The UK has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality education, with many universities consistently ranking among the best in the world. The UK also has a diverse range of programs and courses, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.The UK offers a wide range of degree programs in various fields, including business, engineering, sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences. This provides students with a diverse range of options to choose from and enables them to pursue their interests and career aspirations.Many employers value the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that students develop through a UK education.The UK is a leader in research and innovation, with many universities at the forefront of cutting-edge research in various fields. Studying in the UK provides students with the opportunity to work with leading researchers and participate in groundbreaking research projects.The UK has a strong economy and many employment opportunities across various industries. Studying in the UK can provide students with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Studying in the UK offers Indian students not only a prestigious education but also promising career prospects in various sectors. Here’s an overview of career opportunities available for international students:
Part-Time Employment
Work Permissions: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Hourly Wages: Typically, students can earn between £5 to £7 per hour, translating to approximately £375 to £525 per month during the academic term.
Job Search: Opportunities can be found through local newspapers, university career centers, and job shops. Universities do not guarantee part-time employment.
Restrictions: Students enrolled in courses below degree level are limited to 10 hours of work per week, excluding Foundation Degree students. Students on short-term study visas (six months or less) cannot work or extend their visas.
Employment Opportunities After Graduation
Post-Study Work Visa: Recent changes allow international students to stay in the UK for two years post-graduation to seek employment opportunities, regardless of their field of study.
Application Process: Graduates must apply for the new visa, which includes visa fees and health surcharges.
Pathways: Successful employment can lead to switching to the skilled worker segment for settlement, with no restrictions on the type of job students can pursue.
Launch Date: The new visa route is expected to be implemented in summer 2021, benefiting graduates from the academic year 2020-21 and beyond.
Prominent Career Fields
Information Economy: Careers in IT, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
Oil and Gas: Opportunities in engineering, project management, and environmental sciences.
Construction: Roles in architecture, civil engineering, and project planning.
Creative Arts: Positions for graphic designers, animators, and multimedia artists.
Healthcare: Jobs in nursing, medical research, and pharmaceuticals.
Hospitality and Catering: Opportunities in restaurants, hotels, and event management.
Professional Services: Careers in consulting, finance, legal services, and marketing.
Education Cost
Comming Soon
Scholarship
Comming Soon
Application Procedure
Intakes
Main Intake: September/October is the primary intake period at most UK universities.
Additional Intake: Some universities offer January/February intakes for certain programs.
English Language Requirements
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 for postgraduate courses and 6.0 for undergraduate studies.
Other Tests: Some universities accept TOEFL and PTE scores as alternatives to IELTS.
Entry Requirements / Eligibility
Undergraduate Programs:
Required Percentage: Typically 80-85% for fields like Engineering, Law, and Management. Some top-ranked universities may require 90% or higher.
IB and A Levels: 38-40 points for IB and AAA in A Levels are preferred by many institutions.
Foundation and Diploma Courses: For students with scores below 60% in XII, these preparatory courses offer a pathway to higher-ranked universities.
Postgraduate Programs:
Minimum Requirement: Most universities prefer a minimum of 60% in the undergraduate degree. Some may require 70-75% or higher.
Additional Qualifications: Candidates with lower percentages can enhance their profiles with additional qualifications or relevant work experience.
MBA Programs:
Work Experience: 0-4 years of work experience is generally required. Some universities accept candidates without prior work experience.
AMBA Accreditation: Requirements may include GMAT, minimum age of 25, and at least 3 years of full-time post-graduation work experience, preferably in senior management roles.
Sandwich and Foundation Programs
Sandwich Programs: Combine periods of study with industry placements, extending the course duration to 4 years.
Required Documents
Attested Copies: Mark sheets of Standard X, XII, and all years of the bachelor's degree.
Academic References: Two academic reference letters, preferably from recent professors.
Work Experience: If applicable, a recommendation letter from an employer.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Outlining academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and skills.
Test Scores: Copies of GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores (if required).
Portfolio: Required for Art and Design courses and Architecture programs.
Certificates and Achievements: State and national level certificates, and evidence of extracurricular activities.
The Application Process
Undergraduate Courses:
Application Platform: Apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Number of Applications: Submit up to 5 university choices in one application cycle.
UCAS Fee: £26 GBP to process applications for multiple universities.
Postgraduate Programs:
Application Forms: Available at UK education consultant offices or university websites.
Multiple Applications: Apply to several universities to maximize options.
Application Fees: Some universities may charge a fee; check specific requirements.
Deadlines:
Art and Design: March 24th
Oxford / Cambridge: October 15th
Other Programs:
First Deadline - January 15th
Second & Final Deadline - June 30th
General Advice:
Apply Early: Submit applications at least 6-8 months in advance, especially for popular universities and competitive programs.
Education System
The education system in the United Kingdom offers students a diverse array of educational opportunities and flexibility to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals.
Division of Education System
The UK education system is divided into four main parts:
Primary Education:
Children typically start primary school at the age of 5 and attend until they are 11 years old.
Primary education forms the foundational years of a child’s learning journey.
Secondary Education:
Secondary education starts at age 11 and continues until age 16.
It is compulsory for students to attend secondary school, where they study a broad range of subjects and prepare for their future education or career paths.
Further Education:
After completing secondary education, students have the option to pursue further education through various pathways such as sixth form colleges, further education colleges, or vocational training centers.
This stage provides specialized education and training beyond the compulsory school age.
Higher Education:
Higher education in the UK includes universities and colleges that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees (Ph.D.).
Certification and Degrees
O Level (Ordinary Level): Equivalent to the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in many countries, typically taken around age 16.
A Levels (Advanced Level): Typically a two-year course taken after O Levels, equivalent to the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in many countries.
Bachelor’s Degree: Typically a three-year undergraduate program, but can be longer in the case of sandwich programs which include a year of work experience.
Master’s Degree: Generally one year for taught programs (MA, MSc) or longer for research-based programs (MPhil, MRes).
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy): Typically a three-year research program following a master’s degree, focusing on original research and a thesis.
Grading System
Secondary Schools (GCSEs and A Levels): Grades range from A (Excellent/Outstanding) to E (Failing), reflecting performance in examinations.
Higher Education Institutions: Use a similar alphabetical grading system for assessments.
Numerical Grading: Some institutions use a numerical grading system alongside alphabetical grades.
Types of Institutions
Universities: Offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, conducting research and providing higher education.
Open University: Offers distance learning and flexible part-time study options.
Colleges and Institutions of Higher Education: Provide vocational and professional education, including technical and specialized training.
Teacher Training Colleges: Specialize in training educators and professionals in the field of education.
Institutes: Often specialize in specific fields such as arts, technology, or business.
Visa
Introduction to the Student Route
As of 5th October 2020, the Tier 4 visa route for students has been replaced and renamed as the Student Route under the UK's new points-based immigration system. This update aims to streamline the process for international students wishing to study in the UK.
Key Requirements under the Student Route
The new Student Route under the points-based immigration system requires applicants to meet the following criteria to obtain a student visa:
Offer from Approved Educational Institution: Applicants must have an offer of enrollment from a recognized and approved educational institution in the UK.
Financial Support: Students must demonstrate that they have adequate financial means to support themselves during their studies in the UK. This typically includes proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. This can be demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, or by completing an English-taught qualification.
Point Calculation: To qualify for a student visa, applicants must score a minimum of 70 points based on the criteria above. Points are allocated as follows:
Offer from approved institution: 50 points
Financial support: 10 points
English language proficiency: 10 points
Graduate Visa Route
Starting in summer 2021, the UK will introduce a new graduate visa route, allowing students who have completed their studies in the UK to stay back for a period of:
2 years: For undergraduate and master's degree graduates.
3 years: For PhD graduates from universities in the UK.
This graduate visa route aims to provide international students with an opportunity to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies, enhancing their career prospects.
Application Process
The application for a student visa under the Student Route typically involves the following steps:
Acceptance from Institution: Receive a formal offer of acceptance from a recognized UK educational institution.
Financial Documentation: Gather and submit evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses in the UK.
English Language Proficiency: Provide proof of English language proficiency through recognized tests or qualifications.
Visa Application: Complete and submit the visa application online, including biometric information and supporting documents.
Biometric Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Decision and Approval: Wait for the decision on the visa application, which may take several weeks.
Faq's
1. Are there any benefits offered to international students when they decide to study in the UK?
International students receive several benefits, including:
NHS (National Health Service): All international students studying in the UK for 6 months or more qualify for health care through the NHS. A nominal charge is paid at the time of the visa application.
National Union of Students (NUS): Membership provides access to various discounts on books, stationery, food, clothing, travel, and entertainment. Membership is free for all students.
2. Will I get a refund if my visa is refused?
Yes, if your visa is refused and you have already paid a deposit to your institution for tuition fees, you will receive a refund upon sending a copy of your visa refusal letter from the High Commission. Some institutions may deduct a small administrative fee, usually not exceeding £100.
3. How can I fund my studies in the UK?
There are several ways to fund your studies, including:
Family Funds: Support from family savings and income.
Bank Loans: Many nationalized banks offer student loans at competitive rates, often requiring collateral.
Scholarships and Bursaries: Various scholarships and bursaries are available for international students.
Sponsorships: Financial support from organizations or individuals.
Savings and Fixed Deposits: Savings accounts and fixed deposits maintained for at least 28 days.
4. Should I pay a deposit?
Some universities in the UK require a deposit to secure your place. Paying a deposit can also facilitate the student visa process. It is recommended to pay the deposit if required by the institution.
5. How are universities in the UK rated?
The UK does not have a formal ranking system, but the quality of education is monitored by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Additionally, the Research Assessment Exercise, conducted every five years, evaluates the level of research activity in university departments, grading them from 1 to 5*. General league tables, such as those published by the Sunday Times and Financial Times, can also provide insights into university ratings.
6. How do I calculate the cost of studying in the UK from India?
The cost of education includes tuition fees for the first twelve months and living expenses for the first nine months, which are estimated at GBP 1015 - GBP 1265 per month, depending on the location. If the program duration is less than nine months, costs can be calculated proportionately.