Study in UK - All you need to know!

The UNITED KINGDOM is the most sought-after destination for aspiring students who are passionate about upgrading themselves and keen on getting a global recognition. It has been providing world-class education in a variety of areas like engineering, science, art and design, business and management, law and finance, medicine and public health. Credited with innumerable scientific researches and global scientific publications-UK has been responsible for producing the world’s very best thinkers. This article is dividing into the following sections, which will guide the entire process step-by-step, from selecting the best university and course to successfully applying for a student visa in the United Kingdom.

Why Study in UK?

As Simon Sinek says, ‘First find your Why’! If you are convinced that the United Kingdom is the right place to pursue higher education, then this guide will help in understanding the complete process. The following points help to decide whether to study in the UK.

  • The degrees and diplomas awarded by the colleges and universities in the UK are recognized and respected all over the world.
  • Extensive choice of subjects and masters in a combination of subjects as a part of the course is available.
  • The universities in the United Kingdom rank at the very top of the top-ranked universities list in the world.
  • One can enjoy the multicultural vibes and immerse themselves in the local community while living in the country.
  • One can stay in the UK for two years after graduation on a post-study work visa.

Eligibility Requirements to Study for Bachelors’
in the UK

  • One should provide test scores of English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL
  • A minimum score of 65 percent in 12th grade is mandatory to pursue a course in arts and humanities and a minimum of 70 to 80 percent to apply for a course in science and commerce.
  • One should provide test scores of their IELTS or TOEFL test to demonstrate proficiency in English.
  • One should provide test scores of their IELTS or TOEFL test to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Eligibility criteria to study in the UK for Masters program

  • The degrees and diplomas awarded by the colleges and universities in the UK are recognized and respected all over the world.
  • Depending on the course and university applied for, one needs to take the GRE or GMAT and submit their scores at the time of applying for admission.
  • Depending on the course and university applied for, one needs to take the GRE or GMAT and submit their scores at the time of applying for admission.
  • One should score at least 60 to 75 percent in their undergraduate degree to be eligible to apply for MS in the UK.

Top FAQs Asked by Students Travelling to UK

Students need to qualify for the following tests to get eligible for studying in the UK.

  • TOEFL
  • IELTS
  • PTE

IELTS is a primary necessity to study in UK for candidates from a non-English speaking background. However, the critical IELTS exam pattern has restricted many international students from studying in top-ranked universities in UK. However, the introduction of numerous alternative pathways has made it possible for overseas learners to enjoy the top-notch quality education of UK without taking the IELTS exam.

Can I study in UK without IELTS? Yes, international students can study in UK without IELTS 2024. The United Kingdom has introduced different alternatives for overseas students to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language without going for the IELTS test. Over 100 universities in UK allow students to enroll in multiple programmes without an IELTS score.

Alternative Pathways to Study in UK without IELTS for Indian Students

Depending on the university and institute they are applying to, international students may have a few alternative options to study in UK without taking the IELTS test. These are mentioned below:

  • Alternative English language test: Many UK universities accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English exams in place of IELTS to measure the English language proficiency of students.

  • Educational Background: Candidates who have completed their previous schooling from an English medium school. However, the student must evidence their statement through a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from a previous educational institute.

  • University Assessments: Many UK universities conduct their own English language assessments to measure the English skills of the aspirants. Performing well in such exams can eliminate the stress of the IELTS test for admission.

  • Foundation Programmes: Some UK universities offer special foundation programmes for international students. These courses allow students to meet the language requirements for their intended degree programmes.

 

Fees for UK courses vary depending on your study level and where in the UK you are studying.

Many international students in the UK work part-time alongside their studies.

Many international students in the UK take a part-time job, work placement or internship alongside their studies. Most courses allow students to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and this is not restricted to on-campus employment.

How to Apply for Admission through UCAS?

Once zeroed in the course selection and universities to study in the UK, then the next important set of steps is to apply for admission through the UCAS system.

Register on the website

Once registered on the website, unique login details will be provided to the applicant to create a personal profile.

Fill in details about your education

Know the requirements, including academic records from age 13 onwards, before filling up the application for UK Universities.

Personal statement

Write a compelling 4000 character personal statement expressing interest in the course and university, with the help of UK education consultants.

Provide a reference

Provide recommendation references or letters from professors or professionals, linked through the college or school or entered directly into UCAS.

Work experience and employment history

The employment experience should list it here in chronological order.

Select the choice of course

One should select and apply to a maximum of five courses.

Apply and pay the application fees

Timeline for applying to study in the United Kingdom

2024/2025 Important UK University Application Deadlines

There are several dates and deadlines you will need to note in your diary throughout the university application process. This university application timeline provides an overview of when you can apply for undergraduate courses and highlights the UK university application deadlines for 2024.

Most courses in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine/Science, and Dentistry have much earlier deadlines and it is important that you are fully aware of those that impact on your application. These early deadlines are in place to ensure equal consideration for a place on the course, as they are typically among the most competitive and often involve an interview process.

Choosing and applying to the UK’s top universities is a complex and time-consuming process, therefore, we strongly recommend that students do not leave their application to the last minute. Please note that the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford also have earlier entry deadlines.

International students deadlines

In case you miss your deadline, feel free to connect with one of our consultants to explore alternatives and get personalized help and advice.

Many universities and colleges in the UK will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, close to the start date of the course. The specific timing of these extensions depends on the course and university you’re interested in.

Don’t leave it too late though, because once your secure your university offer letter you’ll still need to apply for your Student Visa and your University Accommodation.

2024/2025 Important UCAS Deadlines

Below you will find the UCAS deadlines for courses in the UK. These deadlines are relevant for students wishing to start their studies in September 2024 or January 2025.

30 April 2024 – 2025 entry courses available to search and apply

14 May 2024 – you can start your undergraduate application for 2025 entry courses, but you cannot submit it to UCAS until 3 September 2024

15 October 2024 at 18:00 (UK time) – deadline for any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add choices with a different deadline later, but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total.

29 January 2025 at 18:00 (UK time) – deadline for the majority of courses.

What to do if I have missed the deadline?

If you are late in submitting your application due to any unexpected situations, please feel free to contact one of our consultants for support and guidance. Our specialized team would be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with the best advice.

We faciliate direct communication between the student and the universities, saving time and avoiding setbacks. Our consultants are trained and qualified in educational counselling and have graduated in the UK.

September 2024 Entry Information

If you would like to apply to study at any UK University for September entry, please follow the information on our dedicated page about University Courses Starting in September 2024

January/February 2025 Entry Information

If you would like to apply to the UK University for January entry, please follow the information on our dedicated page about University Courses Starting in January 2025

Start your academic journey now!

We also recommend starting with your application process as soon as possible, to have enough time to prepare yourself for UK academic journey VISA application, UK accommodation and your new student life in the UK. Our team of educational experts is here to help you and provide full educational guidance.

TOP UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY IN UK

Scholarships funded by UK Government

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and additional financial support to students from a large number of countries.

You can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to find out more about the funding available if you are studying in the UK as a postgraduate student, including whether or not you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Just scroll down to the relevant section of the webpage.

UKCISA is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students and those who work with them.

Many UK higher-education institutions offer their own scholarship programmes.

These are offered based on a number of factors, which can be broadly split out into the following categories:

  1. Academic, merit and excellence scholarships - These are usually awarded to students with a strong academic background, including achieving strong grades in their school exams. 
  2. Performance-based scholarships - These are usually awarded to those who have exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity such as sports, music or performing arts like drama or dance.
  3. Subject-specific scholarships - These are often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
  4. Equal access or sanctuary scholarships - These scholarships can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or maintenance award and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
  5. Disability scholarships - These scholarships support international students with a disability, long-term mental health condition, learning difficulty or other special needs. 

Always check out different institutions’ websites to discover what is available, and take a look at specialist websites like Postgraduate Studentships and Prospects for curated information that covers different institutions.

Popular Scholarships to Study in UK

What scholarships are available to study in UK for Indian Students specially?

Several universities in the UK offer scholarship opportunities to Indian students from different fields of study and backgrounds. Universities often fund these scholarships and may require applicants to meet certain criteria, such as academic excellence, financial need, or specific demographic factors.

The University of Bristol offers the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, which is awarded to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. Similarly, The University of Oxford awards the Reach Oxford Scholarship to students from low-income countries who would not otherwise be able to afford to study at Oxford.

Scholarship Eligibility & Requirements

Scholarship eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship programme. Standard requirements include solid academic records and demonstrating financial need or merit. Some scholarships may also have additional eligibility criteria, such as being from a specific region or studying a particular subject.

Many scholarships require supporting documents such as letters of recommendation and personal statements. It’s essential to review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying

Government-funded scholarships

One of the major reasons why thousands of Indian students aspire to study in the UK is the UK government-funded scholarships. These scholarships make it easy for students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their dreams. At the undergraduate level, the main scholarship programmes are the Maintenance Grant, which provides financial assistance to students from low-income households, and the Disabled Students’ Allowance, which supports students with disabilities. 

The government also offers scholarships for postgraduate studies, such as the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, which enables students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK, and the Chevening Scholarship, which supports outstanding students worldwide to pursue a master’s.

Private scholarships

Private scholarships in the UK refer to financial aid provided by non-governmental entities, such as corporations, foundations, and individuals, to support the education of students pursuing various academic programmes. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination.

To be considered for private scholarships in the UK, students must submit an application that typically includes academic transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters, and essays. The selection process can involve interviews, tests, or other assessments, depending on the criteria of the scholarship provider.

Subject scholarships

Various subject scholarships are awarded in the UK to students based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. A wide range of subject scholarships is available in the UK, covering subjects such as engineering, medicine, law, science, business, and humanities.

Subject scholarships can provide financial support for tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses and can also offer additional benefits such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to exclusive events.

Undergraduate Scholarships

One of the most popular scholarships available for Indian students at the undergraduate level is the GREAT Scholarship, which offers funds of up to £10,000 to students in a variety of subjects. This scholarship is available to Indian students studying at UK universities.

Another popular scholarship is the Commonwealth Scholarship, which covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses for Indian students pursuing undergraduate studies in the UK. This scholarship is open to students from Commonwealth countries, including India. The Chevening Scholarship is also available to Indian students pursuing their undergraduate studies in the UK. The UK government funds this scholarship and offers total funding for students, covering tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses.

The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship is another option for Indian students seeking to study their undergraduate programmes in the UK. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses for Indian students studying in the UK.

Master’s Scholarships

Master’s scholarships in the UK are available for Indian students pursuing a postgraduate degree at a UK university. There are various types of master’s scholarships available, including full scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses, partial scholarships that cover only a portion of tuition fees, and school

British Council GREAT scholarships for Indian Students.

This category of scholarships is a selection of scholarships provided by the British Council to Indian students studying in the United Kingdom.

 

Post Study Career Opportunities in the UK

After the completion of graduation in the United Kingdom, then students can stay in the UK to find work opportunities. That is through applying for a post-study visa through the Graduate Route. This route, which was introduced on July 1st, 2021, is open for all international students in the UK, who have completed their Bachelor’s or higher degree. As per the terms of this program, students who have completed their graduation or are under graduation can stay for 2 years in the UK, while students who have completed their Ph.D. can stay for three years.

 Important Features of the Graduate Route for Students in the UK

  • The UK’s Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for international students who want to take their next steps into employment in the UK.

    What are the benefits of the Graduate Route?

    The Graduate Route is unsponsored, which means you can use the time after you graduate to work, or look for work, at any skill level. You will have the flexibility to gain work experience, undertake an internship or work as a freelancer in the UK.

    There is no minimum salary requirement, and there is no limit on how many international students can have the opportunity to stay in the UK through the Graduate Route.

    Once you have found suitable employment in the UK, you’ll have the chance to switch to a skilled work route and remain in the UK after your two or three years have come to an end.

    How much does the Graduate Route cost?

    Before applying for the Graduate Route visa, you should know the costs up-front. There is a one-off application fee of £822, and you must also pay the full amount for the Immigration Health Surcharge. As of 6 February 2024, this will cost you £1035 annually.

    Learn more about the Graduate Route

Learn more about the Graduate Route on GOV.UK and visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for additional guidance on the Graduate Route, including where, when and how to apply, requirements and conditions, FAQs and more. Additionally, you can view the UK government’s Graduate Route guide for further information.

It is worth being aware that if you impress your employer while working on the Graduate Route visa, your employer can switch you onto the Skilled Worker route if the requirements are met. But note: you cannot switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Graduate Route visa.

Top Jobs in UK

Before choosing a career, investigate the future of the career in the UK over the next decade. Based on the predictions, choose the best careers for the future in the UK. Here are the jobs that will be in demand over the next ten years.

Registered Nurses

Median Salary: $70,000
Projected Job Growth: 15%

Accountants and Auditors

Median Salary: $69,350
Projected Job Growth: 10%

Software Developers

Median Salary: $103,560
Projected Job Growth: 24%

Management Analysts/ Consultants

Median Salary: $82,450
Projected Job Growth: 14%

Postsecondary Teachers

Median Salary: $76,000
Projected Job Growth: 15%

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