Study in UK
Table of Contents
The United Kingdom is the biggest island in the continent of Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and many islands around the world. The country is surrounded by water, having only one land border with Ireland. Many people enjoy going to the UK because of its rich history and because there is so much to do! if you’re into history, this is the place to go. It’s perceived that their lives are much simpler than those in other countries (like the United States).
If you find yourself in the middle of a typical British environment you’ll encounter many interesting traditions, delicious food, breathtaking nature views, folk music, old stories and tales and more to recount their rich culture. It compasses different lifestyle; starting from the urban metropolis to the old quite villages. The architectural display is unique too. Its most impressive architectural structures came in different shape and styles and represent different ages of the British architecture.
Studying in UK
The UK is one of the world’s most popular destinations to study higher education, with more than 500,000 international students enrolling each year.
One of the world’s leading destinations for international students, second only to the USA. UK universities are among the best in the world, and consistently perform well in world rankings. They also have a reputation for world-class research.
UK higher education degrees and qualifications are recognized by employers and academics worldwide
Reasons to study in UK
1.High quality education
UK universities have an impressive international reputation and rank among the best in the world – four of the global top ten are in the UK! Research carried out by UK universities also impacts our lives every day, and is internationally renowned for its excellence. By studying here, you’ll be immersing yourself in centuries of high quality academia.
2. International students are welcomed
The UK has a long history of welcoming international students to study at its universities, and those who decide to study in the UK will be rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest minds from all corners of the globe.
3. Variety of courses
SI-UK’s course search showcases the wide variety of courses available for international students to choose from, whatever your age, ability or interest. If you wish to study subjects such as business alongside hospitality and tourism in a dual honours degree, you can!
4. High standard of teaching
UK universities are inspected regularly by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education to ensure that they maintain the high standards of learning which are expected. As a student you will get the opportunity to be taught by the world’s leading academics and to be creative and develop skills sets and confidence.
5. Shorter courses
Most undergraduate courses in UK take three years to complete, and shorter courses means a quicker graduation and less money spent on things such as tuition and living expenses. Two-year courses are also an increasingly popular option, whilst most postgraduate programmes last just one year.
6. Cultural diversity
You will get the chance to mix, meet and interact with over 200,000 international students from all over the world, learning more about different walks of life in a place of contrasts and culture, where ancient buildings sit alongside contemporary architecture.
General Requirments to Study In UK
1- Valid passport
2- A short CV
3- Your school certificates and diplomas
4- Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study
5- Confirmation of having funds for studying and living in UK
6- Health insurance
7- Passport photograph
8- Interview.
9- recommendation letter from your lecturers.
10- for ( MA and PhD) some universites are asking for the proposal
Student Visa
You can apply for your student visa in UK 3 months before your course starts. Once you submit a university application you’ll receive (or you can request it) a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This document will entitle you as an admitted student in UK and therefore you’re eligible to seek a visa. Use the CAS number to support your student visa application form.
All international students who want to study in the UK are required to get a student visa (Tier 4). This type of visa is only available to full-time university students pursuing a degree in the UK, and not short-term or language courses. Immigration requirements for UK (and the United Kingdom as a whole) are determined by your nationality and the country(ies) that you have citizenship in.
General Student Visa
The UK General Student Visa is granted to foreign students who are at least 16 years old and want to enroll in studies in the UK. It is part of the UK Immigration Points Based System. With this visa, you can enter the UK one month before the start of studies that last for more than 6 months. In courses that last less than 6 months, you can enter at most one week before the course begins.
With a UK General Student Visa, you can enjoy benefits such as:Enroll in post-16 studies in the UK.Get a job as a sabbatical officer in the students’ association.Get a job as a part of studies (not more than 1/3 of the course time).Get a job in Tier 2 General list of jobs.Get a voluntary job.Bring family members to the UK.
To apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa you must provide the following documents:Valid Passport.Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), explained below.Criminal record certificate.Tuberculosis test results, if you are a national of a country where tuberculosis is frequent.Parents’ or legal guardian letters, if you are under 18 years old.Maintenance funds for your entire period of stay in the UK, explained below.Proof of English Language proficiency.Unconditional written consent of the sponsor to the visa application.Academic Technology Approval Scheme Clearance Certificate, if applicable.
Accommodation
while you are staying in the UK, you will many accommodation options available to you. Your choices will depend largely on whether your college or university has halls of residence, what city you are located in, and the amount of your monthly budget.
1-Halls of Residence
Halls are a great way to meet new people. They are large buildings, sometimes divided into flats where you will have either a single room or share with another student. Your room is likely to be basic, and if it does not have an en-suite bathroom, communal ones will be provided. Halls provide standard furniture such as a bed, desk, and chair. Anything more is supplied by the student.
2-Self-Catered Halls
Many international students prefer the self-catered option because it allows them the freedom to cook their own food and on their schedule. Self-catered halls are similar to standard halls of residence, but there includes a communal kitchen available to hall residents.
3-Flats/ Houses
Typically students live in halls during their first year, as it makes adjusting to campus life much simpler and helps in making friends. In their second and third years, some students opt to move into a house or flat not associated with the school.
A flat or house is likely the most costly option, and you may find it hard to find accommodation that is close to campus. However, many students enjoy the freedom to live where they choose, live with whom they like, and choose the type of place they want to live in. With halls, you don’t have this flexibility.
Transportation
Whether you’re based in the city or the countryside you’ll be able to travel to most places quickly and see a lot during your time in the UK – and Eurostar, international coaches and great flight connections mean that the whole of Europe is also on your doorstep.
Trains
The UK has a large train network connecting cities and towns around the country – for example, it takes just over two hours to travel by train from London to Cardiff, and just over four hours from London to Edinburgh.Full-time students and anyone aged 16-25 can apply for a ’16-25 railcard’ that allows you to save a third on rail travel throughout the UK.
Buses
Most UK towns and cities offer regular bus services. You can buy a ticket from the driver when you board (except on some buses in London where you can buy tickets in advance)
Coaches
You can travel by coach (long distance bus) to hundreds of UK towns, cities and airports. If you are aged 16–26 and a full-time student, buy a Coachcard from National Express to save up to 30%.
Citylink is the main coach service provider in Scotland and Translink in Northern Ireland. If you want to go further afield, Eurolines is a cheap and easy way to get anywhere in mainland Europe.
Flights
With 24 international airports in the UK and a variety of cheap flights on offer, it’s easy to travel between UK cities and beyond. Fly from London to Manchester in one hour, or from the UK to more than 10 European capitals in under two.
Cars and taxis
Taxis are easy to find in all major cities and towns. As in all countries, make sure the taxi you use is safe. Consider booking a cab from a company recommended by your university or college.
If you are considering driving a car in the UK, you’ll need a valid driving licence and insurance. The car must also be registered and taxed. If your car is over three years old, you must get it tested annually with an MOT test to check it is road-worthy.
Cycling
Cycling is very popular in the UK and a great way to get around your town or city, save money and keep fit. Many universities have cycling clubs or cycle buddy schemes and run workshops on bike safety and maintenance.Some UK cities such as London , Liverpool and Belfast have city cycle hire schemes. These allow you to pick up a bike from a docking station for a small cost and return it to a docking station elsewhere in the city within 24 hours.
Work during studying
There are hundreds of jobs and work experience opportunities for students and graduates in London. As an international student you can work for up to 20 hours a week while
You are allowed to work while studying if you study at a university or college that is listed on both the official UKVI Sponsor list and the list of ‘recognised bodies’.
If your course is at a lower level, you study at a further education college or your institution is not listed on the lists above, you will not be allowed to work during your studies…
There are thousands of part-time student jobs in London to help support your studies. Many universities have careers and work placement centres to help you find employment
Life after graduation
Non-EU students who wish to remain in the UK after they have graduated must apply for a work visa from UK Visa and Immigration. There are several visas you can apply for :
Tier 2 (General) Visa: This is the primary visa to remain and work in the UK after your studies. It is open to recent graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD from a recognised UK university. Before you apply you must have an offer of a skilled job from a licensed employer and be paid a salary of at least £20,800. After five years of employment, Tier 2 visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK providing they meet the salary requirements (£35,000) and other relevant eligibility criteria.
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa: This visa option is open to all students who are developing a world-class business idea. You will need to be identified and sponsored by your university as having the potential to create your own business in the UK. This applies to all graduating students from any subject discipline.
Tier 4 (Student) Visa: If you are a student completing a PhD at a UK higher education institute you can apply to stay in the UK for a further 12 months after your course completion date. You will be sponsored by your university but you will have full unrestricted work rights, except for some limited professions such as doctors or dentists.
Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme: Some nationalities are eligible to apply for a two-year work scheme permit.
Tier 5 Temporary Worker: This visa allows you to work in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months (depending on the scheme you’re applying for). International students in the UK can apply for the Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) visa to undertake work experience and internships in the UK after their studies. You can apply to switch from your Tier 4 visa to this visa from within the UK