Last edited: May 2022
Gobsmacked by the number, are you? No reason to be. The UK still stands as the second most popular international study destination.
Q- Why study in the UK?
It’s really not that hard to see why you want to choose the land of Mary Poppins.
A few reasons among the many maaaany include… (other than their yummy Fish ‘n’ Chips (!) i.e.)
The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities such as
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University of Glasgow
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- University of Edinburgh
- King’s College London
- University of Manchester
And psstt…here are the universities in the UK with the most Indian students if you are worried about feeling out of place-
- University of Greenwich
- Middlesex University
- Cardiff University
- University of East London
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Salford
- University of Hertfordshire
- Northumbria University
- Liverpool John Moores University
1. Plus - London alone has more than 40 higher education institutions (you heard right), all with world-class faculties; internationally recognised qualifications; and cutting-edge research. Many of the world’s best universities are located in London:
- University College London (UCL)
- Imperial College London
- King's College London
- City, University of London
- Brunel University
- Birkbeck, University of London
2. Plus who wants a study experience just of doing assignments and listening to lectures? In the UK…you will get the opportunity to learn from and really experience your surroundings - Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland - all of it - with their beauty, culture, landscape, and history - will really bring life to your student experience.
Q- Can you tell me a bit about the different kinds of degrees available there?
Across over 165 of its higher education institutions, the UK offers these degrees for international students…
- Bachelor’s degrees or first degree courses in arts and sciences that take up three to four years of your student life span. These could be inclusive of a short thesis as well.
- Sandwich programmes are those that combine practical and coursework. You could finish two years of college, then complete a year of training and then return to your final year.
- The HND or the Higher National Diploma – which is a two-year programme in vocational subjects.
- Vocational programmes help you enter university life slowly. Once you are done with your one or two year programme, you can transfer to your desired university in the UK.
- Master’s programmes usually last for one year or in a few cases two years. Doctorate completion will span at least three years.
Q – What’s a popular programme in the UK picked by Indian students for 2022-2023?
Management!
Q- Can I get like a checklist of what to look out for while looking to study in the UK?
Sure- here you go…
- When is the last date of application for the programme?
- Do you meet entry requirements?
- Do the tuition and accommodation fee fall in your budget range?
- Are there options for financial aid?
- Does the school have the kind of facilities you need for hands-on learning?
- What do other students have to say about the school or the programme?
- Are the programmes industry-relevant or research-centric?
Q- Out of curiosity - what are the minimum IELTS/TOEFL scores that are accepted generally across UK institutions?
Well – if you’re applying for undergraduate study, you’ll need a minimum of 6.0 in your IELTS. However, few universities waive off IELTS as a requirement if you scored over 70% in the English subject under ICSE/ CBSE boards. For postgraduate application, you’ll have to score at least 6.5 (no band less than 6). Also bear in mind – top universities will generally have higher requirements to meet. For more specifics, you will have to check the university websites you plan to apply to.
Q - I’m lost - Can you tell me how to apply?
At the undergrad level, you have to fill out the UCAS form. This is how it is for most undergraduate programmes in universities - with a few exceptions that let you apply directly.
At the postgraduate level, you’ll need to fill out the application form from the university website that is specified for international students.
Or get in touch with us, and we will give you a hand with the process- we have the kind of experience and expertise in the education industry like no one else.
Q- I’m so new at this - what kind of a visa process does the UK have?
Your visa applications have to be done online and available at the UK Visas and Immigration website. Once you’re done with the form- submit it along with the required visa fee, immigration health surcharge fee and documentation.
You will need your acceptance letter from your chosen university along with financial documents as well - proving you can fund yourself for your stay there.
Q – What is ATAS?
Basically, certain programmes – such as those that deal with the study of bombs or other dangerous/hazardous subjects – require students to meet specific requirements of the ATAS (The Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate. Mechanical, chemical and auto-motive engineering are the common areas that require ATAS and you’ll have to apply to these programmes by the end of May.
Q – What do I need to know about the intake periods for UK universities?
The top universities in the UK complete intakes for most of their popular programmes by January. The remaining institutions have intakes open till April.
Q – Can I stay back in the UK after my education? If yes, how long?
Until a few years back, international students could stay back only for 4 months after completing their programme. However, with the Graduate Route introduced in 2021, international students who successfully complete their undergraduate or postgraduate programme can stay back for 2 years. Students who complete their PhD can stay back for 3 years.
There is also the Student Visa Pilot scheme, that ensures swifter student visa processing for international students looking to study masters courses in any of the 23 universities which are part of the scheme.
Some of the universities that are part of the scheme include:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of Bath
- Imperial College London
- Cardiff University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Warwick
Q- How much would student life in the UK dent my wallet?
The cost of studying in the UK depends a LOT on the area you choose to live in. If you choose… let’s say London - then it will easily cost you about GBP 15,180 per year; and areas outside London could cost you up to GBP 12,180 per year. During your visa process, you’ll be required to show funds that will cover your living expenses while in the UK.
Q – How much do I need to shell out for tuition fees?
Generally, tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate study range between GBP 12,000 to GBP 38,000.
Q- Help - I need some financial assistance. Are scholarships a possibility in the UK?
Financial support and assistance in the UK are mostly merit-based and few are nationality-based. You could avail scholarships and bursaries worth up to GBP 10,000 from universities.
In fact, one of our students won a 100% postgraduate scholarship from Coventry University, the UK in 2018. Aniruddha Gunjal, who did mechanical engineering in his bachelor’s, came to us for guidance on how to go about pursuing his passion to study abroad. Our expert counsellors guided him right from shortlisting the right universities to the application process.
If you have more questions, just get in touch with us and we will help you know all you need to know to study in the UK. We help students applying at all levels – both undergraduate and postgraduate study. Even if you missed the main intakes, we can help you apply during the clearing period.