Study in UK

Key Highlights of Study in UK:

Education System in UK

The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts: primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education.

1.    Primary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 11, and it lays the foundation for their future learning.

2.    Secondary education is divided into two phases: Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16). At the end of Key Stage 4, students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, which determine whether they can progress to further education or not.

3.    Further education includes a range of courses, such as vocational and technical education, apprenticeships, and adult learning. These courses help individuals acquire practical skills and knowledge to enter the workforce or progress to higher education.

4.    Higher education system in the UK is known for its quality and diversity. It comprises universities, colleges, and institutions that offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.

•  Undergraduate degree programs, also known as Bachelor's degrees, typically last for three years, while some courses, such as engineering, architecture, and medicine, may take longer.
• Postgraduate programs, also known as Master's degrees, usually last for one to two years, depending on the program.
• Doctoral or PhD programs can take three to four years to complete.

One of the notable features of the UK higher education system is its emphasis on research. The best universities in the UK for Indian students are globally renowned for their research output and are at the forefront of ground-breaking discoveries in fields such as science, medicine, and technology.

Credit System in UK:

In the UK higher education system, the credit system is used to measure the amount of learning required for a course or program. The credit system assigns a certain number of credits to each module, which is then used to calculate the total number of credits required for a degree.One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of study, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and self-study. For example, a typical undergraduate degree program in the UK is typically 360 credits, which takes three years of full-time study to complete.

The credit system in the UK provides a flexible approach to higher education, allowing students to study at their own pace and transfer credits between institutions.

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is also widely used in the UK to facilitate credit transfer and recognition across Europe. Students can easily transfer credits earned in the UK to other European universities and vice versa. The credit system also enables students to build a personalized program of study, combining different modules and subjects to suit their interests and career goals.

Best Courses to Study in the UK & Tuition Fees:

There are many popular courses to study in the UK for international students, including:

·         MBA

·         Engineering & Technology

·         Computer Science and IT

·         Medicine and Healthcare

·         Law

·         Nursing

·         Languages & Linguistic

·         Fashion Design

Top universities to study in the UK:

There are many popular universities to study in the UK for Indian Students. Here is a list of some of the best universities in the UK:

Intakes Available in the UK:

In the UK, universities typically offer two to three intakes for international students:

1.   Autumn or September/October Intake: This is the central intake and the most popular among international students. Most universities offer courses starting in September or October, with applications closing in June or July. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of Cambridge usually do Autumn intake.

2.   Spring or January/February Intake: Some universities also offer a January or February intake, ideal for students who miss the September intake or want to take a gap year. However, the January/February intake usually has fewer courses available than the September intake. Universities like Queen Mary University of London, University of Liverpool, and Brunel University usually do spring intake.

3.   Summer or May-August Intake: Some Universities & Colleges also offer Summer Intake. University of Chester, Keele University, and Northumbria University do summer intake

Cost to study in the UK:

The following is a list of universities, along with the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students.

Cost of living in the UK:

The cost of living in the UK for international students varies depending on location, accommodation, and lifestyle. Monthly living expenses in London range from £1300-£1400, while in the rest of the UK, they are typically £900-£1300. However, affordable student accommodation is available, and part-time work opportunities can supplement living expenses. It's crucial for international students to plan their budgets carefully and make use of resources such as scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs.

Expenses Incurred to Study in UK

Best Student Cities in UK:

According to QS Best Student Cities 2023, the following are the best cities for International students:

Admission Requirements to Study in UK:

Below are the requirements to study in the UK for Indian students.

·         For undergraduate programs, students must have completed their secondary education or high school equivalent.

·         Direct entry to the first year of an undergraduate/bachelor's degree is available for students who are studying A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

·         For postgraduate programs, students must have a relevant undergraduate degree. Some courses may also require relevant work experience.

·         International students must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL.

·         For Bachelor's degrees requiring IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component is required, while Master's degrees require a minimum overall score of 6.5 with a 6.0 score in writing.

·         For Bachelor's degrees requiring TOEFL, a minimum score of 78 is needed with at least 17 in Listening, Writing, 18 in Reading, and 20 in Speaking; for Master's degrees, a minimum score of 88 is required with at least 17 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 18 in Reading, and 20 in Speaking. 

Admission Process in UK’s Universities:

The admission process for UK universities involves several steps:

1.       To study in the UK, it's necessary to research and compare different courses, colleges, and universities and check their admission requirements.

2.       To apply for an undergraduate course in the UK, you can use UCAS, while postgraduate courses have their application processes, which can be found on the individual course websites.

3.       After applying to a university or college through UCAS, you will receive an offer via email with specific requirements that you must fulfill, and for some courses, you may be required to attend an interview before receiving an offer.

4.       Once you receive an offer, arrange for funding now and check if you are eligible for any scholarships that can assist with the expenses of your studies.

5.    Apply for a Visa and plan your stay.

6.    After receiving your offer and visa, you can start preparing for your trip by considering your travel arrangements, accommodation options, and other necessities.

Documents required to study in the UK:

To apply for a UK student visa, you need:

·         A valid passport

·         Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

·         Proof of English language proficiency

·         A bank statement showing you have enough funds for tuition fees and living expenses

·         Evidence of your relationship with your parents if the funds are in their name.

·         Tuberculosis test result

·         If any document is not in English, you must provide a translation.

Student visa requirements for UK

To study in the UK from India, most students need to obtain a Tier 4 or General Student Visa, which has two categories: Tier 4 (General) Student Visa for those above 16 years old and Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa for those aged 4-15 years.

For students over 18 years old taking a short course, a short-term study visa is available, valid for up to six months for most short courses, and can be extended for up to 11 months for English language courses.

Applications for UK student visas can be made up to three months before the course start date, and the processing time is typically within three weeks (15 working days) of application. To acquire a UK student visa under the Tier 4 General category, one must pay a fee of around £348.

Enrolment in any bachelor’s degree program or master's in the UK for Indian students listed in the UKBA Sponsor List or recognized body list allows students to work full-time during holidays and up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, the government has reinstated a two-year after-study work visa for all international students.

Documents you may require to apply for a study visa to the UK:

 ·       Original Passport with validity

·         Receipt of fee payment

·         Medical Certificate

·         Original Appointment Letter from University

·         Original Mark sheets

·         Scores of IELTS/TOEFL

·         Bank Statement

·         Passport size photograph

·         Income Tax Return

Which exam is required for study in the UK?

For studying in the UK, international students may be required to take one of several exams to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

The most common ones are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

 These exams assess the student's skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English. The specific requirements for English language proficiency vary depending on the institution and the course of study.

 Other than the English Test, Specific courses may require applicants to take certain exams as a part of the admission process such as:

Scholarships for Higher Studies in the UK for Indian Students:

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in the UK:

 The United Kingdom is a highly sought-after destination for international students due to its world-renowned universities and numerous career opportunities. The country boasts a strong economy, with thriving industries in business, science, technology, and healthcare. While the cost of living in the UK may be relatively high, the rewards are substantial, including a promising employment rate and an excellent quality of life in a diverse and multicultural environment. As a result, many international students opt to apply for post-study work permits in the UK.

Why Study in UK

With many world-recognized universities and colleges, the UK offers a wholesome academic experience to students. Educational institutions in the UK are known for creating a challenging yet creative environment for students to thrive.

There are various reasons for students to pick the UK as their education destination. Some of them are:

• Academic Excellence - Four leading UK universities have been rated in the top 10 list, as per QS World University Rankings, 2021. 
• Quality Education - The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is a national body established to ensure the highest teaching standards in institutions across the UK. 
• Flexibility - Students get the freedom to customize their degree courses and pick a combination of subjects they want to study. 
• Graduate Visa - The UK government allows students to apply for a Graduate Visa. It can help a student stay in the country for two years after the course completion and search for work opportunities. 
• Diverse Atmosphere- People from all corners of the world come to study in the UK. As a result, you get to network with people from multiple cultures. 

Admission Requirements to Study in UK for Indian Students

Admission requirements for UK universities vary with the level of education and the program students choose. However, Indian students will be required to prove their English proficiency by submitting scores of globally accepted English language proficiency tests like

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• CAE
• CPE

Ensure that the minimum score matches your selected institution's guidelines. Students must also have a stellar academic record in the past with at least 65% in the high school certificate for humanities and 70% or above for science and commerce. 

For selected courses, the students will also need to submit SAT/ACT scores between 400 to 1,600. 

Students must ensure that all essential documents are available at hand. Some of the standard paperwork needed is

• Relevant academic transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation and Statement of Purpose
• Bank balance proof
• English proficiency test score
• Updated resume
• Portfolio if applicable