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UK University Application Advice for Parents: Supporting Your Child’s Journey to a UK Education
Student Visa Application Process
If your child has decided to study in the UK, congratulations! This is an exciting and transformative decision that will shape their future. As a parent, your involvement and support will play a crucial role in your child’s success. From helping with university applications to providing emotional support, there’s a lot you can do to guide them through this important journey.
Steps You Can Take to Support Your Child
1. Encourage Research: Help your child research universities, courses, and locations that align with their interests and future goals. Attending open days (either in-person or online) is a great way to understand the university environment and ensure it’s the right fit.
2. Stay on Top of Deadlines: UK university applications involve various important deadlines. You can help by keeping track of these dates and ensuring your child stays organized.
3. Assist with Personal Statement and Application: Writing a personal statement can be one of the most daunting parts of the application process. You can offer guidance, proofread drafts, and provide feedback to help your child present their strengths and aspirations effectively.
Understanding the UCAS Application Process
UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the primary platform for university applications in the UK. Whether your child is applying from within the UK or internationally, the majority of applications are processed through UCAS.
Here’s what your child will need to include in their UCAS application:
• Personal and Contact Information: This includes details about their residency and contact information.
• Educational Background & Work Experience: A summary of their qualifications, grades, and any relevant extracurricular activities or work experience.
• Proof of English Language Skills: If required, this will typically include a qualification such as IELTS.
• Funding Details: Information about how they plan to fund their studies, whether through personal savings, family support, loans, or scholarships.
Personal Statement Changes (2026 Onwards)
A key part of the UCAS application is the Personal Statement. This document allows your child to present themselves beyond their grades, showcasing their motivation, skills, and aspirations. However, it’s important to note that UCAS has announced changes to the personal statement format beginning in 2026.
Starting in 2026, the personal statement will no longer be a single long essay. Instead, it will be divided into three sections, each with its own prompt to guide the applicant in structuring their response. The total word count will still be around 4,000 characters. While the format is changing, the overall content—such as describing achievements, goals, and reasons for pursuing a particular course—will remain the same.
Financial Planning: Preparing for the Costs of University
Here’s how you can support the financial aspect:
1. Start Saving Early: University education is an investment. Encourage your child to save as much as possible before starting their studies, and look into additional savings options.
2. Explore Scholarships & Bursaries: Many UK universities offer scholarships and bursaries to international students. Speak with our team of experts to learn about potential funding opportunities.
3. Student Loans: If needed, consider taking out a student loan to help cover tuition fees and living costs. Our team can help you explore options from private lenders like Prodigy Finance or Future Finance and explain their terms and eligibility requirements.
4. Workplace Educational Assistance: Check if your employer offers educational assistance or sponsorship programs, which could help support your child’s education.
5. Financial Aid Consultations: For specific guidance, our experienced counsellors at MIJAKI & CO LTD can provide personalized financial advice, helping you understand scholarships, loans, and other funding options that can make studying in the UK more affordable.
Conclusion: Your Role as a Supportive Parent
As your child embarks on their academic journey, your support will be invaluable. From assisting with the application process to helping manage finances, your involvement will ensure they’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
If you’d like to learn more about the UCAS application process, scholarships, or other resources for international students, MIJAKI & CO LTD is here to guide you every step of the way. Our expert team will help your child navigate their journey to studying in the UK with confidence.