Wish to continue your studies in UK or planning to immigrate to UK? What’s the right course for you? What’s the procedure? What’s the pathway? Which visa should you apply for? How long it may take? Can you get a PR? How to apply? This comprehensive guide will answer all your queries and will take you through a journey to get a better knowledge on UK.
Why Study In UK?
UK is considered to be the second most popular study abroad destination for overseas students. Apart from the quality education, there are multiple other benefits of studying in UK
There are a wide variety of reasons that highlight the importance of studying in UK some of them are given below.
- Academic Excellence: There are over 5,000 universities in the USA, and many of them rank high globally. Here’s the list of Ivy League universities in the USA:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Brown University
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- Internationally Accepted Degrees: The outstanding academic standards and transformative curriculum in the USA have attracted students and opened up exceptional career opportunities worldwide.
High in-demand programs that the USA provides are mentioned below:- Business Management
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medical Science
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Social Science
- Legal Studies
- Fine & Applied Arts
- Diverse Career Opportunities: An international degree broadens global exposure and opens up multiple opportunities. Many students, after studying abroad, return to their home countries in search of highly lucrative jobs. US universities also offer internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and access better-paying jobs.
Education System In UK
Once UK students complete their 12th studies, the next step would be to pursue higher education. The higher education system in UK is provided by universities.
There are around 4,500 accredited higher education institutions that offer three types of degrees
Undergraduate Degree
UG is an undergraduate degree that is also referred to as a Bachelor’s degree. It is a full-time course with a duration of 3 to 4 years. Students can also pursue a joint Honors degree where students can study two or three major subjects instead of one.
Masters Degree
A Masters Degree study duration is between 1-2 years based on the subject choice.
Ph.D. Degree
Ph.D. or doctorate programs are courses that can be studied either full-time or part-time. The study duration is between 3-6 years depending on the subjects.
Credit System in UK
All universities in UK follow the same credit system. The credits that a student earns during the course are taken into consideration to calculate the final result.
| Degree Type | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelor Degree with Honors- 360 credits, Basic Bachelor Degree- 300 credits |
| Integrated Masters Degree | 480 credits |
| PG Taught Masters Degree | 180 credits, Professional doctorate- 540 credits |
Popular Universities In UK
UK has several best universities known for their academic excellence. Some of the top ones include:
| University | QS World Rankings 2022 | Average Tuition Fees/ Year (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 2 | GBP 18,000 – GBP 40,000 |
| University of Cambridge | 3 | GBP 16,000- GBP 50,000 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | GBP 16,000- GBP 36,000 |
| University College London | 8 | GBP 25,000- GBP 34,000 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 49 | GBP 16,000- GBP 30,000 |
Top Courses In UK
If you’re interested in studying in USA, you should start your research early. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost of tuition, the availability of scholarships, and the immigration process. However, there are various programs that top the list of courses in USA.
Business Management Programs
In these courses, students learn about how to manage businesses. They cover topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management.
| Career Opportunities | Business Management Industrial Placement, Business Management Graduate |
| Salary | GBP 33,904 per year |
| Companies that hire | Computacenter Ocado Group |
Business Analytics
In these courses students are taught about how to design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They cover topics such as programming, data structures, and algorithms.
| Career Opportunities | Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, Project Manager |
| Salary | GBP 47,302 per year |
| Companies that hire | Barclays NatWest Group |
Human Resources Programs
The major components that are covered in these kinds of courses are recruitment, training, and compensation.
| Career Opportunities | HR Officer, Business Development Representative, Management Consultant |
| Salary | GBP 35,000 to GBP 65,000 per year |
| Companies that hire | BT Barclays Tesco |
Engineering Programs
This course teaches about how to design, build, and maintain physical systems and includes topics such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and civil engineering.
| Career Opportunities | Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Petroleum Engineers |
| Salary | GBP 40,000+ per year |
| Companies that hire | Jaguar Land Rover Rolls-Royce |
Health And Medicine Programs
Topics like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology are the main highlight of the courses that come under the health and medicine programs.
| Career Opportunities | Anaesthetist, Doctor, Obstetrician, Clinical Scientist |
| Salary | GBP 40,000 to GBP 90,000 per year |
| Companies that hire | NHS Elysium Healthcare Bupa Nuffield Health |
Admission Requirements For International Students
Step-by-Step process of how to study in the UK:
- Decide which university and course you wish to study in UK
- Based on the course chosen, visit the official website of the university that offers the course and apply there
- Once you receive the acceptance letter from the universities you applied to, accept the ones that suit your interests well
- Prepare for your educational funding such as scholarships, loans, etc.
- Start applying for your student visa.
- Once approved, book your accommodations, travel tickets, etc
Bachelor’s Degree
| Qualification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | Humanities: Minimum 65% in 12th grade Science and Commerce: Minimum 70-80% or above in 12th grade |
English Proficiency Test
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 |
Master’s Degree
| Qualification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Masters | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% and above |
- Work Experience may be required
English Proficiency Test
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 |
Best Cities For Students In UK
There are multiple cities to study in UK. From educational factors to the living conditions, these are the top 5 best-preferred student destinations to consider in UK for further education.
| City | Average Cost Of Living (GBP) |
|---|---|
| London | GBP 15,600/year |
| Edinburgh | GBP 8,500/year |
| Manchester | GBP 10,330/year |
| Glasgow | GBP 12,360/year |
| Coventry | GBP 8,400/year |
Do We Require A UK Study Permit?
The UK is renowned for its exceptional education, boasting some of the world’s most prestigious universities and academic institutions. Opting to study in the UK opens doors to a diverse array of academic programs, fostering opportunities for research, innovation, and engagement within a lively student community. Beyond education, the UK’s rich history, vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and connections to leading employers make it a uniquely exciting and rewarding experience for international students.
Applying for your student visa
If you’re 16 or older and planning to pursue a higher education course in the UK for more than six months, you’ll likely need to apply for a student visa through the Student Route, which comes with a cost of £490 per applicant. Additional charges apply if you opt for priority or super-priority services.
Step-by-step guide to applying for your student visa:
- Apply to University:
- Receive and accept an unconditional offer from your chosen university.
- Certificate of Acceptance (CAS):
- Your university will provide a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) after you accept the offer.
- Cost: £25
- Visa Application:
- Begin the visa application process with your CAS.
- Apply up to six months before the course starts.
- Pay an application fee (£490 for students).
- Have a current passport.
- European students can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for identity verification.
- Immigration Health Surcharge:
- Pay a fee for access to the UK’s National Health Service.
- Student visa holders receive a 25% discount, making it £470 per year.
- European students with EHIC may apply for a refund.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Fulfill language requirements specified by your university.
- Completion and Acceptance:
- Complete and get your application accepted before arriving in the UK.
Once you have been granted a study permit, you will be able to enter Canada and start your studies. Your study permit will be valid for the length of your program, plus an additional 90 days.
Eligibility For UK Student Visa
Here are some eligibility criteria that students must meet when applying for UK Student Visa:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Evidence of financial requirements to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course. You should have at least £1,023 per month for up to 9 months.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and required documents used to obtain the respective CAS.
- Passport-sized colour photographs (should be recently clicked.)
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required, one may ask the respective officer.)
- Tier 4 student visa application form with filled details.
- Proof that you have paid the UK student visa fee/visa application fee.
- Medical tuberculosis test results from registered health professionals.
- Payment of the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS.)
- Written agreement from financial sponsor (in case of sponsorship of scholarships.)
Also if you are worried that you might be getting the student permit or not then consider checking the Canada PR points calculator to estimate your chances for approval.
Which Documents Are Required?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| A valid passport and copies of your previous Visas | Having previous visas helps authorities verify your identity and travel history when you’re planning to travel abroad. |
| 2 passport-size coloured photos | For your visa application, make sure to include recent photographs taken within the last six months. The photos should be 35x45mm, with your head taking up 70-80% of the frame. |
| Letter of Intent (From UK government-recognized university) | Your Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) is crucial evidence of your enrollment in a UK educational institution. It holds significant importance for your student visa application. |
| Proof of funds | This financial requirement means you should be able to demonstrate that you have at least GBP 1,334 for each month of your stay in London. It serves as proof of your ability to cover all expenses during your study period. |
| Medical Insurance | The cover can be bought from a range of UK healthcare providers and must be purchased to cover you from the first date you arrive in the UK. |
| Proof of Accommodation | The document confirms the arrangement for accommodation during your study in the UK. |
| Language Requirements | The minimum score required in CERF is B1 for the UK student visa. |
| Proof of payment of the visa fee | Document stating that you have paid the visa fee. The invoice of the payment would suffice. The student visa Tier 4 would cost you £363. |
| Tier 4 Student Visa Application Form | Long stay application form for the duration of more than 90 days. |
| Departure Tickets | Air flight reservation/ticket with the date of departure. |
Financial Requirements
For the UK student visa, you need a minimum of GBP 1,023 per month for up to nine months in your bank account to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
| Condition | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| If your course is outside London | GBP 1,023 per month (up to 9 months) |
| If your course is in London | GBP 1,334 per month (up to 9 months) |
| If you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme and your course is in London | GBP 2,668 |
| If you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme and your course is outside London | GBP 2,046 |
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| IELTS/IELTS for UKVI | 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
What Are Some Dos And Don’ts When Applying for Visa In UK
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Register with General Practioner | Overstay your visa |
| Open a bank account | Be self-employed |
| Get a part-time job | Change your course |
| Sort out the transportation for college | Skip classes |
Top Scholarships In UK
Scholarships in the UK can be a game-changer for international students. Whether it’s a government-sponsored opportunity or support from other sources, there are various options to explore. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also make the dream of studying in the UK more achievable.
Top scholarships to study in UK are discussed below
Chevening Scholarships
- International Students pursuing Masters in any UK universities
- Amount/Benefit: Covers tuition fees, travel, and other allowances
Commonwealth Scholarships
- Students pursuing Full-time Masters degree in selective courses
- Amount/Benefit: Covers tuition, examination fees, airfare, thesis grants, study travel grant, excess baggage/ warm clothing allowance, and a stipend of £1,116 per month for those studying in London’s metropolitan areas.
Felix Scholarships
- Indian students pursuing Masters/Research programs in a UK University (except Medicine)
- Amount/Benefit: 100% Funded Tuition fees and Stipend
Clarendon Fund Scholarships
- International students pursuing Masters/Ph.D. degrees at Oxford University
- Amount/Benefit: Fully funded coverage on course fees and grants for living expenses
Denys Holland Scholarship at UCL
- tudents pursuing Undergraduate Studies
- Amount/Benefit: £9,000 per year for 3 years
Job Opportunities In UK
International students have several job opportunities in UK after Masters. Right before expiry of a student visa, you can apply for a Graduate visa wherein students can stay for a minimum of two years after completing a course. These two years will give you time to find the right job.
Job Outlook for International Students
| Area of Specialization | Average Annual Salary (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Engineering | GBP 48,000 |
| Finance | GBP 52,000 |
| Marketing and Sales | GBP 45,000 |
| Law | GBP 60,000 |
| Healthcare | GBP 47,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for UK Universities for a master’s course?
You will need to apply the latest by June or July (check each university’s deadlines separately). The classes start in September End or October beginning. To be safe, apply four months in advance.
How much are the tuition fees for international students to study Masters in the UK?
The average cost of study may be about 11000-20,000 a year. Details about the overall cost of education in the UK can be found here.
What is the difference between ‘ordinary’ and ‘honors’ degrees for undergrad in UK?
Ordinary degrees imply that a student has completed all the classes. Additionally Hons. Degree tells about the achieved level of scores. This depends on a university.