International students face the same criteria as UK students when applying for jobs and courses so please see Making applications and Further study for more information.
There are four significant issues that international students need to address in order to make effective applications for work and further study in the UK:
For advice and inspiration on making applications in the UK from a Newcastle University international student, read Ann's case study (PDF: 185 KB)
Employers expect international applicants to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English.
Options to improve your English communication skills include:
Comparing international to UK qualifications
When making applications in the UK, you will often be asked about qualifications such as UCAS points or A-levels and bachelors or masters level qualifications. These qualifications form part of the UK National Qualification Framework (NQF).
You can find out what level the qualifications from your home country compare to on the NQF by contacting the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC). NARIC are the only official provider of international qualification comparability in the UK. They have an advice line for general queries, +44 (0)871 330 7033, or can provide a written evaluation of your qualifications for a fee.
NARIC will not be able to tell you how the grades obtained in your qualifications compare to equivalent UK qualifications. For example, they could tell you whether or not your qualifications can be compared to A-levels but not how many UCAS points they are worth.
Presenting international qualifications on UK applications
When making applications we recommend that you present your qualifications as they are. Employers and academic institutions have their own criteria regarding the grades they will accept from international applicants, so you don't need to work out the UK equivalent qualification yourself.
Some large graduate recruiters have online information to help international students work out whether or not they can apply. For example, KPMG have guidance for qualification equivalencies and Deloitte have an International Academic Requirements web page.
If you are unsure about whether your qualifications meet the job or course requirements, or if the application form specifically asks for UCAS points and not ‘or equivalent’, we recommend that you contact the employer or academic institution for advice before applying. They should be able to tell you whether or not they would accept your qualifications and how to present them on their application form.
The Careers Service runs a workshop to help international students understand the UK job market:
The University of Glasgow Careers Service has developed a job search and career planning resource (PDF: 1.44MB) for international students who would like to remain in the UK after graduation.
As an international student, it is important to be aware of what sets you apart from other applicants and to be able to promote selling points effectively. These may include:
We run a CV feedback service, just visit the Careers Service with a copy of your CV. We will check the layout and content but we cannot check for spelling or grammar mistakes.