How to support your child if they want to study in the UK

Does your child want to study in the UK? As they start making decisions and taking next steps, there's much that you can do to support them as a parent. 

The idea of sending your child to study in another country can feel like a big step, especially when the education system is different from your own. We’re here to help you understand what to expect and - more importantly - how you can help your child every step of the way.  

Contents

• Understanding the UK university system 
• What is UCAS? 
• Helping your child choose the right university 
• Supporting your child with the application process 
• Talking about costs and money 
• Building confidence and independence 
• Why Newcastle University? 

Understanding the UK university system 

In the UK, students usually start university at age 18, after finishing their final school exams (known as A levels or equivalent qualifications like the IB Diploma). Most undergraduate degrees last three to four years, although some subjects - like medicine - may take longer. 

UK universities offer a wide range of degrees, from business and computing to languages, sciences, creative arts and more. Students choose a shortlist of universities to apply to and apply through UCAS (more on UCAS coming up next).  

Some courses are very focused from the beginning - for example, if your child chooses to study law, they will study law for all three years. Others offer more flexibility, with options to choose different modules or topics each year. 

UK degrees are designed to help students gain knowledge, develop critical thinking skills and prepare for future careers. They are recognised and respected all over the world and prepare your child well for their career or further studies at postgraduate level.  

What is UCAS? 

Most students apply to universities in the UK through an organisation called UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). It’s a central application system used by almost all UK universities and colleges. Every year approximately 140,000 people from outside of the UK also apply through UCAS to study here.  

Through UCAS, they can: 

• apply to up to five universities or courses at the same time 
• submit responses to three ‘personal statement’ questions  
• track the progress of their application online. 

You can help your child by making sure they understand the process and meet important deadlines. 

Applications usually open in September and close in January for most courses. Some courses, such as medicine or dentistry, have earlier deadlines. 

Read our blog about applying through UCAS – a guide for parents of international students 

Step-by-step guide for international and EU students 

UCAS information for international students 

Helping your child choose the right university 

Your child will need to decide which universities and courses they want to apply for. This is an exciting step. But with around 400 universities and colleges offering over 35,000 courses in the UK it can feel like there’s too much choice. 

You can help by talking to them about what’s important. You might explore with them: 

• what subject do they enjoy studying most? 
• what kind of job or career do they want in the future? 
• do they want to study in a big city or a smaller town? 
• would they like to study at a campus-based university, or something more spread across a busy city? 
• are they interested in research or practical learning? 

Encourage them to research different universities and courses. Most universities offer detailed information online, including entry requirements, course content, student life, and accommodation options. 

Visiting university campuses helps them to choose. But when you’re applying from another country that’s not always possible. Many universities offer virtual tours which you can explore with your child. And at Newcastle we have an international airport only 30 minutes away from campus, making those quick visits easier to arrange.  

Take our Newcastle University campus tour 

Explore undergraduate courses at Newcastle 

Supporting your child with the application process 

The UCAS application includes personal and academic details, predicted grades (from teachers), and a personal statement - made up of three questions. It is one of the most important parts of the application focussing on ‘what, why and where you want to study’. 

You can help by: 

• talking to your child about what makes them excited about their chosen subject 
• helping them to understand and articulate their strengths and aspirations 
• encouraging them to write in their own words 
• helping them check spelling and grammar 
• reminding them to be honest and enthusiastic. 

Students also need a reference from a teacher. If your child is applying from a school that isn’t familiar with UCAS, suggest that their teacher or careers counsellor read the UCAS guidance. 

Once the application is submitted, universities will respond with offers - these may be conditional (depending on final exam results) or unconditional (if they already meet the entry requirements). 

Read our blog about the new UCAS personal statement – 2026 entry 

Talking about costs and money 

Studying in another country can be expensive, so it’s important to talk with your child about tuition fees, living costs and how you will plan together. Because UK universities typically deliver three-year undergraduate degree programmes instead of the four-year programmes offered in other countries, the total cost can be more affordable.  

In the UK: 

• tuition fees for international students vary by course, but often range between £20,000 and £30,000 per year 
• living costs need to include accommodation, food, travel, books and personal expenses. 

You can help your child by: 

• being clear on what financial support you will offer as parents, and what expectations you have of them to fund parts of their study themselves through scholarships or loans 
• developing a budget planner with them. 

Cities like Newcastle are more affordable than London - with rent and daily expenses often significantly lower. Newcastle University also offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, which can help reduce the cost of studying. 

Search for Newcastle University scholarships 

Explore our student financial support information and Cost of Living support. 

Encouraging confidence and independence 

Your child is making a big decision - and they will need your support, encouragement and belief in them. As you’ve read this far in this blog post, it’s clear to us that you care deeply about their next steps and supporting them. But now you have to navigate between supporting them while also encouraging their independence.  

Here’s how you can help grow their confidence and independence, while also continuing to support and nurture them: 

• listen to their hopes and worries and help them work through them 
• encourage them to take the lead in making decisions 
• remind them that it’s normal to feel nervous 
• celebrate their achievements and milestones along the way. 

Try to find a balance between being involved and giving them space to grow. Choosing to study in the UK will help your child become more independent, develop new skills and build lifelong friendships. 

Why Newcastle University? 

If your child is thinking about studying in the UK, Newcastle is an excellent choice. The University: 

• welcomes students from more than 130 countries 
• has a beautiful city-centre campus in one of the UK’s most affordable cities 
• offers strong support for international students, including help with visas, accommodation, wellbeing and academic success 
• is ranked among the top 140 universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2026) 
• is one of the prestigious Russell Group universities 

As a parent, you want your child to be safe, happy and successful. Newcastle provides a supportive, friendly environment that helps students settle in and succeed. 

See how Newcastle supports international students 

Read our blog about what support is available for international students

Explore our region 

Studying in the UK is a big opportunity. With your support, your child can make confident, informed choices - and begin a journey that will shape their future.