How to apply for undergraduate courses

At Sussex, we want your journey from application to arrival to be as smooth as possible. So that you’re fully prepared, we’ve set out a step-by-step guide to applying via UCAS, with advice on what we look for from successful students.

Student reading a book in the library at the University of Sussex

Applying to Sussex

To find out more about our degrees, see our undergraduate courses.

To help you apply to Sussex:

For some of our courses there are specific applications routes:

Ready to apply now?
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  1. Choose your course

    With more than 200 undergraduate courses from 46 subject areas to choose from, Sussex is the perfect place to find a degree that allows you to follow your passion and shape your future.

    Choose from single-honours courses (where you study one main subject), joint-honours (the study of two subjects), major/minors (where you spend 75% of your time studying one subject, and 25% the other) and courses with an integrated placement, study abroad or Masters year.

    Find out more about our undergraduate courses

  2. Check our academic entry requirements

    To find the entry requirements and offer levels for your chosen course, see our undergraduate courses. This lists:

      • the specific qualifications needed for each course, including if you need a particular subject at A-level or equivalent qualification
      • the typical offer level, which gives an indication of the grades you would need to achieve.

    For some of our courses you will be invited to an interview as part of the selection process.

    We accept applications from mature students, and in some circumstances take into account wider experience if you do not have formal academic qualifications.

    Find out more about our entry requirements for UK students.

    If you are an international student based overseas see our international qualifications. If you are an international student based in the UK see our UK-based international qualifications.

    University preparation courses

    If you do not meet the entry requirements, you can take an International Foundation Year or International Year One preparation course.

  3. Check our English language requirements

    If your first language isn’t English, you also need to meet our English language requirements or successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course.

    English language requirements are also listed with each of our undergraduate courses.

  4. Apply through UCAS

    You must apply online through UCAS for full-time courses at Sussex and check your course for any specific application procedures.

    You can apply for up to five courses via UCAS (although only four can be for Medicine). You do not need to use all five choices and you can apply for several courses at the same university.

    If you’re an international student, you also apply through UCAS. See the UCAS guide for international students applying to UK universities.

    Our UCAS code is S90 and our code name is SUSX.

    The initial applications deadline for most courses is the final Wednesday in January. However, for Medicine, the deadline for Brighton and Sussex Medical School is 15 October.

    UCAS accepts late applications (until 30 June) but some courses may close earlier if they become full.

    If you are a UK student, you are strongly advised to apply by the initial UCAS deadline on the final Wednesday in January.

    If you are an international student, you can normally apply up until 30 June, but don’t leave it too late because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.

    See our tips for writing a personal statement

    Find out about our admissions policies

    Find out how to transfer to Sussex from another university

    Further support

    If any of the following applies to you, UCAS can offer additional support and information during your application:

    • disabled students
    • student carers
    • estranged students
    • refugees and asylum seekers
    • students from Armed Forces families
    • mature students
    • students from Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman and Boater (GTRSB) communities.

    Find out more about individual needs from UCAS.

  5. Check fees, funding and support

    To help fund your studies, you may be eligible for a Government student loan.

    We also have a range of undergraduate scholarships available.

    Find out more about our undergraduate scholarships and tuition fees

    If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed. If your fee status is unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. If you disagree with the outcome of your fee status assessment, you can appeal.

  6. Receiving your decision

    Keep up-to-date with your applications through UCAS Hub.

    UCAS notify you when we reach a decision on your application. Our offers will normally be conditional offers (if you are still studying towards your qualifications) or unconditional (if you have completed your qualification and met the conditions already).

    When you have all your decisions back from all five of your choices, you use UCAS Hub to decide which offer you want to accept.

    If you receive an offer, we will invite you to an Applicant Visit Day.

    If you are an international student studying a certain science- or engineering-based course you must apply for ATAS clearance after you receive your offer.

    Find out about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub.

    Find out more about offers.

  7. Confirming your place

    If you achieve the grades required by your conditional offer, we will confirm your place via UCAS when the exam results are published in the summer.

    In some cases, you may be asked to send in copies of your results when they are released.

    You may also be asked to send in verification of qualifications you have previously completed (especially if you received an unconditional offer).

    All results (including verification) must be submitted by 31 August.

    If you miss the conditions of your offer, we will review your application and it may still be possible to accept you. Alternatively, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation Years.

    You can request to defer your entry for a year. But you can’t defer your place more than once.

    If you are an international student and you are offered a place, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, so that you can apply for a student visa.

    Find out more about confirming your place

  8. Before you arrive at Sussex

    You will be sent registration and pre-arrival information in early September.

    • For most students the registration process is completed online before the start of term.
    • If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK you complete most of the registration process online. But in order to finalise your registration you will need to attend in person so we can take a copy of your passport and student visa.

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