A Comprehensive Study in the UK Guide

The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the top study abroad destinations. The nation is known for its academic excellence, globally recognized universities, culturally diverse environment, and highly skilled academic staff. Statistics indicate that the total number of students studying in the UK was 679,970 as of 2021-2022. 

The UK is a preferred choice for students as it offers a comprehensive and flexible education system. The UK education system equally emphasises building a theoretical base and practical skills related to the job. Moreover, The UK is one of the most picturesque countries and offers high-quality living.

It is also essential to remember that the competition is only growing given that the UK receives thousands of applications every day. It indicates that you will be competing with a swarm of international students for admission as well as work possibilities. Additionally, some steps in the application procedure for study abroad in the UK may appear a little too complicated.

Professional assistance might help achieve your goal of studying in the UK in this situation. In addition, we hope to give you all the information you require through this guide

Student Visa Requirements

To study in the UK, the majority of international students require a student visa. International students are granted permission to pursue their education at specific educational institutions with the help of a study permit. 

Types of student visa:

1. Tier 4 (General) student visas: You must apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa if you are 16 or older and want to pursue higher education. Before applying for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you must first get an offer from a university or college. The Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) document will thereafter be available from your institution or university. To accomplish this, the institution of your choice must be licensed as a Tier 4 sponsor by the UK government.
2. Short-term study visas: Short-term study visas are available for students who desire to enrol in courses lasting up to six months or English language courses lasting up to 11 months. 

Documents Required:

1. A completed student visa application form
2. If you’re below 18 years of age, you need to get proof of your parents’ or guardian’s consent
3. A letter of acceptance on the course 
4. Proof of finances – The money you need to show covers your course fees for your first year of study as well as your living expenses for up to 9 months (1 academic year).
5. ATAS certificate if your nationality and course need it
6. Payslips
7. Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
8. Scoresheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.

Cost of studying in the UK 

The cost of staying in the UK depends on various factors and differs from one institution to another. It also depends on the type of location, study program, and lifestyle choices of the student. When calculating the expected cost of studying in the UK, make sure to include expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, and travel in addition to your tuition fee. 

1. Tuition Fee- The fees for undergraduate programs for international students start at around £10,000 and go up to £26,000 annually. Medical degrees at UK universities may be more expensive. However, these costs will vary depending on the course or university. Medical degrees at UK universities may be more expensive.  

2. Accommodation- Accommodation is another expense that adds to the cost of education in the UK. Depending on where you live, the monthly cost ranges from 1100 to 1400 pounds. Most universities offer on-campus accommodations or discounted housing for international students. Usually, on-campus accommodation is the cheapest option. Living in a private residence will cost around 350 to 550 pounds per month and these will be much more expensive than campus accommodation. 

3. Transportation- Subways are an inexpensive way to travel in the UK. The Tube system in London is extensive and reasonably priced. There are various student discounts available to make travel more inexpensive. 

4. Food and Groceries- Food costs can be reduced to save money. You can spend around £80 to £100 per month if you cook at home, or around £250 (20,000) if you order food or eat out.

5. Health Insurance- According to the National Health Service (NHS), you must pay £300 every year for the duration of the visa. 

However, the above costs merely provide a normalised summary of the expenses. Actual expenses may vary depending on a variety of criteria that apply on a case-by-case basis. 

Scholarships for International students in UK

There is an extensive range of scholarships available for Indian students These grants and scholarships are funded by the government as well as scholarships for international students offered by a variety of organisations. 

1. Chevening Scholarships- The UK government’s Global Scholarships Program awards this scholarship to academically brilliant students. The majority of these Scholarships cover the complete tuition, an economy class return flight to the UK, a living allowance (individual), and other allowances to pay necessary expenses. There are over 1,500 Chevening Scholarships offered each academic cycle.

2. Commonwealth Fellowship Plan- The Commonwealth Fellowship Plan is a government program that is specifically taken for the students of Commonwealth countries. This scholarship pays the student’s whole tuition as well as one round-trip in economy and numerous other benefits. 

3. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships- Commonwealth Scholarships are offered by the Department for International Development (DFID) in the UK to international students from developing Commonwealth countries wanting to pursue a Master’s and Ph.D. in the UK.

UK University- Specific Scholarships 

1. University of Westminster
2. Coventry University
3. Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
5. Queen Mary University
6. University of Hertfordshire
7. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
8. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
9. UAL Vice-Chancellor’s Postgraduate International Scholarships
10. Bristol University International Office Scholarships
11. University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships
12. Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham

Intakes in the UK

It’s crucial to select the intake that is most effective for you. Your choices of courses, financial aid, and employment options are influenced by your intake.

Popular Courses for International Students in the UK

1. Business Management Courses- One of the most popular courses for international students to pursue in the UK is business management.

2. Engineering Courses- In the UK, engineering programmes mostly concentrate on giving students access to research possibilities and encouraging creative thinking. 37 different engineering specialisations are available at UK institutions.

3. Law Courses-The fact that the bar council of India also recognises law degrees earned in the UK is one of the biggest benefits for Indian students considering a legal career in the UK.

4. Health and Medicine Courses- Studying medicine and health in the UK can give students simple access to PR (permanent residency), as there is a high demand for healthcare degrees there.

5. Information Technology and Computer Science Courses- The UK is regarded as the top choice to study information technology or computer science programmes due to its highly developed information technology sector, cutting-edge technology, and instructional methods.

Popular Universities for in the UK:

1. University of Oxford– Oxford has around 20,000 students, with about 40% coming from abroad. One of the most well-known and prestigious universities in the UK and is the oldest in the English-speaking world.
2. Cambridge University– According to the QS World University Rankings, it comes in second place. With six academic schools, this illustrious institution serves nearly 18,000 students. 
3. University College London– The University of London offers some of the greatest international programmes in the UK, and this university is frequently ranked as one of the best in the world.
4. University of Edinburgh– One of the best research universities in Scotland. The QS World University Rankings list the University of Edinburgh among the top 20 universities worldwide.
5. University of Manchester– The University of Manchester is a prominent research university to study in the UK. Manchester is the third-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment and receives over 92,000 undergraduate applications per year, making it the most popular university in the UK by volume of applications.

Most Popular Careers for Part-Time Jobs for Students: 

In the UK, there are several opportunities for students to work part-time. The following are a few of the most well-liked and lucrative part-time occupations in the UK: 

1. Tutor
2. Teaching Assistant
3. Dog Walker 
4. Retail Worker
5. Research Assistant
6. Hotel Receptionist
7. Barista
8. Translator 

If you are looking forward to move to the UK for higher education and win a handsome grant as a part of UK scholarships for Indian students, Silver Fern  is more than happy to guide you and assist you in accomplishing your dreams of studying in the UK. What are you still waiting for?