Why Study in the UK?
The UK is known as one of the leading study abroad destinations of the world. It welcomes over 500,000 international higher education students each year. There are international students hailing from different nationalities studying in the UK. The universities are among the best in the world and consistently perform well in world rankings. As per the QS World Ranking, 4 of the top 6 Universities in the World are in the United Kingdom. UK higher education degrees are accepted and recognized globally by universities and prospective employers.
The UK government allows international students to study in the UK to work part-time, they can work up to 20 hours per week during sessions and 40 hours per week during vacations on a Tier-4 visa.
The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Each country has distinct regions, each offering large cosmopolitan cities, towns, and countryside villages. The country has a multicultural society, with a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and faiths. You’ll find widely varied cuisine, strong transport links, famous music festivals, and international sporting championships.
Education System in the UK
The UK is one of the world’s leading destinations for international students, second only to the USA. UK universities are among the best in the world. They also have a reputation for world-class research. Students get the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive forward their careers. The basic mode of instruction at majority institutes in the UK is the English language.
There are close to 150 universities offering wide range courses in the higher education space across the UK. The courses are generally shorter than other countries and help to reduce tuition fees and living costs. Many bachelor programs in the UK, except for Scotland, can be completed in three years instead of four, which means that the students can save a year’s worth of tuition fees.
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Popular Universities in the UK
The UK universities feature prominently in the Global University Rankings whether it is the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. There is a wide range of institutions that are available for international students pursuing higher education. Some of the top universities in the UK, other than the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, that feature consistently in the global rankings are Imperial College London, King’s College London, University College London, London School of Economics, University of Manchester, University of St. Andrews, etc., the list is endless.
- Newcastle University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds
- Durham University
- Queen Mary – University of London
- Coventry University
- Oxford Brookes University
- Arts University of Bournemouth
- Kingston University
- Queen’s University, Belfast
- University of Dundee
- University of Sussex
- University of Kent
- Teeside University
- University of Derby
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- Leeds Beckett University
Popular Courses to Study in the UK
- International Business Management
- Computer, Cyber Security and Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
- International Tourism and Hospitality – Bachelors and Masters
- Public Health and Nursing
- Global MBA
- Early Childhood Education
- Computer Science
- Medicine
Intakes
In contrast to a single intake in Indian universities and colleges, the UK colleges and universities offer two intakes. The three available intakes in the UK are:
Intake 1: September to December (Autumn/Fall Intake)
Intake 2: January to April (Spring Intake)
Intake 3: April to June (Summer Intake)
Academic and English Requirements
- UG Entry Requirements vary from 55% to 85%
- CBSE & ICSE Boards: 70% in English in his 12th standard, UK Universities even offer IELTS waiver
- IELTS requirements at UG Level is Overall 6 bands with 5.5 in each module
- Entry requirements at Master Level vary between 50% to 65% in Graduation
- IELTS requirements at PG Level is Overall 6.5 bands with 6 in each section
- There are some Universities which accepts 6.0 overall at PG level as well
- Some UK Universities offer In House English Test and if the student clears the same, his IELTS can be waived
- UKVI IELTS: In order to apply for Pre-sessional English offer (prior to the main course start date) where the student has achieved less score in IELTS, the student needs to have UKVI IELTS as per the requirements mentioned by most of the Universities
Application Process
The application process is of three types:
- Online
- Paper-based
- UCAS
The applicant needs to make sure to check the requirements of the university he/she wishes to apply, and the application must start 12 -18 months in advance. Shortlisting the courses and the university is one of the most crucial aspects of the entire admission process, a good practice is to talk to counselors or reach out to the university to know more about the universities and its courses.
Once a few courses have been shortlisted, the next step is finding out the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the fees, they could all vary depending on the university and the course.
International students applying to colleges and universities in the United Kingdom for a bachelor’s degree will have to apply using the UCAS application website, most universities in the UK will accept the application only via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service). For some universities, the applicant needs to apply directly via their website and each university will have its own process. Once the student has submitted the application, the applicant will receive a confirmation email from the university, the university will take a few weeks to take a decision, and this could vary depending on the application load at the time. Once a student receives the confirmation the next step is to arrange for the finances and start the visa application.
List of Documents
- Passport (old and New)
- Online Visa form
- Visa fee – 35000/- Subject to change
- IHS health charges- £450 per person per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £2,250 for a 5-year visa
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Medical
- ATAS certificate- if required
- Academic Documents-
- English Proficiency test report: IELTS or PTE
- 10th and 12th mark sheet and Certificate
- Graduation / Post-graduation – Individual mark sheets and degree
- Current Work Experience Documents-
- Appointment letter
- Last 6 months Pay slips
- Form 16
- Previous Work Experience Documents – Joining and Relieving letter
- Acceptable Financial documents-
- Saving Account bank statement with bank letter
- Fixed Deposit Receipt with Bank letter
- Education loan
- Parents ITR & Source of Income
- Student’s Birth Certificate issued from local Municipal Corporation Department
Cost of Study in the UK
The amount you spend on tuition fees varies depending on the kind of qualification and the specific university or school you choose. The UK boasts numerous prestigious universities and colleges, each with its unique fee structure. Here’s an overview of the fundamental expenses associated with studying in the UK.
| UK Study Program | Average fee (in GBP*) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate bachelor’s degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
| Postgraduate master's degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
| Doctoral degree | GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 per year |
Living Expense in the UK
As per information provided by the UK Visas and Immigration website, the minimum living costs for international students in the UK are outlined as follows:- London: GBP 1,334 per month
- Outside London: GBP 1,023 per month
London
| Expenses | Average Monthly cost* |
|---|---|
| Rent | £1,100 - £2,000 per month |
| Utilities | £150 - £250 per month |
| Transportation | £100 - £150 per month |
| Food and Drink | £200 - £300 per month |
| Other Expenses | £100 - £200 per month |
Outside London
| Expenses | Average Monthly cost* |
|---|---|
| Rent | £600 - £1,500 per month |
| Utilities | £100 - £200 per month |
| Transportation | £50 - £100 per month |
| Food and Drink | £150 - £250 per month |
| Other Expenses | £100 - £200 per month |
It’s evident that the cost of living in London is notably higher compared to other cities in the UK, particularly in terms of rent and transportation expenses.
Examples of cities within London include:
- Westminster
- Camden
- Islington
- Southwark
- Kensington and Chelsea
Examples of cities outside London encompass:
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Leeds
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
Post Study Work Rights in the UK
The UK’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSW visa) offers international students who have successfully completed an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a UK university the chance to remain in the UK and work for a duration of two years (or three years for PhD graduates).
To qualify for the PSW visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduate of an eligible UK university.
- Hold a valid Tier 4 student visa.
- Have completed your degree within the last 12 months.
- Demonstrate a minimum English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5).
The application for the PSW visa can be submitted online, with an associated application fee of £706. Once granted a PSW visa, you have the flexibility to work in any job within the UK, regardless of skill level or salary. You are also free to change jobs and employers as you see fit. Importantly, the PSW visa serves as an excellent avenue for international students to gain work experience in the UK, fostering career growth, and can even be a pathway to other immigration options like the Skilled Worker visa.
Here are some key benefits of the PSW visa:
- Stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) after graduation.
- Work in any job within the UK, irrespective of skill level or salary.
- Freedom to switch jobs and employers at your discretion.
- A potential gateway to other immigration routes, including the Skilled Worker visa.
If you are an international student on the cusp of graduating from a UK university, I strongly encourage you to consider applying for the PSW visa. It presents an invaluable opportunity to gain practical work experience in the UK and nurture your career.
Here are some additional points to bear in mind:
- Submit your PSW visa application within six months of graduating.
- Ensure you possess a valid passport and a tuberculosis (TB) certificate.
- Satisfy the English language proficiency requirements.
- Have adequate funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
UK colleges typically acknowledge the 10+2+3 framework for postgraduate programs.
The preferred English language test for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, some institutions may consider other tests as well. It's advisable to check the official website of your chosen institution for specific requirements.
Yes, students with a Tier 4 visa can work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during vacation periods.
International students enrolled in courses lasting longer than 6 months are eligible for free medical care under the National Health Service (NHS). To access these benefits, you must meet certain conditions and pay the International Health Surcharge during your visa application.
We strongly recommend registering with a local medical practitioner or utilizing campus healthcare services upon arrival. In case of emergencies, the national helpline numbers 999 and 112 can be dialed for police, fire, and ambulance services.
