Find the Best UK University Application Service
Honest comparisons of UniStart vs UCAS, Whatuni, The Student Room, and other platforms. See which service gives you the best support as an EU citizen applying to UK universities.
Quick Comparison
How UniStart Compares to UK Competitors
See at a glance why thousands of EU citizens choose UniStart for their UK university journey
| Feature |
UniStart
| Others |
|---|---|---|
| EU Citizen Specialists | ||
| Free Personal Advisor | £0-£2000 fee | |
| Mobile App | Limited | |
| Funding Eligibility Check | ||
| Interview Preparation | ||
| Student Discounts | ||
| Cost to Student | £0 Free | £27-£2000+ |
Choosing the Right Platform for Your University Application
There are many ways to apply to UK universities. As an EU citizen with settled or pre-settled status, you have unique funding eligibility that most platforms don't specialize in. We've compared UniStart with the main alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Main Alternatives
The most popular university application platforms in the UK
UCAS
Official UK university application service
Key Strengths:
- Official UK university admissions service
- Required for most undergraduate applications
- Comprehensive university database
Whatuni
University course search and student reviews
Key Strengths:
- Large student review database
- Course search and comparison tools
- University rankings and guides
The Student Room
UK student community forum
Key Strengths:
- Large active community
- Peer-to-peer advice and support
- University-specific forums
Other Application Methods
Alternative ways to apply and get university guidance
Direct University Applications
Applying directly to university websites
Key Strengths:
- No middleman fees
- Direct contact with admissions
- University-specific information
Education Consultants
Private university application consultancy services
Key Strengths:
- Personalized 1-on-1 support
- Professional guidance
- Application review and editing
UniBuddy
Connect with current students at UK universities
Key Strengths:
- Chat with current students
- Insider perspectives on university life
- Free to use
Beyond Discounts: The Complete Student Platform Guide
How does UniStart's all-in-one approach (applications + £18k funding + marketplace + discounts) compare to UNiDAYS, StudentBeans, and Totum's discount-only model?
UNiDAYS
Discount Platform
- ✗ No applications
- ✗ No finance guidance
- ✗ No marketplace
- ✓ 800+ brand discounts
UniStart
Complete Platform
- ✓ University applications
- ✓ £18k student finance
- ✓ Student marketplace
- ✓ Discounts
StudentBeans
Discount Platform
- ✗ No applications
- ✗ No finance guidance
- ✗ No marketplace
- ✓ 1,000+ brand discounts
💡 Smart students use multiple platforms - see how they work together
Why UniStart is Different
EU Citizen Specialists
We focus exclusively on EU citizens with settled/pre-settled status, understanding the unique challenges of navigating UK student finance eligibility.
Free Personal Advisors
Every user gets a dedicated education advisor at no cost. Unlike paid consultants (£500-£2000+), our expert guidance is completely free.
Mobile-First Experience
Our iOS and Android apps let you manage your entire application journey on your phone, with push notifications for deadlines and updates.
All-in-One Platform
From eligibility checks to interview prep, personal statement reviews to student discounts - everything you need in one place.
Ready to start your university journey?
Join thousands of EU citizens who have successfully applied to UK universities with UniStart's free support.
100% free • No hidden fees • Personal advisor included
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is UniStart designed for?
UniStart helps anyone applying to UK universities, regardless of nationality. We offer free personal guidance and support to all students. While we have specialized expertise helping EU citizens with settled/pre-settled status access student funding (up to £18k available), everyone benefits from our free personal advisors, interview prep, student marketplace where you can offer your services, and exclusive discounts.
Is UniStart really free?
Yes, completely free for students. We earn revenue from university partners when students successfully enroll, so we're incentivized to help you succeed. There are no hidden fees, no premium tiers, and no costs for advisor support, interview prep, or any of our services.
Why does UniStart focus on EU citizens?
EU citizens with settled/pre-settled status have unique student finance eligibility that's often confusing to navigate. We specialize in this because many platforms don't provide specific guidance for EU citizens, leaving thousands eligible for up to £18,000 in funding unaware of their options.
Can UK citizens use UniStart too?
Of course! UniStart is designed for all students, including UK citizens, EU citizens, and international applicants alike. Everyone gets free personal advisors, our mobile app, interview preparation, student marketplace access, and exclusive discounts.
How is UniStart different from education consultants?
Education consultants typically charge £500-£2000+ for application support. UniStart provides similar personal guidance completely free, plus we specialize in EU citizen funding eligibility, offer a mobile app for application management, and include student discounts. We're also more transparent with pricing and focused on mobile-first accessibility.