The UK education system is amongst the oldest in the world. Students who study in UK can get to learn at historical universities which have been set up by the royal family of Great Britain or by a Papal decree from the Catholic Church. Universities in UK comprise of a number of different faculties and colleges, each of which confer degrees in various subjects to students.
The education system follows a unique approach which is distinct from the one followed by universities in USA
- Students who study in UK are expected to complete their course and earn their degrees in three or four years
- If the student successfully completes all course requirements within three years then he is awarded an honors degree
- Students who do exceptionally well while earning their honors degree are given first class honors, followed by second, upper second, lower second and third
- Students who study in UK will find it easy to adjust with the mode of studying.
- Students can opt for pursuing degree in a single subject or a combination of subjects which results in a dual degree
- Universities in UK are of three types- Collegiate universities, city universities and campus universities.
- Collegiate universities have a number of different colleges run by a single university
- City universities have their buildings within the city and are spread out over different locations in the city
- Campus universities are located on large multi acre campuses on the outskirts of a city
- You can study in the best and most prestigious universities in the world
The United Kingdom boasts of some of the most prestigious and historical university campuses in the world. Studying at these campuses will enable you to harness the foundations of a rich and varied educational system that dates back several centuries - A degree from the United Kingdom can add a lot of weight to one’s resume
The United Kingdom educational system with its focus on research and practical know how, has earned itself a reputation for graduate employability. When you study in UK, your educational qualifications are recognized all over the world and help you in your career. - You can work while you study in UK
The United Kingdom allows students to work while you study for an undergraduate or post graduate course in the country. You can work for up to 20 hours a week when the academic session is in progress - There are excellent research facilities for students studying in multiple courses
The United Kingdom is one of the best countries for research infrastructure as well as research output. A number of award winning research projects have emerged from universities in the UK. As a student pursuing research you will have significant advantage when you study in UK - Students can study in dual degree programs
The United Kingdom allows students to study in joint dual degree programs. The advantage of a dual degree program is that it allows you to explore two subjects in one degree program. For example students could take up a dual degree in product engineering and financial management or art history and architecture
- Students who aim to pursue their abroad education in UK need to make their applications through the UCAS system
- You can apply to only four universities if you are choosing to study in a medical course and five universities if you are opting for a course that is not related to the medical field.
- You will need the following for your application
- Transcripts of your records from all previous schools that you have attended
- A personal essay of around 4000 words or less explaining your reasons to apply and be accepted as a student
- Proof of English language proficiency – scores of either IELTS or TOEFL
- Some universities ask their applicants to appear for an entrance test to shortlist prospective students
- Some universities such as Oxford and Cambridge will also ask you to appear for an in-person or telephonic interview before finally accepting you to the university
Living Costs
GBP 600 to GBP 800 pm outside London and GBP 800 to GBP 1000 Inside London
Tuition Fee
- Undergraduate students – GBP 8000 – GBP 12000
- Post graduate programs – GBP 8000 – GBP 12000 pa
- MBA program – GBP 9000 – GBP 15000
- Major intake – September / October
- Other Intakes – Jan / Feb, May few Universities offer rolling intakes as well
There are a number of scholarships for UK students who are interested in studying in United Kingdom
Rhodes Scholarship – offered to students pursuing Post graduate programs at Oxford – awarded to exceptional international students – covers full cost of study at Oxford including airfare, tuition fees, books, visa fees, accommodation and living expenses for duration of the stay
Gates Cambridge Scholarships – offered to international students pursuing full time post graduate course at University of Cambridge – covers cost of tuitions, airfare, living expenses
Chevening Scholarships – awarded to students and other eligible countries – covers cost of tuition, airfare and accommodation
Commonwealth Masters Scholarships – Intended for international students from developing countries – covers airfare, tuition fees, exam fees, personal allowance, thesis grant allowance arrival allowance and more
Edinburgh Global Research Fellowship – awarded to students who pursue PhD at University of Edinburgh – covers the difference between fees charged to resident students and international students for any subject
Bristol University International Office Scholarship – awarded to five selected international students studying for a Bachelor’s degree at Bristol University – selected students are awarded 8500 GBP in cash towards their tuition fees
University of Sussex’s Chancellor’s international fellowship – awarded to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and are pursuing full time Master’s program at University of Sussex – covers 50 percent of tuition fees for international students for one year
- University of Westminster International Scholarships – awarded to international students other developing countries who pursue a full time post graduate program from the University of Westminster –covers full tuition fees, airfare to and from London, accommodation and living costs
- Developing Solutions Scholarship at University of Nottingham – awarded to international students studying at University of Nottingham and hailing from developing countries – covers full tuition fees for top 30 students and 50 percent of fees for 75 students out of a total of 105 scholarships that are granted each year
International students who wish to study in UK can work for 20 hrs per week and full time during holiday. The hourly pay for on campus job varies from £8 to £9 per hour. Spouse of the student can also work if the duration of the course is more than 1 year.
UKBA has introduced Tier 2 of point based system whereby student who graduates from UK University will be able to take graduate level job in the UK with the registered companies earning a minimum of £ 21000 a year . After completion of course students are allowed to stay for a period of 4 months in order to secure a permanent job for £21000 pa or more to be eligible for work permit.