STUDY IN the UK š¬š§
Why Study in the UK?
Regardless of where you choose to pursue your career; a degree from an institution in the UK is internationally recognized and considered a great choice. This is more than just an impression and is supported by statistics, with the United Kingdom producing 14% of the world’s most referenced academic publications and 5% of all scientific research.
There are numerous economic, cultural, and social benefits of studying abroad at a UK university. With a shorter, more intensive course structure, you’ll be able to advance your career while also lowering your living expenses. In addition, the United Kingdom has a number of programs aimed at providing students with discounts on study material and access to low-cost public transportation.
Capital
London
Population
68 Million
Language
English
International Students
485,645
Universities
359
Currency
Pound sterling
Here are six good reasons for students to consider the UK.
1) Economy
The economy of the United Kingdom is substantial. It is the world’s sixth-largest economy, with consistent economic growth.
2) Healthcare
Legal inhabitants of the United Kingdom are entitled to free healthcare. Not every country has a well-developed healthcare system and so this is an aspect of security that cannot be understated. Few countries, in fact, have a National Health Service (NHS) like the United Kingdom. After paying the International Health Surcharge, international students have access to the NHS (IHS). This guide’s Health Advice and Services for International Students section has more information.
3) Education
Many students’ needs are satisfied in the UK, which offers some of the top universities in the world, including Cambridge and Oxford, who have been leaders in education for hundreds of years.
4) Customs and traditions
The United Kingdom is one of the few countries in the world with such a diverse cultural heritage. It’s a wonderful country to visit, with a diverse ethnic population and a rich, interesting history.
5) English
Integration and communication is easy and if you are from an English speaking country or even have studied English as a second language. English society is very open and flexible when it comes to accommodating various accents and ways of speaking English. You will never be made to feel like an outsider.
6) The United Kingdom is at the crossroads of the world
Heathrow and the other satellite airports around London offer direct flights to and from even medium sized cities in the world. In addition internal transportation networks within the UK are efficient and numerous. So getting home and back is quick and efficient.
Insurance
To help safeguard your health, your house, and your assets, you should carefully consider insurance coverage.
Health-care coverage
Even if you are qualified for free treatment under the NHS in the United Kingdom, you may want to purchase private insurance. Your insurance may provide you with access to private medical care, which usually entails far shorter wait times than NHS treatment, as well as assistance with additional medical expenses.
Contents Insurance
Contents insurance protects your personal property, such as furniture, clothing, and appliances, and is particularly useful if you have valuable goods that would be difficult to replace if lost or stolen.
Some businesses have particular policies for students, so you should do your research prior to signing up to get the greatest value.
Travel Insurance
If you plan to travel outside of the UK while studying, you should get travel insurance, just as you would if you were traveling abroad from your home country. Remember that you’ll require insurance that’s designed for international students rather than UK residents.
Health and support services
Most universities, colleges, and educational institutions provide dedicated support services to overseas students to help them adjust to life in the UK and make the most of their study (and vacation) time.
Support services
Maintaining your health while studying
While living in the United Kingdom, you may require medical assistance.
All overseas students enrolled in a course for more than six months are eligible for free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS), which alleviates concerns about potential medical expenditures and is a key advantage of studying in the UK.
You must meet specific standards and pay an extra International Health Surcharge as part of your visa application to be eligible for free or subsidized NHS treatment. Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to learn more.
Finding a local doctor
You should register with a local doctor as soon as you can after arriving in the UK, as they will be able to help you with a wide range of health problems.
To register, you will need to visit the doctorās clinic during consulting hours, and show them:
- Ā a letter from your institution, as proof that you are a student.
- your passport.
- Ā any loose immigration documents.
- Ā Itās important to let them know you want treatment from the NHS (provided you are eligible) so you avoid paying the full (private) cost of treatment.
Visiting a dentist
If you are staying in the UK for a long time, you may need to register with a UK dentist. In Britain, there are many dentists who offer NHS treatment. NHS dental treatment is cheaper than private treatment but is not free.
The best way to find a dentist is usually by searching online or asking someone you know.
What to do in an emergency
If you need urgent medical help, you need to go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or call 999.
Calling 999 is free, as are all emergency medical services at hospitals. There may be a price for ambulance service depending on where you reside and your situation.
You might want to wear a medical necklace or bracelet with your medical information on it if you have a serious medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or medication allergies.
You should also bring a letter or prescription from your doctor if you are carrying medication to the UK.
the EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM in the uk
Get to know the UK education system
How does it work?
There are 4 different jurisdictions in the UK, and education is delegated to each of these jurisdictions; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.Ā The educational systems in place, the qualifications granted and how these are controlled, vary between the four jurisdictions. The variations are especially noticeable in primary and secondary schooling. As a result, there are a variety of qualifications and credit frameworks to choose from.
Qualifications framework
There are two parallel frameworks for UK degree-awarding bodies that deal withĀ higher education degrees and qualifications;Ā one that appliesĀ to Scotland and the other for the rest of the UK.
These are:
- The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree Awarding Bodies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
- The Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS).
These frameworks serve as the primary national benchmarks for academic standards in higher education in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, 160 universities and colleges are authorized to issue a wide range of degrees to meet most educational goals.
Styles of teaching and learning
UK education has a reputation for excellence and most international students highly rate the quality of teaching they receive. You can expect to be taught in many different ways. Most students attend lectures and seminars and they sometimes have tutorials and workshops, too.
During a UK course, you will most likely be allowed a lot of liberty to experiment with new ideas and be creative. You may be expected to activelyĀ participateĀ in the teaching and learning process, conducting your own research or collaborating with other students on certain projects. In every topic, UK institutions foster the development of critical and analytical thinking, which might be intimidating for some international students. This, on the other hand, fosters a deeper comprehension of the issue at hand as well as the necessary communication abilities.
Education in the United Kingdom is also very interactive. Tutors will encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas, and they may organizeĀ activities such as debates, discussions, and quizzes. The concept is that if you have fun and participate, you will learn more effectively. This kind of learning may appear intimidating at first, but students will receive ample help from their tutors and should quickly feel at ease. TheĀ Prepare for Success websiteĀ is a great resource that provides students with lots of information about what classes and teaching in the UK are like, and advice on how to succeed.
Higher education
Most institutions provide a number of options for domestic and international students to transfer into higher education; these programs are known as pathways or foundation courses.
Students can enroll in higher education courses to achieve an advanced degree and continue their studies in the United Kingdom. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees are the three primary categories of higher education.
Bachelor or undergraduate degrees
Undergraduate academic study is intended to assist students to obtain a comprehensive understanding of a subject. Ordinary and honorsĀ degrees are the two classificationsĀ of degrees. A three-year full-time degree is considered “regular,” whereas a four-year full-time degree is considered “honors.”
Postgraduate study
How do you determine if postgraduate education in the UK is the right next step for you once you finish your bachelor’s degree? Choosing to pursue postgraduate studies is a significant step. It involves giving up more time and staying out of the workforce for a little longer, but it’s a long-term investment that can pay off spectacularly.
Pathway programs
There are numerous pathways into higher education for international students, including foundation courses and English language preparation programs. These ensure that students get the extra help and support they need to succeed.
Academic Year
The academic year in the United Kingdom generallyĀ begins in September or October and ends in June or July. Some coursesĀ are more flexible and provide a variety of start dates. The typical application deadline for undergraduate university entrance beginning in September is in January of the preceding year. A limited January intake is also available, with only a few undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and foundation courses offered. Additional start dates may be available from private pathway providers throughout the year.
Learning English
The United Kingdom is the most popular place in the world to study English (Study Travel Magazine, December 2012). The United Kingdom has long been at the forefront of language instruction, pioneering many of the techniques that are now employed globally. Instead of just listening to the teacher, the emphasis is on learning through opportunities to engage. Games, problem-solving, and conversations are all part of the curriculum. Students can also exercise their comprehension abilities by listening to music, watching television, or reading periodicals.
Many universities and colleges offer English language classes to help international students prepare for a degree programĀ in the United Kingdom. These degree preparatory programsĀ are referred to as ‘pre-sessional English courses’ by universities. The UK Government has announced important changes to language testing for visa applications, reducing the number of tests accepted for visa purposes and bringing in new requirements for the way the tests are administered. IELTS, the worldās most popular high-stakes test of English for higher education and global migration, has been approved for all UK visas that require applicants to provide proof of their level of English.
IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS Life Skills are accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency. However, the studentās academic or professional intention for being in the UK dictates which IELTS test they need to pursue.
After Graduation
Many international students wish to stay in the UK after graduation to put their newly acquired abilities to use after getting comfortable with the country.Ā If students match the requirements for the UK Government’s programs, they may be eligible to extend their stay.
The routes that are most significant for students who have finished their studies include the following.
- Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneurs)
Aimed at recent graduates and postdoctoral researchers with Tier 2 immigration status who have “real and legitimate business ideas and entrepreneurial talents” and whose UK institution or university is willing to support them under this scheme to assist them in developing their ideas.
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
This requires the student to invest in a business in the UK. The student doesn’t need a sponsor or an endorsing body.
- Tier 2
ThisĀ is the best route to take for a student who wants to work.Ā The lowest wage for this scheme is Ā£20,800, but wages might be greater depending on the type of employment. Businesses are not obliged to establish that they advertised a positionĀ and that UK national could do it (resident labor market test) before they choose to offer the job to the student.
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker)
These programs allow students to work in various fields in the United Kingdom for one or two years, depending on the program. Under the scheme of relevance to the student, they must have a Tier 5 sponsor. Prior to filing an immigration application, the student’s Tier 5 sponsor must provide them with a certificate of sponsorship.
- Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme
This allows recent Ph.D. graduates to work or beĀ self-employed in the UK for a year after completing their education. The student must apply before finishing their doctorate.
FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPs
Fees and scholarships
Tuition
Tuition fees for UK higher education and post-secondary education courses vary, depending on:
- Location of study; where in the UK you choose to study (there are different regulations for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales).
- Level of study.
Tuition expenses for undergraduate students range from Ā£10,000 to Ā£18,000 per year, depending on the subject and the institution. Tuition prices for all postgraduate studies vary depending on the course provider.
Scholarships
Scholarships and awards are available at some Canadian universities and schools for international students who excel academically. The amount of money varies by institution. Scholarships are relatively difficult to come by as compared to other countries, and the application method is generally to apply directly to theĀ institution that offers them.
Our Counsellors will be on hand to provide you with the necessary input during the counselling process.
WORK WHILE YOU STUDY
Employment while you study
Working while studying
Working part-time can help with the expense of living in the UK while also providing job experience in your field of study.
You can work during your studies and holidays if you hold a Tier 4 (general) or Tier 4 (child) visa if you:
- are studying at a publicly-funded higher education institution.
- are studying a short-term study abroad program with an overseas higher education institution.
- are over 16.
- are studying a course at NQF level 6 (degree level) and above.
However, the type of work you can do and the hours you can work may be restricted. Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to learn more. If your passport sticker or identity card states ‘No Work’ or ‘Work Prohibited,’ you must not work since you will be violating your immigration conditions, which is illegal in the UK.
Working after you graduate
Working part-time can help with the expense of living in the UK while also providing job experience in your field of study.
You can work during your studies and holidays if you hold a Tier 4 (general) or Tier 4 (child) visa if you:
- are studying at a publicly-funded higher education institution.
- are studying a short-term study abroad program with an overseas higher education institution.
- are over 16.
- are studying a course at NQF level 6 (degree level) and above.
However, the type of work you can do and the hours you can work may be restricted. Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to learn more. If your passport sticker or identity card states ‘No Work’ or ‘Work Prohibited,’ you must not work since you will be violating your immigration conditions, which is illegal in the UK.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
UK student visa requirements
UK student visa requirements
To be eligible for a Tier 4 student visa, you must:
- Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.
- Be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
- Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
Applying for your visa online
You must submit your student visa application via the official Gov.UK website of the British Government (unless you are applying from North Korea, in which case you can use a hardcopy form).
You have up to three months before your scheduled date of travel to apply to the United Kingdom. The recorded application date is the day on which the application fee is paid.
When applying for your Tier 4 visa, you will generally need:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Evidence of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS.
- Passport-sized colour photograph.
- Tuberculosis screening (if required).
- Assessment documentation.
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required).
Additional documents may also be needed if you are:
- Not a citizen of the country you are applying from.
- Under 18 years of age.
- Have family (dependents)
Any foreign supporting documents should be translated if they are not in English. Each translated document must be dated and include the translator’s name and signature, as well as certification that the translation is accurate.
English language requirements
You must provide evidence of your capability in the English language when you apply for your visa. This usually means passing a secure English language test.
According to the level of study, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has minimal English language requirements for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Various educational institutionsā (sponsor’s) English language requirements may differ.
As part of the visa application procedure, a UKVI officer may conduct an interview with you. Regardless of the English language results, if you can’t hold a simple conversation without an interpreter, you may be denied entry to the UK.