How To Study Abroad In The UK (United Kingdom) | Programs And Best Steps

Study abroad in the UK and not only will you graduate with a degree that is recognized and respected around the world.

You will also receive a world-class education that will prepare you for your future career and help you stand out in the competitive international job market.

Studying abroad in the UK gives you a great chance to explore a whole new country.  Discover iconic cities, historic sites and natural beauty.

This guide on how to study abroad in the UK is designed to help you find out more about studying in the UK as an international student and includes sections on choosing the UK as a destination, choosing a place in the UK, learning more about the country.

Why Study Abroad In UK?

Hundreds of thousands of international students study in Great Britain every year, thanks to which Great Britain constantly occupies high positions of popularity.  With its diverse population and prestigious school reputation, the UK is a natural destination for international students.

And for students around the world seeking an English-language education, what better place to study than the country that invented the language?

With an excellent higher education system and hundreds of world-class universities, the UK promises a rich experience for international students.

Where To Study Abroad In UK

The United Kingdom is home to many fantastic colleges and the most prestigious educational institutions in the world.  Universities and institutes are epicenters of high-quality education.

Students can study in a variety of locations, including world-renowned cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, as well as other but intriguing locations such as York, Loughborough and Brighton.

The UK is a global educational hub, attracting thousands of students from the UK and other countries.

Requirements To Study Abroad In UK

Students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK immediately after high school must complete 10+2 from a recognized Indian university and have the minimum marks and relevant requirements for their chosen program and university.

Here is a list of requirements to study in the UK at undergraduate level:

• Original academic certificates and transcriptsfrom previous educational institutions.
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Scores of English Proficiency Tests
• Passport and other identity documents
• Bank statements to confirm financial funds
• Offer letter
• Student visa

How To Study Abroad In UK

Choose where you want to study

One of the most important and exciting decisions you will have to make is where you are going to study.  You will most likely spend at least three years studying abroad, so you need to make sure you choose a place that you will enjoy living in.

Create a short list of courses

Make a shortlist of up to six universities and courses you want to attend.  This can increase your chances of getting a place, but it’s important that you only list universities you’d be happy to live and study at and assess the entry requirements, as you may have to pay application fees.

Although it will take a little longer as you may have to apply multiple times and you will need to pay for each application, it means you can apply to courses that may be harder to get into knowing you have  backups in case you fail.

Check the application processes

The exact application process will vary from university to university and from country to country.  Some countries have similar centralized systems to UCAS in the UK, but many require you to apply directly to the university.

You should check the university’s website to find out what application process you need to follow and what the entry requirements are.

Many students who want to study abroad use an international admissions service to help with their application.  Advisers can help you find a university that matches your ambitions and can guide you through the application process right through to admission.

Keep your documents handy

When you are ready to apply to an overseas university, you will need to gather a number of documents to apply.  They include:

• Your A-level qualifications and certificates
• A letter of recommendation or reference, usually from one of your teachers
• An essay or personal statement highlighting your interest in the topic
• Certified copies of identity documents, including passport

If the program you have applied for is taught in another language, you will need to prove your knowledge of that language.

However, many university programs for international students are taught in English, so in this case you will not need to provide proof of your language skills.

Submit an application

Many universities allow you to apply online through their website or a third-party site similar to UCAS.  You may need to register and create an account with the University before you can complete the application.

To submit documents online, you may need to make certified copies and then scan and attach them to your application.  Some universities also ask for original documents to be sent by post.

If you are applying to a non-English speaking country, you may need to have your documents translated, but most will accept them in English.  For the exact application process, go to the university’s website and follow their instructions carefully.

Pay application fees

Many universities will charge you an application fee.  This can vary by country and university, but can be as little as £50. You will need to pay this amount when you apply, often by credit or debit card.

These fees are usually non-refundable, so if your application is rejected or you choose not to accept an offer from the university, you will not receive a refund.  If you are accepted, the payment may be deducted from your tuition fee.

Get your offer

If your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter from the university.  As in the UK, your offer may be conditional if you have not yet completed your A-Levels.

The letter should tell you what grades you need to get to be accepted, and you’ll need to provide proof of your grades when you get your results.

You may receive an unconditional offer, which means you have met all the necessary academic and non-academic requirements for admission to the university.

The letter should describe the steps you need to take to accept the offer, and may include a deadline by which you must respond.

Deal with the visa

This is a key part of studying abroad that you should arrange before you travel to begin your studies in a new country.  If you are going to study in another EU country after 31 December 2020, make sure you meet all their visa requirements.

If you don’t, you may not be allowed to stay after the Brexit transition period ends. The visa process and the type you need will vary depending on the country you are studying in, but most applications require:

• Confirmation of your place of study at a university in this country
• Proof of residence
• Identity documents
• Confirmation of the availability of funds for yourself
• Passport size photos

Some countries allow you to apply for a visa online, but others require you to visit one of their consulates or embassies in the UK.

Get student insurance

Make sure you have a study abroad insurance policy before you travel.  It’s important to remember that you won’t be able to use the NHS while studying abroad and medical bills can be expensive, so having insurance cover is essential.

Arrive at university

When you arrive, the University’s International Students Office will be on hand to help you find accommodation and make sure you register and enroll at the University.  You will need several documents to register, including your passport and visa.

International student staff also offers a number of support services that you can benefit from while studying abroad.  This may include counselling, as well as support for any academic issues that may arise, or technical assistance with visas or job searches.

Immigration Requirement To Study Abroad In UK

If you need a visa to study in the UK and you are not a citizen of an English-speaking country or have a degree that is taught in English or in an English-speaking country, you will need to meet the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) English Language Requirements.

You can do this by taking an accepted Protected English Language Test (SELT) at a UKVI approved test center and by achieving the required level of English no later than 2 years before you receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance into Study) for your course of study.

Immigration Requirement To Study Abroad In UK

• The student must obtain an academic course offer from a licensed student sponsor
• The student must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during the course
• Student must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language
• If the student is 16 or 17 years old, they need parental consent

Best Place To Study Abroad In UK

London

The great thing about London is that it is both brilliantly British and incredibly international.  As the capital, it is the epicenter of UK culture and entertainment, and one of the most diverse cities on the planet.

The result is a vibrant city that you’ll love – just be prepared for endless conversations about how expensive everything is.

Glasgow

The Hogwarts-like University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s oldest institutions, and the city is home to two modern universities as well as the prestigious Glasgow School of Art.  Glasgow’s student body has long been active in the city’s history of political activism, making it a great place to be politically and socially engaged.

Manchester

Unlike many other cities where universities are spread out, Manchester’s three universities, as well as their unions and halls of residence, are clustered together south of the city centre.  It creates a bubble almost like a college campus, but at the same time it’s the short bus life of a big city.

Cardiff

Cardiff is the largest city in the smallest country in the United Kingdom (Wales), which means it’s cosmopolitan enough to be exciting while retaining a small-town charm.  It boasts great student nightlife, regular sporting events and a great waterfront.

All this is concentrated in a relatively small area, which makes navigation extremely convenient.  It’s also quite cheap compared to other major UK cities, making it ideal for students with disabilities.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Travel Visa To Study Abroad In UK?

You should receive a decision on your visa within 3 weeks of your appointment at the visa centre or using the ID Check app if you are applying for Student visa or Child student visa.

You may be able to get your visa faster or access other services depending on the country you are in – check with your visa centre.

If you are studying for 6 months or less and have applied for a standard visitor visa, please refer to the decision time to visit the UK.

You may be able to get your visa faster or access other services depending on the country you are in – check with your visa centre.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom is the most preferred international destination for higher education worldwide.  The country offers a wide range of specializations at different entry levels, along with a vibrant campus life and a cosmopolitan experience for international students.

The UK is also home to over 300 universities and most of the world’s top-ranked universities with the lowest acceptance rates.  It offers quality education, affordable housing, scholarships and, above all, excellent job opportunities after graduation.

How To Study Abroad In UK FAQs

References

studee.com – The ultimate guide to studying abroad as a UK student

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