Everything you need to know about applying to the University of Chester, completing your enrollment requirements, securing your student visa, arranging accommodation, and preparing to arrive in the UK as a UDA student-athlete.
Starting your university application? Follow the steps below in order and keep UDA informed as you progress. If you are ever unsure who to contact, use the Who Should I Ask? resource at the bottom of this page.
1. Understand the Enrollment Process
Before beginning your application, review the complete enrollment process so you understand the stages ahead.
View the UDA Chester Enrollment Process:
https://www.udauoc.org/enrollment-process.html
2. Apply to the University of Chester
Start Your Application
Create your applicant account and submit your application through the University of Chester AIMS Portal.
University of Chester AIMS Portal:
https://flow.chester.ac.uk/tkflow_U/Flow.aspx?f=appformC.kdt&template=template11
2027 applicants: Applications are expected to open by mid-September 2026.
Documents You Will Need
Prepare the following before submitting your application:
Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain:
View a sample personal statement:
https://www.udauoc.org/uploads/1/3/6/4/136440782/what_should_a_personal_statement_look_like.pdf
Important: Let UDA Know Once You Apply
Once you have created your AIMS account, email:
[email protected]
This allows the UDA team to monitor your application and help you through the process.
3. What Happens After You Apply?
The University of Chester will normally respond within 7–10 days after your application is submitted.
In some cases, particularly when an interview is required for your chosen degree, the process can take up to 21 days.
If you receive a conditional offer, the offer letter will explain exactly what you still need to provide or achieve before your place becomes unconditional. This will normally include final transcripts and may include additional course-specific requirements.
4. Choose Your Degree Carefully
UK university applications work differently from many North American applications: you apply directly to a specific degree program.
Review the course carefully before applying and make sure it is the program you genuinely want to study.
Search University of Chester academic courses:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/course-search/
Important for UDA Players
Your chosen degree should be based at:
Courses based in Shrewsbury or Warrington are not conveniently located for your UDA training commitments.
Always check the campus location on the individual degree page before applying.
5. Academic Entry Requirements
U.S. Students
The University of Chester requirements provided to UDA are:
Option 1
OR
Option 2
Because university entry requirements can change, always review the University's current country-specific requirements before applying.
U.S. entry requirements:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/countries/united-states/requirements
Canadian entry requirements:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/countries/canada/
6. Tuition & Scholarships
For reference, the information provided to UDA for 2026 lists:
Important: Tuition and scholarship amounts can change from year to year. Always confirm your applicable tuition and scholarship directly with the University of Chester for your intake year.
UDA Academy fees are separate from university tuition, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs and other educational expenses.
7. Complete the Visa & CAS Process
You can begin the student visa stage once:
Pay Your University Tuition Deposit
University of Chester payment information:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships-and-finance/how-to-pay/
Watch for Your CAS Shield Invitation
After your tuition deposit has been paid, watch your email for instructions from the University of Chester to access CAS Shield.
CAS Shield is the online portal the University uses to collect and verify the documents required before issuing your CAS.
Upload all requested documents promptly.
You cannot be issued a CAS until the University has received and approved the required information from your AIMS application and CAS process.
What Is a CAS?
Once the University's requirements have been completed, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your CAS contains the information you need to make your UK Student visa application.
8. Apply for Your UK Student Visa
Once your CAS has been issued:
Start Your Student Visa Application
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply
You will apply online using your CAS information and then complete the required identity/biometric process.
Find an Approved Visa Application Centre
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/gbr/attend-centre
U.S. Applicants: Find an ASC by ZIP Code
If required, you can search for a nearby Application Support Center here:
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asc
Do not leave your visa application until the last minute. Appointment availability and visa processing times can vary significantly during peak student travel periods.
Immigration Health Surcharge
UK Student visa applicants may also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This provides access to the UK's National Health Service during your eligible period of study.
Important: IHS rates are set by the UK government and can change. Use the current amount shown during your official UK visa application rather than relying on previous-year estimates.
9. Choose Your Accommodation
You can begin arranging University of Chester accommodation once you meet the University's eligibility requirements for booking.
Explore University of Chester accommodation:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/
Accommodation FAQs:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/faqs/
Do not leave accommodation planning until late in the process. Review your options as soon as you receive your university offer and understand when you become eligible to reserve a room.
10. Academic FAQs
Do I need to choose individual classes?
Your degree is made up of modules, many of which are already set as part of your chosen program. Some degrees include optional modules.
Your academic tutor will help you understand the options available within your program.
When and where will my classes be?
Your campus is determined by the degree you choose.
Individual class timetables are set by the University and will be provided closer to the beginning of your studies. You will also receive information during orientation.
What is studying in the UK like?
UK university learning typically includes a combination of lectures, independent study, applied work, case studies, written assignments and research.
Students are expected to attend, participate and take responsibility for managing their learning outside scheduled class time.
11. Prepare for Arrival
Once your enrollment, visa and accommodation are in place, review the University's international arrival information carefully.
University of Chester Arrival Information:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/arrival-and-visa-guidance/arrival/
Make sure you understand:
UDA will provide additional academy-specific arrival and onboarding information separately.
12. Not Sure Who to Ask?
There are several people involved in your journey — including your recruiter, UDA staff and University staff — and different questions should go to different people.
Use the UDA onboarding guide if you are unsure who your question should be directed to.
Who Should I Ask?
https://www.udasoccer.com/uoc-org-chart.html
Starting your university application? Follow the steps below in order and keep UDA informed as you progress. If you are ever unsure who to contact, use the Who Should I Ask? resource at the bottom of this page.
1. Understand the Enrollment Process
Before beginning your application, review the complete enrollment process so you understand the stages ahead.
View the UDA Chester Enrollment Process:
https://www.udauoc.org/enrollment-process.html
2. Apply to the University of Chester
Start Your Application
Create your applicant account and submit your application through the University of Chester AIMS Portal.
University of Chester AIMS Portal:
https://flow.chester.ac.uk/tkflow_U/Flow.aspx?f=appformC.kdt&template=template11
2027 applicants: Applications are expected to open by mid-September 2026.
Documents You Will Need
Prepare the following before submitting your application:
- Personal statement — approximately 500–600 words
- Teacher reference letter on school letterhead, signed and dated
- Most recent school transcript
- Copy of the identification page of your passport
Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain:
- The degree you want to study
- Why you want to study that subject
- Your career goals
- Specific modules within the degree that interest you
- What you have learned about the University of Chester
- Your university visit, if you have visited Chester
View a sample personal statement:
https://www.udauoc.org/uploads/1/3/6/4/136440782/what_should_a_personal_statement_look_like.pdf
Important: Let UDA Know Once You Apply
Once you have created your AIMS account, email:
[email protected]
This allows the UDA team to monitor your application and help you through the process.
3. What Happens After You Apply?
The University of Chester will normally respond within 7–10 days after your application is submitted.
In some cases, particularly when an interview is required for your chosen degree, the process can take up to 21 days.
If you receive a conditional offer, the offer letter will explain exactly what you still need to provide or achieve before your place becomes unconditional. This will normally include final transcripts and may include additional course-specific requirements.
4. Choose Your Degree Carefully
UK university applications work differently from many North American applications: you apply directly to a specific degree program.
Review the course carefully before applying and make sure it is the program you genuinely want to study.
Search University of Chester academic courses:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/course-search/
Important for UDA Players
Your chosen degree should be based at:
- Exton Park / Parkgate Road, or
- Queen's Park
Courses based in Shrewsbury or Warrington are not conveniently located for your UDA training commitments.
Always check the campus location on the individual degree page before applying.
5. Academic Entry Requirements
U.S. Students
The University of Chester requirements provided to UDA are:
Option 1
- High School Diploma with a 3.5 GPA
OR
Option 2
- High School Diploma or equivalent with a 3.0 GPA
- Plus one of the following:
- SAT taken before March 2016: overall score of 1500, including reading, writing and math
- SAT taken after March 2016: overall score of 1090, including the required reading/writing and math scores
- ACT overall score of 22
- Two relevant AP tests with scores of 3 or higher
- Two High School Honors or AP classes with B grades
- Two college-level classes with B grades
- Two semesters of Community College with B grades
Because university entry requirements can change, always review the University's current country-specific requirements before applying.
U.S. entry requirements:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/countries/united-states/requirements
Canadian entry requirements:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/countries/canada/
6. Tuition & Scholarships
For reference, the information provided to UDA for 2026 lists:
- Undergraduate tuition: £14,450
- Degree length: typically 3 years
- Scholarship awards based on GPA: up to £2,000
Important: Tuition and scholarship amounts can change from year to year. Always confirm your applicable tuition and scholarship directly with the University of Chester for your intake year.
UDA Academy fees are separate from university tuition, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs and other educational expenses.
7. Complete the Visa & CAS Process
You can begin the student visa stage once:
- You have met the conditions of your university offer; and
- You have paid the required University of Chester tuition deposit.
Pay Your University Tuition Deposit
University of Chester payment information:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships-and-finance/how-to-pay/
Watch for Your CAS Shield Invitation
After your tuition deposit has been paid, watch your email for instructions from the University of Chester to access CAS Shield.
CAS Shield is the online portal the University uses to collect and verify the documents required before issuing your CAS.
Upload all requested documents promptly.
You cannot be issued a CAS until the University has received and approved the required information from your AIMS application and CAS process.
What Is a CAS?
Once the University's requirements have been completed, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your CAS contains the information you need to make your UK Student visa application.
8. Apply for Your UK Student Visa
Once your CAS has been issued:
Start Your Student Visa Application
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply
You will apply online using your CAS information and then complete the required identity/biometric process.
Find an Approved Visa Application Centre
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/gbr/attend-centre
U.S. Applicants: Find an ASC by ZIP Code
If required, you can search for a nearby Application Support Center here:
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asc
Do not leave your visa application until the last minute. Appointment availability and visa processing times can vary significantly during peak student travel periods.
Immigration Health Surcharge
UK Student visa applicants may also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This provides access to the UK's National Health Service during your eligible period of study.
Important: IHS rates are set by the UK government and can change. Use the current amount shown during your official UK visa application rather than relying on previous-year estimates.
9. Choose Your Accommodation
You can begin arranging University of Chester accommodation once you meet the University's eligibility requirements for booking.
Explore University of Chester accommodation:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/
Accommodation FAQs:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/faqs/
Do not leave accommodation planning until late in the process. Review your options as soon as you receive your university offer and understand when you become eligible to reserve a room.
10. Academic FAQs
Do I need to choose individual classes?
Your degree is made up of modules, many of which are already set as part of your chosen program. Some degrees include optional modules.
Your academic tutor will help you understand the options available within your program.
When and where will my classes be?
Your campus is determined by the degree you choose.
Individual class timetables are set by the University and will be provided closer to the beginning of your studies. You will also receive information during orientation.
What is studying in the UK like?
UK university learning typically includes a combination of lectures, independent study, applied work, case studies, written assignments and research.
Students are expected to attend, participate and take responsibility for managing their learning outside scheduled class time.
11. Prepare for Arrival
Once your enrollment, visa and accommodation are in place, review the University's international arrival information carefully.
University of Chester Arrival Information:
https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/arrival-and-visa-guidance/arrival/
Make sure you understand:
- When you should arrive
- Where you need to report
- Accommodation check-in
- University orientation
- Documents you should carry while travelling
UDA will provide additional academy-specific arrival and onboarding information separately.
12. Not Sure Who to Ask?
There are several people involved in your journey — including your recruiter, UDA staff and University staff — and different questions should go to different people.
Use the UDA onboarding guide if you are unsure who your question should be directed to.
Who Should I Ask?
https://www.udasoccer.com/uoc-org-chart.html