet some conditions, like exam results.
Then you should indicate your firm and insurance choices.
Firm acceptance is your top choice.
Insurance acceptance is a backup choice to a conditional firm acceptance.
ENTRY EXAMS
Ensure the universities receive your results on time. Don’t worry if you don’t get the results needed—proceed to the next step!*
Please note that some universities may need the admissions test (LNAT/ TSA/ UCAT...) if you are unsure on whether your course requires one, please get in touch with us to find out more*
CLEARING
This is a process for students who have applied to universities but have not received any offers. It typically runs from early July to mid-October. However, universities may fill places earlier, and international students needing student visas must secure offers before universities stop issuing CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for visa applications.
Universities in Clearing will announce their participation and available places on their websites. Students should contact universities directly to confirm their eligibility before adding a Clearing choice to their UCAS Hub. While students can make multiple enquiries, only one Clearing choice can be added.MABECS hosts a Clearing fair annually.
For more information, please contact MABECS directly.
GET READY TO FLY
After you’ve confirmed a spot, it’s time to prepare for takeoff.
What’s needed for your visa:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement from the university. You’ll need the reference number.
TB certificate, bank letter, birth certificate, a renewed passport, etc. (MABECS will guide you through this as well)
Book a visa appointment.
*Disclaimer: Please note that the document requirements for the visa are subject to change, therefore do double-check.*
Accommodation and flight:
You can choose between staying at the university accommodation or a private one. MABECS has a helpful list of private student accommodation providers.
*Disclaimer: You do not have to wait until your spot has been confirmed the booking of accommodation can be done once you have decided your firm and insurance choice of university.*
If you have not finalised your accommodation with the university then alternatively you can check accommodation providers.
All that’s left to do now is book your flight!
Important: Please only book your flight after your Visa application has been approved!
