Why study in the UK?

Why study in the UK?

1. Internationally recognized universities &qualifications

UK is a popular destination for higher studies for students from around the world. A degree that you gain from an UK university will be recognized internationally by universities, employers and government bodies.

2. Quality education

The UK has retained its position as a popular destination among international students owing to its long standing tradition of providing quality education. The standard of teaching and research at UK universities and colleges is routinely assessed and graded by official organizations to ensure that set benchmarks are met. 

3. Opportunities offered by UK education system

Among the benefits of studying in UK is a wide choice in picking your field of study and institution. You can choose from 150,000 courses at universities and colleges across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and directly contact the institute to order prospectuses.

You may find the one-year duration for all Master ’s programmes to be a big advantage. Alternatively, you may opt for a Master ’s programme in combination with PhD, which will save you an additional year. Shorter duration of courses in UK helps reduce tuition and accommodation costs.

4. Supportive and Friendly

The UK education system promotes close interaction between students and lecturers and provides the freedom to combine different subjects into a single course of study. English language support is offered by many institutions to help international students develop the essential study and language skills required to complete their course successfully. Most universities have counsellors and advisors to provide information and support to international students who can help you get used to the education system or any aspect of your course.

5. Scholarship and financial support

There are many scholarships that you can apply to, especially at postgraduate and research level, to support your study and cost of living costs.’

6. Health benefits

Indian students in the UK are eligible to receive  free medical treatment by the National Health Service (NHS) if enrolled in a full-time course. Your spouse/partner and/or dependent children will also be exempt from payment if they reside with you during the course of your study programme. Your college or university may have a special health policy for students too.

7. Cross-cultural experience

There were 4,36,585 international students from 180+ countries studying in the UK last year, out of which Indian students were the 2nd largest group (18,320)! Studying in UK is an opportunity to experience a multicultural environment, meet new people and fellow international students from across the world and discover new places. You benefit by developing a range of skills that are necessary to be part of today ’s global workforce.

THE BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN THE UK COMPARED TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY

Your home country plays an important role while looking for a destination to pursue higher education as it defines your career and education choices for the future. But the excellent educational infrastructure, top-notch distinguished teaching methodology, rich heritage and diverse culture of the UK make it an amazing place to study.

The following are advantages the UK has over your home country in terms of studying a degree.

Internationally Recognized Universities

UK higher education and qualifications have a remarkable international reputation and the UK degree is recognized by global universities, top employers and government bodies creating huge number of chances to get placed with elite companies.

Quality Education

Many countries would like to follow the UK’s education system, as its quality is considered as the best in world. UK universities are inspected regularly by QAA to assess the standards of teaching, learning and research to ensure that set benchmarks are met.

Opportunities offered by the UK education system

• A wide choice in selecting your field of study and institution.
• Shorter duration of courses in the UK helps reduce tuition and accommodation costs.
• The English language support to help you develop excellent language skills as it has crucial importance in global digital arena and increases chances of employment
• Promoting close student-teacher interaction with a provision of combining different subjects into a single course.

Unique Culture

The unrivalled  cultural diversity of life in UK gives you the chance to experience a multicultural environment, meet fellow international students and develop a range of skills that are necessary to be part of today ’s global workforce.

Work while study and work permit after study

Along with your study, you can work a part-time job, internship or placement and develop valuable skills that are added to your CV. Your university may assist in providing placement after study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Most UK universities offer merit based scholarship programs and funding opportunities to international students to support your study and cost of living costs. To apply, you will need to gain acceptance to the course of study

Strong Research Infrastructure

30% of UK university research is classified as ‘world-leading ’and 46% as ‘internationally excellent ’by the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Support System

Every year, the UK government warmly welcomes lacs of international students with open arms. International student societies besides organizing parties, conducting events, planning activities and outings help in your bad days, giving advice to personal problems and assist you.

U.K. Student visas

One needs to get UK Tier 4 General student visa to study higher education in UK University. It is quite easy to obtain and the process is simpler, more transparent and user-friendly for international students who have received an offer/CAS and are able to show the required funding available.

Education System of UK

Education System of UK

The UK education system is divided into primary education (up to Year 6), secondary education (Year 7-11), pre-university or further education (Year 12-13), and higher education consisting of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Since each of the UK countries have autonomy over educational issues, there are some minor differences in the education system in different parts of the UK.

 

Early, Primary and Secondary Education

In the UK, primary and secondary education encompasses Reception/Kindergarten to Year 11. Students begin their education at age 4, and typically graduate at age 16 with a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). GCSE is earned once students complete a set of standardized exams for their chosen subjects at the end of Year 11. 

State schools and independent schools are two different types of schooling options available to students in the UK. Over 90% of British students study at state schools, which is governed and funded by the UK Department of Education, and are free to attend. Students can also study at fee levying independent schools. These schools are not administered by the government, but must still adhere to the schooling standards set by the government. 

Prospective international students can apply to study at independent schools. State schools do not accept international students, except for the dependent children accompanying an adult international student.

Further Education

Full-time education is compulsory until age 18 in the UK. After completing secondary school at age 16, British students go on to attend a Further Education (FE) college for two years, referred to Year 12 and Year 13 of their education journey. Students can choose to attain academic qualifications which are required for admission into a university, or pursue vocational qualifications to go directly into the workforce. Admission is based on one’s GCSE scores.

Further Education is equivalent to the final years of secondary school in the US, Canada and many other parts of the world. It is not a substitute for postsecondary education. Instead, it is often referred to as senior- secondary or pre-university education. Further Education colleges may be large and comprehensive institutions with many study options, or specialized in certain areas of the study, such as Visual/Performing Arts colleges, and Agricultural/land-based colleges. There are also Sixth form colleges, which are dedicated to 16-19 year olds, and often connected to secondary schools to ease the transition between the two levels of studies.

Higher Education 

Higher Education refers to degree education, and includes both undergraduate (Bachelor) and postgraduate (Master’s and Doctoral) studies. 

• Bachelor’s degrees are typically awarded after three (3) years of full time study in the UK, except in Scotland. It will take four (4) years if the student is studying in Scotland, or if the student adds a year of work experience in between their study terms, referred to as a sandwich year. Professional degrees, such as medicine, veterinary and architecture degrees, require five (5) years of study. 
• Students can earn a Master’s degree in one year, while a Doctorate is typically completed in three to five (3-5) years. 
• Students can also pursue an Integrated Master’s degree, a four-year program that combines undergraduate and graduate studies. Students are admitted after A-levels (further education), and do not receive a Bachelor’s degree in the process. 

Higher Education is typically offered by universities, though some Further Education colleges and institutes also award degrees and foundation degrees (a two-year degree) in partnership with a recognized body. A recognized body is a higher education institution that is recognized by British government through legislation, and authorized to award degrees in the UK.

Universities/Colleges

List of Universities &Colleges in UK

London has one of the largest concentrations of universities and higher education institutions in the world. It has 40 higher education institutions (not counting foreign Universities with London branches) and has a student population of more than 400,000. Among the institutions in London are some of the old and world-famous colleges that today makes up the federal University of London, modern universities, as well as a number of smaller and often highly specialized universities and colleges.

 

 

Course Information

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Type

• DIPLOMA
• ADVANCED DIPLOMA
• POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA
• BACHELORS
• MASTERS

Minimum IELTS Requirement

 

Bachelors Program	6.0 Bands not less than 5.5 bands in one module
Masters Program	6.5 Bands not less than 6.0 bands in each module

 

Field	Programs
Electrical	Electrical Engineering, Embedded Electrical &Computer Systems, Digital Logic System Design, Analog and Digital Integrated Circuits, Communications/ Digital Signal Processing, Power Electronics/Control, and Networking, Wireless Communications and many more
Computer	Computing, Advanced Computer Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science,  Neuroimaging, Data Analytics and IT Security Management, Intelligence System, Software Engineering and many more
Mechanical	Mechanical Engineering Design, Aerospace Engineering, Advanced Engineering Management, Mechanical and Power Plant System, Computational Mechanics, Mechanical Smart System Engineering, Sustainable Automotive Engineering, Applied Mechatronic Engineering and many more
Management/ MBA	Management, Global Affairs, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, International Business, Global MBA, Project Management, Organization Management, Human Resource Management, Risk and Finance and many more
Chemical Engineering	Advanced Chemical Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology,  Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Sustainable Chemical Engineering and many more
Pharmacy	Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, Quality by Design for the Pharmaceutical Industry, Advanced Drug Delivery, Biopharmaceutical Development, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy, Drug Chemistry and many more
Physiotherapy, Exercise Science	Physiotherapy, Psychodynamics of Human Development, Applied Exercise Physiology, Sports and Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Sports, Health and Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy and many more.
Health Science	Global Health, Public Health, Health Informatics, Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology and Therapy, Health promotion and Health Behavior, Health Psychology , Health Administration, Healthcare Quality and Safety, Health Data Science, Occupational Safety and Health, Leadership in Healthcare and many more
Law	Intellectual Property, Law (International Business), Law and Economics, International Financial and Commercial Law, International Law, International Commercial and Business Law and many more

Eligibility

COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Every UK higher education course sets its own entry requirements. These entry requirements are there to ensure that you have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete the course.

You can see the entry requirements for each undergraduate and postgraduate course on the university or college’s website.

• For undergraduate courses  you usually need to have achieved further education qualifications (such as A-levels, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Higher, or equivalent qualifications from your country) in related subjects. Find out more at UCAS or ask your chosen university or college.
• For postgraduate courses  you usually need to have achieved a relevant undergraduate qualification.
• In some cases, work experience may count towards entry to a course.
• If  English isn’t your first language, the university or college may ask you to take an English language test or show your English language qualifications before you can enroll. This may also be necessary for your visa application.
• If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, talk to the course provider or visit the UK NARIC website.

The course should be at one of the following:

• A publicly funded institution of further or higher education (a university) with maintaining records of enrollment and attendance which are readily available to us;
• A genuine private education institution; or
• An independent fee-paying school;
• And you need to be undertaking one of these:
• A recognized full-time degree course;
• A course run during the week that involves at least 15 hours of organized daytime study a week; or
• A full-time course of study at an independent fee paying school.

Compare with Indian Degree:

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 (Honours) 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

Intakes

INTAKES

• January/February
  April/May
• August/September
• Nov/December

UK universities have 4 intakes:

Major intake is the August/September intake, but most of the universities are open for January/February and few of them for April/May intake too. However all subjects commence in August/September and only some in January/February and April/May intake.

Admission Process

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST – APPLICATION

• Original Passport 
• 10 th mark sheet 
• 12 th mark sheet 
• Bachelor’s mark sheet 
• Degree Certificate / Provisional Degree Certificate 
• Recommendation Letter (2) 
• Medium of Instruction 
• Gap covering documents (Certificate course / Work Experience) 
• SOP 
• Resume (CV) 
• Transcript (for some university)

Cost of Study

Cost of Study

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP IN UK

The United Kingdom occupies an enviable the position being amongst the best study abroad destinations in the world! Universities in London and several other public and private organizations provide thousands of scholarships to International students to ease their stress on finances

Scholarships in the UK are offered to international students based on merit-based, need-based, student-specific or course-specific grants. Besides scholarships, most Universities in the UK provide concession in the tuition fee if initial deposits are submitted within a stipulated deadline. The merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and require a focused application and noteworthy statement of purpose.

The amount of university-specific UK Scholarships varies depending on the student’s profile, ranging from £ 1,000 up to £ 6,000. Doctoral degrees in the UK are generally fully funded.

These scholarships are given to the ones who have successfully passed through the competitive application assessments set by the educational institutions.

The general eligibility criteria for UK Scholarships for Indian Students are:

• The student must be an Indian citizen
• Must have completed the tertiary education in English medium
• Must have a good academic background

The UK Scholarships  intakes are:

Major intakes	Minor intakes
September	January, February, March, July and November

We have compiled a list of most renowned Scholarships for  Indian Students to study in the UK .

UK GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Chevening Scholarships

This scholarship is given by the UK govt. to academically outstanding students by the UK government’s Global Scholarships Program. These grants are usually for a one-year Master’s degree program in the UK. Most of these Scholarships cover the entire tuition fees, an economy class return airfare to the UK, living allowance (individual), and additional allowances to cover necessary expenditure.

Nearly 1,500 Chevening Scholarships are available for high academic performers all over the world in every academic cycle.

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

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

The scholarship offers airfare to and from the UK, thesis grant (if applicable), additional allowances to cover personal basic expenses, examination and tuition fees, all included.

Commonwealth Fellowship Plan

Commonwealth Fellowship Plan is a government initiative was taken especially for the students of Commonwealth countries which make the major contribution to their home country on the completion of the higher education program in the United Kingdom.

This scholarship covers the entire the tuition fee of the scholar, one economy-class return and many more allowances.

UK INSTITUTION – SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

1 Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships

Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships have enabled academically outstanding Indian students to undertake doctoral degrees.

The University of Cambridge has long and strong ties with India. Many of India’s leading politicians, businessmen and scientists are Cambridge alumni. St John’s College, one of the largest of the Colleges in Cambridge, has had particularly extensive links over many years.

Dr Manmonhan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, is a graduate and Honorary Fellow of St John’s College. He is widely acknowledged as the architect of the economic reforms that have helped propel India onto the World Stage. In honour of Dr Singh St John’s College has launched the Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships. These awards will enable academically outstanding Indian students to come to St. John’s College, University of Cambridge to study for doctoral degrees in subjects like Science &Technology, Economics and Social Sciences.

Applications in Aerospace Engineering and Energy Studies will be of particular interest.

Value of the Award

The scholarships are fully funded, and cover:

• academic fees
• international airfare
• monthly stipend to cover living expenses
• UK visa

Eligibility Criteria :

The applicant should be:

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport and currently based in India.
• Below 35 years of age, as on 15 January 2014.
• Not already had significant exposure to UK education or received UK government funding.
• Should hold a Master’s (postgraduate) degree from a reputed/recognised India university/institution with a First Class award (UG and PG) in the relevant subject/field.
• Evidence of leadership qualities (to be assessed from personal statements e.g. extracurricular activities and/or evidence of having made a difference to the country/society/participation in symposia in the relevant subject, or peer reviewed publication in the area).
• Keen to pursue and should have identified a full time Doctoral Research degree from the University of Cambridge commencing September/October 2014
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Able to fulfil any other admission criteria laid down by the University.

2 Goa Education Trust Scholarship

The Goa Education Trust (GET) scholarship is a partnership between the Dempo and Fomento groups from Goa. GET aims to provide Goan students with a platform to undertake postgraduate study in the UK in any field of academic study. Since the introduction of the scholarship in 2010, recipients of the award have successfully completed their studies in a range of subjects including Journalism, Education, Ancient History and Law.

The scholarship covers full/ part tuition fees for the courses beginning September 2013.

Eligibility :

The applicant should:

• Be an Indian national with a valid Indian passport, domiciled and resident in Goa, or born to Goan parents
• The candidate must be in India at the time of applying for the Scholarship
• Confirmed admission for master’s course of study in the UK for up to one year
• Be not more than 30 years old at the time of application
• Excellent track record in academic record and extracurricular achievements

3. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan – 2014

The CSFP is aimed at students of Commonwealth countries who can make a significant contribution to their home country after the completion of a higher education programme in the UK.

This is a source of funding made available to all Commonwealth countries by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission.

Level of courses:

• Six months of Clinical Training
• One Year Taught Master’s Course
• Doctoral Degree up to three years duration

The CSFP is an annual scheme made available to all the Commonwealth countries by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission. In India, this is jointly managed by:

Commonwealth Scholarships Commission

• the British Council
• Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
• Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)
• the Government of India

It covers:

• economy return international travel
• tuition fee
• adequate maintenance and other allowances.

Subjects covered:

• Engineering and Technology
• Science (Pure and Applied)
• Agriculture
• Humanities and Social Sciences

Applications for the 2014 session is now closed. Check out the details on the shorlisting process at the MHRD website http://mhrd.gov.in/

Eligibility :

• be an Indian citizen residing in India
• have completed tertiary education in English medium
• be aged 40 or under at time of applying.
• For Master’s degree candidate should hold or able to produce the certidicate of Bachelor’s degree by October 2014 in the subject field concerned securing 60% or above marks in Humanities and Social Science group and 65% or above marks in Medical, Engineering and Technology, Science and Agriculture group.
• For Ph.D candidate should hold or able to produce the certidicate of Master’s degree by October 2014 in the subject field concerned securing 60% or above marks in Humanities and Social Science group and 65% or above marks in Medical, Engineering and Technology, Science and Agriculture group.

4 Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

CWIT enables Indians in the early to mid stages of their careers to spend time in the UK, helping them to achieve artistic, academic and professional ambitions and to broaden their international contacts.

Who was Charles Wallace?

Charles Wallace was born in Calcutta in 1855. He lived, worked and flourished there, founding the Shaw Wallace company (though there are no connections now between CWIT and Shaw Wallace).

Charles Wallace died in 1916, bequeathing his modest fortune to his family for a generation and then for the benefit of those among whom he had made it.

About CWIT

In 1981, following an agreement between the Indian and British governments, CWIT was established as an English charity. It is run by four trustees, one nominated by the British Council. The trustees cover CWIT’s main areas of interest and are Ingval Maxwell, Dr Yasmin Khan, Caroline Douglas and Colin Perchard ( British Council nominee). The Secretary is Richard Alford.

In over 30 years CWIT has made around 2700 grants. British Council India advises on CWIT’s work and gives valuable administrative support including guidance on applying for a visa.

CWIT’s recent annual reports and accounts, including lists of scholarships and grants given, can be seen on the Charity Commission’s website.

CWIT Offers

Deadlines, Eligibility Criteria and Application Guidelines for each award vary . For details follow links for specific awards.

This year applications for Long-term Awards can be sent from 1 September to 30 November.

 

Work Options

Working in UK While Studying

In UK, similar to most of the top international study destinations, foreign students are allowed to work part-time. In the UK as an international student, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours at maximum per week during term-time and full-time during holiday breaks. But there are many restrictions and conditions you must stay in line with in order to be allowed to work.

Eligibility

Your eligibility to work in the UK while studying depends on two major restrictions: those set by your university and those by state-run official institutions. First, you must ensure that your university doesn’t have any constrain pulling you back from working before dealing with state officials. For example, depending on your study course your university may limit working hours to you, aside from governmental restrictions.

In the UK, particularly in big cities like London, international students can easily find a part-time job. Some universities may only allow you to work inside the campus, but there is no need to worry because there are still many options available to you. However, before getting out to hunt part-time jobs you must check if you’re eligible for such work. It all starts with your Tier 4 visa, the official student visa in the UK. The first criteria you must check is your age. If you’re under 16 and don’t have a Tier 4 (General 4) you’re not qualified to work in the UK.

Note that these working prohibitions are only weighted to students coming from a country rather than EU/EEA countries or Switzerland. Citizens of EU/EEA, including Switzerland, don’t need permission to work in the UK while they’re attending a university.

All conditions and limitations are printed out on your Tier 4 sticker (vignette) including the number of hours you can work per week during term-time. When receiving your residence permit paperwork there will be a letter that will offer you all information, whether you can work or not while you’re studying.

If one of the following is stated in that letter you can work in the UK:

• Work must be authorized
• Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State
• Work as in Tier 4 Rules
• Restricted as in Tier 4 Rules
• Restricted work – Part-time during term-time, Full-time during vacations
• Restricted work time
• Work limited to 20 hours per week at maximum during term-time
• Work limited to 10 hours per week at maximum during term-time

Your passport’s sticker may say something a bit different to all of the above options, but if none of the following isn’t mentioned you’re eligible to work.

• No work
• Work prohibited
• If none of these is clearly stated in your paperwork or you have a problem understanding it, we advise you to contact them personally before deciding to get a job.
• Note that if you decide to move to a higher level of study or change the course you may be required to initiate a new immigration application. Until you receive a response to this new application you must adhere to the old immigration status.

• How many hours you’re allowed to work per week?

• How many hours you’re permitted to work in the UK depends on the type of the course you’re attending too. Below are shown how many hours you can work with respect to the type of course.

In these types of courses, a student can work up to 20 hours per week

A full-time course at a degree level or above in a recognized higher education institution

A short-term student registered in a program of a foreign higher institution settled in UK

In the following types of courses, students are allowed to work only 10 hours a week

• In a full-time course below level degree sponsored by a recognized body or a publicly-funded as a higher education institution.
• Any course where the student is aged over 16 holds a Tier 4 (Child) visa

While students attending these courses are not allowed to work while studying in UK

• In a part-time postgraduate course or above that is supported by a recognized body in the UK or that receives public funds as a Higher Education Institution
• In a course at a further education college at whatever level
• In a course at any level offered by a private higher education provider
• At any course where the student aged under 16 has a Tier 4 (Child) visa

In the UK you’ll face some limits on working hours depended on few elements, including the type of your course and the type of Tier 4 sponsor you’re studying at. Full-time students can work for 20 hours per week at maximum, whether you get or not paid for your job. You can’t average a week in a long period of time since there’s a legal definition of the week. Based on this rule a week is the period of 7 days between a Monday and Sunday.

Types of jobs you’re not allowed to do

After you make sure you’re allowed to work in the UK, you’ll now have to deal with some constraints on the type of work you’re willing to do. There are certain jobs you’re not allowed to do while studying in the UK. Below are some types of them (paid or not paid) you can’t engage to when you’re holding a Tier 4 visa:

• Be a self-employed or working freelance
• Initiate a business activity
• Full-time permanent job
• Professional sportsperson including sport coach
• Work as an entertainer
• Work as a dentist or a doctor in training, except you’re enrolled in a foundation program.

What types of jobs can you find in UK for students?

In general, the primary purpose of student visas in the UK is to serve as a route for you to study without barriers. Despite being designed only to allow you to attend the university, your student visa can also allow you to work within certain time limits. However, note that the extent to which you’re allowed to work, it’s made rather for your professional gains or to complement your budget. Said otherwise, the government wants to be ensured you’re not losing the track of your studies while working.

If a work placement is mandatory for your study course, then there is a fixed time-limit you should work. Currently, if you’re attending such course you’re allowed to work for the period of time which is less than 33% of the whole duration of your course.

The following circumstances make an exemption to this rule:

• Your study course is offered in a recognized higher education institution and it’s at RQF 6 or SCQF 9. You’re allowed to work up to 50% of the total length of your studies.
• Your study course is part of a study abroad programme and it’s at RQF 6 or SCQF levels. You’re allowed to work up to 50% of the total length of your studies
• You’re a Tier 4 (Child) aged 16 or above. You’re allowed to work up to 50% of the total length of your studies.
• Work placement is an integral part of the study course and there’s a UK statutory requirement that allows you to exceed this limit.

Working and Staying After Graduation 

International students place post-graduation benefits as an important factor when deciding where to study. The experience international graduates gain—and income derived—from employment after graduation is important to offset their family’s financial investment and help repay their study loans. 

Students on a Tier 4 student visa can typically stay in the UK for up to four (4) months after completing their studies –or up to six months if they were enrolled in a Master’s degree program. This extension is available to give students time to find meaningful employment in the UK after their graduation. For students interested in living and working in the UK after graduation, there are a few work-related visas that they may be eligible for. These visas are outlined below for informational purposes.

For further details, students should refer to the UK Visa and Immigration website and/or consult with an authorized immigration professional to discuss their options. ApplyBoard is not a registered immigration advisor, and is not legally authorized to provide visa guidance. 

Graduate Immigration Route –New for 2021 

In September 2019, the British government announced a new Graduate Immigration Route, which will become available in Summer 2021. Under the Graduate Immgiration Route, eligible international students will be able to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. It is not mandatory for students to have secured employment to stay in the UK through this route. 

The Graduate Immigration Route is only available to international students who complete their degree-level courses in or after the summer for 2021. Students will be required to submit an application, and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, to be considered for the route. 

The Graduate Immigration Route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to switch into skilled work, which is a route to settlement. Limited details are publicly available at this time as the government is still formulating the framework to operate this new immigration route.

 

Visa Procedure

STEPS TO APPLY FOR UK STUDENT VISA

Applying for Your General Student Visa

Your visa application will be assessed under the new points based criteria. You should make your application under Tier 4 – General Student. To gain a General Student Visa, you need to acquire 70 points:

CAS Number

50 points granted for the CAS Number and the original academic documents issued to grant you admission at the Academy.

Bank statement

10 points gained by providing your personal bank statement showing that you have sufficient money to meet the maintenance costs set by the UK Border Agency.

English Proficiency

10 Points granted for English Proficiency

1. Check if you qualify

If you want to come to the UK to study, you should apply to come here on a student visa. We call this category of visa Tier 4.
The Tier 4 category is for students who want to come to the UK to study.

There are 2 types of visa:

• Child (aged 4 to 17); and
• General (aged 16 or over).

You must be able to show that you have:

• a confirmed place at the school, university or college where you intend to study. We call this a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies;
• enough money (also known as ‘maintenance or funds’) to cover your course fees and living costs; and
• if you are a child, you will need to have suitable care arrangements in place for your stay in the UK.

2. Get your documents ready

For every document you provide, you must include the original document and a photocopy.
This includes a copy of your passport bio-data page (the page containing your photograph). If you do not provide a photocopy of each document, we might not return your original documents to you.

• A signed copy of your completed visa application form.
• A current and valid travel document or passport (your passport must contain at least 1 page that is blank on both sides, so that we can insert your visa).
• 1 passport sized colour photograph which meets the requirements in UKBA home office photo guidance .
• Evidence of your permission to be in the country where you are applying, if you are not a national of that country.
• Any previous passports to show your previous travel history.

If you are applying for a Tier 4 General visa, you must also submit with a copy of your completed Tier 4 Appendix 8 form.

If you are applying for a Tier 4 Child visa, you must also submit with a copy of your completed  Tier 4 Appendix 9 form.

Translations

If you send us a document that is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by us.
Each translated document must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
• the date of the translation;
• the translator’s full name and signature; and
• the translator’s contact details.

3. Apply online

You will need to complete and submit a visa application form online at  Visa4UK .

When you get to Visa4UK you will need to register and create an account.

When you have completed your online application form, you will need to print and sign your completed form. If you do not have access to a printer when you apply, you can log in and print the form later.

You must use the online appointment calendar to book an appointment at the visa application centre. You can book, change or cancel your booking online.

When you have completed your online application, you will receive an email message containing your application number (also known as a ‘GWF reference’). Please make a note of this number. Your appointment must be no more than 90 days after the date you completed and submitted your online visa application form.
Before you sign your application form, you must ensure that the information on the form is correct and your supporting documents are genuine and unaltered. If you do not have a document you should explain why you do not have it. You must not provide a false document.

4. Pay your application fee

There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee. To find out how much your visa will cost go to UKBA Home office Website .

There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee:

You can pay your fee at some branches of the Standard Chartered Bank. There is no charge for this payment service.

The bank will issue a demand draft in favour of the ‘The British High Commission’, payable in:

• New Delhi if you are submitting your application in Northern or Eastern India
• Mumbai if you are submitting your application in Western India
• Chennai if you are submitting your application in Southern India

The demand draft is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You should submit your visa application during this 3-month period. You must attend the bank in person with your original passport. In the case of a family application, 1 applicant can visit a branch of the bank with the original passports of all the family members applying for the visa.

Please bring the demand draft with you to the visa application centre when you submit your visa application. Separate demand drafts are required for each visa application.

Demand draft from a nationalised or foreign bank

You can pay your fee by getting a demand draft issued by a nationalised or a foreign bank. Bank charges for this service will vary.

The demand draft must be in favour of the ‘The British High Commission’, payable in:

• New Delhi if you are submitting your application in Northern or Eastern India
• Mumbai if you are submitting your application in Western India
• Chennai if you are submitting your application in Southern India

Please bring the demand draft with you to the visa application centre when you submit your visa application. Separate demand drafts are required for each visa application.

Payment at the visa application centre

You can pay the visa application fee at the visa application centre when you submit your visa application. Standard Chartered Bank facilities are located in all visa application centres for this purpose. The Standard Chartered Bank will apply a service charge of Rs.260 (inclusive of taxes) for this facility.

Payment online

You can pay your visa application fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. We do not accept any other types of cards.

When your online payment has been taken, you will receive a confirmation email from our payment provider WorldPay. If you would like to withdraw your application and have your visa fee refunded, please use  refund request form.

If biometric information has been submitted and/or your application has been processed, you are not entitled to a refund either from UK Visas and Immigration or your card issuer.

5. Go to your appointment at the visa application centre

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

Biometric information

They will not process your visa application without your biometric information, unless you are exempt.

Every time you apply for a visa you must come to one of our visa application centres so we can scan your fingerprints and photograph your face.

Applicants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult when enrolling their biometric information. This adult cannot be a member of staff.

There is no extra fee for enrolling your biometric information. We will keep your biometric information for 10 years from the date when we last scanned your fingerprints and photographed your face.

Booking biometric appointments

If you are applying for a visitor, Tier 1, Tier 2 or settlement entry visa you must not choose the option of ‘Tier 4 applicants’ in the visa category when booking an appointment. Booking an appointment under the incorrect category or block booking appointments can lead to delays for yourself and other customers.

Fingerprints

To scan your fingerprints, we use a machine and it does not use ink, liquids or chemicals.

You cannot enroll your fingerprints if your fingertips are cut or damaged, or if you have put any form of temporary decoration (such as henna) on them. You will not be able to enroll your biometric information until the injury has healed or the decoration has faded.

If any of your fingertips are missing, you must enroll your remaining fingerprints.

Facial photograph

We will photograph your full face. You must not be wearing sunglasses, tinted spectacles, hair across the eyes or anything that obscures your face, but you can wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons.

Pre-Departure

Pre-Departure

After receiving study permit, ESPI arrange pre-departure orientations to prepare prior to your arrival on university campus.

Pre-deparature arrangements :

• Collect complete information about UK
• Book Air Tickets
• Check that your current passport will be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
• Buy Travel &Health Insurance
• Accommodation arrangement in UK
• Forex – consider buying travelers checks for large denominations, as well as carrying a small amount of cash
• Airport Pick-up in UK.
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• 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 for your Canadian educational institution
  • Key addresses and phone numbers
  • Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
  • Traveller’s cheques—if applicable
  • Medical and immunization records
  • Academic history and university transcripts
  • Find out about UK and the town or city where you will be living and studying.
  • Contact your Canadian educational institution with any questions you may have.

Imp Link

Important Links

• Visit the websites

ž https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/

ž https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/student-finance/how-much-does-it-cost-study-uk

ž https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/international/studying-in-the-uk/

• Visit the website of top Universities of UK

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/top-universities-uk-2021

• Visit the Official Website of UK Education

ž https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

• Passenger Locator Form

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

FAQ

THE COVID –19 UPDATE

The pandemic has caused delay in the travel for people all around the world. Almost all Visa Centers are closed but there are new rules and restrictions for everyone travelling to the UK. Listed below are some frequently asked question for travelling during the COVID –19.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Testimonials

What People Say ’s