UniStart vs Whatuni
University search platform vs full application support system
Quick Summary
Whatuni is a university course search engine with student reviews. It's great for researching universities and reading what current students think, but it doesn't help with applications or funding.
UniStart goes beyond course search - we help you apply, check your funding eligibility, provide free personal advisors, and support you through interviews and personal statements.
You can use both: Research on Whatuni, then apply with UniStart's full support system.
What Each Platform Offers
| Feature | UniStart | Whatuni |
|---|---|---|
| EU Citizen Funding Focus | ✓ | ✗ |
| Personal Education Advisor | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✗ |
| Funding Eligibility Check | ✓ | ✗ |
| Application Tracking | Coming soon | ✗ |
| Interview Preparation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Personal Statement Help | ✓ | ✗ |
| Student Discounts | ✓ | ✗ |
| EU Settlement Guidance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Key Differences Explained
Purpose: Research vs Full Support
Whatuni is primarily a search engine - it helps you research courses, compare universities, and read student reviews. Once you know where you want to apply, Whatuni's job is done.
UniStart provides end-to-end support - from initial funding eligibility checks through course selection, application help, personal statement reviews, interview prep, and enrollment support.
Application Support
Whatuni has no application support - you'll need to figure out UCAS, personal statements, and deadlines on your own.
UniStart includes: Free personal advisor, application tracking, deadline reminders, personal statement reviews, and interview preparation coaching.
Funding Guidance
Whatuni doesn't cover funding - no information about student finance eligibility or how to apply for loans.
UniStart specializes in EU citizen funding - instant eligibility checks for up to £18,000, settled/pre-settled status guidance, and step-by-step student finance application support.
Choose UniStart if you:
- Are an EU citizen with settled/pre-settled status in the UK
- Need help navigating UK student finance eligibility
- Want a free personal education advisor
- Prefer a mobile-first application experience
- Need interview preparation and personal statement support
Choose Whatuni if you:
- Course research and comparison
- Reading student reviews
- University rankings research
How to Use Both Platforms
Recommended Workflow:
Read student reviews, compare courses, and get a feel for different universities
Check your funding eligibility, get matched with suitable courses, and connect with your personal advisor
Personal statement reviews, interview prep, and guidance throughout the application process
UniStart guides you through UCAS and student finance applications
Beyond Course Search - Get Complete Application Support
While Whatuni helps you research, UniStart helps you succeed with free personal advisors and end-to-end support.
100% free • No hidden fees • Personal advisor included
Common Questions
Can UniStart help me compare courses like Whatuni does?
Yes! UniStart has a course search and comparison feature, plus your personal advisor can help you evaluate options based on your specific goals, funding eligibility, and career plans.
Does Whatuni offer any application support?
No, Whatuni is purely a research and review platform. They don't provide personal advisors, application help, or funding guidance.
Is UniStart's course database as large as Whatuni's?
UniStart covers all UK universities that accept EU citizens with settled/pre-settled status. While Whatuni might have more general content, UniStart focuses on courses where you're eligible for funding and provides personalized recommendations from your advisor.
Why would I choose UniStart over just using Whatuni?
If you only need to research courses and read reviews, Whatuni is great. But if you want help with your application, need funding guidance, want interview preparation, or prefer having a personal advisor - that's where UniStart adds tremendous value (for free).