Going to university and choosing the right one is a huge decision. So, admissions must always be fair and transparent. It’s right that admissions commands public trust too.
For universities, there’s the UUK–GuildHE Fair admissions code of practice. This declares that admissions decisions must be made in the student interest above all else. Although this Code is aimed at how universities recruit UK (‘home’) students, they’re encouraged to consider how the principles apply to international students too. But we’re going to go further, and review where the Code is expected to apply to international recruitment.
Universities will take an applicant's context and background into account, whether they’re an international student or UK student. This might mean entry grades differ between students.
Admissions decisions are about more than grades, though. If someone has a specific academic background or experience, but clearly has the potential to succeed, they might be accepted into university with lower grades than advertised, including during Clearing.
This is not about compromising on quality or standards – if a university admits high proportions of people who fail their degree, the regulator (in England, the Office for Students) will investigate and take action.
