1000 years of academic tradition, universities that top international rankings, an active academic life. It is therefore no wonder that so many students from Europe, as well as from all over the world, want to benefit from the achievements of British Universities. Also many Poles want to benefit from this heritage and be admitted to one of the available courses.
Why study in England? What has changed after brexit? How do you get through the recruitment stages so that you don’t miss important deadlines and meet the requirements? In this article we present a complete guide to get you on the benches of British universities.
Many young Poles, when thinking about studying abroad, aim to study in England. The country offers prestigious universities with centuries of tradition and a modern educational system. The British academic year lasts 37 weeks, giving students more time for personal development and experience outside of their studies. Studying in England is also an opportunity to improve your English and make international contacts, which can be crucial in your future career. In addition, the opportunity for internships and placements increases your chances of success in the international job market.
Studying in England is characterised by a modern approach to learning and diverse forms of education. The universities offer a rich curriculum that includes lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as work placements. There is a strong emphasis on independent thinking and teamwork. The academic year usually runs from September to June, and students have many opportunities for personal and professional development in an international environment.
Undergraduate studies
Graduate studies
Doctoral studies
Study in England is divided into three main stages according to the Bologna system: undergraduate, master’s and doctoral. Undergraduate programmes typically last three years, while master’s programmes last one year. In addition, students can take advantage of student exchanges or work placements (industry placement year).
When applying for a place on a master’s programme, universities pay attention to:
The cost of study depends on the university and the course chosen. It is important to familiarise yourself with the requirements and fees of the university you are applying to. The cost of a year of study can range from over £9,000 to as much as £30,000 a year.
The cost of study depends on the university and the course you choose. It is important to familiarise yourself with the requirements and fees of the university you are applying to. The cost of a year of study can range from over £9,000 to as much as £30,000. Pounds per year.
Decyzja o podjęciu studiów w Anglii po Brexicie jest teraz znacznie bardziej skomplikowana dla studentów z Polski. Brexit przyniósł zmiany, które wpłynęły na koszty studiowania, dostęp do finansowania, a także konieczność spełnienia nowych formalności, takich jak obowiązek posiadania wizy studenckiej. Jednak mimo tych przeszkód, perspektywy po ukończeniu prestiżowej brytyjskiej uczelni pozostają bardzo atrakcyjne.
Jhe one key change is the increase in the cost of study for Polish students. After Brexit, Poles are no longer treated as “home students” – they are now subject to the tuition fee rate for international students. This means that tuition fees can range from a dozen to even tens of thousands of pounds a year, depending on the university and the course. For example:
These sums may seem high, but it is worth looking at the scholarship schemes available to help with costs.
After Brexit, any student from Poland who wants to study in England must apply for a student visa. This process starts once you have received a so-called unconditional offer from your university. In order to apply for a visa, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – a document that the university issues once you have been accepted to study. The cost of the visa is £348 and the undergraduate visa is issued for a period of five years.
The student visa also allows you to work part-time (20 hours per week) during term time, which can help with living costs.
Although Poles no longer have access to UK student loans, many prestigious universities still offer scholarships that can cover a significant proportion of the cost:
These scholarships make even the high cost of tuition fees in England more affordable for ambitious students from Poland.
Another challenge is the cost of living, which in London is among the highest in Europe. It is estimated that a student will need at least £12,000-15,000 per year to live (accommodation, food, transport). In other parts of England, these costs may be slightly lower, for example in cities such as Bedford or Leeds.
In addition, students from Poland need to remember to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – a fee that amounts to £470 per year and provides access to the UK NHS healthcare system. Without paying the IHS, students would have to cover medical costs out of their own pockets.
Despite the high cost, completing a degree in England opens the door to many international career opportunities. British universities enjoy great prestige and their students have access to top companies and institutions around the world. What’s more, after graduation, graduates can apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows them to stay in the UK for two years to work.
One of the significant changes after Brexit is the withdrawal of the possibility to apply for a government student loan for EU citizens, including Poles. Prior to the UK’s exit from the EU, students from Poland were able to benefit from preferential funding for their studies by taking out a loan to pay tuition fees, which was repaid on favourable terms after graduation. However, from the academic year 2021/2022, students from EU countries are treated as international students, which means no access to this form of financial support and higher tuition fees.
Although the option of a government loan has been withdrawn, this does not mean that there are no options for funding your studies in the UK. Many universities offer attractive scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of education.
The recruitment process to study in the UK differs from the Polish system and requires special attention. Candidates must first select the university and the course they wish to apply for, and then create an account on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) platform. In your application, you will need to include recruitment documents such as a Personal Statement (cover letter), a language certificate (e.g. IELTS) and teacher references. Some universities also require additional examinations, such as entrance tests. An important part of the application is also the submission of your matric results, which must meet the university’s minimum admissions requirements.
UCAS is the UK’s national recruitment platform that allows you to apply for up to five degree courses. The advantage of the system is that you can submit one set of recruitment documents to several universities at the same time, which simplifies the application process. These documents must include a Personal Statement, which must be written in a way that takes into account the various courses. UCAS also allows you to monitor the status of your application and upload your matric results and other required examinations. All applicants must remember to pay the application fee on time.
The deadlines for applying to study in the UK are precisely set and vary depending on the type of course and university. Applications are submitted via the UCAS platform and the key deadlines are as follows:
Furthermore, from 26 February 2025, applicants who have not received an offer of admission can use the UCAS Extra system to apply for other courses. This process lasts until 4 July 2025, after which from 5 July 2025 the Clearing stage begins, giving you the chance to find a place on vacant courses.
Remember to adhere to these deadlines and make sure your admissions documents, including your matric results, are submitted on time to increase your chances of a successful application.
Would you like to start recruiting to study in England? Do you have questions about the application process or need support to get into your dream university? PL Recruitment is the ideal place to help you get to study in England.
Our specialists support applicants at every stage – from choosing a course, through the registration process to pre-departure organisational matters. Whether you need help with the UCAS platform, preparing documents or answering questions about your studies, applying to study in England will become much easier with us.
Contact PL Recruitment, and we’ll help you get into university and start preparing for your study abroad experience!
When you apply to study in England through UCAS, you may receive one of several responses. Each one tells you what stage of the admissions process you are at and what your chances of getting into university are .
The response from the university is crucial to the further recruitment process, so it is worth keeping track of the status of your application and responding in time to meet any requirements and increase your chances of getting your dream university.
Supplementary recruitment, or Clearing, is the second round of university admissions in England, giving applicants the chance to get into their dream university if they did not get an offer in the first round. The process runs from July to October (in 2024 from 5 July to 18 October). To take part in Clearing, you need to find available courses, contact the university of your choice and then add the course to your UCAS profile and complete the missing documents. Deadlines are crucial, so keep a close eye on them!
Applying to study in England involves several important steps that differ from the procedures in Poland. In addition to completing an application through the UCAS system, applicants must provide their matriculation results, secondary school leaving certificate and additional documents such as Personal Statement, references and language certificate.
It is a cover letter in which you describe your achievements, passions and the reasons why you want to study your chosen course. A well-written Personal Statement can determine the success of your application, regardless of your matric results.
British universities accept the Polish Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Candidates need to confirm their knowledge of English at B2/C1 level. The most popular exams are IELTS, CAE, CPE or TOEFL. Results from these exams are accepted at most UK universities.
Teacher references are an important part of the application, which assess the applicant’s academic potential. For some courses, recommendations from at least two people are required.
For selected universities, such as Oxford or Cambridge, candidates may be invited to an interview, where their argumentation skills and knowledge of the Personal Statement are tested.
Studying in England offers a unique combination of theory and practice. Teaching takes place in a variety of formats, such as lectures, seminars and workshops, which encourages active student participation. The academic year in the UK usually starts in September or October and runs until June, providing students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and practical experience in the industry.
At English universities, students can expect a wide variety of activities that take place in studios, laboratories and art studios. Many universities offer open spaces that are accessible even 24 hours a day, which encourages project work and collaboration in teams. Universities collaborate with local and international employers, enabling students to gain practical experience already during their studies, for example through internships or sandwich course programmes.
One of the advantages of studying in England is the small number of lecture hours per week. Typically, classes are held three days a week, allowing students to spend only 15-20 hours at university. This approach allows students to find time to work and pursue their passions.
In English universities, the average number of students per year is 40-50, with 10 to 20 students per teacher. This structure fosters close relationships with lecturers and other students, which has a positive impact on the learning process and communication.
Studying in England places a strong emphasis on teamwork skills. The majority of credits are completed in the form of group projects, allowing you to develop your ability to work together in an international environment. The universities have specially adapted team spaces, which makes it easier to organise meetings and work together.
Na studiach w Anglii studenci rzadko muszą zmagać się z klasycznymi sesjami egzaminacyjnymi. Zamiast tego, oceny najczęściej opierają się na esejach, raportach i prezentacjach. Dzięki temu, stres związany z sesją egzaminacyjną jest minimalizowany.
Wykładowcy na angielskich uczelniach często mają doświadczenie zawodowe i prowadzą działalność w danej branży. Dzięki temu studenci zyskują dostęp do praktycznej wiedzy oraz możliwości nawiązania kontaktów, co może prowadzić do staży i praktyk.
Students have the opportunity to actively participate in university life. Fresher’s Week, held at the beginning of the academic year, is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Universities also offer a variety of clubs and societies that organise events and excursions, ensuring that students will not be bored.
Studying in England is a great opportunity to travel. Universities have partnerships with institutions around the world, allowing students to take part in exchange programmes and short-term projects such as volunteering or summer schools.
In addition to learning English, many universities offer language courses in different languages. Taking such courses allows students to develop their language skills and broaden their qualifications.
Lecturers in England tend to be friendly and open, which fosters a relaxed atmosphere in class. Students are free to address them as ‘you’ and to arrange to meet them outside the university, allowing valuable relationships to be built.
UK universities have state-of-the-art laboratories, studios and art studios, allowing students to use advanced equipment and technology. The universities also provide well-equipped libraries, available to students 24 hours a day.
Students in England have the chance to interact with people from different cultures and countries, which fosters learning tolerance and developing interpersonal skills. Making friends with foreigners is also a great opportunity to polish foreign languages and travel together. Studying in England opens doors to the world!
If you don’t meet the requirements for your chosen university or have failed to prepare well for the baccalaureate, Foundation Year could be the perfect solution for you. It is a one-year preparatory programme that allows you to make up for missing knowledge and increases your chances of getting into an undergraduate programme.
During Foundation Year you learn the basics needed for your first year of university. You can apply to any university at the end of this programme, or you can continue your studies where you did your zero year. Some universities offer a combination of Foundation Year and an undergraduate course, which gives you a secure place if you complete the programme with good results.
The requirements are lower than for regular majors, and some universities don’t even require a baccalaureate degree. This is a good option if your baccalaureate went less well or you need to improve your results.