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Study in UK - Experience the Best of British Culture, Creativity, and Innovation
With the availability of top-notch universities, including world-renowned institutions such as Oxford and
Cambridge, the UK is one of the most sought-after destinations for students looking to gain international
experience. According to data obtained from the Ministry of External Affairs, there were more than 55,000
Indian students studying in the UK in 2022. The increasing number of Indian students studying here is a
testament to the growing trend of overseas education among Indian students. Moreover, studying in the UK
provides a great opportunity to learn from the thriving creative landscape that it offers. Not only does it
open doors for excellent career opportunities, but it also helps shape one’s perspective of the world
and can create lifelong memories.
Key Features of Studying in UK
-
Access to free healthcare if you are studying for six months or more in the UK
-
Part-time work opportunities that enable students to work for up to 20 hours per week with a minimum
weekly wage of around 118 GBP
-
Post Graduate Work Permit – 2 years
-
Multiple intakes – Sept / Jan / May
-
The minimum amount of bank balance you need to apply for visa is also less than that for the US
Benefits of Studying in UK
-
Home to Top Global Universities
Four UK institutions – the University of Cambridge; the University of Oxford; Imperial College London;
and the University of London, are ranked among the world's best by QS in its 2023 World University Rankings.
This attests to the excellence of teaching in the UK.
-
Globally-recognized Degrees
The UK has a strong international reputation, and its qualifications are recognized and respected around the
world. This means that studying in the UK can open doors to a range of international opportunities, including
further study and work abroad. It can also give you an edge when applying for jobs in your home country.
-
Explore New Culture, History & Vibrant Cities
The UK is an incredibly diverse country with a rich culture and history. Whether you’re interested in
exploring the cobbled streets of London or absorbing the breath-taking views of the Scottish Highlands,
there’s something for everyone. From the bustling cities of England to the quaint villages of Wales, you
will have the chance to experience a range of different cultures.
-
Great Place for Networking
In 2020–21, the United Kingdom hosted almost 605,000 foreign students, both from the European Union and
outside of it, and about 16% of all the incoming students were from India. This makes the UK an ideal setting
to build connections and network with peers and professionals from different backgrounds.
Scholarify.com lists the UK as a top scholarship provider. There are more than 8,000 scholarships offered by
various private and government institutions. The UK offers scholarships such as the International Scholarships
Award, Edinburgh Global Online Distance Learning Scholarships, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship,
the Chevening Scholarship, and more.
-
Excellent Transport System
The UK has an extensive and efficient transport network that makes it a great destination for international
students who wish to study abroad. It also has excellent transport links to the rest of Europe via the
Eurostar. This high-speed train service connects cities in the UK to cities in France, Belgium, Netherlands
and beyond.
Exploring the Different Degree Options in UK
Foundation degrees provide students with a broad qualification in their chosen field and prepare them for a
full-fledged Bachelor’s degree.
These offer the opportunity to gain a range of transferable skills and qualifications, which can be an ideal
pathway towards full degree programs.
Typically of three years, Bachelor's degrees in the UK are available in a wide range of subjects, ranging
from engineering and medicine to business and law. Students may choose to pursue a single subject or combine
subjects to create a more tailored degree. Further, degrees are awarded as ‘Ordinary’, which is a
standard qualification, or ‘Honours’, which is relatively more rigorous. An ‘Honours’
degree in Scotland takes four years to complete.
Master's degrees typically involve a combination of coursework and research and may require additional
projects to complete. Mostly of one-year duration, Master's degrees in the UK provide an ideal pathway to gain
a deeper understanding of a subject, the potential to earn a higher salary, and the ability to gain
professional experience through internships or work placements.
The highest qualification that may be earned in the UK is a Doctoral degree, which is typically of about
seven years.
Courses Offered in UK
The UK is home to a wide range of courses and degrees, and here are some of them:
Program Name
|
Average Tuition Fee / Year (GBP) *
|
BSc Data Science and Business Analytics
|
~ 15,000 - 30,000
|
BSc Computer Science
|
~ 19,000 - 45,000
|
BMBS
|
~ 20,000 - 50,000
|
Bachelors in Law (LLB)
|
~ 40,000 -75,000
|
Bachelor of Business Administration
|
~ 9,250 - 35,600
|
BSc in Finance
|
~ 20,000 - 45,000
|
Bachelors in Architecture / Construction Management
|
~ 15,000 - 40,000
|
Bachelors in Psychology
|
~ 9,000 - 16,000
|
BA in English
|
~ 11,400 - 38,000
|
BA in Politics/Social Studies
|
~ 11,400 - 38,000
|
BSc (Hons) Fashion Management
|
~10,000 - 30,000
|
MSc/MEng (Chemical Engineering/Civil and Structural/Mechanical Engineering)
|
~ 12,000 - 55,000
|
MSc in Business Analytics
|
~ 15,000 - 30,000
|
MSc in Business Analytics and Big Data
|
~ 15,000 - 30,000
|
MSc Data Science & Analytics
|
~18,000 - 40,000
|
MSc in Advanced Computer Science
|
~ 19,000 - 45,000
|
MBBS
|
~ 20,000 - 50,000
|
Masters in Law (LLM)
|
~ 19,500 - 43,355
|
Master of Business Administration/ Global Executive MBA/ MSc in Management
|
~ 40,000 - 1,00,000 (up to £45,000 at universities like Oxford or Cambridge)
|
MSc in Financial Economics/Finance/Finance and Accounting
|
£18,000 - £45,000
|
Masters in Architecture / Construction Management
|
~ 15,000 - 40,000
|
Masters in Psychology
|
~ 20,000 - 50,000
|
MA in English
|
~ 10,000 - 30,000
|
MA in Politics/Social Studies
|
~ 10,000 - 30,000
|
MSc in Fashion Marketing/Strategic Fashion Management/Interior Design
|
~10,000 - 30,000
|
*The figures mentioned above serve only as general indicators and can change.
Grading System in the UK
The efficiency of the British educational system and its grading system is apparent by the fact that other
nations, including Canada, Australia, and India, use the same system with minor adjustments to match their
respective settings. Academic success at UK institutions is often represented by a letter grade between A and
F.
Grade Letter |
Percentage Score |
Grade Definition |
Degree Class |
|
Honours Degree |
Foundation Degree |
A
|
70% – 100%
|
Excellent to Outstanding
|
PASS
|
First
|
Distinction
|
B
|
60% – 69%
|
Good to Very Good
|
Upper Second 2:1
|
Merit
|
C
|
50% – 59%
|
Satisfying
|
Lower Second 2:2
|
Pass
|
D
|
40% – 49%
|
Sufficient
|
Third 3
|
Pass
|
E
|
30% – 39%
|
Unsatisfactory
|
Fail
|
Fail
|
Fail
|
F
|
0 – 29%
|
Unsatisfactory
|
Source: https://www.studying-in-uk.org/uk-grading-system/
To simplify the conversion of grades from one local grading system to another, the European Credit Transfer
and Accumulation System (ETCS) is used.
Degree Class
|
Percentage Score
|
ETCS Grade
|
First-Class Degree
|
70% -100%
|
A
|
Upper Second-Class Degree
|
60% – 69%
|
B
|
Lower Second-Class Degree
|
50% -59%
|
C
|
Third Class Degree
|
40% -49%
|
D
|
Fail
|
0-39%
|
E/F
|
Source: https://www.studying-in-uk.org/uk-grading-system/
Universities in UK
The United Kingdom is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Some of the
top universities in the UK include:
- University of Aberdeen
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Aston University
- University of Bath
- Bath Spa University
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of London
- University of Birmingham
- Birmingham City University
- University of Bolton
- Bournemouth University
- University of Bradford
- University of Brighton
- University of Bristol
- Brunel University London
- University of Buckingham
- University of Cambridge
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Cardiff university
- University of Chester
- City University London
- Coventry University
- Cranfield University
- University for the Creative Arts
- University of Cumbria
- De Montfort University
- University of Dundee
- Durham University
- University of East Anglia
- University of East London
- University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Napier University
- University of Essex
- University of Exter
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Greenwich
- Heriot-Watt University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Huddersfield
- Imperial College of London
- Keele University
- University of Kent
- King’s College London
- Kingston University
- University of Central Lancashire
- Lancaster University
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- University of Lincoln
- University of Liverpool
- London Business School
- London Metropolitan University
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Middlesex University
- Newcastle University
- Newman University, Birmingham
- University of Northampton
- Northumbria University Newcastle
- Norwich University of the Arts
- University of Nottingham
- Nottingham Trent University
- University of Oxford
- Oxford Brookes University
- Plymouth University
- Portsmouth University
- Queen Mary, University of London
- University of Reading
- University of Roehampton
- University of Salford
- University of Sheffield
- University of South Wales
- University of Southampton
- Staffordshire University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Sunderland
- University of Surrey
- University of Sussex
- Swansea University
- Teesside University
- University of the Arts, London
- University of Law
- University of Ulster
- University of Warwick
- University of the West of England, Bristol
- University of West London
- University of the West of Scotland
- University of Westminster
- University of York
Documents for UK University Applications
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The specific documents required for international students applying to universities in the UK may vary
depending on the university and the course of study. However, there are some common documents that most
universities in the UK require as part of their application process. Some of these are:
-
Academic transcripts: These are official documents that show your academic record, including grades and
courses taken, from all previous educational institutions you have attended.
-
English language proficiency test scores: If English is not your first language, you may need to provide
scores from an English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
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Personal statement: This is a written statement, typically 500-1000 words in length, in which you explain
your interest in the course you are applying for, your relevant experiences and qualifications, and your
career goals.
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Letters of recommendation: These are typically written by teachers or professors who can vouch for your
academic ability and potential.
-
Passport: A copy of your passport or other official ID document may be required as proof of your
identity.
-
Visa documents: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide additional visa documents, such as
a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number.
-
Application fee: You will typically need to pay an application fee when you submit your application.
It is important to check the specific requirements for the universities and courses you are interested in, as
some may have additional requirements beyond these. Additionally, some universities may require original or
certified copies of certain documents, so make sure to check the application guidelines carefully.
Exam Requirement for Admission in UK
English proficiency is an important requirement for admission to universities in the United Kingdom. All
students must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency in order to gain admission to UK universities.
The most common tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English
(PTE), and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
For MS/MBA programs, a few universities in the UK may ask for additional tests, such as the GRE or the GMAT.
These tests are designed to measure aptitude and skills related to particular fields of study, such as
business or engineering.
Intakes in UK
- Fall intake: September/October
- Winter intake: January/February
While these two are the most popular intakes for international students, the UK attracts a sizable
international student population for its limited April/May intake for a few programs. The May intake has a
lower number of applicants and is thus less competitive. Each intake has a different application deadline and
time frame, so it’s important to research your options and plan accordingly.
Cost of Studying in UK
The cost of studying in the UK can vary greatly depending on the institution and the course chosen. Generally
speaking, tuition fees for international students range from £10,000 to £38,000 a year. This fee
will vary depending on the type of institution and the course studied. For example, courses in medicine and
engineering tend to be more expensive than courses in humanities.
Click here to find out the average tuition fee of popular programs in the UK.
Cost of Living in UK
Studying in the UK is an exciting prospect for many international students. Before taking the plunge and
enrolling in a course, it is important to understand the cost of living here. The average cost of living in
the UK is about £1,000-2000 per year. However, it may vary greatly depending on the city you choose
to study in and the lifestyle you wish to lead.
Some basic expenses in the UK include:
Rent
|
~£614-900
|
Utilities (gas, electricity, and water)
|
~£155
|
Travel
|
A travel pass typically averages at £55. However, there are significant discounts available
for students.
|
Personal Expenses
|
~£150-350
|
Other Miscellaneous Expenses
|
~£20-40
|
London is one of the most expensive cities in the UK, with monthly food costs averaging ~£200. This is
5% more expensive than in Liverpool (~£167) and 7% higher than in Manchester (£186).
Student Life in UK
Student life in the United Kingdom is a unique experience filled with excitement, learning and exploration.
The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, the National Theatre, and Tate Modern are must-sees during
your time in London. You must also treat yourself to the vibrant nightlife of London by visiting the West End,
or the “Theatreland” of London. The best theatres in London may be found in this area.
If you're in the historical towns of Oxford or Cambridge, you must try punting, a kind of boating that allows
you to view the famous bridges, go for a picnic and enjoy other activities. All other popular student
destinations in the UK, like Manchester and Edinburgh, also provide endless entertainment and leisure
activities for students.
Whether you are studying in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or any other city in the UK, you will be
surrounded by people from all over the world. This provides students with the opportunity to learn about
different cultures, customs, and ways of life. It also allows students to network with international students,
which can be a great way to build relationships and develop new skills.
Job Prospects in UK
According to the 'What do graduates do? 2023' report, which examines the destinations of first-degree
graduates 15 months after graduation, 57.3% of graduates were working full-time in the United Kingdom; 11.4%
were working part-time; 9.2% continued their education; and 10.6% were working and studying. The report
demonstrates the resilience of UK graduates and the labour market throughout the COVID-19 epidemic. The
statistics reveal that increasing numbers of international students are choosing to study in the UK because of
its impressive record of graduate employment.
Part-time Jobs for International Students
Part-time jobs for international students in the UK can provide a great way to supplement income and gain
valuable experience. With the right job, an international student can gain both financial and professional
benefits.
Part-time Work Restrictions in UK
-
Students at the Bachelor's level or above can work for up to 20 hours per week.
-
Full-time study is required for the student visa to be valid.
-
Students enrolled in part-time studies cannot work in the UK.
-
Until you have a work permit, you won't be able to work full-time (Tier 2).
-
Students are not allowed to freelance or do other form of self-employed work.
Part-time Work Options in UK
Teaching Assistant
|
~£9-10/hour
|
Research Assistant
|
~£12-15/hour
|
Tutor
|
~£20-25/hour
|
Marketing
|
~£9-12/hour
|
Accountancy
|
~£10-14/hour
|
Social Work
|
~£9-12/hour
|
Sales/ Customer Service
|
~£8-10/hour
|
Retail
|
~£9.38-10/hour
|
Full-time Jobs for International Students in UK
As per the Graduate Route Visa, international students who completed their education in summer 2021 or later
can live and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation. Students pursuing a Ph.D. will be granted a
three-year extension of their visa status.
Highest Paying Full-time Jobs in UK
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
|
~£1,494 – £1,864/week
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
|
~£1,877- £2,155/week
|
Personal Trainer
|
~£2,423/week
|
Marketing and Sales Directors
|
~£1,327/week
|
Legal Professionals
|
~£931 – £1,250/week
|
IT and Telecommunication Directors
|
~£2,403 – £3,365/week
|
Brokers
|
~£780.5 – £1,923/week
|
Financial Institution Manager
|
~£674 – £797/week
|
Medical Practitioners
|
~£1,419/week
|
Advertising and Public Relation Manager
|
~£649.8 – £711.5/week
|
Source: https://www.studying-in-uk.org/highest-paying-jobs-in-uk/
Scholarship Options in UK
Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students, and with the right scholarship, it could
become a reality. Scholarships are a great way to fund your studies in the UK. There are a variety of
scholarships available from universities, charities, and trusts, and it’s important to do your research
to see what is available to you. Some of these are:
Governmental Scholarships
The British government offers two significant scholarship programs for overseas students:
Chevening Scholarships, founded in 1983, is awarded to students with high academic potential. It offers two
grant types: scholarships and fellowships.
Funded by the Department for International Development, Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students
from Commonwealth countries. It covers tuition fees, airline airfares, essential living expenses plus other
allowances. Students who apply for the below programs are eligible:
Non-Governmental Scholarships
Some Non-Governmental Scholarships offered in the UK are:
The University of Cambridge, widely regarded as one of the top institutions in the world, offers an
attractive bursary plan to prospective overseas students. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers all your
studying expenses.
The Rhodes House Scholarships program is one of the oldest in the world, and it supports graduate students
who want to attend Oxford University. Ninety-five deserving students are selected every year as scholarship
recipients. The scholarship covers all university tuition expenses as well as two economy-class tickets, one
to arrive at the institution and the second to return home when the availability of the scholarship expires.
About 30 outstanding international students each year are awarded full tuition scholarships to study for a
doctoral degree at the University of Edinburgh. It covers a portion of your total tuition costs.
The British Council offers the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) award to international
students who want to study a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the UK. Typically, the amount of money awarded
for this sort of scholarship is between £3,000 and £10,000.
There are five undergraduate international scholarships available at the University of Bristol. These awards
total £8,500.
It is a merit-based scholarship program offered to international students applying for a Master’s or
PhD in the UK.
UK Student Visa
To apply for a UK student visa, you must have secured admission to a full-time program from a licensed
student sponsor. International students need to pay a fee of £363 for the UK Student Visa. Moreover, a
healthcare surcharge is required, the amount of which varies with the length of your stay.
Documents Required for UK Student Visa
-
Valid passport
-
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your applied institution
-
Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
-
Documentation of sufficient funds to cover living expenses throughout your time of education and study in
the UK
-
A valid ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, if required by your course and
nationality
-
English proficiency (exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS).
-
A consent from your parents if you are aged 16 or 17
Graduate Route Visa – Two-Year Post-Study Work Visa
The Graduate Route Visa is designed to allow international students to stay in the UK and work for two years
after they have completed their studies. This visa route is open to all international students who have
successfully completed a degree-level course at a UK university or college. This gives them the chance to
further develop their skills and gain valuable work experience in the UK.
Eligibility
-
You should have completed a Bachelorâs or a postgraduate degree, or any other eligible course in the UK,
and should be living in the UK at the time of application.
-
You should have a UK student visa.
-
Your study provider must have informed the Home Office about your successful graduation.
The application fee for the Graduate Route Visa is £715. Plus, you will have to pay a healthcare surcharge,
which is usually £624 for each year that you spend in the UK.
Steps to Apply for UK Student Visa
Once you have checked that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can start the application process. The
steps for applying for a UK visa are as follows:
-
Gather the required documents: The first step is to gather all the documents you will need to submit with
your application. Different types of visas will require different documents, so make sure you check the
specific requirements for the visa you are applying for.
-
Create an account on the UK government website: The next step is to create an account on the UK
government website. This will allow you to fill out the application form online and upload the required
documents.
-
Pay the application fee: Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the visa
application fee.
-
Submit the application: After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming that your
application has been received and is under review.
In case you want to withdraw your application, you may contact UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration). If your
application has not yet been processed, your money will be reimbursed.
FAQ’s
Students must have completed 10+2 or equivalent education for undergraduate programs and a
bachelor's degree for postgraduate programs. You must meet the English language proficiency
requirements of the university you are applying to.
The cost of studying in the UK varies depending on the university, course, and location. Tuition
fees for international students typically range from £10,000 to £30,000 per year. Living expenses,
including accommodation, food, and transportation, are estimated to be around £9,000 to £12,000
per year.
Students can apply for a student visa online through the UK government's visa application
website. You must provide proof of acceptance at a UK university, evidence of funds to support
themselves, and meet the English language proficiency requirements.
International students must prove their English language proficiency by taking a standardized
test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The required score may vary depending on the
university and course.
Most UK universities offer on-campus accommodation to international students. Students can also
look for private accommodation off-campus through websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom.
After graduation, international students can apply for a post-study work visa, which allows them
to work in the UK for up to 2 years. To be eligible for PR, you must work in the UK for at least
five years on a work visa. After you have worked in the UK for five years, you may be able to
apply for PR. You will need to provide proof of your employment and meet other requirements.