The UK offers several opportunities for international students to have an enjoyable experience, develop and appreciate different perspectives, and make new friends.
The country of four great nations provides:
- Excellent educational infrastructure
- Distinguished teaching methodologies
- Quality research facilities
- Rich heritage with diverse cultural backgrounds
If you want to study and work in the UK, you can be rest assured to get the support and space you need. The UK prides itself on education that is built upon robust historical foundations. The more you experience here, the more ambition you’ll gain for world-class education.
Home to the world’s most outstanding educational facilities, the institutes have globally ranked highest through the years. The unique teaching style also lends itself to strengthening a student’s critical thinking skills, exposing them to new and emerging technologies.
At Expert Education, we’ll guide you to fulfil your academic dreams abroad! Let us help you prepare for the United Kingdom student visa application. We will also assist you with a scholarship to study in the UK if needed. You can get in touch with our visa consulting experts to know more.
Universities and courses available
In the UK, international students will benefit from unparalleled education standards.
Here’s a list of some of the universities in the UK, offering undergraduate to postgraduate courses.
- University of Plymouth
- University of Bradford
- Middlesex University
- UWE Bristol
- University of Creative Arts
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- University of Bedfordshire
- London Metropolitan University
- University of West London
- University of East London
- University of Northampton
- Coventry University
- University of Sunderland (London Campus)
- Imperial College London
- Birkbeck, University of London
- Birmingham City University
- Royal Northern College of Music
Popular study areas:
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Social Science
- Media & Communication
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Social Studies
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Environmental Studies
Fee, Scholarship, Cost of Living
The best education for a bright future
Before you pick the location to study in the UK, we advise that you first browse through university websites and check the course tuition fee. The cost of studying depends on the university and course selected, and the length of the course matters too. So, after getting a comparative analysis, you will have a better idea of the costs involved and the admission requirements.
The total average cost of studying in the UK is estimated to be at least £22,200 per year, while the price for studying in London is likely to be significantly more expensive. Below table gives an overview of the of the costs involved:
- Undergraduate bachelor program: £ 7000 to £ 20,000 per year
- Postgraduate master’s program: £ 10,000 to £ 25,000 per year
- Doctoral program: £ 15,000 to £ 30,000 per year
- Tier 4 Student Visa:
- £ 348 (application fees to apply from outside the UK)
- £ 475 (to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK)
If you are applying for a full-time course at a university, you have to make sure that the university you select holds the Tier 4 Sponsor License. This license allows education providers to sponsor international students who apply for a full-time study in the United Kingdom through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa can be applied for students aged 4 – 17 and those who want to apply at an independent school in the UK. A Tier 4 (General) Student Visa can be applied for students aged 16 and above. The Tier 4 student visa is not applicable for short-term programs or language courses.
For a course and stay of not more than eleven months in the UK, international students have to apply for a short-term study visa instead of a Tier 4 study visa. The application fees would amount to £ 186.
Scholarship to study in the UK
There’s no denying that studying in the UK can be heavy on the pockets. However, plenty of scholarships are available for international students. You can check out the university websites to identify the scholarships offered.
If you’re dreaming of a postgraduate degree in the UK but need funding, GREAT scholarship can make your dream a reality. Similarly, other scholarships are available, including global scholarship, country-specific, and science and research funding support.
You can get in touch with our team of experts to help you find a scholarship best suited to you.
Cost of living in the UK
Living expenses depend from one city to another. So, while we can’t provide an absolute figure, you can check out these approximate costs.
| UK student Visa Application Fees: | £ 348 (one-time) |
| Housing: | £ 500 per month |
| Transportation: | £ 150-200 per month |
| Food: | £ 150-200 per month |
| Clothing and Leisure: | £ 50 per month |
| Telephone and Mobile: | £ 50 per month |
Additional costs may include covering:
- University or private accommodation
- Long and short travel: railways, intercity buses
- Utilities: books, stationery, electricity, gas, water, clothes, toiletries, etc.
- Food: cooking at home or ordering online
Admission Process
Applying to study in the UK as an international student is a pretty straightforward process.
- Select the university, college or course
- Register
- Apply
Once you receive approval to study at the university, you can start arranging for the funds necessary. Lastly, you can apply for your UK student visa and prepare for your stay.
Common set of documents to submit while applying for admission at a university in the UK:
- Personal information, including your photo ID & academic history
- Birth certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters, if required
- Passport, national identification card
- Copies of degree/diploma certificates
- Evidence of English competency – IELTS score/TOEFL iBT/C1 Advanced/PTE Academic
- Graduate applicants may have to submit a research proposal if required
You might want to consider crucial deadlines that some of the universities have for international students. You can visit specific university websites to get a clear understanding of the best time to apply for admission.
Some of the most important deadlines for specific courses or degree programs:
- Mid-January: UCAS deadline for EU/EEA students
- August: The UCAS clearing process. Universities may open up remaining places for late university applicants in the current academic year
- End of June: Deadline for non-EU/EEA international students
- Mid-October: Deadline for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine courses
Study & Beyond – Life in the UK
Experience a whole new culture
Be it a cup of tea in a charming café or a pint at the pub; the UK university culture will leave you looking forward to the weekends. Apart from the study projects, assignments and part-time jobs, you’ll also get to enjoy world music from hip-hop to opera and more.
From Lundy Island in Devon to the summit of Snowdon in Wales and discovering the rural countryside in Essex, there’s an adventure to experience.
The UK climate will give you days with low humidity, warm summers, and mild winters. There’s sunshine and heat waves, rain and snowfall too! You’ll experience a cold and wet climate in the winters; so, warm clothes and a raincoat is your best companion wherever you go.
The summer is rarely hot as compared to other countries. You can look forward to long and pleasantly bright days with not many grey clouds in sight. Because the long, dark, rainy, cold days seem like forever, people are happier when the sun comes out. You’ll find them 100x more sociable and 100x optimistic, laying out on the beach in their swimmers.
On the education front, the UK government warmly welcomes international students every year. They have the opportunity to learn about various cultures and socialise with people from across the world. Community events are specific to each culture, which helps you stay connected with your roots.
Academic opportunities and a bright future await you. Are you trying to figure out how to apply for a student visa in the UK? Connect with our team today and get your UK student visa process started.
FAQs
What kind of questions will I be asked during the interview for my student visa application process?
The visa officer might want to know your reasons to join the chosen university in the UK. You will also be asked questions like:
- Why did you select the UK for higher studies?
- What course have you selected and why?
- How is the course you chose relevant to your previous studies?
- What is the location of the university or college?
- Would you return to the UK for higher studies if you are awarded a UK degree?
You could be asked these and many more questions. Our team will be happy to assist you with the UK student visa process.
Many students at universities study and work in the UK. You can take up a part-time job. As an international student, there may be restrictions on the total number of hours you can work. A sticker in your passport should mention the work hours you are allowed (usually up to 20 hours per week and full-time during vacations). Additionally, your university will provide information about work hour guidelines so that you can dedicate sufficient time to your studies.
After meeting the university’s minimum English requirements, it is possible to enrol in a course to improve your language skills. Check to find if your university has a language support facility to help in improving your speaking, listening and writing skills.
If you fail a year, you will get a chance to retake your exams. Furthermore, if you fail again, you will have to retake the entire year at that university. Alternatives are that you drop out or consider switching to a new subject. Underperforming in coursework assignments will hurt your average grade, but you may be allowed to resubmit in some cases. However, you may receive counselling and study advice from a student advisor to improve your overall performance.
You can expect a class time that ranges between 15 and 25 hours per week. However, the exact number of hours depends on your subject and university. Also, you may find timetable expectations listed on the course descriptions on the university website.
A UK student visa covers free medical treatment, including emergency or hospital care. This also means that you do not have to apply for medical insurance when studying in the UK. As an international student, you receive a reduced price on dental care at an NHS dentist.
In time, you would be able to settle into the new lifestyle and focus well on your studies. However, if you still feel stressed and have other factors weighing in on you, you can always reach out to your tutor about your academic concerns or the student welfare officer. Also, you can get in touch with your students’ union to provide general welfare support regarding any other issues that you may be experiencing.
You can reach out to the University and seek clarification or a reason for the delay. Usually, A CAS Number is issued to an international student four months before the commencement of the programme.
Home to the world’s most outstanding educational facilities, the UK boasts of institutes globally ranked highest through the years. The unique teaching style also lends itself to strengthening a student’s critical thinking skills, exposing them to new and emerging technologies.