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Application advice

Our step-by-step guide provides all of the information you need on UAL's application process. You can find guidance on when to apply, how to prepare and present your portfolio, tips for writing your personal statement, and how to prepare for an interview.

Jess Gill, our Country Manager for Canada, is there to answer your questions and support you through your entire applicant journey. This includes helping you select the right course for you, your application and portfolio, visas and immigration, as well as arranging interviews with our academic admissions faculty.

Your application to UAL in 8 easy steps

Step 1: Get expert advice on your course options

Jess Gill, our Country Manager for Canada, can advise which course is right for you at jess@ualcanada.ca or you can schedule an advisory call.

When you've picked a course you want to apply to, check the entry requirements and note any deadlines or supplementary requirements for your application.

Step 2: Search funding options

UAL offers a range of scholarships to Postgraduate applicants. These are not based on need or merit-based support.

As a student from Canada, you can apply for loans through your provincial government. The 5 major Canadian banks also offer loans for international study.

Find further information on fees and funding for UAL students from Canada.

Step 3: Attend a UAL event

We offer information sessions, portfolio advice, creative workshops, MA seminars and virtual open days and tours.

Join us at an upcoming event.

Step 4: Begin your application

Download our checklists and resources (see below) to begin your application.

Step 5: Apply

When you're ready to apply, contact Jess Gill at jess@ualcanada.ca who will ensure everything is correct and ready to go.

Step 6: Application confirmation

Once your application has been submitted you will receive your application confirmation and UAL Applicant ID. If the course you have applied to requires a portfolio, please review our how to guide on how to upload your portfolio.

Step 7: Interview and admissions decision

You may be invited to a phone or online interview. This is your opportunity to present yourself and show why you are suited to the course you've applied to.

Step 8: Final stage

If you receive an offer and accept your place, you will be invited to pre-departure briefings and offered support with immigration and visa requirements and how to plan your move to London.

Application deadlines

Pre-degree (Foundation/International Preparation/International Introduction courses) Wednesday 22 February 2023

Undergraduate (BA/BSc courses): Wednesday 25 January 2023

Postgraduate:

  • First round Wednesday 19 December 2022
  • Second round Monday 3 April 2023

Some courses may accept applications after these deadlines if they still have spaces but we recommend that you apply by the deadline to guarantee that we are able to consider your application.

Application checklists

To help you put your application together we've created some checklists to ensure you're aware of what you'll need to include when submitting your application. You can download one of our helpful lists to help guide you on what you need to prepare for the study level you're applying to.

Illustration of building blueprints in various stages of completion
Blueprint illustration by Savvy Bader

Application resources

After checking what you need to submit as part of your application, you may find that you need to prepare a personal statement or a portfolio, and you may be invited to an interview after submitting your work. To help support you through the application process we've created some guides for each element of a UAL application.

Close up shot of student's desk in a studio with post it notes and small model figurines
Francesca Tingcungco, MA Theatre Design, Wimbledon College of Arts, © Alys Tomlinson

Portfolio advice

Watch our 'What is a portfolio' video to get advice from UAL students and staff. You can find other videos on portfolios, your personal statement and application interviews here, or our full series of application advice videos on UAL's YouTube channel. Learn what to include, how to present your work, and how to tailor your portfolio to the specific study level or course that you are applying to.

Our videos include animations by Rosa Beiroa, graduate of MA Animation at London College of Communication.

You can find examples of work by current UAL students and graduates on our online showcasing platform, Portfolio.

What is a portfolio

How to structure your portfolio

What to include in a personal statement