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Information and Advice for Prospective Students from the USA

Welcome to the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is home to a thriving community of students from across the world and we are delighted that you are considering studying with us. To help you prepare for your exciting journey to Lincoln, this page contains important information regarding the entrance requirements you will need to meet, the University’s international scholarships, and submitting your application to study with us. You can also find guidance on how to access support from our International Officers and Global Representatives throughout the admissions process.

Lincoln was my first choice because of the way the course was structured. When I came I could tell how much the lecturers really cared about their students and it was the personal touch that really impressed me. They were really approachable and accommodating to your needs.

Information for college counsellors

We understand that the UK university application process can feel quite different from the US system, and we're here to support you and your students every step of the way.

Differences Between Studying in the UK and USA

Studying a degree programme in the UK is different to studying in the USA. The most notable distinction is the length of degree programme. In the UK, a full-time Bachelor’s degree typically takes three years to complete, and a full-time postgraduate taught programme typically takes one year to complete. Due to the reduced study duration, there are no general education requirements within degree programmes in the UK. Students select their major at the point of application, and subsequently study their chosen subject for the duration of the degree programme.

UK vs. USA University Terminology

We recognise that terminology here in the UK may be a little different compared to other countries such as the USA. The following table has been created to help clarify some of those differences.

 

UK Term USA Equivalent Explanation
University College / University In the USA, 'college' and 'university' are often used interchangeably.
Course Major / Program In the UK, 'course' refers to the subject you study; in the USA, it’s called a 'major'.
Module Class / Course A 'module' is an individual unit of study within a course.
UCAS Common App / Application UCAS is the centralised application system for UK universities.
Firm Choice Enrollment Decision Your first-choice university offer you accept.
Insurance Choice Backup School A second-choice offer in case you don’t meet the conditions of your firm choice.
Offer (Conditional/Unconditional) Admission Decision (Conditional/Unconditional) UK universities may offer places based on exam results.
Clearing Rolling Admissions / Waitlist A system for finding available university places after results are released.
Personal Statement College Essay A written statement explaining why you want to study your chosen course.
A-levels / BTECs High School Diploma / APs Qualifications typically used for university entry in the UK.
Student Finance Financial Aid / FAFSA Government loans and grants for tuition and living costs.
Student Visa F-1 Visa Required for international students studying in the UK.
Freshers’ Week/Welcome Week Orientation Week Introductory week for new students.
Accommodation Dorms / Residence Halls University-managed student housing.

Visiting Lincoln

If you're planning to visit Lincoln and would like a campus tour, please get in touch. We can arrange an appointment for you to meet academic staff, explore the campus and accommodation, and take a tour of our historic and picturesque city.

Transport: Lincoln is easily accessible by train from London and nearby cities such as Nottingham and Sheffield.

Hotels: Lincoln city centre is easy to explore on foot, so wherever you stay in the city centre, you'll be within easy reach of the University.

To arrange a visit, please email obailey@lincoln.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

Before you begin your studies at the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, you will need to meet our academic and English language entrance requirements. The sections below contain a summary of the qualifications that we accept.

Associates Degree

Advanced entry to second year of Bachelors degree is possible, depending on subject match, with the following qualification:

  • Associate degree with a minimum grade of 3.0 overall.
Undergraduate Programmes

A full-time Bachelor’s degree programme in the UK typically takes three years to complete.

Students from the USA require one of the following qualifications for entry into year one of a Bachelor’s degree:

  • Successful completion of the High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4 or above plus one of the following:
    • A minimum of two AP tests with scores of 3+
    • A minimum of two High School Honors classes with B grades / 80% preferably grade 12 or,
    • A minimum of two College Level classes with B grades / 80%
    • A minimum ACT score of 26 
  • Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) with between 27 and 34 points
  • Successful completion of three A Levels

Entry requirements may vary depending on the programme, and specific information can be found on the individual programme pages.

To send ACT or AP scores to the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ using your respective test provider portal, please use the following codes:

Qualification University Code

ACT

8277

AP

6562

Undergraduate Advanced Entry

Depending on your academic background and intended course of study, it may be possible to apply for advanced entry into level two, or three of a Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Bachelor’s degree programme.

For more information, please contact the International Admissions Team at intadmissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Postgraduate Programmes

A full-time postgraduate taught (Master’s degree) programme in the UK typically takes one year to complete. Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, at a recognised institution. Applicants will also need to obtain a specific grade/classification in order to be accepted onto the programme.

Our programme webpages contain specific information regarding the grade/classification we require. The requirements may range from a first class honour’s degree to a lower second-class honours. The table below outlines what we deem to be an equivalent grade/classification in the USA.

UK Bachelor's Degree Classification Equivalent Bachelor’s Degree Classification (USA)
Upper Second Class Hons (2:1) 3.2/4.0 GPA
Lower Second Class Hons (2:2) 2.7/4.0 GPA

Degree Preparation Programmes

If you do not meet the entry criteria for a postgraduate degree programme, you may be eligible to join a Pre-Master’s programme at the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. Students from the USA require a recognised first degree for entry onto our Pre-Master’s Business programme.

Postgraduate Research

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ offers a variety of postgraduate research programmes. To find out more information about our research programmes and the entrance requirements you will need to meet, please visit the individual programme webpages.

 

English Language Requirements

In addition to meeting the academic requirements outlined above, applicants will also be expected to meet the University's English Language requirements.

As a guide, the majority of our programmes require an IELTS score of 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0. To find out more about the specific English Language requirements you will need to meet, please visit our programme webpages.

As an alternative to IELTS, we also accept the High School Graduation Diploma at grade C for programmes requiring an IELTS of 6.0.

The above qualification should usually have been completed no more than 5 years before enrolling at the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. However, this requirement will usually be waived for applicants who achieved the required High School English grade, and subsequently completed a degree in their home country that was taught fully in English. An official letter from the previous institution, confirming that the degree was taught in English, may be required.

Please visit our English language requirements page for further details regarding alternative English language qualifications and tests we accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do so many US students choose to study in the UK?

Students often cite:

  • Lower cost of a UK degree
  • International experience and cultural immersion in an English-speaking country
  • Shorter degree programmes
  • Travel opportunities throughout Europe
  • Globally recognized qualifications

The UK offers an opportunity to earn a respected degree while experiencing life in a different country and building a global network of friends and professional connections.

What are the main differences between studying in the UK and the USA?

One of the biggest differences is that UK degrees are usually shorter and more specialised.

  • Bachelor's degrees typically take 3 years (instead of 4 in the US)
  • Master’s degrees are typically 1 year (instead of 2-3 in the US)
  • Students will focus on one subject from the start (no gen-eds!)
  • Less expensive than US universities
3. How and when do I apply?
  • Applications typically open in September
  • Master’s/Grad School applicants can apply directly to Lincoln via the programme webpage
  • Undergraduate students can apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This website allows students to apply to up to five UK courses with one single application.
4. Can I transfer to Lincoln from my university in the USA?

If you have completed at least one year of a Bachelor's degree in the USA and would like to continue your studies at the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, we can assess your application for advanced entry. Depending on your previous studies and academic background, you may be eligible to enter directly into the second year, or in some cases the third (final) year, of your chosen degree programme.

5. How much does it cost to study in the UK?
  • Lincoln is the most affordable student city in the UK (NatWest 2025) and many students find that the shorter degree length can make the total cost of earning a degree lower than completing a four-year US bachelor's programmes
  • US students can use their to pay for Lincoln
  • £2000, £4000, £5000 or up to 50% off scholarships based on merit are available to American students.
6. Will my US high school qualifications be accepted?

Yes! Lincoln will typically consider:

  • High School Diploma with a 3.0 GPA
  • Advanced Placement (AP) classes or honors classes

Entry requirements vary by programme.

7. Can I work while studying in the UK?

Yes. International students on a Student Visa can typically:

  • Work part-time during term time
  • Work full-time during vacation periods, subject to visa conditions.
8. Can I stay in the UK after graduating?

Yes. The UK's Graduate Route allows eligible international students to remain in the UK after completing their degree to work or seek employment.

Currently, graduates can generally stay:

  • Up to 18 months after an undergraduate or master's degree
  • Longer for doctoral graduates.
9. What is student life like in Lincoln?

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ offers a vibrant student experience with:

  • American-style campus location- everything you need in one area
  • Campus is located in the center of a 2000 year old walkable city
  • Clubs and sports teams on campus
  • Travel opportunities and cultural activities.
10. Is Lincoln a safe place for international students?

Lincoln is widely regarded as a welcoming student city with a large student population.

Students benefit from:

  • Campus security services
  • Student support teams
  • A close-knit city environment
  • Easy access to university facilities and accommodation
11. How far is Lincoln from London and other major cities?

Lincoln is well connected by rail and road, with the train and bus station being around a 5-10 minute walk from the campus.

Approximate travel times:

  • London: around 1:45 hours by direct train
  • Heathrow Airport is around 2.5 hours by train
  • Nottingham: around 1 hou
  • Sheffield: around 1 hour
  • Manchester: around 2 hours.

This allows students to enjoy a smaller, affordable city while still having easy access to major UK destinations and international airports.

12. Why should I choose the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ?

Students often choose Lincoln because of:

  • The campus location along Lincoln's waterfront all within walking distance of accommodation, shops, restaurants, and transport like trains and busses
  • Modern facilities in an historic cobblestone city
  • Friendly campus community with 100+ clubs and sports societies
  • Affordable tuition and cost of living compared to the USA and other UK universities.

Funding your Studies

The University offers a dedicated service for students wishing to bring their Federal and Private US loans with them. Eligible students can apply for US Federal Aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit our US funding advice webpage for more information.

A student holding a tablet

International Scholarships

To help support students from outside of the UK, we are delighted to offer a number of scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50% of tuition fees. To find out more about our range of scholarships, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our scholarships webpage.

Students in graduation caps, gowns, and hoods, walking into the grounds of Lincoln Castle

How to Apply

Visit our Applying to Lincoln page to find out more information about our admissions process, submitting your application, and starting your journey to the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.

Two students working on a laptop in a study space

Contact the International Enquiries Team

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ
Brayford Pool Campus
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

01522 308108

Enquiry Form