Hundreds of thousands of international students study in the UK each year, giving the country a consistently high study-abroad profile. With a diverse population and a reputation for prestigious education, the UK is a natural place for intellectual development.
The UK comprising of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales welcome thousands of new students every year.
UK’s schools are among the best in the world. Therefore, her certificates and qualifications are recognized by employers and academics globally.
You’ll broaden your horizon, grow your network, embrace a new culture, and enjoy new experiences while studying in the UK.
Additionally, Students can also work while they study in the country.
Moreso, you’ll have access to several universities and colleges, offering thousands of undergraduate-level higher education courses across the UK. The students receive high-class teaching that leaves them ready for the global workplace.
If studying abroad is your plan, the UK should be at the top of your list. Read ahead for a step-by-step guide to applying for studies in the UK.
Study in UK: Student visa UK
Getting a UK visa to migrate can be a tedious process without the proper guidance. Let’s examine the process of applying for a visa to study in the country.
See also: How To Move To The UK For Studies
Types of UK student visas. These are:
- Short-term study visa.
- Tier 4 (General) student visa.
Short-term Study Visa
If you are aiming to study in UK for a short course, you can apply for a short-term study visa. This visa will allow you to study in the UK for 6 months or 11 months
Requirements for Short-term Visa
- The student has been accepted to a course in the UK at a recognized place of study.
- You have enough money to cover the costs of your studies and to cover your living costs for the duration of your studies.
- Have the ability to pay for your return journey.
The evidence you will require to meet the above requirements is as follows:
- A current passport.
- Bank statements or payslips.
- Details of your travel plans and where you intend to stay.
- Letter of acceptance from the place you plan to study, on headed paper, stating the name of the course, the duration and the cost.
- Proof of to show medical test results depending on the country you’re from.
- If you are under 18 you will require prior arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK and have permission from a parent or guardian. Contact details of a parent or guardian will be required from you.
Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa
Eligibility for applying for Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa
- The applicant must be up to sixteen years
- Have been offered a place on a course.
- You can understand English, including reading, writing and speaking.
- You can prove you have enough money to pay your course fees and support yourself for the duration of your studies.
The evidence you will require to meet the above requirements is as follows:
- A current passport.
- Evidence of funds viability such as bank statements.
- Depending on your circumstances and your country of origin you may need to provide additional supporting documents. These may include medical test results or other proofs of your funding. To prove your understanding of the English language you will need to pass an English language test.
If you are under 18 you will need to provide the contact details of a parent or guardian.
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How to apply for a student visa in the UK
Always keep in mind that visa requirements in the UK change regularly.
Therefore, you must always check the official visa policy guidelines before initiating an application.
- Enrol in Biometrics at a visa application centre to obtain a Biometric Residence Permit.
- Complete an online form application
- Submit a Tuberculosis Certificate with a “negative” result.
- Pay the visa processing fee
- Undertake an interview
Your application starts processing once you submit the biometrics and ends after the collection of your passport. The entire process takes about 3 weeks, wherein, 1 week is 5 working days.
Applicants can apply for a student visa in UK 3 months before the program begins. Once you submit a university application you’ll receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This document will entitle you as an admitted student in the UK and therefore you’re eligible to seek a visa. Use the confirmation of Acceptance for studies number to support your student visa application form.
Why International Students Choose to Study in the UK
World-famous universities
Degrees from UK higher education institutions are respected around the world and there is a wide range of subjects to study.
UK higher education providers are internationally recognized for their creative and challenging environments that help students do their best. Their standards are highly respected, with experts in many academic subjects, and they generally rank high in international university rankings.
The UK higher education system has long been the foundation for higher education standards around the world with revolutionary teaching styles and modern facilities.
UK is multicultural
The UK is a multicultural country and is also very popular with international students. You can interact with people from all over the world and learn much more than what you study during your studies.
Great job opportunities
In general, an international student can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 10 hours during school holidays. This allows students to take a part-time job or do an internship, learn new skills, and earn money while studying.
Your university can even help you get an internship as part of your course, which is sure to give you a competitive advantage when you graduate.
The UK government has also announced a new post-study visa that will allow international students graduating in the summer of 2023 to stay and work in the UK for two more years.
Financial benefits
International students can enjoy some financial advantages by choosing the UK to study.
First, it takes less time to graduate in the UK than in other countries. In many countries, it takes four years plus an additional two or three years to complete postgraduate studies. In the UK, it takes three years to earn a bachelor’s degree and then another year to complete a postgraduate degree (unless you are a medical or research student).
International students can also receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants and grants while studying in the UK. Also, the cost of living in the UK, especially outside cities like London, is reasonable.
Unique culture
If you choose to study in the United Kingdom, you won’t be bored. There is always something to do, whatever your interests. Britain is a unique country with many families with roots from all over the world. This leaves the UK with a unique mix of different cultures, foods, and interests. You not only know British culture, but also people from other countries and cultures.
No matter which part of the UK you move to, you will find a mix of restaurants, nightlife, shops and sporting activities to pique your interest. Brits love to visit art galleries, bars, concerts, and open-air markets, so you can always find something to talk to outside of school hours.
As a private institution of higher education, funded primarily by the Al-Maktoum Foundation, the College’s vision for high-quality teaching and learning, enriched by a multicultural perspective makes for a rewarding educational experience.
Its intellectual endeavours dedicated to building bridges between the communities – namely ‘Western’ and ‘Muslim’- have resulted in a diverse, friendly, and international approach to teaching and studying. This makes the College a somewhat unique establishment in Scotland and in the UK today.
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What are the Top Universities in the United Kingdom?
- University of Oxford
- University Of ST Andrews
- Loughborough University
- University Of Exeter
- University Of Warwick
- London School of Economics and Political Science
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. While having no known date of foundation, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the world’s second-oldest surviving university.
The University is made up of a variety of institutions, including 38 constituent colleges and a full range of academic departments which are organized into four Divisions.
All the colleges are self-governing institutions as part of the University, each controlling its membership and its internal structure and activities. Being a city university, it does not have a main campus; instead, all the buildings and facilities are scattered throughout the metropolitan Centre.
University Of ST Andrews
The University of St Andrews is a public research university in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland, and the third oldest in the English-speaking world (following Oxford and Cambridge).
It was founded between 1410 and 1413 The University is located in the small town of St Andrews in rural Fife. In term time, over a third of the town’s population is either a staff member or a student of the university.
The student body is notably diverse: over 30% of its intake comes from well over 100 countries, 15% from North America St Andrews boasts five Nobel Laureates: two in Chemistry and one each in Peace, Literature, and Physiology or Medicine.
Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a public research university in the East Midlands of England. It is among the country’s leading universities – consistently ranked among the top 20 in the UK.
It has been a university since 1966, but the institution dates back to 1909 when the then Loughborough Technical Institute began with a focus on skills and knowledge which would be directly applicable in the wider world.
Durham University
Durham University (officially known as The University of Durham) is a collegiate research university in Durham, North East England.
It was one of the first universities to open in England for more than 600 years and has a claim to being the third oldest university in England.
As a collegiate university, its main functions are divided between the academic departments of the university and 16 colleges.
In general, the departments perform research and provide lectures to students while the colleges are responsible for the domestic arrangements and welfare of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and some university staff.
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter offers a friendly and cosmopolitan student experience. Its three campuses provide a safe and convenient learning environment for students from over 140 different countries and staff of over 50 different nationalities.
The University’s excellent reputation and outstanding student satisfaction results are just two of the factors which motivate high-quality applicants to further their studies at Exeter.
The location of the university is in the mild and beautiful South West of England, with access to both city life and beaches, assuring those who live there of a very high quality of life.
University Of Warwick
The University was founded in 1965 as part of a government initiative to expand access to higher education.
Warwick is a globally connected university. Through collaborative partnerships, it shares resources and knowledge with academic communities throughout the world. One-third of its students are from overseas and it is the university of choice for over 45 international governments and sponsoring bodies.
London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specializing in social sciences located in London, and a constituent college of the federal University of London.
London School of Economics and Political Science joined the University of London in 1900 and first issued degrees to its students in 1902.
Despite its name, the school conducts teaching and research across a range of social sciences, as well as in mathematics, statistics, philosophy, and history.
Conclusion
Applying to study in the UK is a straightforward process, and we hope our guide will be helpful to you in getting your UK student visa and applying for your study program.
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