In addition to filling in the application form, you also need to provide:

• evidence of your academic qualifications. Please ask the institution which awarded your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) to send us an interim or final transcript (a list of all the modules/courses you have taken with the mark achieved for each) or letter certifying your award
• references from two academic referees. All references must be in English. The University needs both references before it can make a decision whether or not to offer you a place. Email addresses of referees must be provided as referees will be asked to submit references via our secure website. References not submitted by the approved electronic route must be made in writing on official letterheaded paper
• evidence of English language ability. All international students required to apply for a visa must ensure that they meet the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) eligibility requirements for English language
• samples of written work that may be required by the school to which you are applying
• any other materials or documents you would like to be considered in support of your application.

Some faculties and schools may require you to provide additional information to support your application. Please see the application checklist for current information on additional requirements that you may be asked to fulfil.

There is no fixed closing deadline for applications to most postgraduate taught degrees. However, we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible and no later than three months before your intended start date. If you intend to apply for the September intake and you also wish to apply for on-campus accommodation, an application must be made online by 31 July 2013. Most coursework degrees begin in September.

It is strongly recommended that you contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the school you wish to pursue your studies. If you already know the member of staff you wish to supervise your project, you should contact him or her directly. They welcome direct contact with potential students as it allows them the opportunity to discuss your research proposal. This is an important aspect of the application process as the University must be assured that it can provide a suitable programme of training and research support, a supervisor who has the requisite expertise, and suitable facilities and equipment where appropriate. In turn, the University must also be satisfied that you have the necessary qualifications and experience. This early discussion also allows you and the Director of Graduate Studies/your potential supervisor to explore funding opportunities.

Application deadline

There is no fixed closing deadline for applications to research degrees. However, we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible and no later than three months before your intended start date. While research degree registration can begin at the start of any month, it is recommended that you begin in either September or January to take advantage of the University’s induction programme. Research students should complete the online application form as indicated below.

Applications to the Kent Business School should be made online via the University of Kent’s online application system as noted above. Please ensure all supporting documents are submitted with your online application form or scanned and emailed to: KBSAdmissions@kent.ac.uk.

Applications to the Brussels campus should be made online via the University of Kent's online application system as noted above. Please ensure all supporting documents are submitted with your online application form or by emailing them to ukbapplications@kent.ac.uk. The Brussels School will contact applicants individually once an application has been submitted.

The International Development office works with officially appointed overseas local representatives in some countries. If you would like to contact one of our representatives in your country for advice on how to apply to Kent, or require further information on entry requirements, please contact International Development or visit the international student website. If there is no representative for your country, please apply in the normal way. Applications should be made as early as possible to allow for visa processing times.

United Kingdom Border Agency

All students who require a visa to study in the UK must comply with the UKBA Tier 4 visa application process. The University is required to establish that the information provided as part of the application process has been verified and that original documentation has been checked/received.

The University is also required to establish that all students it wishes to sponsor have an adequate source of financial support to fund their studies. In order to demonstrate this to the UKBA, the University may request some students to provide a financial fee deposit before a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued. Details of the deposit required will be contained in the offer letter.

Further information on applying for a student visa can be found on the UKBA website.