Overseas university study guide for students

University Guide

    1. Preparing your application
      1. Are there advantages to applying early?
      2. I've not completed my studies. Can I still apply?
      3. What do the University Admissions team consider when assessing my application?
      4. How do I write a good personal statement?
      5. How do I prepare an art portfolio?
      6. What makes a good reference letter/testimonial?
      7. How do I prepare for a university interview?
      8. Will my interviewer(s) ask challenging questions?
      9. Do my co-curricular activities and work experience improve my chances?
      10. I am currently serving my National Service. Anything I need to note?
      11. Do I need to take an English test?
      12. Which English test should I take?
      13. Should I request for advanced entry / credit exemptions?
      14. How can I request for advanced entry / credit exemptions?
      15. My documents are not in English. What do I need to do?
      16. My results are lower than the entry requirement listed? Can I apply?
    3. Applying to UK Universities
      1. How do I apply to UK universities? What is UCAS?
      2. The Dos and Don’ts of applying to UCAS
      3. What is the maxiumum number of courses I can apply to via UCAS (UK)?
      4. What documents do I need for UCAS application to the UK?
      5. Is there a deadline to submitting my applications (UK)?
      6. What is the National Health Service (NHS)?
      7. What does the National Health Service (NHS) cover?
    5. Applying to Australian Universities
      1. When does academic term starts in the Australia?
      2. Is there a deadline to submitting my applications (Australia)?
      3. What documents do I need (Australia)?
      4. What are the health coverages available in Australia? What is OSHC?
    7. Applying to US Universities
      1. How do I apply to US universities? What is CommonApp?
      2. What documents do I need (US)?
      3. When does academic term starts in the US?
      4. Is there a deadline to submit my applications (US)?
      5. What health coverage is available (US)?
      6. What is the US credit transfer system and how does it work?
      7. Credit Exemptions offered by US Universities
    9. Applying to Canadian Universities
      1. What documents do I need (Canada)?
      2. What are the health coverage available (Canada)?
      3. Is there a deadline to submitting my applications (Canada)?
    11. Criminal conviction
      1. I have a criminal record. Will that affect my university application?

What does the National Health Service (NHS) cover?

nhs health coverage

NHS coverage entitles you to these services for free:
  • Consultations with your GP / nurse
  • Hospital treatment in Accident & Emergency (A&E)
  • Minor injuries treatment in clinics
  • Treatment with a Specialist or Consultant if you have been referred by your GP
  • Contraception and sexual health services 
  • Maternity services

There is one notable exception - drugs prescribed for outpatient treatment are not covered. 

If you are prescribed medication, you will need to pay a prescription charge (£8.05 per item as of September 2015) when you pick up the medication from a pharmacist.

If you have a long term medical or psychological condition that requires medication it is advisable to bring with you a letter from your doctor outlining your medical history with a full list of the medication that you are taking. You should also plan to bring with you a 4-week supply of your medication, to ensure that you have sufficient whilst you get onto the NHS system. 
The cost of non-emergency dental treament, eye tests / glasses / contact lenses, and some vaccinations are not covered by NHS.

For more details on NHS coverage, please refer to the official NHS guide.

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Guide Applying to university