About United Kingdom

Study in UK

The UK has a rich legacy of universities of international repute such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. With 18 universities among the world’s top 100, UK attracts thousands of students and researchers every year, including many from India seeking to get admission in UK universities.

It is the world leader in many areas of education which include engineering, science, business, management, law, finance, art and design. London, the capital city, has been consistently featuring in the top 10 liveable cities of the world for international students.

Its reputation and legacy as an epicentre for scientific research make it a sought-after study destination, especially for some of the best thinkers in the world.

UK for International Students

The UK offers an education system with qualifications that are internationally valued and recognised. With over 160 universities, colleges and umpteen course options for international students to study in UK, aspirants can make their UK higher education experience as unique as they wish to. There are umpteen scholarships for International students in UK and depending on the nationality, one can check for their eligibility for financial support from the UK government. International students can also check out for internships, work-placements, volunteering and dissertation placements as per the university and program they enrol into.

Why Study in UK?

The UK has an excellent reputation as a global study destination as UK education is value for money as students receive globally recognised degrees which can be tailored to your interests and often include specialised modules. UK gives the best study abroad options with umpteen high ranked universities, a large variety of specializations, more than 50,000 courses to choose from, in over 25 subject areas. Shorter and more intensive courses; easy admission and visa process; large number of scholarships and bursaries make this an ideal choice for international students. One-year Masters in UK with one-year work placements is the best opportunity a study abroad aspirant can get.

Cost of Education in UK

The tuition fees to study in the UK ranges from 10,000 GBP to 22,000 GBP per annum. The tuition fees mostly depends on the university that you are applying to and the average living expenses would be around 10,000 GBP to 12000 GBP per annum depending on the location of the University. So, we can say that the total estimated cost of education in UK per annum including tuition fees and living expenses comes up to 20,000 GBP to 30,000 GBP.

Qualifying Exams & Coaching

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Duolingo—a language-learning website, mobile application, and digital language proficiency assessment exam
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Cambridge Assessment English (CAE)
LanguageCert International—English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) & Secure English Language Test (SELT)
LanguageCert International—English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) & Secure English Language Test (SELT): Speaking and Listening
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

Popular Universities & Courses

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Students should verify the course they apply to is approved under the UK Government Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
  • Students must be proficient in writing, reading, and speaking English and provide proof they have enough funds to support themselves and pay for their course of study.
  • Once a student receives a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from a UK institution, they can apply for a Student visa.
  • Students must provide proof of funds to demonstrate they have the funds available to support themselves and pay for their course of study.
  • Students are required to provide proof of identity for their visa application. The process of doing this might vary depending on what country they’re from and what kind of passport they have.

Visit the UK Government website for current information about the visa application process, and the required documents the student’s partner and children might need.

Popular Universities

  1. University of Bristol, Bristol
  2. University of Glasgow, Glasgow
  3. University of Birmingham, Birmingham
  4. Newcastle University, Newcastle
  5. University of Liverpool, Liverpool

Popular Courses

  1. Business and Management
  2. Engineering
  3. Law
  4. Computers
  5. Art and Design

Partner Institutions

The UK is one of the top destinations in the world for international students, recognized for its academic reputation and high quality of life. Approximately 1 in 5 students in the UK are international, and the region has the second most international students in the world.

If you’re an international student hoping to study in the UK you’re going to need a visa, so we’re breaking down everything you need to know to get that process started.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

Students over the age of 16 need a General student visa (Tier 4), while younger students will need the Child student visa (Tier 4). These visa applications are submitted online.

Students can’t apply for a visa more than three months before the start of their program. You must also have received an unconditional offer of admission by a licensed Tier 4 sponsor before you can apply.

In the UK, student visas are sponsored by the licensed institution that the student will be studying at.

UK Student Visa Program Criteria

Student walking on campus

General student visas are only issued for a program or course that meets one of the following criteria:

  • Full-time leading to a qualification that’s at least level 6 on the Ofqual register
  • Part-time leading to a qualification that’s at least level 7 on the Ofqual register
  • An overseas course of degree level study that’s equal to a UK higher education course and is being run by an overseas higher education institution
  • Full-time, with at least 15 hours per week of organized daytime study, leading to a qualification which is at least level 3 on the Ofqual register
  • A recognized foundation program as a postgraduate doctor or dentist
  • An English language course at level B2 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Documents Required for UK Student Visas

International students need to submit several supporting documents as part of their online student visa application. You can use the UK government’s website to find out which documents you need to provide.

In general, international students need the following documents:

  • A current passport or other valid travel documentation
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • Biometric information
  • Proof of English language ability
  • Proof that you can pay tuition and support yourself (and any other family members travelling with you)
  • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent and their relationship with you if you are a student under 18
  • Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test to enter the UK

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You will need to request your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your school after accepting your unconditional offer. This will get you a reference number you can quote when applying for your UK student visa.

Biometric Information

When you submit your visa application, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a visa application center to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll be able to obtain your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The BRP is a legal document detailing your name, date, and place of birth; biometric information; immigration status and conditions of stay; and whether you have access to any public services or benefits, such as healthcare services.

Your visa decision letter will indicate where you can pick up the BRP, and when it must be picked up by.

English Language Ability

The UK government requires students to have a certain level of English language knowledge when they apply for a student visa. The student visa English language requirements can be different than those needed for admission into the desired course.

Your Tier 4 Sponsor will assess your level of English language competence. One of the ways you can demonstrate your knowledge of English is by passing a government-approved Secure English language test (SELT), but this isn’t always required. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can often make their own language assessment based on the qualifications submitted during the admission process and waive the SELT requirements.

Financial Capacity

Woman in graduation cap and gown

International students must show that they’ll have enough money to cover the cost and expenses of their travel and stay in the UK. This includes the cost of travel, course fees, living costs, and any other school expenses and fees.

The monthly living costs you need to show depend on where you’ll be studying in the UK, as the cost of living is much higher in London. In October 2019, the UK government determined the cost of living to be:

  • £1,265 per month for students studying in London for the majority of your study (more than 50% of your study time)
  • £1,015 per month for students studying outside London or anywhere else in the UK for the majority of your study (more than 50% of your study time)

You must have sufficient funds for the first year of study, or for the entire course if it is less than a year long. If you’re coming with a partner and/or dependents, you must also have enough money to cover your family’s expenses.

You can demonstrate this financial capacity by providing copies of bank statements, details of any loans you’re taking on, and information about any scholarships you have been awarded.

The costs may change over time, so you can check the UK Government’s website for General student visas before applying.

Healthcare Surcharge

As part of their visa application fees, international students are asked to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for themselves, and anyone travelling with them. The IHS helps to fund the UK healthcare system, and gives students access to free healthcare while living in the UK.

This means that students will not have to pay to visit a doctor’s office, healthcare centre, or hospital while at school. You may need to pay for dental and optical treatment, and any medicine prescribed to you by a doctor.

Length of Stay

Man carrying his child

The T4 student visa is typically issued for the full length of your studies. For courses that last over six months, international students can arrive in the UK up to one month before.

In 2020, the UK launched their new post-study work visa. This visa allows international students to stay in-country for up to two years after graduating in order to find work. Students starting their studies in fall of 2020 or later will be eligible.

The post-study work visa is available to graduates of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It allows graduates to work in any role for up to two years after graduation, at which point they will need to apply to transfer to a Tier 2, or general work, visa.

Travelling with Family

International students sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at level 7 or above, that lasts nine months or more, can apply to bring their dependant family members with them to the UK. A dependent is either:

  • The student’s husband, wife or civil partner
  • The student’s unmarried or same-sex partner
  • The student’s child under 18 years old – including if they were born in the UK during your stay

Visa Processing Time

Visa decisions are generally made within three weeks of your biometrics appointment at the visa application center, although these processing times can vary by country.

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