UK> I've been refused a place in university for unfair reasons. Who do I appeal to?

Question

I match all the requirements but I am being refused an interview. I am 29 year old and i'm a foreign national, but my qualifications match the requirement. I've applied no twice but have simply been refused an interview. Is there a government body I can appeal to?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The first point of call is to speak to the University in question.  Under the Freedom of Information Act, they will have to give you feedback on your application form and why it failed.  You may find that you think you match the requirements, but something like your English isn't good enough, or your personal statement wasn't good enough, or your foreign qualifications do not match up to the British equivalents (these aren't accusations, I'm just giving examples as to why you may have been rejected).

If the Admissions tutor/Head of Admissions fails to give what, in your eyes is a satisfactory answer, then you will need to contact in the first instance the Registrar of the university, and then after that, the Vice-Chancellor of the University. All contact details will be on the University's website.

Perhaps after you have gained feedback from the Admissions tutor you could apply again but at a different university?

Answer 2

A lot of people meet the requirements but are not even interviewed, unis are allowed to select whoever they like, reasons don't even have to be totally academic.

For example I was predicted to exceed (and did exceed) the requirements to study chemistry at Durham University but was not offered a place despite not even being interviewed, that isn't because they discriminated against me it's because they have a lot of applicants capable of doing their course.

Answer 3

Whats wrong with the universities in your own country  

Answer 4

Not everyone gets selected even if they meet the requirements.

The criteria is merely a guide and meeting them does not entitle you to a place in the university of your choice. There is stiff competition for UK university places not only from foreign nationals but UK students as well.

You are being paranoid about your position. You need to apply to at least six UK universities in the hope that one of them shows an interest in you. If they don't then try again next year.

The university is not obliged to give reasons for your unsuccessful application. Your reasons for wanting to study may have been flawed or you didn't show enough passion or commitment to the subject you applied for. The personal statement written by students is taken very seriously and if you do not follow the guidelines you will not make the cut.

Link :  http://www.ucas.com/students/startapplic...

Answer 5

Speak to UCAS. They're the body that deals with applications to University.

you may also like to speak to the Uni before hand to understand wh ythey did not accept you. It could simply be that the course was full, it may not be anything personal or based on your qualifications.

hope this was a little help.

Answer 6

University education is a privilege not a RIGHT. there is NO obligation for any university to accept applicants and many chose what type or funding basis their students have.

Also by now many university places have already been filled by applicants who started in January!

There is NO overall body you Can appeal to UCCAs is simply a clearing house for applications and has nothing to do in any appeals its simply passes on information.

If you feel you have been badly treated rather than simply applying for a course that is oversubscribed or do not meet the funding requirements of the university then I suggest you write direct to the university involved.

You may however get accepted for next years places as August is very late to apply - like 6 months too late!

Answer 7

it may not be an unfair reason that you've not been accepted, sometime people are just not sucessful...i no people who've tried loads to uni's and simply not been accepted,

speak to the uni if you can to find out why

if not, try applying to other uni's

if university is meant for you you will be accepted one day, just keep tryin