Direct Apply: UK Applications FAQs

Frequently asked questions about UK applications through Direct Apply

Client Solutions Center avatar
Written by Client Solutions Center
Updated over a week ago

This article will address FAQs regarding applying to UK applications on Direct Apply! If you don't see your question answered below, please write to [email protected] or contact your Client Experience Manager (CXM).


What is the benefit of managing my UK applications on Cialfo?

  • One place, all applications
    Manage all your applications in one place! You can manage all of your student's global applications (UCAS, Common App & Direct Apply) on Cialfo.

  • Additional support
    Student Education Advisors (SEAs) who will help students throughout the application process

  • Automatic updating of information
    Your students' offers and results would be auto-updated on Cialfo, allowing you to have a more robust reporting system.

  • Waived application fee
    The UCAS application fee would be waived for students that apply through Cialfo.

  • Scholarships
    Students would be eligible for scholarships wherever applicable.

  • Visa assistance
    Visa processing help will be provided.

Which Cialfo high schools can use the option to apply to UK Applications on Cialfo?

In this first version, only schools that do not have a Buzzword can manage and submit their UCAS applications on Cialfo.

Will the UCAS limit of 5 applications still apply if the student submits the application through Direct Apply?

If your student is applying to UCAS universities via Direct Apply, the limit of 5 applications will still be applicable. Students will not be able to submit more than 5 UCAS applications.

What is a buzzword?

A UCAS Buzzword is a unique alphanumeric code provided by UCAS to identify a school or organization. It helps to link a student’s UCAS account with "an Advisor's" UCAS account to assist in the application process to the UK.

My school has a buzzword. Is there any way I can manage my UK applications on Cialfo?

Schools that have their own buzzword can manage their UCAS applications on Cialfo if their students use Cialfo’s buzzword to submit their applications instead of using your school’s Buzzword.

Why do my students need to use Cialfo’s Buzzword?

Using Cialfo’s buzzword will allow us to process all of the applications directly through Cialfo.

My student has already added the school Buzzword in their application. Can they still submit their application through Cialfo?

If the student has added the buzzword but has not paid the application fees, they can still change the buzzword to the one that Cialfo provided the student is willing to work with the CIALFO team to confirm the change with UCAS.

My student has already submitted their application directly through UCAS. Can I still manage their application through Cialfo?

If the application has already been submitted, you will not be able to manage it on Cialfo. However, you should still manually add and update the application in the students' applications section so you can track this and build up your reports on Cialfo.

Which UCAS universities are available on Direct Apply?

Students can apply to all UCAS universities through Direct Apply.

Is there an additional cost for my school if we submit UK applications through Direct Apply?

There is no additional cost to the school or student to use this service.

Will the application fee to all UK/UCAS universities be waived?

Yes, Cialfo is offering an application fee waiver to all students that submit their UCAS applications through Direct Apply.

I am new to counseling and the UK/UCAS application process. Can Cialfo help me?

We have a team of Student Education Advisors (SEAs) who will guide you and your students throughout the process. They will advise the student on a number of things - ranging from the application process, visa processing, pre-departure, and more!

How will I submit any supporting documents?

The document submission for counselors will be done through cDocs. You will be able to control the sending of the reference letters or any other required documents. This will allow you to manage and track the application from start to end within Cialfo.

What are the required documents that I would need to prepare to complete a UK application?

Follow these steps:

  1. Student: Submit Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  2. Counselor: Submit the predicted grades by uploading and as an initial transcript through cDocs.

  3. Counselor: Submit the reference as plain text within cDocs.

After the above is complete, the application submission via UCAS will follow. Some universities may at a later stage choose to reach out to the counselor/referee directly in order to obtain a soft copy of the applicant's reference provided previously, issued on the school letterhead, signed and stamped.

When do I need to submit the supporting UK Applications/UCAS documents?

You will be able to submit the supporting documents once the student has submitted their UCAS application on Cialfo.

How do we track the students' application offers?

Cialfo is working on a tool that will allow students and counselors to track the status of their applications. Once this feature is available, we will alert counselors.

A few of my students have already submitted their UCAS forms. Is it possible to continue to use UCAS on DA for the remaining students?

You can still activate UCAS on DA for students who have not yet submitted applications. It's crucial to note that UCAS on DA is only available to students who haven't submitted any applications.

My student has already submitted 1 or more applications directly via the UCAS portal. Can the student submit the remaining UCAS applications through Cialfo?

Only students that have not submitted any UCAS applications can use UCAS on Direct Apply to submit their applications. For students that have already submitted an application, they would need to submit the remaining applications directly via UCAS.

How do we get in touch with our Student Education Advisor?

Your Student Education Advisor will reach out to you once UCAS application management has been activated on your Cialfo account. Alternatively, you can write to [email protected] or reach out to your Client Experience Manager (CXM).

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