Supporting Your Child on Their UK Study Journey
If your child is planning to study in the UK, your support will be essential throughout their journey. As a parent, you can play a key role by providing encouragement, helping them stay organized, and ensuring they have access to the right resources.
You can assist by keeping track of important deadlines, accompanying them to university open days (both in person and online), and helping them complete key parts of their application, such as their personal statement.
Understanding the UCAS Application Process
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the primary platform for university applications in the UK. Most students, including international applicants, apply through UCAS.
When completing a UCAS application, your child will need to provide:
- Personal and contact details – including residency information.
- Educational background and work experience – covering qualifications, grades, and extracurricular activities.
- Proof of English language proficiency – such as an IELTS qualification, if required.
- Funding details – outlining how tuition and living costs will be covered.
Financial Planning for University
Studying in the UK requires careful financial planning. Tuition fees and living expenses can be significant, so it’s important to explore funding options early.
Consider:
- Checking if your employer provides educational assistance.
- Researching scholarships and bursaries that your child may be eligible for.
- Exploring student loans to help cover tuition and living costs.
If you need guidance on funding opportunities, Counsellor´s Forum experts can help you explore available scholarships, bursaries, and loan options.
With early preparation and the right support, you can help your child confidently navigate their UK university application and study journey.
Writing a Personal Statement
A well-written personal statement is a crucial part of the UCAS application. However, UCAS has announced that from 2026, the personal statement format will change.
Instead of a single essay, applicants will answer three structured questions, though the total word count will remain around 4,000 words. This new approach aims to guide students through the writing process while ensuring they can still showcase their skills, ambitions, and achievements.
If you need guidance on funding opportunities, Counsellor´s Forum experts can help you explore available scholarships, bursaries, and loan options.