United Arab Emirates
UAE secondary certificate, British/IB schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Direct entry is possible from A-level or IB schools.
Middle East · GCC
Study in the UK from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Gulf
Expert UK university admissions for Gulf students. Find the right course, the right entry route, and get full support with CAS and your UK Student visa.
Qualifications we accept, by country
Saudi Arabia
Tawjihiyya plus Foundation Year, or direct entry with A-level/IB. Support with Ministry of Education sponsorship.
Qatar
Qatari secondary certificate plus Foundation, or direct entry from British curriculum schools in Doha.
Kuwait, Oman & Bahrain
National certificates usually need a Foundation Year. Sponsored students welcome.
- Shortlisting from 50+ UK partner universities
- Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate routes
- Help with government sponsorship letters
- CAS, Student visa and IHS guidance
- Accommodation and pre-departure support
- 2-year Graduate Route after your degree
English language tool
IELTS requirement & waiver eligibility checker
Select your country and study level to see the typical IELTS score UK universities ask for, and whether your existing qualifications could waive the test entirely. Covers Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Study level
Typical requirement
IELTS 6.0
no band below 5.5
Choose your country to see waiver routes, accepted alternatives to IELTS and whether a UKVI SELT test is likely to be required.
Guidance only. English language policy is set by each UK university and by UKVI, and changes between intakes. Always confirm the requirement in your offer letter before booking or skipping a test.
UK visa help flow
CAS readiness checklist
Work through every item before you ask your university to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Tick items as you go, then download or print the checklist to share with your counsellor.
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1. Offer & acceptance
2. Academic documents
3. English language evidence
4. Financial evidence
5. Identity & health
6. CAS issuance
7. Student Route visa application
8. Post-decision & arrival
Once your checklist is complete, UKUNI verifies every document, checks your CAS statement line by line and files your Student Route application.
Get my CAS reviewedFunding comparison
Scholarships & funding options compared
Side-by-side comparison of university, government and sponsorship funding available to applicants from Southeast Asia and the Middle East — with eligibility notes and the exact next step for each route.
Award values and deadlines change every cycle. A UKUNI counsellor will shortlist the funding you actually qualify for and manage each application deadline for you.
Get my funding planFrequently asked questions
Can I enter a UK undergraduate degree directly with a GCC high school certificate?
Most UK universities treat GCC secondary certificates (e.g. Saudi Tawjihiyya, Qatari and UAE secondary school certificates) as below A-level, so a one-year International Foundation Year is usually required. Students from British or IB curriculum schools in the Gulf can often apply directly.
Do GCC students need IELTS for UK universities?
Usually yes, but some universities waive IELTS for students who studied in English-medium British or American curriculum schools, or who hold strong English grades in IGCSE or IB. Use the checker on this page to see your options.
Are government scholarships accepted by UK universities?
Yes. UK universities regularly accept sponsored students from bodies such as the Saudi Ministry of Education, UAE ministries and Qatari sponsors. We help you obtain sponsor letters and match universities on approved lists.
How long does a UK Student visa take from the Gulf?
Standard processing is around three weeks after your biometrics appointment at a visa application centre in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha or another GCC city. Priority services may be available.