University College London

Description

Why choose UCL?

UCL has a history of academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, with many of our faculties leading their fields. They’re renowned for their world-class research, global influence and impact across a broad range of subjects. Their reputation attracts the best and bravest of thinkers, who constantly cross boundaries, creating a home for thought leaders of today and tomorrow. Their diverse staff and student body and our location in the heart of London give you unrivalled personal, social and academic benefits which will enhance any CV or résumé.

Subjects

You will take at least 50% of your modules (courses) from the department you are admitted to. You can also choose modules from other departments, subject to capacity and pre-requisites. If you would like to take modules from outside of your host department, you must contact the department to establish both your eligibility and the capacity for your desired modules as soon as possible, but after acceptance.

UCL Department Restrictions: Fall 2025

University College London unfortunately is facing restricted entry or limited capacity for study abroad students. To help you plan for your study abroad experience, here is important information about which departments are available.

Restricted (will not accept study abroad students):

• Architecture
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Natural Sciences
• Law
• Planning
• Statistics

Limited capacity:

• Archaeology
• Arts and Sciences
• Biochemical Engineering
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Earth Sciences
• Economics – Economics will be publishing some updated guidance on entry requirements to the department website, check the Economics Affiliate Entry website for updates
• Education
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• European and International Social and Political Studies
• Fine Art
• Geography
• History
• History and Politics of the Americas
• Human Sciences
• Infection and Immunity
• Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy
• Phonetics and Linguistics
• Political Science
• Population Health Sciences
• Social Research Institute
• SSEES

In order to make a fair assessment and determine which applicants can be offered a place, applications for the majority of these programmes will not operate rolling admissions but will be considered in competition with each other, after the deadline. Decisions will be based on academic performance and grade history and we will (as always) be looking for evidence on student transcripts of relevant courses, which have been taken beyond introductory level. 

Whilst we continue to welcome applications to the above programmes, they should be aware that there may be increased competition for the available places. Note too that students should expect to wait up to 6 weeks after the deadline to get a decision on their applications for these programmes.    

Two-Part Application Process

Applying to a Year or Term Abroad or a Non-Yale Summer Abroad study abroad program is a two-part process. These are separate application processes with individual deadlines and can be done simultaneously.

1. You must apply to your intended program for admission by applying online from the program’s website. Select the Program Website button below to be directed to more information.
2. You must apply to Yale Study Abroad for approval to study abroad and the ability to transfer the credit back to your Yale degree. The designated list of programs on our website does not constitute pre-approval or automatic approval from Yale. You must apply to our office by the relevant deadline in order to be approved. Select the Apply to Yale Study Abroad button below to be directed to more information.

Program Website Apply to Yale Study Abroad

Notes

Application

If you are considering applying to University College London (UCL) directly or applying through a provider, apply by the deadline. Admissions will not be rolling but will be considered in competition with the other applicants. They will be evaluating GPA, courses taken in the subject area beyond the introductory level in your intended study area, and academic performance. The number of spots for study abroad students is limited, and admission is not guaranteed. It is also recommended to have a back up choice if applying to UCL, in case you do not get in, and that backup should be something other than King's College London (KCL) because KCL is also difficult to get admitted to due to the limited spots for study abroad students.

UK universities are taking longer to let students know of their admission decision, so by applying to study abroad at a UK university you should expect it to take longer to hear back about your admission decision (it can take up to 6 weeks from the application deadline). If you don’t get admitted, you’ll need to withdraw from study abroad to be able to register for your semester classes at Yale if you didn’t select a second-choice program that you want to switch to. You cannot be approved to study abroad and register for classes for the next semester at Yale.

Calendar

Students must stay for all end of year/term exams.

Direct enrollment vs. study abroad provider

You can choose to either apply directly through the university for admission, or apply through one of the following study abroad providers: Arcadia Global Studies or IFSA.

Applying through a study abroad provider still allows you to directly enroll at the university, but with an additional level of services and support. Because of these additional services, it often costs more to study abroad through a provider than to apply directly through the university. We encourage you to research both options before making a decision. If you have any questions, contact a study abroad adviser.