About the UK
The United Kingdom is classified as the largest island in Europe, formed of four countries (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) and numerous tiny islands.
It has a rich history and experience where the cultures and rituals of British civilization are among the interesting traditions for international tourists and visitors.
Applying to a University in the UK
UG (Undergraduate) applications to UK universities are usually made via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). PG (Postgraduate) applications usually are made straight to the university, commonly through the university website.
If you are an aspiring international student and especially aiming to enroll yourself in one of the UK's top academies, make sure you submit your application well before the deadline. You can read the rest of our article for details on how to apply and the eligibility criteria.
If you acquired your degree from outside the UK, you’d need to research your preferred university’s course entry conditions. Few universities have articles about this on their websites, or you can contact their administration for guidance.
The Universities of the UK
The UK homes some of the world’s most prestigious universities of all time- The University of Oxford (1096), The University of Cambridge (1209), and The University of Bristol (1876), etc.
The UK now has over 140 of the world’s top-ranked universities and other higher education institutes in the UK. Renowned worldwide for their academic quality and research abilities. Graduating from a UK university is highly esteemed, notably because of the rising importance given to employability besides experience and talents.
Many universities also have "career service networks" to help choose a better path after graduation. UK graduation programs are more intensive and shorter than in many other countries. This provides a significant economic benefit, not only for tuition and living expenses, but also because students will be able to enter the job market immediately.
The UK Student Visa
As an international student, you’ll be required to have a visa with sponsorship from their chosen university to study in Britain, called a Tier 4 visa. Your visa shall have a permit for multiple entries into the nation. PG students may also bring dependent family members (your partner and kids under 18).
Since January 2020, the Student route visa has been turned to a points-based system where you’ll be required to satisfy three chief principles:
- Confirmation of a seat granted on a course from your university (sponsor)– it’s known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Verification of adequate funds needed for you (and your household, if applicable) to reside in the UK.
- Proof of your fluency over the English language- speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending.
International students might be asked to attest they have sufficient capital to study in the UK without demanding access to the public funds. You shall have enough money to fund your tuition fees for a year, plus an amount of £1,334/month for the first 9 months if your destination is London or £1,023/month for other cities in the UK.
If their family accompanies a PG student, he/she will be obliged to prove they have enough funds for them. Students from many nations are excluded from this obligation, even though the UK Visa and Immigration may still urge some students to prove their financial prowess.
It would be best if you appealed for your student visa at least a month (but not more than 6) before arriving in the UK. If you already reside in the UK, your earliest appeal is 3 months before your course begins. Guidance on Student route visas is provided on the UK Government website.
Student Accommodation in the UK
Now that you’re briefed about the UK universities and student visa programs, it’s essential for you to look for student accommodation that meets your standard before moving in. After all, any place you’d choose will be your home for the next few years.
Although the traditional university halls still remain the favourite for many first-timers, there has been a significant rise in Britain’s private student accommodation sector.
Below are the few options you can pick from as a student in the United Kingdom.
- University Hostels
Normally, the freshers favour residing in the university hostels. It can be a comfortable stay as you’d be living inside the university campus (in some cases, the university dorms may be located away from the campus), making it easier to get to the campus and access all its facilities.
While most uni hostels provide meals, some don’t; in such cases, you must fend for yourself. You’ll also get to know people from various ethical backgrounds and may even have to share your room with another student. It majorly depends on the prices, as students unable to afford a private room generally live in sharing.
- Staying with Family
Homesickness is a common sentiment for all of us when we’re far from home. Only a few can match a family’s warmth. The only way to feel that affection in a faraway land is by living with another family. And homestays offer you this possibility.
Staying with a family can be really delightful, and you won’t even need to fret about miscellaneous bills because everything will be included in your rent. A local household will help you upgrade your knowledge concerning their history, arts, and customs and help you form new connections.
However, living with a family also, you might have to follow specific rules and regulations. Initially, it might get challenging, but you’re bound to have a memorable stay with proper communication and discipline.
- Private Student Accommodation
Private student homes in the UK are more popular due to their high-end facilities and independence compared to the university halls. Generally, students prefer living in shared rooms, also sharing the amenities. But it depends on your budget and comfortability- if you enjoy being on your own and have adequate funds, you can go for a luxurious private studio.
Many private student properties in the UK also arrange year-round events and contests, where you can get in touch with different people and build new contacts; some may even endure for a lifetime.
Study in the UK – Universities, Courses, Scholarships and Visa Details
The United Kingdom is the second most popular destination worldwide for international students. Universities with outstanding architecture create a great impression on international students aspiring to study in UK. Apart from the architecture, the modern facilities found in the universities add up to the complete study experience for the international students. Respected for a world-class standard of teaching, 4 out of top 6 universities in QS World Rankings are in the UK.
Quick Facts about studying in the UK
| Number of international students | 450,000 |
| Visa acceptance rate | 85% |
| Most preferred courses | Business and Computer Science |
| Best Institute to study Business | London Business School |
| Best Institute to study Computer Science | University of Oxford |
Internationally Recognised Universities
- According to QS World University Rankings, 4 of the top 6 global top ten universities are in the UK.
- The country boasts of 76 positions according to the QS World Rankings 2018 including 5 new entries this year.
Top Ranking Universities in the UK
| Name of the university | Times Higher Ranking |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 1 |
| University College London | 14 |
| Imperial College London | 9 |
| King’s College London | 38 |
| University of Manchester | 57 |
| University of Bristol | 78 |
| University of Warwick | 79 |
| University of Glasgow | 93 |
| University of Sheffield | 106 |
Great Place to Live and Study
If you are in UK, you have got Europe right on your doorstep. Within one hour, you can be in Amsterdam or Paris. A 2-hour flight can take you to Spain, Germany or Italy.
- UK is one of the most accommodating countries for the international students in terms of price, level of education and culture.
- The country has a very tolerant society. Any type of discrimination against people is illegal in the UK.
Know More About Accommodation in UK
Top ten student cities in the UK according to Top Universities
| London | Nottingham |
| Edinburgh | Birmingham |
| Manchester | Aberdeen |
| Glasgow | Newcastle-upon-Tyne |
| Coventry | Brighton |
Shorter Duration of courses
Courses in the UK are generally shorter than in many other countries. The country offers 3-year undergraduate degrees and 1-year master’s programmes at the universities.
It helps reduce tuition and accommodation costs to study in the UK for international students.
International Recognition of your degree
UK does not only offer you with valuable skills, but also help you earn advanced knowledge and become an expert in your field of study.
- British universities are renowned for the top, excellent academic training.
- Whether in UK or in another country, your degree will surely impress the admission committee even there.
Scholarship and Financial aid
There are hundreds of scholarships, grant schemes and bursaries offered by UK. International students get up to 100% Scholarship on tuition fees in selected Universities.
- Depending on your nationality, the international students are eligible for loans or other financial support.
- The most famous scholarships are-
- Chevenching scholarships for Master’s
- Commonwealth scholarships (for 62 commonwealth nations) for Master’s and PhD
- Saltire Scholarships (for 50 scholarships worth $10,538.58) for Canada, India, Pakistan, USA and China
- Other scholarships for international students include university specific scholarships and global scholarships worth 1 million USD.
Check Financial Support for International Students in the UK
A Wide Range of Opportunities Offered
A student working part time in the UK is granted the same rights as that of a full-time employee. All the employers in the UK abide by National Minimum Wage (NMW).
- Students get 4 months to find a job in UK after their course ends. They can find opportunities through-
- Your university careers service
- The student’s union
- Local businesses through advertisement
- Recruitment agencies
- If the visa allows, international students can work while study in the UK for usually around 20 hours per week.
- It can be extended to full-time during holidays.
- Part time student work can also be found on campus
Top industries with the highest employment of international students-
| Industry/Business sector | Graduates as total percentage |
|---|---|
| Accounting and professional services | 31.36 |
| Banking and finance | 9.58 |
| Consulting | 6.75 |
| Investment banking | 12.19 |
| Engineering and industrial | 15.82 |
The country undoubtedly opens doors to fantastic careers for the international students by training you with impeccable skills in English language. Most of the employers desire these qualities and help you land a good job in your field soon once you graduate. In short, studying in UK proves to be the best of both worlds for international students-fun filled and top education.