How to Apply

Do you accept my qualifications?

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world.  You will find country specific guidance on UON in Your Country page.

We would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience, a range of other non-traditional educational or career qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study. Some courses will require specific qualifications.

Please contact international@northampton.ac.uk if you have any questions.

What is the deadline for applications?

To ensure that applicants have enough time to complete the necessary steps, we publish a list of key dates, including application deadlines.

How long will it take to process my application?

Our Admissions Team treats every application individually, so it is difficult to give an exact time frame. We will process your application as quickly as possible to leave you plenty of time to finalise travel arrangements and obtain your visa. Please allow extra time for your application to be processed if the admissions requirements include an interview, portfolio, audition, or task. This is detailed on the course pages.

Is there a CAP on course numbers?

Our policy is to avoid placing a limit on numbers wherever possible. If a limit is introduced, we will we publish a list of key dates, including deadlines when courses will cease recruiting.

I have taken an IELTS test but I am waiting for the certificate. What should I do?

When you receive your Test Report Form (TRF) by email, forward it to intadmissions@northampton.ac.uk. If you do not have the certificate tell us the TRF number we can verify your results.

If I can’t book an IELTS test, do you accept other English tests?

You can find out if IELTS tests are available on the IELTS website. If IELTS tests are not available, we do accept other proof of English whenever possible, for courses at Bachelor’s level and above. (For courses below Bachelor’s level a UKVI SELT is mandatory). Please refer to our English Language Requirements to check what tests and scores are accepted.

How long after sending documents does it take to get an unconditional offer?

If you have sent us all of the documents requested, please be reassured that the team will continue to process your application as soon as they are able and in good time for you to receive your offer. Every application is different, so we appreciate your patience.

I sent my documents as requested but haven’t heard a response.

If you have sent us all of the documents requested, please be reassured that the team will continue to process your application as soon as they are able and in good time for you to receive your offer.

If I pay any fees to the University and can’t travel, will I get a refund?

If you are unable to travel to the University due to COVID-related regulations, you will be entitled to a refund, or you could choose to defer to the next intake. You should, however, aim to join us on campus for the start of your course, if it is possible to do so.

How does the fee payment work after my deposit?

The remaining balance will be due in 2 further instalments in January and April for September starters, in May and August for January starters, and in August and November for May/June starters.

Please include the following documents with your completed university application form. If you don’t include a full set of documents, this may result in a delay in receiving your decision.

• Details of your English Language competence. For example, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests or equivalent.
• Certified copies of your academic qualifications – both certificates and transcripts/marksheets. A certified copy is a photocopy that has an original official stamp of your school, college or university on it. The stamp should not be a photocopy.
• At least one reference (signed and on headed paper).
• A personal statement to explain why you are interested in studying your chosen course.

Art and Design courses

Students applying for some Art and Design courses at the University of Northampton also need to submit a portfolio of work. You can read our useful portfolio guide to learn more.

MBA Programme

If you choose to apply for an MBA programme, you must include details of your previous employment as part of your submitted documentation.

If you have any questions about your application please email the International Admissions Team.

For information about language requirements if you are an international or EU student, please visit our dedicated page.

English Language Requirements

If you are using the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) you will need the code for the University of Northampton to complete your university application. Our UCAS code is N38. There is an application fee to use the UCAS service.

For all applications, via agents, Regional Offices, direct using our self-service portal, or through UCAS, we would advise that you submit an application as soon as possible to allow enough time for you to prepare your visa and travel to the UK. We do not charge an application fee to use the self-service portal.

You will need to know:

• the academic year and start date
• your chosen course title and
• be able to submit supporting documents

Check your email regularly

After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email from us. This email will include your 8-digit student ID number, which you can use to check your application at any point.

We may contact you to ask you to provide more information or supporting documents before we can make a decision on your application. Therefore, it is important that you can check your email regularly for correspondence from us. Make sure you update us if your contact details change.

Receive our decision

We aim to provide an initial response and/or a decision upon your university application as soon as possible. Timescales can vary depending on the course and complexity of the application. If your application is successful you will receive an offer letter.

To accept your offer at the University of Northampton you will need to respond to our offer letter by selecting us as your firm choice. If you receive a ‘conditional’ offer then the offer is based on you providing us with further information or results. Your offer will become ‘unconditional’ once you meet these requirements.

When you receive an ‘unconditional offer’ we can begin your visa application.

Start your visa application

If you are a full fee-paying International student, the next step is paying the deposit. Once you pay the deposit, we can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Currently, the deposit for Undergraduate and Postgraduate taught courses is £5,000. Further details of the deposit will be included in your offer letter.

For more information about international fees and deposits, please visit of International Fees and International Scholarships pages and payment methods guidance.

For help with your Visa you can refer to our Visas page.

It is a good idea for you to start planning your arrival to the UK as soon as possible. Our International student support pages contain advice on getting you started.

Guidance for your research degree and PhD application is available on our Research Degree Information page.

You can apply directly to the University of Northampton for all distance learning or online courses.

If you are applying for a specific pathway or Joint Honours programme, please make a note of your pathway or subjects in your personal statement.

Please contact our Distance Learning team for application help and guidance: distancelearning@northampton.ac.uk