Overseas University Applications
Find out how to apply to UK and US universities, including key deadlines, required documents, and admission tests.
Overseas University Applications
General application overview
Important information
Most applications to US universities have to be made on the Common Apps platform, while applications to UK universities have to be made on the UCAS platform. See sub-sections (2) and (3) below for more information on applications to US and UK universities respectively.
The application deadlines are usually in early January (next year). This means that current JC2 students will need to request for predicted grades, as your A Level results will not be ready yet. Request for your predicted grades can be made between 17 Aug 2026 – 30 Sep 2026. You can make a request via this online form (opens in new tab).
Both UK and US universities require a personal statement and recommendation letter(s) from your tutors.
Personal statement: Admissions offices in the UK and the US expect to see different things in the personal statement. Follow the link here (opens in new tab) (login to Student ICON email account) to find out more about how you can write an impressive personal statement for the universities you are applying to!
Recommendation letter: Do make the request for the recommendation letter early (at least 3-4 weeks before the deadline), so that your tutor has enough time to write a good letter for you. Do inform them on how the letter should be submitted either on Common Apps or directly to the university.
Other Documents
Enrolment letter: If your university requires an enrolment letter as proof of your enrolment to Yishun Innova JC, please email the general office at yijc@moe.edu.sg to request for one.
School transcript: If your university requires you to submit a school transcript detailing the grades of your major examinations in Yishun Innova Junior College, please fill out this form (opens in new tab) to request for one. Do note that the transcript will be sent to the university directly and it will not be given to you.
More resources on overseas education can also be found here (opens in new tab).
Timeline
Applying to UK Universities
How do I apply?
Students will apply to UK universities via the UCAS online portal (opens in new tab). You can start your application now in the from July 2026 onwards.
You may find a step-by-step guide to completing the UCAS application here (opens in new tab).
You will be requested to enter the UCAS buzzword during the application. YIJC’s UCAS buzzword is: YIJCUK2027
Application deadlines
15 Oct 2026 – For any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry.
14 Jan 2027 – For the majority of courses in the UK.
Admission tests
Some universities require you to sit an admissions test as part of the application process. Most admissions tests happen between August and November the year before you're due to start your studies.
Please follow the link here (opens in new tab) for more information about the admission tests.
Applying to US Universities
How do I apply?
Application to most US universities will be made via the Common Application (Common App) (opens in new tab). You can start filling out your application now.
You may find a step-by-step guide to completing the Common App application here (opens in new tab).
Please note that the college counsellor testimonial needs to be filled up by your CT and not by our ECG counsellor.
Application deadline
Deadlines vary from university to university, and you will need to check the university website for the specific deadlines.
Admission tests
Please check whether the university requires you to sit for the SAT or the ACT. Some universities across the US have made the SAT/ACT optional. Please visit the following link (opens in new tab) for more information on the universities that have made the tests optional.
Need more information or personalised help?
Drop by for a personalised discussion with our friendly ECG counsellor!
Email your name, class, school to lee_tian_joyce@schools.gov.sg or fill out the Online Form https://go.gov.sg/yijcecg (opens in new tab)
You can also contact Ms Joyce via the Telegram App. Her username is @yijcecgcounsellor
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