UK Visa

The UK finds its name just after the USA in terms of popular study destinations in the world. Each year, the country welcomes over 5,00,000 international students. Its globally recognized degrees, safe study environment for students and supportive ambience for aspirants from all ethnicities make it one of the best places to pursue higher studies.

The UK has some of the best universities in the world, which have consistently ranked among global institutions. Besides, universities in the UK are known for their world-class research. A pleasant climate, multicultural study environment and classy lifestyle are some of the reasons candidates from all over the globe prefer studying in the UK. Recruiters across the world readily recognize the degrees obtained from UK universities.

The UK is also a great place to live and work. Many students who pursue their higher education form the UK opt to settle here. Lucrative career opportunities, friendly visa norms and a progressive economy in the country make it an ideal destination for ambitious individuals. Studying at one of the leading universities in the country, aspirants get the opportunity to develop critical thinking abilities, professional skills and connections to leverage their careers.

UK Higher Education

Studying in the UK is one of the best ways to craft a dynamic career. You have the opportunity to meet new people, get access to several societies and club and taste a diverse social life. Presently, international aspirants can study more than 25 subject areas, choosing from 50,000+ courses. Here are some details you would find relevant, if you are willing to migrate to the UK for academic purposes.

• In the UK, the courses are generally briefer, as compared to other nations. Eventually, you would end up paying lesser accommodation costs and tuition fees.
• Here, you will come across over 395 colleges and universities offering undergraduate and post-graduate programs to students. You need to make the applications through UCAS. Students need to adhere to deadlines while submitting their applications to various universities.
• The tuition fees in the UK vary as per the status and competence of the respective college or university. Students can avail financial assistance through grants and scholarships. However, students from the EU do not have to pay tuition fees if they study in Scotland.
• The living expenses vary significantly, depending on the area you settle and study. Naturally, large cities like London are more expensive.
• While studying in the UK, students should respect restrictions with regard to work permit. Besides, they need to quality their competence with English language. If your first language is not English, you need to appear for a test.
• Although students initially prefer residing in the university halls, you can easily find other affordable accommodation options.

General Admission Requirements

The entry requirements in the UK universities depend on the nature of the program you are applying for. The authorities consider various aspects like the university you are eyeing, your nationality and academic level. In the process, they ensure that the applicants are suitable for the courses they are willing to pursue.

Here are some of the prime entry requirements that the institutions consider:

• Proficiency in English
• Grades and qualifications
• Entrance examinations
• References and experiences
• Identity documents
• Interviews
• Other specific criteria, if any

How much it will cost? Funding, Scholarships, loans

Tuition cost: In the UK, the amount of tuition fees varies as per the university and qualification you choose. The institutes with high ranks have their own fee structures. The rules are different in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• For undergraduate bachelor degree, the tuition fee may range between GBP 10,000 and GBP 20,000 a year.
• For postgraduate master's degree, the expense would be almost the same.
• For doctoral degree, it might cost between GBP 15,000 and GBP 24,000 a year.

Accommodation: Most students try to find accommodation in university hostels to curtail costs. However, you can always get a room or homestay on rent. Local hosts are available in the UK. The accommodation office at your university would provide you with a list of all the available accommodations around. Although this cost varies from one city to another, the general rent for an apartment with one bedroom would range between £550 and £650. In London, room rents are the highest at £157.48 a week, while you will find them at around £83.01 a week in Northern Ireland. Depending on the exchange rates, the yearly accommodation cost would vary between $16,000 and $20,000.

Health insurance: Most of the universities in the UK have come up with comprehensive insurance plans to take care of the health of international students. These policies remain valid only till the duration of the program. As per the NHS, students have to pay around £300 a year. Based on your leave, the minimum amount would vary.

Scholarships: International students can avail scholarships for both graduate and undergraduate programs. However, these scholarships do not cover the overall tuition cost as well as living expenses. In general, the amount of scholarship ranges between $2,500 and $10,500. Given that tuition fees are low in the UK, each of these scholarships matter. Before you apply for any financial aid or scholarship, you should get an offer from a university in Britain.

Loans: Several banks offer student loans to candidates applying for higher studies in the UK. You need to complete the FAFSA application. However, you should demonstrate that you have adequate funds to manage the expenses before arriving in the country. This will help you in securing the visa.

Student Employment

Students can gain an international experience while pursuing higher studies in the UK. They are entitled to work up to 20 hours a week. In the UK, the hourly wages range up to $12. You simply need to contact the career centre in the respective university to find a part-time employment in the country. Some of the on-campus job profiles in the UK include:

• Teaching assistantship
• Admin assistant
• Library worker
• Hospitality staff
• IT support
• Student ambassador
• Wait table jobs
• Bar jobs

Job Prospects

At 76%, the highest rate of employment in the UK exists among the Indians. Since the degrees obtained from reputed universities in the UK are internationally valued, students find lucrative career opportunities on completing their respective courses. You may want to settle in the UK, getting absorbed in one of its companies, or return to your homeland. In any case, career opportunities for certified candidates are immense. Particularly, students pursuing professional or technical courses in the UK enjoy better career prospects. Eventually, pursuing your higher education from the UK can transform your career significantly.