Study In UK

UK Student Visas

From the world-class reputation of UK universities, to the vibrancy of its cities and culture, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a lot to offer international students. Four of the world’s top six universities are based in the UK, while all of its institutes offer a high quality level of teaching from leading professionals in their chosen area.

With advanced research methods and excellent facilities, you are guaranteed an education of the uppermost standard. UK courses are internationally recognised and come with prestigious qualifications that will make your résumé stand out to future employers. There is also a great deal of information and guidance available along the way to help you to further your education and plan your career.

The UK has a large international student community and multicultural society. Students come from over 200 nations to study in the UK. Many educational institutes have an international society to enable students from abroad to settle in the UK and make friends. These societies are always very sociable and offer trips to local attractions, and activities such as meals out, parties and gatherings. They also serve as a great source of support and advice and will enable you to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

As an international student you have the option to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time in holidays. There are also opportunities for you to work for up to two years following your graduation. This is a great way to build up your work experience and gain some important skills that may compliment your future career.

Another benefit of being based in the UK is its proximity to the rest of Europe. Many destinations are a short plane journey away, which is fantastic for students who want to travel on term breaks. The UK is a great gateway to Europe, with plenty of travel links and wonderful students deals and guidance to help you on your way.

UK education system explained

School and AS/A Level

It is compulsory for every child in the UK to receive full-time education at school between the ages of 5 and 16. After reaching 16, students can choose to continue their secondary education for a further two years, during which they usually study A-levels. It is common for students to study three or four A-levels that will be relevant to their chosen subject area at university. A-levels are necessary for all British students who want to study in higher education institutions.

UK higher education: Undergraduate degree

Most students enter higher education at the age of 18 to study an undergraduate degree. It usually takes three years for students in the UK to gain their bachelor’s degree (four years in Scotland). In 2009 university fees rose to a maximum of £9,000 per year for British students, while fees for international students usually cost between £10,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on the course and the subject they study. Undergraduate courses allow students to develop academic and – in some cases – work-related skills. British education focuses heavily on developing writing and analytical skills.

UK higher education: Postgraduate degree

Once students have obtained their undergraduate degree, they can apply for a postgraduate degree. The most common master’s degrees in the UK usually last for one year. However, some PhD qualifications can take up to seven years to complete. A British master’s degree requires intensive study, with research and critical thinking being a very important part of every postgraduate course. Apart from their classes, students will spend a significant part of their time researching their specialist subject area. Postgraduates are usually assessed through written assignments and tests. Some postgraduate degrees require dissertation modules at the end of their course.

Do you want to study in the UK for free? The British Government and UK Universities provide a large number of scholarships for international students who wants to study in United Kingdom.

UK Government Scholarships »

Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships, the UK government’s global scholarship programme, are awarded to outstanding scholars from Chevening-eligible countries around the world. Awards are typically for a one-year Master’s degree. Most Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees, a living allowance at a set rate (for one individual), an economy class return airfare to the UK, and additional grants to cover essential expenditure.

Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are intended for students from developing Commonwealth countries who wants to pursue Master’s and PhD study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).  Each Scholarship provides airfare to and from United Kingdom, tuition and examination fees, personal maintaining allowance, thesis grant (if applicable), initial arrival allowance, among others.

UK University Scholarships »

Gates Cambridge Scholarships 
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from any country outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding.

Rhodes Scholarships at University of Oxford 
Established in the will of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international scholarship program in the world.   The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards that supports exceptional international students from selected countries at the University of Oxford.   A Rhodes Scholarship covers all university fees, personal stipend, health insurance, and airfare to and from the student’s home country.

ISH-London Met Scholarship Scheme
London Metropolitan University and International Students House (ISH) offers a joint scholarship programme for international students from selected countries who wish to pursue a Master’s Degree Programme at the University.   The scholarship programme offers a full tuition fee scholarship and includes one year’s free accommodation at International Students House.

Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarships 
The University of Edinburgh offers a number of scholarships to non-EU students for postgraduate Masters study in any subject offered by the University. Each scholarship will have a value of £3,000 and will be tenable for one academic year.

Bristol University International Office Scholarships 
The University of Bristol is offering five International Office Scholarships for new international students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University.  The scholarships are worth £8,500 which can go towards your tuition fee.

University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships 
The International Ambassador Scholarship recognizes and provides financial support for outstanding students who wish to pursue a full time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at University of West London. The scholars will act as international ambassadors for the University of West London.  Up to 50 scholarships worth up to £5,000 are available.

University of West England Global Student Scholarships
The University of the West of England, Bristol offers more than £100,000 worth of scholarships for international students each year.  This includes the Global Student Scholarship wherein the recipient will be required to undertake an internship working within the Global Student Support.  The scholarship covers the full tuition fee.

Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships
Transform Together scholarships are open to international and European Union (non UK) students applying to study a full-time postgraduate or undergraduate taught course at Sheffield Hallam University. Half fee waiver (50%) is available for postgraduate courses and for each year of an undergraduate degree.

University of Westminster International Scholarships 
University of Westminster awards scholarships to eligible students from any developing country who wish to study in the UK and pursue a full-time Masters degree in any field of study at the University of Westminster.  The scholarship awards full tuition fee waivers, accommodation, living expenses and flights to and from London.

Developing Solutions Scholarships at University of Nottingham 
The Developing Solutions Scholarships are designed for international students from Africa, India or one of the developing countries of the Commonwealth who want to study a Masters Degree at the University of Nottingham and make a difference to the development of their home country. Each year,  105 scholarships  are awarded– 30 scholarships will cover the full tuition fee while 75 will cover 50% of the tuition fee.

University of Bradford Scholarships for Developing Countries in Crisis 
The University of Bradford Countries in Crisis Scholarships are intended to aid students in financial hardship due to the fact that they are domiciled in a country that is in crisis as a result of the political situation, war, natural disaster etc.   Each scholarship is worth approximately £20,000 which includes full tuition fees and accommodation plus £3,500 per annum living costs.

Intakes

The main intake for most UK Universities is September. Every university opens admissions for all courses that they offer, for the September intake. There is also a Mid-academic year intake offered by some British Universities during January / February. However, all courses may not be offered in this intake. Whether or not a University will offer a January / February intake can be found out on the respective university’s website, university brochures or from our counselors.

Application Fees

Usually UK universities do not charge any application fees.

Application Procedure

Though each University specifies its application procedure / requirements, generally one can apply for admissions through us at Take Off Educational Consultants, where by all application, admission and correspondence services will be provided by us. You can give us all necessary supporting academic documents and we will assist you with the entire admission procedure.

Spot Interviews

Spot Interviews are also conducted by several visiting Universities at our offices at Take Off Educational Consultants. In this case, one is required to attend an interview conducted by university staff/ faculty, who will offer the student an on the spot decision, about whether or not he is eligible for admission. Also, further relevant inquiries can be made and are usually answered by the University Representative.

Documents Required for Admission

The following checklist will be helpful while applying to a university in UK…

  1. Application Form
  2. Resume / Bio-data
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Graduation Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate (if applying for PG)
  5. Graduation Mark sheets – all years
  6. Std 12 Mark Sheet
  7. Std 10 Mark Sheet
  8. 2 Recommendation letters (out of which at least 1 should be academic, with the other being from the work place, if student is working)
  9. Work experience letters (if applicable)
  10. IELTS / TOEFL Score Sheet
  11. Any other relevant certificates
  12. Portfolio of work must also be included, in case of application for courses in art / design etc.

Visa Procedure

Any person, who is not a British Citizen or a citizen of one the European Economic Area (EEA) Countries, needs an entry clearance before he travels to the UK. To apply for a visa to the UK, applicants need to submit their Tier 4 Student Visa application to the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Centre nearest to them.

VFS staff accept the applications at each centre and all applications are then immediately forwarded to any one of the 4 visa ofices of the British High Commission in India.

VFS are responsible only for accepting applications and providing advice and guidance where necessary. All visa applications are assessed by Visa Officers at the British High Commission.

Tier 4 Point Based System (Student Visa)

From 31 March 2009, any applicant who wishes to study in the UK has to apply under Tier 4 category of the point based system. This new point based system was introduced to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify most talented workers along with making transparent route for studying in the UK. The new system places more emphasis upon the responsibility of the educational body in question for the applicants they permit to study.

As a Tier 4 student visa, you must qualify for 40 points in point assessment. You can score:

  • 30 points for a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, from an approved education provider (also known as a ‘Tier 4 sponsor’), and for having acceptable course and English language skills; and
  • 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs.

Visa Interview

In many cases the application is approved without the need for the applicant to attend an interview. In these cases, the applicant’s passport, endorsed with the appropriate UK visa, will be returned to the application centre by courier, or sent to his contact address.

If a Visa Officer cannot make a decision on your application on the basis of the papers submitted, VFS will contact you to book an interview appointment.

Documents Required for Tier 4 Student Visa

  1. Fully filled and signed Application Form
  2. Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from the University
  3. Letter of Offer from the university confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK
  4. Visa Application Fee
  5. Original Valid Passport
  6. Photocopy of Passport
  7. Passport size Photographs
  8. TB Report
  9. Academic documents
  10. IELTS / TOEFL Score Sheet
  11. Statement of Purpose
  12. Work-experience, if applicable from present and previous employers providing their contact details.
  13. Financial Documents
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