UK University
UK University Application Process/Timeline Planning
The education systems in the UK and Taiwan differ. Taiwanese high school graduates (Grade 12) must complete a UK university foundation year before entering the British higher education system.
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Universities in UK
Due to differences between the Taiwanese and British education systems, students who wish to study at a UK university after high school graduation must complete a "Foundation Year" before entering the first year of undergraduate studies. Even if they have already completed their first year of university in Taiwan, they would still need to complete an International Year One program to transfer into the second year in the UK.
Start Preparing for University as Early as 11th Grade!
If you realize after entering high school that you want to go abroad for the next stage of your education and study at a UK university, you can start receiving comprehensive study abroad counseling from Bear in your second semester of 10th grade and begin preparing your application materials. During 11th grade, focus on maintaining your academic performance while preparing for the IELTS exam. By the end of your second semester in 11th grade, you can pack your bags and get ready to head to the UK for your studies!
High School Completion → International Foundation Year → Year 1 → Year 2 → Year 3 → Graduation
"Go for an internship in your third year, then return to complete your degree!
Many Taiwanese students are discouraged when they hear that "studying in the UK doesn't guarantee a work visa," unaware that some UK universities allow students to take an internship year during their third year before returning to complete their studies.
It's true that certain schools offer "work placement" opportunities, though there's no guarantee the internships will be paid. Students can choose to forgo the placement and graduate on time. However, Bear strongly recommends taking the long-term view—while pausing studies for a year may increase financial pressure, overseas work experience is truly invaluable!
High School Graduation → International Foundation Year → Year 1 → Year 2 → Internship Year → Year 3 → Graduation
Complete Both UK Bachelor's and Master's Degrees Within 5 Years
In the UK education system, undergraduate degrees can be completed in just three years. With today’s competitive job market, more British students are opting to pursue master’s degrees—applying in their final year of university and completing postgraduate studies in their fourth year.
For Taiwanese students who did their bachelor’s in the UK, transitioning between degrees is equally seamless. Having already adapted to British academic training and teaching methods, they can enter master’s programs directly without needing Pre-Sessional English or Pre-Master’s courses—making this an efficient and budget-savvy pathway!
High School Completion → International Foundation Year → Year 1 → Year 2 → Year 3 → Master's Year 1 → Graduation
Application Timeline
It is recommended to start planning your study abroad plan one year before your expected enrollment. Master's programs in the UK usually start in autumn or spring.
Taking September (autumn) as an example:
The year before enrollment
January - May
Start Planning Your Study Abroad Timeline
Begin preparing for standardized tests and gathering application materials in advance to stay on track.
September - December
Complete the application process for each university (English proficiency test scores can be submitted later).
The year of enrollment
January - May
Confirm application result
June - August
Visa Application, Accommodation Arrangement & Flight Booking
All set for takeoff!
Requirements
GPA
Which UK universities can you apply to with your current academic GPA?
GPA 3.7 ↑
85% ↑
Aim for the UK's Elite Universities (G5)!
GPA 3.3 – 3.7
75 – 85%
Top 10 should be no problem！
GPA 2.8 – 3.3
65 – 75%
Consider applying to other graduate programs!
GPA 2.8 ↓
65% ↓
We recommend enrolling in an academic pathway program (Pre-Master's/Graduate Diploma)
IELTS
UK universities primarily assess IELTS scores. Which schools can you apply to with your current IELTS results?
IELTS 7.0 – 9.0
Take on the Challenge: Aim for the UK's Elite G5 Graduate Schools!
IELTS 6.0 – 7.0
With your current qualifications, you should have no problem gaining admission to the Russell Group – often regarded as the UK's equivalent of the Ivy League!
IELTS 5.0 – 6.0
Recommendation: Consider Enrolling in a Pre-Sessional English Course Before Your UK Master's Program.
IELTS 4.0 – 5.0
Recommendation: Consider enrolling in a Pre-Master's/Graduate Diploma program first.
