Study in UK

Why studying in UK is the best destination for an international student-

The UK emerges as an eminent option to continue the integral phase of learning. A country that boasts deep reverence for multiculturalism, known for its harmonical symbioses of diverse student bodies from all across the globe easing to assimilate into a diverse yet, unified learning culture. The UK Universities have gained a long-standing academic reputation as it’s a home to the world’s top three Universities and over ten universities among the Top100 in global ranking. The high-quality research framework with ground-breaking discoveries makes the UK as a popular destination to pursue research & technical fields. The consistent prominence in delivering excellent education gives a significant competitive edge to an international student paving the way for more promising career opportunities and employability. UK graduates are among the most employable in the world which reinforced in its internationally recognized qualification & Universities.

UK and India have signed MoU recognizing each other’s higher qualification which makes Indian students with UK master’s degree to fully access the public sector jobs (PSU). To explore and gain work experience within the UK after successful completion of the course, the UK government has launched a Graduate Visa Route Scheme under which an international student will be able to stay and work, in the UK for a maximum period of two years.

UK education framework encourages the intellectual advancements through its flexible curriculum, multifarious range of courses and shorter master’s programme cumulatively, critical options to evaluate to select the destination to UK study abroad. Besides academic excellence, the UK educational institutions extend indispensable support through various scholarships, grants and bursaries to offer financial assistance and also 20-hours-a-week work allowance which serves as a lucrative option for an international student who wishes to earn while studying to offset some of the expenses.

The UK's geographic location is a gateway to Europe as it provides easy access to the rest of Europe. As an Indian student, studying in the UK can offer the opportunity to explore other European countries and experience different cultures and languages during breaks or holidays.

Studying in UK Universities is a golden ticket to make your dreams a reality with a world-renowned education, ethnical inclusiveness and myriad support through various scholarship programmes and schemes makes the UK as an ideal destination for students who aspire to encapsulates the best learning experience.

VISA Rules and Obligations

To avail of a Tier 4 (General) student visa will be the next didactic strategy to study in the dream country UK!

An international student can apply for a UK student visa only after getting the acceptance letter (CAS) from any of the UK universities for full-time courses only. The candidate must apply for a student visa at least 6 months prior to the commencement of the course. The visa application fee will be £363 (USD 440) for an international student and generally decision on the visa will be notified within 3 weeks. An international student also needs to pay for UK healthcare as part of the immigration application, by doing so an immigrant student can avail the benefits of healthcare services in the UK just as the UK residents. The payment of the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) will be £470 per year for a student.

An international student must prove English language proficiency to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. According to that, the minimum criteria is CEFR level B2 for all UG courses and CEFR level B1 for PG courses. However, the university's requirements may vary. Language proficiency tests, preferably IELTS (since British academics designed it) are accepted but TOEFL is also considered by some Universities in the UK.

An international student must submit proof to show having enough money to sustain the stay throughout the study tenure. The amount of money needed depends upon where the student will be studying for example studying in London will be costlier comparatively, than studying in other parts of the UK. Student needs to prove funds for either of the two first-year tuition fees; OR Complete tuition fee for courses less than one year. The amount of living cost must be maintained at least £1,023 per month for up to 9 months. In the case of a student loan or financial sponsorship, the student needs to provide evidence of this from the loan or sponsorship company to the immigration application.

Apart from language & financial obligations, a student must also need to submit a tuberculosis result and police clearance certificate. International students must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for undergraduate or graduate research studies. The entry clearance officer (ECO) will ask to see the ATAS certificate as part of the student immigration application for permission to enter the UK, hence a mandate certificate to get.

The immigrant student also needs to abide by the general laid-ground rules of UK universities which are to maintain a minimum of 75% of attendance, should pay tuition fees by the census date of each term and student have to score an aggregate of 60% in each semester. The students are allowed to work part-time 20 hours a week. The immigrant student should notify the university within 14 days of reaching in UK and within 7 days if any change in the residential address.

Uk Scholarships For International Students

As a global educational attraction hub, the UK has recognized the cross-cultural competencies to boost innovation and competitiveness, allowing intellectual advancement opportunities for international students. Thus, the UK government offers indispensable support to aid in financial requirements for international students through various scholarship schemes for international students.

International students can extract the maximum benefits through these scholarship programmes while studying. Scholarships like GREAT award Indian students with a scholarship amount of £10,000 for tuition fees. GREAT scholarships are awarded for one-year postgraduate taught courses. Chevening Scholarship is another main state-governed global scholarship program in the UK. This scheme has a long-term goal of supporting students with high academic potential. This scholarship covers a wide range of expenses for an Indian student ranging from tuition fees to accommodation & travel expenses and many more. The intended student must give a try for this scholarship. The Chevening contribution to the tuition fee is capped at £22,000. Universities may contribute up to 20% towards the cap of £22,000 this eases the financial obligations significantly for an international student.

Commonwealth Scholarships is a rich scheme for students who wish to pursue master's and PhD courses from the UK. This fully-funded Commonwealth scholarship covers tuition fees, airline airfares, essential living costs, and other allowances for an international student. Along with a monthly based Stipend of £1,236 to £1,516 to support the unforeseen expenses in a foreign land. The generous scholarship has stringent criteria for academic performance to avail this scholarship, a student with a sound academic background can apply for this scholarship.

To support women in science, the UK government has launched an exceptional scholarship program known as British Council Scholarships for women in STEM. This scholarship programme aims to increase opportunities in STEM for girls and women. The scholarship offers extended economic support which includes tuition fees, stipends, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees also and English language support for a non-native speaker. The Indian student can avail the benefits of this scholarship condition by having a strong academic background with fervent passion for the intended course of studies.

Another remarkable scholarship Charles Wallace Trust scholarship is a boon for those who wish to explore careers in arts. CWIT enables Indians in the early to mid-stages of their careers to spend time in the UK, helping them to achieve artistic, academic and professional ambitions and to broaden their international contacts. Every year CWIT offers up to two long-term awards. These scholarships are for artists (all disciplines) and usually cover 10 months (the taught MA programme). The scholarships are for artists and heritage professionals aged between 28–38 years and enable them to gain expertise in their chosen fields through postgraduate study (one-year course) at a UK university.

Denys Holland Scholarship, a partially funded scholarship offers some bursaries for foreign undergraduate scholars who can’t fund their education abroad. Awardees collect £9,000 per academic year and are free to decide how they will spend them, whether paying tuition fees or living costs.

Umpteen options of financial aid through various government and non-government scholarships allow an international student to dream of impossible & incredible. The British government encourages young talent from all over the globe for a knowledge transfer and ensures the economic state shouldn’t be a hindrance to achieving what you aspire to be.