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Admissions and entry requirements

Explore all you need to know as an agent about the admissions process for international students, including how to apply, entry requirements, and tracking the status of your student's application.

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How to apply


Application checklist

Please ensure you submit the following documents as part of your student's application:

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Copy of degree/qualification certificates
  • Copy of academic transcript (English translation required it this isn't available in English)
  • Copy of current passport
  • Copy of current UK visa (if applicable)
  • Personal statement
  • Two references
  • Work reference (if employed)
  • Copy of English language test score
  • Copy of financial statements to be used as part of visa application.

Entry requirements

We recognise all internationally accredited qualifications. Each application is assessed individually, taking into account not only academic achievements but also factors such as professional experience and personal maturity.

For an undergraduate degree, applicants should hold the equivalent of at least two UK General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level passes. Students with qualifications equivalent to one or two years of a UK honours degree may be eligible for advanced entry (for example, into Year 2 or 3 of a course).

For postgraduate courses, applicants are normally required to hold a qualification equivalent to a UK honours degree. For some courses, relevant professional experience may also be required.

As well as academic qualifications, all applicants must meet the University's standard English language requirements.


After applying

Receiving an offer

We issue conditional offers to applicants who've not yet met our academic, English language, or other entry requirements (such as references or financial documents). The specific conditions will be outlined in their offer letter.

If an applicant wishes to accept their offer, they (or you, as their representative) must contact the University, overseas office, or UCAS to confirm acceptance. Offers must normally be accepted within 30 days of issue. If no response is received, the offer may be withdrawn. Applicants applying through UCAS must follow UCAS deadlines. Failure to do so will result in their application being automatically declined by UCAS.

Meeting offer conditions and paying the deposit

Applicants must meet all the conditions outlined in their offer letter, including payment of the deposit. For non-EU applicants, a non-refundable deposit of £3,500 is required before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued for visa purposes. This deposit will be applied to tuition fees, with the remaining balance payable in five equal instalments.

Once all conditions have been met and the deposit has been paid, you should support your applicant in completing the CAS request form. It's essential that all details are entered accurately and carefully checked, as errors may delay the CAS process.


Application status tracking

We're committed to providing applicants and representatives with a professional, efficient admissions process.

  • Standard applications (first year entry to undergraduate and postgraduate courses without a portfolio assessment or interview) – decisions are normally made within two working days

  • Non-standard applications (direct entry to Year 2 or 3, or those requiring a portfolio assessment or interview) – decisions are normally made within five working days.

If you haven't received a decision within these timeframes, please contact your local overseas office or email our UK Admissions team directly.


Contact us

Email: international.office@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab)

Phone: +44 0(191) 515 3000

Address: International Office, University of Sunderland, 2nd Floor, Edinburgh Building, City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, United Kingdom