The Application Process

6 steps to start studying abroad, from exploring your options to boarding your flight. MABECS is with you at every stage.
Step 01

Explore your options

The first step is to look at your options. If you're unsure about them, we're here to help.

Get in touch
Student holding a question mark sign, exploring study options
Step 02

Choose a university

Deciding on a university will depend on your course, but keep the following in mind:

Course length

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.
Illustration of planning a university choice with a calendar and hourglass

Featured universities

Browse all universities →
University of Stirling
SOAS, University of London
Mander Portman Woodward
Illustration of study costs: money bag, university building and scholarship certificate
Step 03

Estimate your costs

Here's what to expect when planning your budget.

Tuition & living costs

  • Tuition and additional academic costs.
  • Cost of living: food, accommodation, day-to-day expenses, warm clothing, books, transportation.

University scholarships

Usually partial and specific to the student and course. Look for international student scholarships, academic achievement scholarships and sports scholarships.

External scholarships

David Guard MABECS Scholarship

Explore scholarships →
Step 04

Different universities, different styles

Every university teaches a little differently. Some universities offer:

Modern teaching methods

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.

Illustration of different university teaching styles
Step 05

Apply through UCAS

The application process starts at least a year in advance and is done via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The UK academic year begins in September/October and ends in June/July.

*Some application deadlines end earlier, as early as mid-October.

Materials
Offers
Entry Exams
Clearing

MATERIALS

Fill out UCAS Form
  • 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.
Step 06

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.

Please note that the document requirements for the visa are subject to change, so do double-check.

Accommodation

You can choose between staying in university accommodation or a private one. MABECS has a helpful list of private student accommodation providers.

You don't have to wait until your spot is confirmed. Accommodation can be booked once you have decided your firm and insurance choice of university. If you haven't finalised accommodation with the university, you can check private providers instead.

Book your flight

All that's left to do now is book your flight!

Important: Please only book your flight after your visa application has been approved.
Aeroplane illustration for travelling to the UK

Not sure where to start?

Book a free consultation with a MABECS advisor. We'll guide you through every step, from choosing a course to boarding your flight.

Book a consultation