Studying in the United Kingdom is undoubtedly a dream for many people. However, not everyone has the adequate qualifications and documents to pursue academic studies right away. Insufficient language skills, specific qualifications, and exams as well as financial issues often prevent individuals from pursuing their aspirations to study in the UK. So, how can you apply to study in the UK without a degree? What is required to make a successful academic application? Do I have to pass Matura to get into my dream British university? How can I benefit from a study grant in the UK?

Studying in the UK without a diploma. What are the options?

When applying to study in the UK, you do not necessarily need to provide documents proving that you have passed the baccalaureate, the Matura exam, A-level, or other exams. In many cases, having the relevant grades from high school is sufficient. If you have not been able to achieve the required grades, you can also apply by demonstrating two years of work experience. Both cases qualify for a foundation year, also known as a ‘year zero.’ This year will help you to gain the necessary knowledge and language competences required for your studies in the UK.

It is also necessary to pass an internal language exam. Alternatively, the university of your choice may require you to pass an English language exam before allowing you to participate in the foundation year. Additionally, it is worth noting that a candidate for a non-matriculated degree in the UK must be at least 21 years old.

We help you get into universities located in London, Leicester, Manchester, Bedford, Luton, Milton Keynes, Leeds, and Birmingham.

What is a foundation year?

A foundation year is a preparatory stage of education that allows people who do not have a baccalaureate degree and sufficient competencies to qualify for the first year of bachelor’s degree to prepare for university. It is a great option for people who:

• Have insufficient language proficiency for year one.
• Did not take the baccalaureate exam or did not reach the minimum passing threshold.
• Do not have sufficient competencies to study their chosen field of study.
• Have unsatisfactory results in the baccalaureate exams.
• Have a good grade point average at high school, college (11th, 12th class), or technical school but no baccalaureate or A-level diploma.
• Have a documented work experience in an industry related to their chosen field of study but do not have a baccalaureate or A-level diploma;
• Have a Level 3 diploma.

The foundation year ensures you acquire the necessary knowledge and competencies to complete your studies in the UK without the baccalaureate exam. Once you have completed your foundation year, you will be awarded a Level 4 qualification with which you can apply for entry into your first year of studies, i.e. Level 5.

How is the foundation year timetable organised?

Studying without a Matura exam in the UK is about mastering the knowledge required to apply for a relevant bachelor’s degree. The foundation year consists of classes such as consultations, lectures, and seminars. Assessments are in the form of homework, in which students are tasked with essay writing, preparing reports and presentations from individual classes. A pass mark of at least 40% is required, and good attendance of 60% is also essential.

What does a student receive upon completion of the foundation year?

After completing the foundation year, students gain fundamental general knowledge required for university level studies. Furthermore, they have the privilege to advance their education in areas of their particular interest, which are aligned with their academic and professional aspirations. Candidates can choose courses that provide them with knowledge that matches the profile of their preferred undergraduate course.

An added advantage of studying during the foundation year is the enhancement of language skills. Students attend an English language course that allows them to participate in academic activities conducted in English. The successful completion of the foundation year is equivalent to achieving Level 4, which is equivalent of passing the British Baccalaureate, A-level. Students have can opt to change their course of study after the foundation year.

Studies without a baccalaureate and for free? What are the payment options?

Foundation year fees are a whopping £9,250, with the same costs for each additional academic year of the relevant studies The good news, however, is that anyone with pre-settled or settled status, a British passport, or indefinite leave to remain can apply for government funding to study in the UK. Tuition fees are fully covered by Student Finance. It is worth remembering that you need to submit an application for funding as early as possible so that the university receives the tuition fees on time. Our agency will help you submit this type of application free of charge.

Advantages of studying in the UK:

• Possibility to study without a school-leaving certificate or other qualifications.
• Classes are held in small workshop groups consisting of a dozen or so students, thanks to which you can count on individual approach and support from the lecturers.
• Learning the range of knowledge required during studies in a selected field, as well as the opportunity to take classes with academic lecturers from the bachelor’s degree programme.
• Integration with other members of the academic community.
• Opportunity to improve your language skills.
• Experiencing and learning about other cultures.
• Possibility of taking advantage of funding, which outside London ranges from £9,000 to £15,000 and in London from £12,500 to £17,000, plus childcare subsidies for single parents.
• Classes held for only 2-3 days a week with assignments in the form of essays and presentations to be completed as homework.
• Students in the UK are not required to pay council tax.
• Opportunity to work full-time or part-time while studying.
• Learning the basics of the British education system.
• After graduation, there are wide range of career opportunities available, with work placements in years 2 and 3, providing students with valuable work experience.
• Benefit from various student discounts on products and services across the country.

What qualifications are required to apply for student status in the UK?

For students from abroad, the qualifications required to apply for student status in the UK vary based on the university. Some universities require passing an internal exam to verify skills at a low advanced level, while others accept international certificates certifying language competencies.

It is also necessary to have the appropriate status: pre-settled, settled, indefinite leave to remain, or a British passport.

 

What courses are offered?

The course programme is organised so that all lectures fit 12-20 hours a week. This gives students time for self-education, doing written work, and possibly getting paid work. Studies include only subjects related to the field of study. An added advantage of studying is that the lecturers are usually practitioners who give their students the opportunity to undergo internships.

Details of available courses and campuses can be found at https://studiaanglia.pl/en/search-for-courses.

You can also visit the ‘Universities’ tab on our website, select the city you wish to study in, and check the available universities and requirements. Most universities do not require a high school diploma.

How do I apply to study in the UK without a high school diploma?

To find the best university that suits you in terms of field, classes, and qualifications, the first step is to contact our agency. You can easily get in touch with us by clicking on any of our contact links such as phone, Messenger, email, or consultation. We will assist you with everything you need.

If you wish to apply for a course in the UK without a diploma, applying for funding is mandatory. To pay your tuition fees for the selected course, we help you take advantage of government funding. You can apply for funding yourself by visiting https://www.gov.uk/student-finance before the relevant deadline, or you can let our agency assist you. Students can benefit from both educational costs and living costs subsidies.

If you want to apply to study in the UK, just fill out the contact form available at https://studiaanglia.pl/en/contact.  We are always here to advise and assist you at every stage of your application.