Study in UK

British Education has long attracted and welcomed high caliber students of different nationalities and backgrounds, and today builds on hundreds of years of experience in providing quality education to international students. To ensure that the quality is maintained, Britain has implemented unrivalled quality assurance and academic audit systems. The university departments are obliged to meet stringent standards by professional bodies. Standards are high not just in teaching but in other facilities as well: Libraries, computers, research equipment and living accommodation. 

One major advantage of UK education is its one-year Master’s Degree for almost all courses saving you considerable time and money. Also, unlike those in other countries, most UK universities recognize the Indian education system of 3 years graduation. 

British higher education provides value for money by offering shorter, more intensive courses than are available in many other countries, thereby reducing living expenses and time spent away from home. Closely supervised study in an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment, together with an emphasis on student welfare and close contact between staff and students also ensures that individual students get maximum support and, as a result, pass rates are high and the drop-out rate for international students is very low.

Qualifications offered:

•  First Degree Courses in Arts and Sciences (Bachelor's degree) are normally of threein England and Wales & four years' durationin Scotland and are largely taught courses, sometimes including the preparation of a short-written thesis.

• Higher National Diploma (HND) is awarded by Vocational and Technical Educational Councils. They offer a 2-year course in a vocational subject like scientific and technical business subjects. Great emphasis is placed on work experience. It is often seen as the first step towards a degree course as the credits can be transferred.

• Postgraduate study may take the form of an independent piece of research under supervision or a taught course, and leads to a variety of degrees and awards. The taught courses normally last for one or sometimes two years.

• Completion of a doctorate normally takes a minimum of three years. Many post-experience courses are also available, either leading to a qualification or providing a refresher course for graduates wishing to update or extend their knowledge.

Eligibility for Admission

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Level) 

British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as compared to twelve years in India. Outstanding marks from one of the two Central Boards (CBSE or ICSE) or their equivalent, or the first year of an Indian degree program are therefore usually required for direct entry into an undergraduate program in the UK. For those who do not, as yet, have these qualifications, there is a range of access or foundation courses available. Foundation courses range from four months to a year. A full-time bachelor’s degree normally takes three years to complete (four in some cases). Part-time options are also available at some universities and colleges. 

For Entry into Oxford, Cambridge and London University, ‘A’ level results are required. This in Indian context would mean one year in a college after 12 years of education.

Post Graduate (Master's & Doctorate level)

Most UK universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian bachelor’s degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. is equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree. However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to British Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., B.Tech or other such courses.For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.

The major intake offered in the UK by all universities in September/ October, however few universities also offer intakes in Jan / Feb.

When to Apply?

Forms should be ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year. Students can start applying even if they have not received their final results. However, even after 15th December, applications can still be processed until 30th June. After that.

For Oxford and Cambridge

• Students must apply before 15th October of the year preceding their year of proposed entry.
• There are specific forms to be filled and sent to the universities.
• You cannot apply to both the colleges in the same academic year.

Application Requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Personal statement
• Academic Records: Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed.
• Academic reference letters: Letter of recommendations from professors, employers, etc.
• Standardized Tests: IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc. For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
• Other certificates (work experience, achievements, etc.)

For international students, universities set their own fees and they vary by subject and by institution. The approximate

Accommodation & Other Living Expenses

For visa purposes, international students undertaking study in London must budget £1,265 (~US$1,550) for each month of stay, while those who study outside of London will have to show £1,015 (~US$1,250) per month in order to prove they can cover the cost of living in the UK.

How much you should expect to pay for your main needs:

London £7,500 per year

Other city in UK £7,000 per year

Scotland £5,500 per year

North Ireland £5,000 per year

Wales £5,000 per year 

Accommodation or rent: £160 to £350 per month

Heat and light (if not included): £20 to £40 per month

Food (if not included) £110 to £135 per month 

UK scholarships are more widely available at postgraduate level, with relatively few offered for undergraduate students.

The most common visa for international students entering the UK is the Tier 4 Student Visa. This is a points-based system. As a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points to qualify.

The student must be able to show that s/he is going to follow:

• a recognized full-time degree course, or
• a course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organized daytime study each week, or
• a full-time course at an independent fee-paying school

The student must also:

• can pay for the course and support self and any dependents, and live in the UK without going into business or getting a job, or needing any help from public funds
• be able and intend to follow the chosen course, and
• intend to leave the UK upon completion of studies.

Documents Required

• Valid passport or travel document.
• A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm)
• The visa fee - This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
• Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have
• A letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK, and a statement of charges for the course
• Evidence of government sponsorship (if appropriate)
• Bank statements, pay slips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK
• If you are being privately sponsored (for example, by a college in the UK) a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so.

All visa applications to the UK should be submitted through the UK Visas and Immigration or one of its commercial partners. 

For updated information please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas

While studying in the UK, one will have opportunities to develop important workplace skills and ability to think independently, which significantly increases the chances of employment.

Student Working Regulation

Students studying at UK institutions may take part-time or vacation work without needing to obtain permission from the local job centre. The conditions covering the hours and type of work they may do are: 

• The student should not work more than 20 hours per week during term time except where the placement meets the definition of a course or internship
• The student should not engage in business, self-employment, or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer
• the student should not pursue a career by filling a permanent, full-time vacancy.

Working Post-study

Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, students who have successfully completed a recognized degree course may be able to switch to work permit employment in the UK after completing their studies. You can find more information about the current position if you may visit the mentioned website.

https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Working/Working-after-studies

Special provisions have always applied to doctors, dentists, and nurses and these will continue.

Q. What is the Application Procedure for UK?

A. The basic steps for applying are: 

1. Choosing your required program 

2. Identifying universities 

3. Taking various required tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc. 

4. Arranging and preparing essays and recommendation letters 

5. Completing and sending application forms along with required documents 

6. Applying for VISA after obtaining unconditional offer from the universities

Q. What are the Visa Application Requirements?

A. Student visas can be obtained from the offices of the British High Commission in Delhi and the British Deputy High Commissions in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Students need to prove that they have an unconditional offer on a full-time course, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds to cover the entire cost of studying and living in Britain and that they intend to return home on completion of their course. Documents that are required for a student visa: 

1. Completed visa application form. 

2. Valid passport (in original) 

3. Visa Fee (non- refundable) 

4. Letter of unconditional acceptance from a UK institution for a full-time course 

5. Proof of funding (bank statement, details of securities held, chartered accountant's certification, Income Tax clearance, letter from sponsor, etc.) 

6. Attested copies of education certificates and English language test (IELTS) score sheet (if applicable) 

7. Proof of accommodation in the UK

Q. What are the support services available?

A. Many schools, colleges and universities send a representative to meet new students at the nearest railway station and provide transport to the campus. Institutions also stage orientation programs just before term starts to help new international students get familiar.

Q. Can I work whilst I am studying?

A. Most students on courses of more than 6 months will be given a passport stamp that allows them to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and any number of hours during the vacations.