Beginners Guide

Study in the UK:
The United Kingdom is consisting of four countries that are all governed by the same government.

England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each has its own culture and atmosphere. When it comes to higher education, students have a wide range of options when it comes to selecting a college or university.

While some organizations seek to rate schools and universities, the concept of “fit” is as important. The GPA* of admitted students is important, but majors offered, location, number of students enrolled, and campus culture are all factors influencing a prospective student’s decision. Some colleges and universities are subsidized by the government, while others are supported privately. GPA stands for grade point average. It is the average of all the grades received.

Read the article below to learn why you should study in the UK and other relevant information to assist you make your decision.

Latest Updates

Suella Braverman, the British Home Secretary, has proposed limiting the number of days that international student can stay in the UK after finishing their studies. the current ‘Graduate Visa Route,’ international students can stay in the country for up to two years after finishing their studies if they do not have a job offer. However, if the new standard is followed, the same stay will be shortened to six months. Furthermore, if students are unable to secure a skilled employment and work visa within six months, they will be forced to leave the country. The UK Department for Education has expressed its disagreement with the same.

Although there are speculations that difficulty might prevail regarding student visas in the UK from the year 2023, students can still change their status to work visas before graduating. According to a London-based immigration and visa specialist, the UK government is attempting to make it easier for international students who aim to stay and work in the country. The new rules will provide better and more chances for foreign students, attracting people with diverse abilities to the UK, he said.

Popular Student Destinations:

The leading universities in the United Kingdom include the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, the University of Durham, and others (in no particular order). The majority of the country’s top colleges are in London, followed by Cambridge, Oxford, and Manchester.

Popular Courses in the UK:

Sociology and Social Studies, Law, Business Management, Computer Science, Communications/Media are the popular courses that overseas students pursue in UK. I

 Safety in the UK:

 Weather:

The climate in the United Kingdom varies from day to day. Weather forecasting is challenging. In general, the summers are warm and winters see snowfall. Summers are cooler than other countries.

England – England is sunnier throughout the year than the rest of the UK. There may be heavy winds on occasion. Furthermore, the rains are unpredictable, and it could rain at any time of year. Popular cities include London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The average temperature in summer is around 25°C to 15°C, while winter is around 7°C to 0°C.

Scotland: Scotland’s climate is temperate and can be variable. Rainfall in Scotland is not uniform, with the west receiving significantly more than the east. The major cities are Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. Summer temperature is around to 19°C to 10°C, while winter temperatures is around 6°C to -1°C.

Wales: The majority of the rain in Wales falls between October and January. Winter brings shorter days and snow to the region. Summers are warmer than in other places of the United Kingdom. Popular cities include Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea. Summer temperatures range from 23°C to 12°C, while winter temperatures range from 8°C to 1°C.

North Ireland: The winters in this region are mild, and the summers are cool. Northern Ireland is cloudier than England and receives less sunshine comparatively. Some of the most popular cities are Belfast, Lisburn, and Newry. Summer temperatures range from 19°C to 10°C, while winter temperatures range from 8°C to 0°C.

Lifestyle Tips:

To open a bank account in the United Kingdom, all international students must need a letter from their college. This letter will be given to you by the college at the induction and registration events. All international students in the United Kingdom must register with a local doctor. Again, during the induction and registration events, the college will assist you in arranging this.

You will have full access to the university’s wide range of clubs and societies. Throughout your studies, the college will also organize social events. This would include the city tours, ice skating, ten-pin bowling, and visits to other UK cities. Furthermore, the UK offers you brilliant opportunities for recreation such as music concerts, museums, visits to castles, and much more.

Make sure that you enjoy yourself to the fullest maintaining a balance between your academics and leisure.

Accommodation:

To begin, you must determine whether you wish to live in university-managed accommodation or with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also provide you with a catered or self-catered option. The benefits of catered accommodation include having your meals prepared for you and having some control over meal expenses. If you have an idea about what you prefer, the accommodation office at your university will be able to tell you what options are available, so that’s where you should start.

If you choose to rent from a private landlord or if your preferred university does not have any housing available, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Wherever you choose to live, make sure you understand your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most circumstances, you will be requested to sign a tenancy agreement, which you should carefully read before signing.

The kind of accommodation options available would be –

• Short-term accommodation: Hostels and hotels. Your institution may provide temporary housing while you settle in. For more information, contact your institution’s international support department or visit their website.
•  Rental: You can rent or ‘lease’ a house either alone or with friends.
• This can be done privately or through a real estate agent.
• On-Campus: Living might be an excellent way to reduce travel.
• Most universities offer comfortable and furnished apartment-style housing on or near campus.
• Homestay: This option allows you to live with a family in their home.

Orientation:

Orientation week is mandatory for international students, so make sure you arrive early. This is where you will be introduced to the university and its amenities, as well as enrol for classes. It is important that you study the guidebook provided by the college. Each step of the admissions process is explained in the guide.

Activities:

Colleges, along with sports provide students with a variety of extracurricular activities. Music, drama, science and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Music, drama, science and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres, concerts, and places relevant to the courses of study such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific companies and projects are all part of college life.

Academic Requirements

These vary based on the study program and level. International students must meet a minimum English language requirement for each subject. A minimum academic record of 65% and above in the humanities stream in class XII, and 70-80% and above in the Science/Commerce stream in class XII, will also be required. Students with less than a 60% average can enroll in Foundations and Diploma programs. Before beginning a degree program, the student must be 18 years old.

Documents required by UG aspirants for UK Student Visa

• Marksheets and certificate of the tenth and twelfth
• Academic transcript
• English proficiency test scores: IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE Test/ Other
• Personal statement
• Reference letters
• Copy of passport
• CV (if applicable)

It is important to remember that these figures are only for reference, actual figures may differ from university to university.

The following documents also need to be submitted for post-graduate aspirants:

• Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
  At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds

SOP:
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. t is always written in the first person and describes why you are applying to a specific college. It should emphasize why you are an excellent fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The writing style could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should also reflect your personality.

Essay:

Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

LOR:

A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the prospective student’s qualities, characteristics, and skills in order to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s capacity to execute a specific activity or role. A third party could be a professor, a direct manager, or etc.

Timeline

Here is a timeline to follow to get admission steps completed in time:

12-18 months before enrolment:

• Start researching and select 8-12 universities to which you will apply. Visit university websites and make a note of application requirements, deadlines, and so on.
• Learn about options to fund your studies.
• Make custom application strategies for different universities.

Read and Download: Study in the UK: Timeline guide

10-12 months prior to enrolment:

• This is the point at which you move from preparation to application creation. Think what makes you stand out as an applicant and write down your strengths and self-assessment.
• Register for the required standardized tests, such as the GMAT, GRE, UKCAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, depending on the course and university.

10 months before enrolment:

• To begin, download admissions brochures from university websites.
• Start working the UCAS admission form and application.
• Look for and apply for foreign scholarships (if applicable).
• Take standardized tests such as the GMAT or TOEFL.
• Request at least two reference letters from your professors and direct managers.
• Start writing your SOP and essays.
• Plan for your expenses, such as applying for an education loan, alongside your admission applications.

Enrolments:

• Apply as soon as possible!
• You may be required to participate in a video interview in front of the admissions committee.
• You will receive your rejection letter through email between April and June (the months may vary).
• The acceptance letter assists you in obtaining a student visa.
• Gather the necessary documentation for your student visa.
• You must notify the colleges of your decision, pay a non-refundable deposit, and apply for your student visa by the deadline.

Application fee:

When applying to colleges, you must pay an application fee. The application fee will vary based on the college and course being applied for, therefore check with specific colleges regarding their application charge.

UCAS:

All undergraduate applications are filled through the Universities and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS), a central organization in the United Kingdom responsible for processing undergraduate applications and forwarding them to the respective institutions. UCAS allows you to apply to five universities using a common form. One course costs £22.5, while additional courses cost £27. UCAS services are intended for admission to the September/October intake in the United Kingdom, and you should apply directly to a university for courses beginning in January or February. All students applying in 2023 must register in the UCAS Hub in order to begin and access their applications.

Note 
Students seeking admission to a postgraduate program must apply to specific universities using their own application forms. For a nominal fee, most institutions allow you to apply online.

Once the application form has been completed, the required supporting documents must be submitted to the institution. Although universities do not have a deadline, it is recommended that you apply early in order to increase your chances of being accepted.

Furthermore, students can register with UCAS Postgraduate. After registering, individuals can browse for and shortlist courses. Several postgraduate courses can be applied for using the same services (not all postgraduate courses).

Intake Seasons:

In the United Kingdom, the main intake seasons are September/October and January/February. UCAS services are intended for admission to the September or October intake in the United Kingdom. For courses beginning in January or February, you must apply directly to a university.

Language Exams:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardized language assessments that are necessary for college admission. These follow different formats, structure, and result bands. These tests are different in various ways but many colleges ask for any one of the results. So, it’s up to the student to decide which exam to appear for. These follow to various formats, structures, and result bands.

Repetition of exams:

IELTS can be taken as many times as you like. TOEFL can be retaken as many times as desired, but no more than once in a 12-day period. PTE can also be taken as many times as required. You must wait for your results before scheduling your next test.

Time to apply:   If you want to apply for the September intake, you should take these examinations by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The universities to which you will apply will specify which exam results they will accept. However, if they give you the option of choosing one of these, the decision is yours. The time required to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE would depend on the existing English language proficiency. Before the exam, you may need 2 to 4 months of preparation.

General Exams:

GMAT: The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is designed to assess a potential MBA aspirant’s ability to pursue higher education in the field of business or management. It assesses the student’s mathematical, English, and reasoning abilities.

GRE: The Graduate Record Examination is another test required to be taken by students applying to graduate schools to pursue MA or MS. Many business schools are now using GRE scores as part of the admissions process for MBA programs.

The university to which you are applying will specify which exam results will be applicable to the course of your choice. However, if they give you the option of choosing one of these, the decision is yours.

Repetition and fee: You can take the GMAT an unlimited number of times, with a five-test maximum per year and a 30-day break between tests. You can take these tests after a 30-day break. The GMAT costs US $275 and the GRE costs US $213. If you want to apply for the September intake, you should take these examinations by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. Preparation time generally ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Average score:

The average GMAT score accepted by universities is 540. The average GRE verbal score is 155, 167 for quantitative, and 5.0 for writing. It is important to remember that these figures are only for reference; real scores may vary from university to university. The greater your score, the better your application.

School Expenses:

The cost of living depends heavily on what part of UK will you be living in along with how much you will socialize. Some of the basic elements of living as an international student in the United Kingdom are as follows:

• Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for traveling back

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

• Dining out
• Travel and Vacation
• Car rent and Car insurance
• Cable TV connection

 International students in the UK have to pay more tuition fee than students from the UK or the EU.

Tuition fees change depending on the university, course, and city. Fees for international students range from £10,000 (US$14,130) to £38,000 (US$53,700) or more for medical degrees. The average cost of studying in the UK is roughly £22,200 (US$31,380) per year, with students wishing to stay in London spending substantially more.

Living Expenses:

In addition to tuition costs, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) requires international students to have a budget of at least £1,265 per month to study in London as part of the new visa criteria. If the campus is located outside of London, a monthly budget of £1,015 is required by the UKBA. To live in or near London, you may need roughly £200 to £300 per week on average. It is only an estimate, and your actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and level of socialization.

Other Essential Costs:

The cost of other essential item is depend on one’s lifestyle and location. For example, the average weekly food bill is £50. A lunch in a restaurant can cost between £15 and £25; a meal in a pub can cost between £8 and £12. Here is a table that will help you understand the prices of various things in the United Kingdom.

This amount is subject to change.

Health Insurance:

Insurance is required for international students because they will be studying abroad for an extended period of time. However, students no longer need to purchase a separate health insurance policy because it is now included in the student visa. The insurance assists students during hospitalization because it covers all expenditures and they do not have to pay anything. Students should be aware that they will be required to pay a healthcare premium at the time of application. The healthcare fee will be determined by a variety of factors, which students can calculate here.

UK Scholarships for overseas Students:

Merit and need-based fee waivers are awarded to international students. International students are given merit and need-based fee waivers. Candidates with high grades, good performance on standardized exams, and extracurricular achievements are eligible for scholarship awards and financial support. To take advantage of these possibilities, make sure to deliver all essential paperwork by the deadlines. Furthermore, the application’s presentation is important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Documents required:

The documents usually needed for a scholarship application are as follows, although the requirements may differ:

• Academic records and photocopies
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
• Certificate of language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference (LOR)

• You must have secured admission to foreign university institutions
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail the loan

Eligibility of course: You may not be able to receive a loan for every course. The following courses are eligible for the education loan.

For Graduation: Job oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities

For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS or even diplomas

These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government.

Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the University reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet from your most recent qualifying exams to demonstrate your academic record.

All banks have different documentation requirements, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment:

Repayment begins only after the course period. If the student obtains employment within one year of completing the course, repayment should begin immediately after the one-month period from the date of employment expires. If you do not find work within a year after finishing the course, payback begins regardless of whether or not you are working. The loan is typically repaid in 5-7 years after payments begins. If the student is unable to complete the course within the time frame specified, an extension of time for completion may be granted for a maximum of two years. In most cases, you will have up to ten years to repay the debt.

UK Student Visa Application

You should have the following documents before applying:

• A completed student visa application form
• A letter of acceptance on the course: Your authorized education provider will provide you with an acceptance letter and a visa letter, both of which are official and unconditional offers of a place on a course of study. The visa letter must be issued within six months of your application. Applications with visa letters that are more than six months old will be denied. Having a visa letter does not guarantee that your application will be approved. The applicant must meet all of the category’s requirements as well as any other immigration rules.

• Proof of funds: The money you need to show covers your course tuition for your first year of study as well as your living expenses for up to nine months. The amount you will require is determined by whether you are applying as a child or an adult, as well as whether you will be studying in or outside of London. You must show that you have had the funds for at least 28 days. The end of that 28-day period cannot be more than one month before the application deadline.

• ·You will need £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
• You will need £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
• You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English
• You must have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17
• The fee for the UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 (General) Student Visa) is £363 if a student is applying from outside the UK

UK Student Visa Application Process:

here are several steps to apply for a visa. UK student visa applications are processed within three weeks of the completed application being lodged.

Step 1 – Check if you qualify

You must be able to show that you have:

• A confirmed place at the school, university, or college where you intend to study. It is called a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies’ (CAS).
• Enough money (also known as ‘maintenance or funds’) to cover your course fees and living costs in the UK.

Step 2 – Get your documents ready

For every document you provide, you must include the original document and a photocopy.

• A signed copy of your completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• 1 passport-sized color photograph which meets the photo guidelines
• Evidence of your confirmed place at the University
• Any previous passports to show your previous travel history
• If you send a document that is not in English, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be verified

Step 3 – Apply online

On the official UK Visa website, you must register and create an account. After completing your online application, you must print and sign your completed form. To make an appointment at the visa application centre, you must use the online appointment calendar. When you finish your online application, you will receive an email with your application number.

Step 4 – Pay your application fee
There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee.

• Payment at Standard Chartered Bank – You can pay your fee at some branches of the Standard Chartered Bank. The bank will issue a demand draft in favour of the ‘The British High Commission’.
• Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank – You can pay your fee by getting a demand draft issued by a nationalized or a foreign bank. Bank charges for this service will vary. The demand draft must be in favor of the ‘The British High Commission’.
• Payment at the visa application center – You can pay the visa application fee at the visa application center when you submit your visa application.
• Pay online – You can pay your visa application fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.

Step 5 – Visit the visa application centre on the appointed date

You must book and attend an appointment at our visa application centre to submit your application and facial photograph and fingerprints.

Work Permit (PSW UK)

Latest update:

The UK government has declared that the two-year post-study work visa for international students will be reinstated.  The revised immigration rules will assist international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom beginning in 2020-21.

The UK post-study work visa allows international students to return to the UK to look for work for two years after finishing their graduate studies.

Doctoral Ph.D. students will be eligible for a three-year stay back.

PSW UK (UK Graduate Visa) applicants will be charged a £715 application fee and a £624 healthcare surcharge per year.

The new visa rules will take effect in September/autumn 2020 or later. During the first year after graduation, PSW visa holders can work in any job until they find work to move towards a general work visa. Learn all about Post Study Work Permit in UK here

Spouse Visa :

A Visa holder in the United Kingdom is granted a Dependent Visa for the same period as the primary application. This only applies to Master’s degree applications. Undergraduates cannot take dependants with them to the UK.

If you have a student visa, your dependents apply as ‘dependant of a Points Based System migrant’.  Each dependent must fill out a separate application and pay a separate cost.

In addition to your personal maintenance reserves, you must show an additional £600 for each dependant for each month you are applying for, up to a maximum of 9 months’ maintenance funds. If you already have a scholarship, you can use it to cover the living expenses of your dependents.

The scholarship letter must state that funds are also intended for your dependants.

Pre-departure List

• Book airline tickets
• Buy travel insurance
• Arrange accommodation in the UK
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in the UK
• Consider buying traveller’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

• Passport
• Airline tickets
• Travel insurance certificate
• Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
• Key addresses and phone numbers
• A bank statement showing proof of funds
• Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
• Traveler’s cheques—if applicable
• Medical and immunization records
• Academic history and university transcripts

You need to have some understanding of the British culture before moving there. Here are a few pointers which will help make your stay comfortable.

Punctuality: British are usually sticklers for punctuality, and being late for an appointment, a tutorial, or a social function is considered impolite. If you are going to be late it is advisable to let the person know beforehand and explain the situation.

Queues: In the United Kingdom, you will have to queue at shops, supermarkets, banks, and government services. Jumping a queue is considered impolite and might anger others who are already in queue.

Personal space: The space you leave between you and a person you are speaking to is very culture specific. In Britain, it is usual to leave one arm’s length between you and the person you are speaking to, as crossing that invisible boundary will be seen as an infringement of privacy.

Social Niceties: The number of times the British say please, thank you, and sorry will perplex you as an international student. As a result, you should include ‘please’ at the end of every request and ‘thank you’ every time someone does something for you.

Driving in the UK: Driving in the United Kingdom is on the left side of the road. It is necessary to obtain a UK license by arranging to take a driving test. If this is not done, you run the risk of being prosecuted for driving without a valid license. Before you may drive a car in the UK, you must be insured. To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you must have a full Driver’s Licence or an International Driving Licence and have been driving for at least twelve months.

Bank accounts: For international students, having a UK bank account is important. A bank account can take up to two weeks to open. You can only open a bank account if you are in the UK and registered in full-time studies. UK law requires banks to make detailed checks on customers to establish proof of identity, proof of residence in the home country, and proof of new address in the UK.

Travel: London Underground – You can pay cash, use a ‘Oyster card,’ or purchase a paper travelcard. A single fare with an Oyster card costs £5.

Buses – Most routes in Central London require you to purchase a ticket before boarding. Ticket machines selling single fares and daily bus passes are located next to the main bus stops on these routes.

Post-Brexit

Many students are concerned that their tuition prices will rise after Brexit, but the government has given no indication that this will happen. Many UK universities have decided not to change the tuition fee for EU students currently pursuing their education. Furthermore, the authorities have confirmed that EU students enrolled for the autumn 2018 and autumn 2019 semesters will be eligible for the same tuition and financial aid as domestic students for the duration of their study, even if the UK leaves the EU in 2018.