International Students
UK is one of the most pupolar education destinations for international students!
Student Environment
With its world-class education system, UK is an increasingly popular study destination for international students interested in education abroad. The UK has about 435,230 international students from more than 120 countries studying in public funded & private colleges and universities. They are enrolled in a wide range of disciplines at every level of education, including short-term and professional courses, diplomas, bachelor degree and other post-graduate studies.
The average class environment presents a multicultural environment proving that the UK is rapidly making its place in the "Global Village". Thus Experiencing a diverse culture can broaden students’ outlook and will benefit students in an increasing globalized economy.
What and where to study
With its world-class education system, UK is an increasingly popular study destination for international students interested in education abroad. The UK has about 435,230 international students from more than 120 countries studying in public funded & private colleges and universities. They are enrolled in a wide range of disciplines at every level of education, including short-term and professional courses, diplomas, bachelor degree and other post-graduate studies.
For decades, the UK has been one of the top overseas choices for schools, further and higher education. And with a reputation for teaching excellence, plus a strong support network, it's easy to see why. Every year, close to 500,000 students from around the world come to study at UK schools, colleges and universities.
The Recognition of the British Qualifications
UK immigration permission is granted only for study at colleges and universities which are listed on the Register of Tier 4 Sponsors.
It is very important that you check whether the institution you want to attend is on the Register of Tier 4 Sponsors before you make your immigration application. If the institution does not have a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence, your application will be refused. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) regularly carries out independent audits of Higher Education Institutions. They ensure that institutions in the UK are providing higher education, awards and qualifications of an acceptable quality and at an appropriate academic standard. It is due to such checks & balances that the British brand of education has world-wide recognition and acceptability.
The Cost of Study
Per year Tuition fees vary considerably from institution to institution and from course to course. In private colleges (undergraduate career based courses, like certificates, diplomas,BTECs, HNC/HNDs, it can be from £3000 to £5000 whereas for Postgraduate courses it can be from £6500 to £7500. In public funded colleges it is from £5500 to £6500 whereas in the institutions of higher education (like universities) the fee schedule is something like from £6500 to £9500 for undergraduate and from £7500 to £12,000 for postgraduate courses.
UKBA advises higher the per month living cost in the UK. However, the expereince tells us that, keeping in mind the particular "thrifty" life style of the students from South-East Asia and Africa, the cost can be as low as half of the amounts mentioned above. Most students in the UK need about £500 a month to live on.
Student Accommodation
Most UK universities and some colleges provide accommodation for international students. This will either be a room in halls of residence (either full-board or self-catering) or a self-catering shared house or flat. If you want to stay in university/college owned accommodation you should apply as soon as you are accepted on your course.However, this is sometimes considered more expensive than private accommodation. So you can make the most of your funds as an international student by renting a private accommodation. The most usual type is a room in a house or flat shared with other students. A typical university / college owned accommodation can cost you about £500 a month whereas a private accommodation can cost you half of this. However, the options available to you and its cost will depend on your institution and your host town or city.
Student Facilities
UK is not only a great study destination but also a fun and friendly place to live in. Many schools, colleges and universities have international student societies to support you throughout your time in the UK. These societies organise activities such as parties, pub quizzes, film nights and excursions to local tourist attractions etc. At your college / university, there should be a student welfare officer, dedicated to the well-being of students. Most of the British Educational institutions are equipped with latest computer lab and libraries. Students get discounts on travelling and some other utilities.
All students need to be medically insured. Most schools, colleges and universities run sport societies – such as football, yoga, dance, cricket, rugby, athletics and hockey.There are many outstanding museums and art galleries too.
Admissions Requirements for Vocational / Dip. / Cet. Study
In most colleges you need to have basic schooling for admission in a certificate level course whereas for admission at diploma level course, you need to have 12/13 years of schooling (i.e. HSSC) or basic schooling with a certificate level course from the UK.
Ususally you need 4.5 to 5.0 IELTS bands for admission at this level.
Admissions Requirement for Undergraduate Study
The qualifications you need depend on the course you want to study. You should have completed at least 13 years of education in your own country or in the UK, and have taken pre-university qualifications. For foundation Degree - you need qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0• Diploma of Higher Education - qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0• For Bachelor Degree - you need qualifications equivalent to two or three UK A-levels, a Higher National Certificate or Diploma, or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 6.0-6.5
Student Admissions
In universities, most of the courses start in September each year. If you are applying through UCAS, you need to apply about 10 months in advance. If you are applying directly, you need at least 6 months. For some courses, there is a January/February intake in the Universities. There are two intakes in public funded colleges and you can apply four months in advance of your course start date.
For private colleges, there are ususally 4 intakes in a year in Jan. April, July and Sep. You can apply two months in advance of your course start date. General English language courses in language schools and private colleges start every Monday. Please remember to save at least one month for visa processing.
Student Visa
For adult and child student visas, the UK has a points-based visa system which is designed to be objective and transparent. To apply, you need to gain 40 points. This includes 30 points for a “confirmation of acceptance for studies” from the university, college or school where you want to study. The remaining 10 points comes from demonstrating that you can afford to cover all or part of your fees and living costs to study in the UK.
This the introduction of "Point Based System" under Tier 4, UK students visa has gone through many big and minor changes. Despite all these changes, it is still much easier than the student visa systems of many other developed countries like Canada & Australia. Click here to read more.
Student Job
Many Tier 4 (General) students can do some work in the UK during their studies. Tier 4 (Child) students who are aged 16 or older can work up to 10 - 20 hours a week and in long holidays like in summer vacations they are allowed to work full time . Younger students are not allowed to work.
Tier 4 (General) students can work if they study at a higher education institution (HEI) or an overseas HEI. Tier 4 sponsors are listed by type of institution in the register of Tier 4 sponsors.
Students whose Tier 4 (General) sponsor is a private provider (including embedded colleges), a publicly-funded college or an independent school cannot work. However, it is possible to undertake work placements that are an assessed part of the course. To be sure of your working rights, check what your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) says.
Student Family
You can bring dependants with you only if you are studying a postgraduate course at a university or publicly funded college. The course must be more than 12 months' duration. You will have to demonstrate your family members (or you) have sufficient funds to cover monthly living costs.
Previously all students could bring their dependents to the UK. However from 4th July 2011 the immigration rules changed. It is now only possible to bring dependants (your spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner or children) with you to the UK if you are studying on a postgraduate courses lasting for a minimum of 12 moths, or if you are a government sponsored student studying on a course lasting for more than 6 months. Other students are no longer permitted to bring dependants with them to the UK.
Admissions Requirement for Postgraduate Study
To start a postgraduate course in the UK, you'll need to hold an undergraduate degree from the UK or overseas. You'll be expected to have obtained a first or good 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject and you'll need to speak English to at least IELTS 6.5 level for most courses.
• Pre-master's - undergraduate degree plus IELTS 5.0-5.5
• PG Cert/PG Dip - undergraduate degree plus IELTS 6.5-7.0, or a pre-master's course
• Master's degree - first or upper second class undergraduate degree plus IELTS 7.0, or a pre-master's course
• MBA - first degree, 2-3 years’ business experience, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0
• PhD - master's degree, plus IELTS 6.5-7.
Work placements and internships
Placements are an excellent way of obtaining work experience, especially if you are not otherwise allowed to take employment in the UK. The experience you gain can help you make decisions about your later career and is helpful when applying for jobs after your study.
You can do a work placement as part of your course even if you are not permitted to take employment. The only exceptions are if your Tier 4 sponsor has probationary sponsor status and your course is below degree level, or if you are under 16 years old.
A work placement must be an assessed part of your course and must not take up more than one third or half of your course, depending on the level of course and your Tier 4 sponsor.
