Study in the United Kingdom
World-class education with ICP Overseas Education & Immigration
Living in United Kingdom
Your comprehensive guide to student life in the UK including accommodation, travel, health and more.
Finding Accommodation
UK towns and cities have long experience of providing homes for students and there are many affordable, comfortable and safe places to live.
You should always try to arrange your long-term accommodation before you leave home. Your institution should be able to help you with this. Colleges have student advisers who can advise you on how to find accommodation and universities have accommodation officers.
Institution Accommodation
If you are coming to the UK for the first time, accommodation provided by your school, college or university might be the most suitable choice. This is an option taken up by more than half of the international students on degree courses in the UK.
There are advantages to living in accommodation provided by your institution:
- You usually live close to where you are studying
- You get to know other students easily
- You are likely to spend less time traveling
- You will be living in a safe and secure environment
Accommodation Costs
College and university accommodation is affordable: a room in a self-catering hall of residence or student apartment costs from £180 to £360 per month. The term self-catering means that you will have access to a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
Some universities and colleges also offer accommodation where meals are provided and the cost of your breakfast and evening meal is included in the rent you pay. Where meals are included you can expect to pay from £320 to £400 per month.
Private Sector Options
If you choose to rent accommodation in the private sector, the options are private hostels, lodgings, bed-sits or shared flats/houses. A lodging is where you rent a room in a private house. Your landlord/landlady would live in the same house, possibly with their family, and would prepare your meals for you.
For hostel accommodation and lodgings where meals are included, you can expect to pay £300 to £400 per month. For a bed-sit or a room in a house or flat shared with other students, you would pay from £200 to £380 per month.
Telephone Services
Public telephones in the UK can be coin operated or card operated. To use a card-operated phone, you need either a credit card or a special, pre-paid phonecard. Phonecards come in values of £2, £5, £10 and £20 and you can buy them from newsagents, post offices and supermarkets.
Low Cost Calling
Calling from a private phone is significantly cheaper than calling from a public phone. Inland calls (calls within the UK) are cheapest between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. International calls are cheapest between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. There are also reduced rates on weekends.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are widely used in the UK and can be particularly convenient for students. Before you buy one, check all details of the competing packages carefully, including both the monthly charge and the charges for calls.
Emails
If you have your own computer, you can sign up directly with one of the UK's internet service providers. Several now offer free access; all you pay is the phone company's charges for your connection time.
Alternatively, sign up with one of the many web-based email services (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) and then check your email using online computer terminals at your institution, a public library or a friend's home.
Postal Services
Post Offices are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. You can also buy stamps at newsagents, supermarkets and some other shops.
Shopping Hours
Supermarkets are usually open on Monday to Saturday from 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 or 8:00 p.m. In larger cities, you will find more and more supermarkets open twenty-four hours a day. Many are also open on Sundays from around 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.
Clothing Shopping
If you come from a country with a very different climate, you may also need to buy some clothing when you get here. Clothing shops, shoe shops and department stores are usually open on Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.
Department stores sell clothing plus such household goods as bed-linen, towels, clocks and/or kitchen utensils.
Library Resources
Your college or university will have its own library, but the local public library can be a useful resource as well. You can read and study there, borrow books and other items, get access to the Internet using public computer terminals, and find information on local history, services and social events.
UK Cuisine
Contemporary UK cooking offers a mouth-watering variety of foods, drawing on a menu of international styles and culinary traditions. British cuisine has changed drastically the past few decades.
Chinese, Indian, Italian and French cuisine is now as popular in the UK as the typical culinary traditions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants have been joined by Lebanese, Persian, Indonesian, Spanish, Mexican, and Thai restaurants in most cities.
Eating Out
Eating Out in the UK is truly an international experience - you can find restaurants serving almost any kind of food you would like to try, especially in cities and larger towns. Most restaurants display their menu outside so that you can check what they have to offer before you go in.
National Health Service (NHS)
As an international student, you, your spouse and any children who accompany you to the UK as your dependents, may be entitled to free or subsidized treatment under the UK's National Health Service (NHS). If you are studying on a full-time course in Scotland, you will receive this benefit regardless of the length of your course. Elsewhere in the UK, you will receive this benefit if your course lasts more than six months.
Registering with a Doctor
To receive any kind of treatment through the NHS, you must be registered with a doctor or General Practitioner (GP). GPs are doctors who are trained and experienced in diagnosing a wide range of health problems. If your school, college or university has a health centre, you may be able to register with a doctor there or they may be able to recommend a local doctor or GP.
Adjusting to a New Country
Arriving in a different country can be a scary experience at first. Do not be surprised if, after the excitement of arriving, you later find the UK strange or you miss home. You will not be alone - others will be feeling the same way. Don't worry, these feelings will quickly pass and you will soon get caught up in the heady bustle of student life.
Essential Documents
Make sure you have all necessary documents when traveling to the UK:
- Your valid passport with visa or entry clearance
- Your travel tickets
- Money - cash, travellers cheques, and credit card
- Health documents, if required
- A letter of acceptance from your institution
- Documentary proof that you have enough money to pay your fees and meet your living costs
- Originals (or certified true copies) of any degree certificates or technical qualifications you have
Planning Your Arrival
When booking your travel to the UK, make sure you know what time it will be in the UK when you get here. If possible, arrange to arrive on a weekday, rather than at the weekend or on a public holiday. Try to arrive in the morning; this will give you time to reach your final destination and settle in during working hours when transportation links are most frequent and all services and facilities (such as banks and shops) are open.
Meet and Greet Services
Many students make their arrangements for travelling to their college or university when they make their flight arrangements with a travel agent. In this case, when you reach the UK you can continue on your journey by following the instructions you have already been given.
You may well find that your chosen college or university operates a 'meet and greet' service, where a representative will collect you from the airport and take you to the institution or your accommodation.
Pre-Departure Briefing
ICP Overseas Education & Immigration runs pre-departure briefing programmes for its students to help them prepare for life in the UK.
UK Culture and Leisure
Studying in the UK is not only a wonderful opportunity to benefit from a world-class education but also a chance to experience the country's vibrant culture.
Although the UK is relatively small in size, it offers a wealth of attractions. Look beyond London and you will find a nation as diverse as it is accessible and affordable.
Sports
Sport is popular in the UK. Football, cricket and rugby are the national games but UK colleges and universities will have a range of sports teams and clubs. If you prefer to go along and watch, look out for cricket (at cricket grounds and village greens from May to September), international athletics events, golf tournaments, the Wimbledon tennis championships, the London Marathon, horse-racing and the Oxford and Cambridge boat race.
Sightseeing
There are many places in the UK you will not want to miss, such as the sights of cities like London, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, and York.
Outdoor Adventure
The UK boasts a wide variety of landscapes and an equally wide choice of outdoor fun. Miles of rivers and sandy coastlines are ideal for rowing, sailing, white water rafting, canoeing and fishing. Tennis courts and swimming pools can be found in almost all towns. And thousands of acres of countryside, many of them in national parks, offer ideal terrain for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Travel in the UK
The UK is truly a hub of the global community with many air, sea, road and rail links connecting it to every country in the world. Flights from all the major cities in the world arrive at one or more UK airports every day. A local airport serves most major UK cities so it's easy to make connections to destinations anywhere in the country.
Air Travel
The major airport near London is Heathrow. Links to continental European cities are particularly good. Flights from the UK to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome and many other European destinations are numerous and frequent.
Many budget fares are available on these routes and a number of UK travel agencies specialize in budget travel for students.
Rail & Coach Travel
Cities in the UK are connected by a fast and efficient railway network and by frequent coach services. Various travel passes are available, providing unlimited travel over specified periods and distances. This approach can make it easy to get around and see everything you want to.
Many UK travel organisations offer special discounted fares for students. If you buy a Young Person's Railcard or a Student Coach Card, for example, you will get reduced fares on most journeys.
Road Travel
An extensive motorway network links all major towns and cities. If you want to drive a car or motorcycle in the UK, you must have a valid licence and you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old to drive a moped).
Travel in Europe
The UK is the perfect starting point for visiting the rest of Europe. From here, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to get to other European countries, whether by plane, by ferry or by train through the Channel Tunnel, and city-to-city journeys are generally quick.
There are many discount airfares for students and your Students Union should be able to tell you about other special student fares.
Family Visits
The UK is a law-abiding, well-governed, stable and orderly society - a safe and welcoming place for your family. The UK is home to people from many ethnic, religious and national origins, and the different groups live in harmony.
Once you and your family arrive, you will find many services that contribute to the high standard of living in the UK. If you are eligible for free treatment from the UK's National Health Service during your stay, then your family will be as well.
Studying Costs in UK
Studying in the UK is great value for money. Degree courses are generally shorter than in the USA and Australia, making them more affordable.
Undergraduate Fees
£15,755 - £23,190 per year*
Postgraduate Fees
£12,000 - £18,000 per year
Accommodation Costs
Flat-Share Rental
£350 - £450 per month (single room)
£550 - £720 per month (double room)
One Bedroom Flat
£900 - £1,000 per month in London
£750 - £900 per month in other major cities
Monthly Living Costs
Why UK is Affordable
UK Degrees can take only 3 years and Postgraduate Master's courses only 1 year compared with 4 years and 2 years in most other countries. This means you will save a great deal on both tuition fees and living costs. UK degree courses are shorter because they are more intensive, and therefore more efficient in terms of your time and money.
Health care is often free for international students. You are likely to be able to take advantage of National Health Service (NHS) treatment, as well as reduced-cost medicines, dental treatment and eye tests.
Scholarships and Work
Thousands of scholarships are offered by UK institutions just for international students, while more than 21,000 international students receive scholarship funding from the UK Government every year.
Under existing work regulations, international students in the UK can work up to 20 hours a week when studying and full time during vacations.
Estimating Your Costs
It is important you have a clear idea of the overall cost of studying in the UK, not just tuition fees but all the everyday expenses you will incur. Prices for accommodation and daily shopping vary between different regions of the UK. The figures are intended as a guide only. You should remember that London will be more expensive. Costs in other major UK cities may also be above average.
Student Discounts
Special reductions are offered for students at many shops, theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries; and special student fares are available on buses and trains. Many discounts are negotiated by the National Union of Students (NUS), an organisation that represents the interests of all students in the UK.
Recent discounts listed on the NUS website included 10% off purchases of selected items at HMV (a music and video retailer) and at Topshop/Topman (a chain of clothing shops). Ask at your Students' Union for details of the latest student discounts.
Scholarship Opportunities
The UK Universities have good scholarships. The total worth of these scholarships is over 1 million pounds. With 198 scholarships on offer, it is a great opportunity for international students wishing to make the most of their UK education.
Students may avail these scholarships for 29 undergraduate and 169 postgraduate courses. These include Engineering, Law, Business, Art & Design, Bio-sciences, IT and more; at 40 UK institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scholarship Amounts
Ranges from £1,000 to £3,000
Great India Scholarship - £5,000
About United Kingdom
Learn about the UK's modern environment, culture, travel opportunities and more.
Global Economy Skills
In an increasingly globalised world economy, people need special skills and qualities to succeed. Employers want employees who can think effectively, creatively and independently. This is an essential part of the UK learning experience. Institutions use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to encourage independence, as well as mastery of the subject.
Academic Excellence
UK scientists and institutions have won almost 100 Nobel Prizes for their scientific achievements. The UK's creative brains - artists, fashion designers, film and T.V stars, and leisure software designers - are regarded as among the best in the world.
Independent Learning
At degree and postgraduate level in particular, students are encouraged to read widely, to question and analyse what they have read, and to discuss openly their own ideas in seminars and tutorials. Career-based courses are designed to equip you for specific roles in the modern world of work.
English Language Skills
English language skills will be important for your future career prospects. English is acknowledged as the language of business, science, IT and the internet around the world. Learning English in the UK allows you to immerse yourself in the language, to live and think in English.
Cosmopolitan Society
The UK is a cosmopolitan place to live. Many thousands of families from around the world have made the UK their home, creating a richly diverse, open-minded, multicultural society. There are also more than a quarter of a million international students in the UK at a given time.
Popular Culture
You have probably come across the UK's vibrant popular culture through its music, television and films. Now you can find out what it's like to be a real part of it. This is the home of David Beckham and Kate Winslet.
Social Life
UK people like to get together and enjoy themselves. Theatres, concerts and art galleries can be found in all large towns and cities; big sports events take place every weekend; pubs and restaurants are everywhere.
Diverse Society
The United Kingdom is a diverse and multi-ethnic society, where students of all backgrounds are welcome and their involvement in local communities is valued.
The UK is made up of 3 different countries and a province: England, Scotland, Wales and the province of Northern Ireland. These countries all have very different characters and identities.
Seasonal Food
Meals and diet in the UK tend to vary to reflect the changing seasons of the year. For example, in the winter, stews, casseroles and roasts tend to be popular, while, in the summer, salads and lighter meals are eaten regularly. Supermarket chains import many foods, so they are able to stock vegetables, salads and fruits throughout the year.
Airport Security
Security at international airports is now very tight and there will be a number of items that you will not be permitted to carry in your hand luggage such as scissors and knives. Your airline will be able to provide a list of prohibited items.
Flag of UK
Four Countries in One
When you come to the UK, you get 3 countries and a province in one: England, Scotland, Wales and the province of Northern Ireland. Each has its own distinctive history, landscape and modern culture. And, because they are all within easy reach of one another, they are easy to explore.
Transport Network
The national air, rail, coach and bus networks will get you almost anywhere in the UK, so you will not need a car, as you might in some countries. Discounts or special rates are generally available for students on most forms of transport.
Banking and Finance
Britain is one of the world's leading financial centers. Banking, Finance, Insurance, and other business services accounted for about 12 percent of Britain's output in 1996 and more than a million people were employed in this sector.
Bank of England
The Bank of England, chartered in 1694, was nationalized in 1946 and is the only bank that issues banknotes in England and Wales. Several banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland issue currencies in limited amounts. After the Labour government was elected in 1997 the Bank of England was given operational independence in monetary policy.
Commercial Banks
There are more than a dozen major commercial banks in Britain, including Lloyds TSB, Barclays, National Westminster, and HSBC. The postal system, savings banks, and cooperative and building societies also provide some banking services.
Currency
The pound sterling (£1), consisting of 100 pence, is the basic unit of currency in Britain (£0.69 equal U.S.$1; 1996 average). Before Britain converted its currency to the decimal system between 1968 and 1971, the pound equaled 20 shillings and each shilling was made up of 12 pence.
The currency in the United Kingdom may change in the next few years to the euro, the new unit of currency being established within the European Union.
For currency exchange rate visit www.xe.com/ucc
Test Requirements for UK
It is important to become proficient in English to make your stay in United Kingdom a good one. You will probably be required to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) before you will be admitted to a UK university.
UK Visa
You will need to have a valid passport and a visa in order to enter United Kingdom. Since it can take several months to obtain a passport and all the documentation, start the process as soon as you can.
Visa Application
Student visas can be obtained from the offices of the British High Commission in Delhi and the British Deputy High Commissions in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Students need to prove that they have an CAS statement from the Institution (CAS - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), sufficient funds to cover the entire cost of studying and living in Britain and that they intend to return home on completion of their course.
Required Documents
- Completed visa application forms (Online and Appendix 8) with two photographs
- Valid passport (in original)
- Visa Fee (non-refundable)
- CAS - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a UK institution for a full time course
- Proof of funding (Bank Education Loan, Bank Statement, Bank Fixed Deposits, Letter from Sponsor etc.)
- Originals of education certificates and English language test (IELTS) score sheet (if applicable)
TIER 4 Immigration Rules Changes
On 11 March 2016 changes to the Tier 4 provisions of the Immigration Rules are being laid in Parliament. These changes take effect from 6 April 2016, and will apply to applications for entry clearance or leave to enter or remain that are made on or after this date.
Main Changes
- Reduced maintenance requirements for certain student categories
- Extension and switching provisions for independent school students
- English language requirements exemptions for US study abroad students
- Stricter academic progression rules
- New rules about changing courses with same Tier 4 sponsor
- Revised calculation of time limits in Tier 4
Other Clarifications
- The maximum limit of eight years' study under Tier 4 applies to students who have completed a course leading to a postgraduate research qualification or research master's degree, as well as PhDs.
- Tier 4 PhD students with entry clearance, as well as those with leave to remain, are permitted to apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme.
- The Home Office uses UK agency NARIC to determine the level of international qualifications, not to assess UK qualifications.
Entry Clearance
The British Government determines the list of visa-national-countries. Your nearest British Council office or British Mission (British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission) will be able to tell you whether or not your country is on the list.
Visa Nationals
If you are a visa national, you must apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK. There is a charge for the application. You must satisfy the ECO at a British Mission that you meet the Immigration Rules. The ECO will then issue you entry clearance (more commonly known as a visa) in the form of a sticker in your passport.
The entry clearance should normally be valid for the whole length of your course. When you arrive in the UK, the Immigration Officer at the port of entry (e.g. Heathrow airport) will put a date stamp in your passport to show when you entered the UK. Your permission to be in the UK begins on that date and expires on the date indicated on the entry clearance.
Bringing Family Members
You will usually be allowed to bring your spouse and any children under 18 years of age to the UK, if you are holding an offer for a Master's Degree from a University and as long as you can show that you can financially support and accommodate them. You will also need to show the ECO a marriage certificate, and a birth certificate for each child.
Family Visa Conditions
It is advisable for family members to apply for entry clearance, even if they are not visa nationals. They will normally be given permission to stay in the UK for the same period as you. Your spouse will be allowed to work if your permission to be in the UK lasts for 12 months or more.
Make sure your spouse has a copy of your passport with them if they apply after you - the Immigration Officer will need to see the page showing your name, your entry clearance sticker (if you have one) and how long your permission lasts. If your permission to be in the UK lasts for less than 12 months, your spouse will not be allowed to work.
Universities in UK
This section takes you through the profile of Universities in United Kingdom. It starts with tips on finding the course that's right for you and ends with choosing the right university.
UK Higher Education
The UK higher education sector includes over 90 universities and over 150 colleges and institutions offering studies at undergraduate degree level and above.
UK vs Indian Degree Comparison
In the UK education system, it is important to make your choice of institution according to the course you wish to take and the institution's reputation in that field.
| British Degree | Indian Equivalent Degree |
|---|---|
| British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree | A three-year Indian Graduation Degree like B.A. or B.Sc. and other such courses. |
| British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree | A four-year Indian graduation course like B.E. or B.Tech. Or other such courses. OR A post graduate degree, from Indian university, like M.A., M.Sc. or other such courses. |
| British Master's Degree | A post graduate degree like M.Tech. or M.E. from I.I.T. or I.I.Sc. and other such colleges |
Academic Year
The academic year in Britain starts in September or October and finishes in June or July of the following year. In schools and colleges of further education, entry is possible in September or January (depending on the course). Higher education institutions normally only have one entry point, in September. The applications to the universities are usually made three to four months prior to the date of commencement of the course.
Quality Assurance
It is illegal in the UK to offer degrees or related qualifications without proper authorisation. Authorisation may be granted under Royal Charter or by Act of Parliament or by a special order of the Department for Education and Skills.
The higher education (HE) sector includes over 90 universities and over 150 colleges and institutions offering studies at undergraduate degree level and above. Several different quality checks are imposed on these institutions.
Institutions Internal Quality Assurance
Universities and colleges in the UK are autonomous, self-governing institutions with full legal responsibility for the quality and standards of their programmes and awards. They have their own quality assurance mechanisms, which include external examiners.
The Institutional Quality Audit
This procedure produced audit reports which dealt with each institution's overall systems for assuring and enhancing quality. Institutional Quality Audits were carried out by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) from 1991 until 2003.
Subject Review (Teaching Quality Assessment)
This measure ran from 1994 until 2001 and focused on the quality of teaching and learning in specific subjects. Full details of the system, including the results are available through the QAA website.
International Environment
Universities and colleges in the UK are increasingly international. When you study here, you are likely to find yourself meeting students from all over the world. More than 90 countries may be represented on campus and each student makes a unique contribution to the life of the institution, both academically and culturally.
Campus Facilities
Universities and most colleges will have refectories (dining halls) that serve a range of relatively inexpensive and nourishing dishes at lunchtime and in the evenings. These normally include at least one vegetarian dish and a choice of other European and international dishes. Students Unions often run their own coffee bars and restaurants as well.
Popular Programmes in UK
Education System in UK
This section gives you details about your Work Permits and employment Opportunity.
Basic Steps for Applying
- Choosing your required programme
- Identifying Universities
- Health documents, if required
- Taking various required tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, etc.
- Arranging and preparing essays and recommendation letters
- Completing and sending application forms along with required documents
- Applying for VISA after obtaining unconditional offer from the universities
Postgraduate Programmes
Incase of postgraduate programmes, applications can be made directly to the respective universities and colleges. There is no cut-off date to receive applications, but students are advised to apply in advance as some of the popular courses will get filled up fast.
Master's Degree
Master's Degree is conferred after one or two years study following the Bachelor's Degree. Study is in a specialized field. In some cases, the degree is awarded solely after a written examination but candidates must usually submit a dissertation.
Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy
The third stage is that of pure research. At a university, it leads, after two years of additional study and the successful presentation of a thesis, to the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) Degree. After usually three years' further study beyond the Master's Degree, the candidate may present a thesis for the Doctorate of Philosophy (D.Phil. or Ph.D.)
Higher Doctorate
A further stage leads to Higher Doctorates which may be awarded by a university in Law, Humanities, Science, Medical Sciences, Music and Theology after a candidate, usually a senior university teacher, has submitted a number of learned, usually published, works.
Undergraduate Applications
Students wishing to apply for an undergraduate programme should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Its functions are to organize and regulate the process of entry to full-time and sandwich bachelor's degree courses in all the UK universities (except the Open University) and most other colleges.
The UCAS application allows the students to indicate a maximum of 6 institutions of their choice. The deadline to receive applications at UCAS is 15th January for the following academic year.
Bachelor's Degree
This stage lasts for three or four years and leads to the award of a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Science or other fields (Technology, Law, Engineering, etc.). In some Scottish universities the first degree is a Master's Degree.
Bachelor Degree Examples
Degree Classifications
Reasons to Study in UK
15 Years Education
Requires only 15 years of education for direct entry into postgraduate programme.
Work Opportunities
International students studying at UK institutions are not required to obtain permission from the jobcentre to take spare time and vacation work.
Centralized Application
One centralized application form for six undergraduate courses and generally no application fee for postgraduate courses.
Shorter Duration
In UK, most undergraduate degrees take only 3 years while postgraduate degrees take one year; you spend less time away from home and less money on course fees
Quality Assurance
Educational institutions are constantly monitored and reviewed to ensure that courses offered are of high quality.
Global Recognition
Qualifications from the UK are some of the most recognized and respected worldwide.
Internationally Recognized Qualifications
UK qualifications are recognized and respected globally. Your UK qualification will be a good foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a stimulating, creative and challenging environment in which to develop your potential.
Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. Universities, colleges and schools continually have to prove that their courses meet strict criteria. Many other countries are now trying to follow the example of the UK.
Diverse Educational Options
There are more than 3,000 educational institutions that welcome international students in the UK. You can choose from a variety of routes through the education and training system, combining different types of course according to your needs and abilities. Many courses can also be taken through distance learning in your home country.
The sheer variety of specialisms means you will be able to find a course that suits your real interests, your ambitions and passions. For example, in the UK, you could specialise in anything from Computer Games programming, Satellite Positioning Technology or Sound Engineering to Multi-Media Design, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Hotel Management or Dance.
Support for International Students
The UK has been welcoming international students for generations. We have many years of experience of looking after your needs, and will give you special support from the moment you apply and throughout your time in the UK.
Your local British Council office will give you advice and information on choosing courses and help you with your application. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) makes applying to a number of institutions at the same time easy. You can also apply via the Internet if you prefer.
Many institutions arrange for you to be collected from the airport and offer guaranteed accommodation for your first year. They will provide a dedicated international office, international student societies, planned social activities, academic support, counsellors and advisers.
UK Education Systems
The UK has two distinct education systems: one for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland. Each is compatible with the other.
Quality Standards
Whatever level and type of British course you choose, you can expect to benefit from the highest quality of teaching and research, backed up by rigorous quality assessment. The UK leads the world in developing quality standards and performance measures.
Quality Qualifications
This extensive, sophisticated system of quality assurance means that, when you choose to study in the UK, you can be confident that the course and institution you have chosen are closely monitored to ensure high standards. All nationally recognized qualifications offered in the UK are subject to strict quality standards.
Taught Masters
| Qualifications Offered | Entrance Requirements | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA, MSc, LLM, MEd, Others | British or recognised overseas undergraduate degree in a relevant subject plus English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS band six or above). | Programmes are intensive with heavy workload. Students attend classes and lectures, do independent reading and/or experimental work between classes, complete regular written assignments, and write a substantial dissertation. | Taught elements assessed by continuous assessment and/or final exams. The dissertation forms a major part of the total assessment. | One Year to Two Years (With Internship) |
Research Masters
| Qualifications Offered | Entrance Requirements | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil., MA/M.Sc. by research, M.Res. | British or recognised overseas undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, at 2.1 Honours or above plus English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS band six or above). | Students are expected to work on their own under the guidance of a supervisor. The first two-thirds of the programme are spent researching the topic and planning the dissertation. The remaining time is spent writing the dissertation. | Dissertation - typically 30,000 to 40,000 words. | One Year to Three Years |
Research Doctorates
| Qualifications Offered | Entrance Requirements | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D, D.Phil. | Taught or research Masters degree in a relevant subject plus English Language proficiency (e.g. IELTS band 6 or above). An outstanding academic record is expected. | Students will be expected to work on their own to a large extent, under the guidance of a supervisor. The research is usually written during the third year. The first two years are spent researching the topic and planning the dissertation. | Dissertation - typically of 70,000-1,00,000 words. | Three Years minimum |
MBA Programs
Business studies are increasingly popular with students from all countries and the MBA (Master of Business Administration) is the most popular business qualification. MBA programmes are designed to develop management skills, knowledge, the ability to analyze complex problems and the ability to make decisions.
| Qualifications Offered | Entrance Requirements | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) Both general and specialised versions are available. | British or recognised overseas undergraduate degree or a professional qualification plus a good GMAT score plus English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS band six or above). | Projects, practical work and simulations or games are important elements. Lectures (sometimes involving guest speakers from industry) and seminars are also used. | Continuous assessment plus dissertation and exams. | About One Year |
Why study GCSE's, A-levels and other equivalents in the UK?
Students come from all over the world to study for the UK's universally known and respected GCSE's, A-levels, Standard Grades, Highers and other equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate. These are academic and career-based courses designed to stretch your ability and imagination.
What can I study? - GCSE's
Students usually study from eight to 12 GCSE subjects over two years. Most students study a core of statutory subjects and choose additional subjects from a list.
Core subjects include English, mathematics, design and technology, a modern language, a science, information and communications technology (ICT), physical education and citizenship.
AS-levels and A-levels
They are advised to choose subjects that will help their future career and/or university application. The vast choice of subjects on offer includes all the GCSE subjects listed above plus geology, sports studies, electronics, photography, theatre studies, media studies and many others.
AS-levels and A-levels take two years altogether. In the first year, you study four or five subjects at AS-level. An AS-level counts as the first half of an A-level in the same subject. In the second year, you choose two to four of those subjects (usually three) to study at A-level.
Application Process
The UK offers exceptional scope for acquiring academic and vocational qualifications to enable you to pursue a wide range of careers.
UK schools, colleges and universities pride themselves on helping international students find the most appropriate course.
The best time to begin preparing your application for degree courses is June to August a year before the September/October when you would like to start.
Career-based Courses
For all other career-based programmes, you should apply directly to the institution which offers the course. Contact the institution and ask for a prospectus and an application form. Alternatively, all British Council offices have standard application forms that you can use, or contact ICP Overseas Education.
Degree Courses
To apply for full-time undergraduate degree courses, you simply make a single approach through the centralised application process. This service is provided by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). All UK universities and most colleges of higher education are members of UCAS.
The UCAS Application Process
You may apply to up to six institutions on a single UCAS application form. The current fee for applying through this system is £5 for a single choice and £15 for up to Six choices. You can submit only one UCAS application form per year.
Student Support Services
Leaving home to study in a different country is always a big step. Fortunately, the UK has a long tradition of welcoming international students to its shores.
British schools, colleges and universities have developed world-class student services. These, along with the welfare services provided in the wider community, ensure quality support for international students.
English Language Courses
Most English language schools provide a student welfare service to help with accommodation, visas, legal requirements and so on, even before students reach the UK. On arrival, schools provide a meet and greet service for new students, as well as transportation to the school. Orientation courses will help you settle in.
Degree Courses
Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international advisers whose job is to provide support for international students. The international office is the first point of contact for many international students.
UK Teaching Approaches
UK approaches to teaching have evolved over many hundreds of years and aim to encourage independent, thoughtful and confident students. Rigorous quality assurance and academic audit procedures ensure that the educational opportunities available in the UK meet the best standards.
English Language Courses
The teaching style is mainly practical and you will be encouraged to communicate from the moment you enter the classroom. Students on these courses are immersed in the language, rather than just studying it.
Degree Courses
During your degree programme, some of your specific courses will be compulsory but others will be optional, allowing you to tailor the programme to your specific needs.
Postgraduate Programmes
All postgraduate programmes require you to do a great deal of work on your own initiative. On taught courses, postgraduate tutors and lecturers will provide the framework of the course and, within this, you will be able to pursue your own interests.
Education Loans
Bank Loans are easily available for higher studies anywhere in the world. Loans should be preferably taken from a Nationalised Bank. The term & condition for educational loans may vary from Bank to Bank.
Eligibility
All Professional / Technical job oriented courses offered by reputed Universities.
Loan Amount
Maximum Rs.20 Lakhs.
Security
- For Loans up to Rs.4 Lakhs, no collateral security is required.
- For Loans above Rs.4 Lakhs & Upto Rs. 7.50 Lakhs Collateral Security in the form of satisfactory Third Party Guarantee.
- For Loans above Rs.7.50 Lakhs Collateral Security is required.
Documents Required
- Loan application
- Admission Letter from College/University
- Academic documents of the student
- Photograph, Residence proof of borrower and guarantor
- Covering letter stating sources of owned funds
Working in United Kingdom
This section gives you details about your Work Permits and Student Work Regulations in UK.
Work Permit FAQs
Can I work whilst I am studying in the UK?
Most students on courses of more than 6 months will be given a passport stamp that allows them to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and any number of hours during the vacations.
Can my husband/wife/son/daughter work whilst I study in the UK?
This will depend on the amount of time you are given to study in the UK. If you are given 12 months or more, then your husband / wife / son / daughter joining you in the UK should be given a passport stamp which allows him or her to work.
Can I stay in the UK to work after I have finished studying?
Yes. The UK offers a minimum 2 years of post-study work permit option. It may be possible for students to stay in the UK for practical training or work experience with 'Graduate Route VISA'. With this VISA, students completing their higher education program in summer 2021 onwards will be eligible for 2 years of stay back.
Work During Studies
The Rules state that applicants must be able to support themselves and any dependants without working. This means that while there is provision for students to take employment during vacations or spare time, no account may be taken of any prospective earnings from that employment in assessing the ability of a student to meet the maintenance requirement.
20 hours/week - part time and during holidays 40hours/week.
Work Regulations
Students studying at UK institutions may take part-time or vacation work without needing to obtain permission from the local job centre. Similarly, they are able to do work placements which are part of a course or to undertake internship placements without the need to obtain permission from Work Permits (UK).
Conditions
- The student should not work more than 20 hours per week during term time except where the placement meets the definition of a course or internship
- The student should not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer
- The student should not pursue a career by filling a permanent, full-time vacancy
Job Search
You can find out what part-time jobs are available by consulting notice boards around your institution, looking in local newspapers and Job centres, and visiting your college or university placement office. Many institutions now have their own 'job shop', which displays part-time and holiday vacancies and sometimes issues job vacancy bulletins.
The careers service can also provide you with extensive information and advice about employment, training and further study and practical help with job-hunting and making applications.
Post-Study Work
Some changes have been introduced that have made it easier for students to stay on in the UK to work. Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, students who have successfully completed a recognised degree course may be able to switch to work permit employment in the UK after completing their studies.
Special provisions have always applied to Doctors, Dentists and Nurses and these will continue.
Work Experience After Studies
On graduation, there may be opportunities to work with leading UK and international corporations in the UK, or to join national and international firms in Europe, the United States or, indeed, in any part of the world. At the end of your course, you may be able to stay and work in the UK through TWES. To be eligible for this scheme, you will have to do one of the following:
- Undertake training leading to a recognised professional or specialist qualification
- Follow a graduate training programme leading to international employment
- Join a work experience scheme where you gain up to 12 months work experience with a UK employer
Ready to Begin Your UK Education Journey?
Contact ICP Overseas Education & Immigration for personalized guidance
