UK
Overview
The United Kingdom is home to some of the best countries in the world, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The island nation is known for its natural beauty and quality lifestyle and houses several esteemed international universities. Often counted in the list of the top three most coveted countries for international students (among Canada and the USA), the United Kingdom is renowned for its undisputed educational reputation.
Why United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has created a strong legacy in higher education, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. According to QS World University Rankings, 4 out of the top 10 universities in the world are from the UK. Its higher education system is world-class and respected across the globe. The United Kingdom is a global powerhouse of science and research and ranks #3 worldwide for published scientific research. Students can also pursue their research interests in some of the most sophisticated environments available globally. The Rusell Group (a group of 24 public universities based out of the UK) is solely responsible for producing more than two-thirds of the world-leading research in UK universities.
Admissions
The admission process differs from college to college, but the following documents remain/general requirements remain a staple for admission to higher education in Canada.
The admission process differs from one college to another, but the following documents/general requirements remain a staple for admission to higher education programs in the United Kingdom.
The first and foremost step for aspiring undergraduate students is to register at the University and College Admissions Services (UCAS) - a British organization responsible for primarily operating the undergrad admissions process for universities in the UK
After registering, students need to start collating the following documents-
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
GMAT/GRE for postgraduate programs
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Academic transcripts
Copy of a valid passport
Finances
Undergraduate degrees from England and Wales generally take 3 years to complete, while those from Scotland require 4 years’ worth of coursework. Programs in the UK education system are comparatively shorter and more intensive than those in other countries. As a result, students graduate sooner, which helps save not only time but also money.
| Level of Education | Tution Fees [ In Usd ] |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate Degree |
10,000 to 20,000 EUR
|
|
Graduate Degree
|
10,000 to 20,000 EUR
|
|
Doctoral Degree
|
15,000 to 25,000 EUR
|
Living Expenses
Living as an international student in the United Kingdom takes careful planning and execution. Students have to consider that the cost of living depends on lifestyle, location, and other factors. For example, living expenses are considerably higher in London as compared to, say, Liverpool or Birmingham. However, looking at average numbers always helps
| Expenses | Average cost |
|---|---|
|
Books and Supplies
|
£30
|
|
Transportation |
£32
|
|
Food
|
£30
|
|
Clothing
|
£35-55
|
|
Mobile phone bills/internet
|
£15
|
Scholarships
UK programs are affordable because they usually take less time to complete. Students only have to study for three years for an undergraduate program and a year for a postgraduate program. The cherry on top is that there are a lot of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available for international students.
British Chevening Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship
Marshall Scholarship
Euraxess UK
CastleSmart Scholarship
The Royal Society Grants
Accommodation
Students should start looking for accommodation arrangements right after receiving admission into a UK university. Because accommodation is the most tricky part of moving abroad, early birds will be able to find the perfect combination of location, price, and flatmates.
On-campus Accommodation
Most universities in the UK offer residence facilities called Halls of Residence to international students. These types of accommodation are owned, maintained, and managed by the universities themselves. These halls have separate private rooms, but amenities like kitchen, laundry, and bathroom are shared among fellow students.
Off-campus Accommodation
If students opt to live off-campus, they can either look for university-owned accommodations or private-owned accommodation options.
Buildings featuring flats where students can stay in single or shared rooms.
London: 843 GBP/month
Manchester: 658 GBP/month
Birmingham: 644 GBP/month
Liverpool: 647 GBP/month
Leeds: 598 GBP/month
A type of accommodation where one large room serves the purpose of living, dining, and bedroom.
400 to 8000 GBP/month
Visa
Students have to apply for their student visas online using the British Government’s official Gov.UK website. International students seeking Tier 4 student visas are required to apply at least three months before the commencement of the program.
Students should also enroll for Biometrics at a visa application center to obtain a Biometric Residence Permit.
| Type | Description | Application Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
Short-term Study Visa
|
For students who want to pursue a 6-month short course or an 11-month long English language course.
|
97 GBP for 6 months
186 GBP for 11 months
|
|
Tier-4 Student Visa
|
Applicable for students who are enrolling in a program that will last longer than 6 months.
|
348 GBP
|
|
Tier-4 Student Visa (Child)
|
For students aged between 4 and 17.
|
348 GBP
|
Careers
The United Kingdom has the sixth largest economy in the world and is, therefore, the perfect place for students to kick-start their careers post-graduation.
Part Time Work Opportunity
If a student is enrolled at a university or a college listed on the official UKVI Sponsor list and the list of “recognized bodies,” they are allowed to work while studying. International students who study full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs at a recognized university can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students also require a National Insurance (NI) Number to land any kind of job in UK.
Full Time work Opportunity
Tier-2 Visa
If students are trying to land a full-time job post-graduation, they need to apply for a Tier-2 General Visa. This visa is mainly issued to people who have an employment offer and generally practice one of the high, in-demand professions in the UK. It allows them to stay for a tenure of 5 years in the country and work.
Documents required for Tier-2 Visa
- Job offer from an employer in the UK
- Completed application form
- Passport size-photos
- Valid passport
- Proof of higher study and a valid UK study visa
- Medical check and health certificate