Can You Apply to Two Different Courses at the Same University?
You find two courses at the same university.
One is a Masters in International Business. The other is a Masters in Marketing.
Both look interesting. Both seem relevant to your career plans. And then you start wondering:
“Can I apply for both?”
The short answer is: sometimes yes.
Many universities allow students to submit applications for than one programme during the same admission cycle. Some universities limit the number of applications while certain programmes or departments may have their restrictions.
For example Oxford currently allows up to three graduate course applications for 2027–28 entry with a maximum of two taught-course applications. UCL currently allows a maximum of two graduate programme applications in an application cycle to programme-specific rules.
So before applying to two courses at the university there are a few things you should check.
In cases yes.
Universities generally treat programmes as separate applications. This means you may have to complete the application process for each course than simply selecting two choices inside one application.
For example Oxford says that applicants applying to than one graduate course should use the same account but each course requires a separate application with its own supporting documents and application fee.
UCL also states that applicants who want to be considered for another programme need to apply for that programme.
This is important because students sometimes assume that submitting one application automatically puts them in consideration for courses.
Usually it doesn’t.
Why Would a Student Apply for Two Courses?
There can be reasons.
Maybe you have a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Are interested in both Marketing and International Business.
Perhaps your academic background fits two closely related programmes and you want to keep more than one option open.
Applying to two courses can give you flexibility but there is an important difference between having two realistic choices and simply applying everywhere without a clear reason.
Your applications should still show that you understand what you are applying for.
Does Applying to Two Courses Increase Your Chances?
Not necessarily.
This is where students need to be careful.
Submitting two applications does not automatically mean that your chances of admission become twice as high.
Universities assess applications according to the requirements and selection process of each programme.
In fact some departments may prefer applicants who demonstrate a connection between their academic background, interests and chosen programme.
For example UCLs School of Management says that applying to than one MSc programme does not improve the applicants chances and may indicate a lack of focus in career ambitions for that particular context.
So the goal should not be:
“How applications can I submit?”
A better question is:
Check the Application Limit First
Before preparing your second application check the universitys official rules.
This is one of the things to overlook.
Different universities can have different policies.
For example Oxford currently allows up to three graduate applications for 2027–28 entry although only two can be for taught courses.
UCL currently limits applicants to a maximum of two graduate courses in an application cycle with some programme- restrictions.
That means you should never assume that a rule you saw on one universitys website applies to another.
Look specifically for:
- Maximum number of applications
- Application deadlines
- Application fees
- Programme- restrictions
- Separate document requirements
- Reference requirements
- Scholarship rules
Do You Need Two Separate Applications?
In many universities yes.
If you are applying for two programmes you may need to submit separate applications.
That can mean preparing:
- Separate application forms
- Course- personal statements
- Supporting documents
- References
- Application fees
Oxford for example requires a full separate application, for each course including supporting documents and references.
This is why applying to two courses can take more time than students initially expect.
Imagine you are applying for:
MSc Marketing and MSc International Business
Your overall career direction may be similar. Your reasons for choosing each programme could be different.
For Marketing you might want to discuss your interest in consumer behaviour, digital marketing or brand strategy.
For International Business you might focus more on markets, international management or cross‑border business.
Your application should explain why that particular programme makes sense for you.
The basic story can remain consistent. The course‑specific details should be genuine.
What About Your Academic Eligibility?
Applying to two courses does not mean that meeting the requirements of one course automatically makes you eligible for the other.
This is a point.
Two programmes at the university can have very different entry requirements.
One may accept a range of Bachelors degrees.
Another may require subjects, credits or previous academic preparation.
For example a student with a Bachelors in Business Administration may meet the requirements for one business programme. Not necessarily for a specialised programme that requires previous study in statistics, economics or another specific subject.
So check the requirements separately for both courses.
What Happens If You Receive Two Offers?
This is one of the situations students often wonder about.
If you apply for two courses and receive offers for both you may have to choose which programme you actually want to pursue.
The exact process depends on the university.
You should carefully compare:
- Course content
- Tuition fees
- Duration
- Location
- Career relevance
- Internship opportunities
- Entry conditions
- Scholarship availability
- Future academic plans
- Do not choose simply because one course has an attractive title.
Look at what you will study and how it connects with your goals.
Also pay attention to the conditions attached to each offer and the deadline for responding.
What If Both Courses Have Deadlines?
This can make the application process more complicated.
One course may close applications earlier than the other.
Another may have admissions.
Some programmes may also have scholarship deadlines.
Therefore create an application calendar before you start.
You can track:
Course Deadline Application Fee Documents Status
- Course 1 Date Amount Required documents Pending
- Course 2 Date Amount Required documents Pending
- This small step can prevent deadlines and incomplete applications.
Should You Apply to Two Different Courses?
It depends on how the programmes connect with your background and goals.
Applying for two courses can make sense if both are realistic options.
For example:
MSc Marketing + MSc International Business
may have some overlap for a student with a business background.
Applying for something completely unrelated simply because you think it may be easier to get admission can create a less convincing application.
Your previous education, skills, experience and career plans should tell a clear story.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming Every University Allows Multiple Applications
They do not all follow the rules.
Always check the university website.
2. Applying Without Checking Both Course Requirements
Meeting the requirements for Course A does not automatically make you eligible for Course B.
3. Copying the Same Personal Statement
Your motivation should be relevant to the course.
4. Forgetting Additional Application Fees
If each programme requires an application you may have to pay the fee separately.
5. Applying to Many Unrelated Courses
More applications do not automatically mean better outcomes.
6. Ignoring Programme‑Specific Restrictions
Some departments may have their rules even when the university generally permits multiple applications.
A Simple Checklist Before Applying to Two Courses
Before submitting both applications ask yourself:
1. Am I eligible for both programmes?
2. Does the university allow applications?
3. Is there a limit, on the number of courses I can apply for?
4. Do I need to pay an application fee for each course?
5. Does each course require a personal statement?
6. Are the deadlines different?
7. Can I explain clearly why I want to study each course?
8. Would I genuinely accept either offer if I received both?
If you can answer these questions clearly you are in a better position to prepare your applications.
Final Thoughts
So can you apply to two courses at the same university?
In cases yes. But the universitys own rules decide whether and how you can do it.
Some universities allow applications with limits. Others may have restrictions for particular programmes.
Oxford and UCL for example both allow graduate applications within defined limits but their policies are not identical.
The important thing is not to apply to courses just for the sake of having more applications.
Choose programmes that genuinely match your background and future plans. Check the requirements for each one prepare course‑specific application materials and keep track of every deadline.
A chosen second option can be useful.
A second application only makes sense when you would genuinely be happy to study that course.
Planning Your Study Abroad Applications?
Choosing courses and understanding different university application requirements can make the study‑abroad process much easier.
SPAN International can help students explore programmes compare university options and understand the application process based on their academic background and goals.
Planning to apply ? Get in touch with SPAN International. Take the next step, towards your international education journey.
