The United Kingdom is a popular study destination for international students that intends to pursue their higher education. The highly rated universities as regards academic excellence are seated in the united kingdom, universities in the UK are ranked among the best in the world. Students aim to study in the UK based on these achievements associated with their education system.
As an aspirant to any of the prestigious university in UK, keep in mind that;
- You have made the best decision by wanting to study in the UK, these Universities offer top tier education in a standard academic environment, and the students are taught by experts, and this would ultimately boost your intellect.
- Also, the Universities in the United Kingdom are ranked amongst the best universities in the world.
- Your student visa allows you to work while you study. Although, these jobs and your weekly hours will be limited.
- The social life in UK universities is unique and there are societies and clubs for politics, entertainment, activism, gender equality, writing, debate, Dance, Music, sports, sexuality ,etc.
- You can access free health care services; when you pay your NHS (National Health Service) Surcharge, you can access free health care. Although, It does not cover all treatments. You can receive emergency treatment, and see a doctor, and access mental health treatment. You will be required to pay for Medicines, Vaccines, dental care and eye care.
- The people in the UK have distinct accents. The official language is English, but the accents of the people from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland are different and distinct from each other.
- If you are studying in the UK, you should have a UK bank account to prevent transaction fees and to access a sim card. You can access free withdrawal on transactions with a UK bank account.
- You will apply for your admission through UCAS ( Universities and Colleges Admission Services), which is responsible for the organization of the student application. The scores are graded using your previous academic record and you are expected to write a personal statement to universities you apply.
Why You Should Study In The UK.
- Studying in the UK gives you an opportunity to thrive in your career anywhere in the world, The UK offers world class degrees that gives you outstanding qualifications.
- Studying in the UK gives you an edge over others in the Job market, according to their earnings and rate of employment. The internships and placements helps a student develop skills, and helps you apply your knowledge as well as skills learnt during school in a professional system.
- UK universities offer a world class higher education, the universities provide innovative teaching methods. UK universities in the UK have the best technology and a world leading in science and research.
- You can work in the UK after your education by applying for a separate visa.
- Cultural Diversity: The students that study in the UK are from several places in the World and different cultures. You can meet with people from different parts of the world and have the opportunity to mingle and learn new cultures.
- Before studying in the UK you must meet the required scores in your English exams on speaking, reading, listening and writing. You can improve your English before Studying. There are available courses in the English language in the UK where you can practice speaking English with people from around the world.
- The UK has a variety of courses to pursue your interest in undergraduate and graduate programs. They offer programs in popular courses such as:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Agriculture and related sciences
- Economics
- Marketing
- Creative Arts
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Sport
- Science and Technology
- Medicine
- Sociology
- International relations
- Computer science
- Arts and Design
- Architecture
International Students Admissions To Universities In The UK.
Getting admitted into a university in the UK is not a difficult process as long as you are aware of the steps to take before you begin the process of application.
What do you need to do to gain admission into a UK university?
- Do your research, what course do you intend to study?
- Be aware of the cost of study for the program
- Register for the university and apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) if you meet the application for the undergraduate programs or via UKPASS for graduate programs.
- Check the eligible requirements for the university and ensure you meet the requirements
- Get advice from counsellors, or a supervisor from the University you are applying to, to put you through this application process
- If you are from a country that is not an English-speaking country, you have to show proof of your English Proficiency Test. It could be ;
Along with your personal information, you will be required to submit;
- Your Birth certificate
- Your international passport and your National Identity Card
- Proof of proficiency in English
- Transcript
- High school certificate
- Aspirant for post graduate programs will submit a research proposal
- Academic records
After getting accepted;
- Get your Health insurance card
- Apply for the student visa to the UK
Best Institutions In The UK For International Students
The UK has a long history of offering top-notch education, and UK universities frequently place highly in international university league tables and draw some of the brightest academics from around the globe.
U.K. universities are renowned throughout the world for fostering students’ critical and creative thinking abilities and equipping them with the knowledge and experiences they need to be successful in their chosen fields of study. Furthermore, even at the undergraduate level, UK universities offer specialized degrees for people who don’t want to wait till after their undergraduate degrees. These are the top universities in the UK
University Of Oxford
It was founded in 1096 Oxford, England. It is the oldest university in the English speaking world. It is ranked amongst prestigious universities in the world. Oxford has the most popular facilities for research and in all fields with talented researchers from all over the world that impact knowledge and skills to the student.
Oxford University Conduct tutorials for students in each subject area with their tutors, to review what has been thought and enable understanding through interaction. The university also gives support to students and advice and counselling to students.
University Of Cambridge
Cambridge was founded in 1209. It is an institution with a great environment and offers you exposure in required areas. The university offers courses in language, and skills training other than the regular subject. Cambridge university helps students to learn the skills they need to develop in school, career and in the environment. The Cambridge academic calendar is divided into Fall, winter and spring
The Universities offer;
- Law
- Geography
- Sociology
- Politics and International relations
- Engineering
- Technology
- Medicine and Health
- Dentistry
- Accounting and Finance
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Psychology
- Life science
- Computer science
Imperial College London
ICL was founded in 1907. ICL is a world class university that focuses on Science, Medicine, Engineering and Business. ICL innovates and finds answers to scientific questions. ICL creates ideas for scientific research through collaboration, and consulting world renowned experts. It is the only university in the UK that focuses on Medicine, Business, Science and Engineering.
University College London, England
UCL is a world class university and a prestigious university in the UK. It was established in 1826. The UCL college of Education has been rated the best in the world in Education, and a world class institute for the study of Architecture. Courses like physiology, Anatomy, Archaeology, pharmacy and pharmacology have been ranked top 10 in UCL. The college also has a variety of post graduate courses where a graduate student can benefit and prepare to be a pacesetter in their career.
London School Of Economics And Political Science
LSE is situated in the Central London neighborhood of Camden and Westminster, close to the line separating Covent Garden and Holborn. Clare Market used to be the name of the neighborhood. More than 11,000 students attend LSE, and just under 70% of them are international.The London school of Economics is rated 2nd in the social sciences and Management across the globe. The college offers financial aid to graduate students annually. The school offers social science courses ranging from Economics, Politics, Sociology, accounting and finance.
The Educational System In The UK
The majority of undergraduate degree programs in the UK last three years to complete. However, the “sandwich course,” which lasts four years and includes a year spent working, is becoming more and more popular (normally in your third year). Undergraduate programs in Scotland last for four years.
Usually shorter in length, graduate or masters programs are started after an undergraduate program is finished. Some professional degrees offer longer curricula that can last up to five years, such as those in medicine, veterinary science, law, etc. In the UK, international students are required to pay the entire cost of tuition, which varies depending on the institution.
Each institution decides what the admittance requirements are and is in charge of its own admissions processes. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)3 is the primary coordinating body used for admissions to full-time undergraduate programs in the UK. Although UKPASS, a facility for online postgraduate applications, was established by UCAS in 2007, most postgraduate applicants still submit their applications directly to the relevant institution or college. Most overseas students also submit their applications directly to HEIs.
First-degree programs, also referred to as bachelor’s degrees, are typically conferred “with honors” and require four years to finish at a Scottish university in comparison to three years in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Courses that require time spent performing actual work outside of the classroom often last four years. Some specialised courses and degree programs leading to a professional or vocational career may take longer. For instance, the study of medicine, dentistry, and architecture might take up to six years (excluding additional specialized training).
A taught Master’s degree at the postgraduate level typically takes one year, a research Master’s degree two years, and a doctoral degree at least three years.
The Higher National Diploma (HND), the Higher National Certificate (HNC), and the Diploma in Higher Education (Dip HE), which often take one or two years to achieve, are only a few of the vocational “sub-degree” degrees available in the UK. Postgraduate certificates, like the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, are among the additional certifications (PGCE). Additionally, students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can enrol in two-year vocational Foundation Degree programs, and upon successful completion, can enrol in another program leading to a honours degree.
Instead of the Grade Point Average (GPA) used in the USA and some other countries, students in the UK are given First-class Honours (1st), Second-class Honours, upper division (2:1), Second-class Lower division (2:2), a third-class honours grade (3rd) and ordinary degree (Pass or Fail.)However, other colleges have been debating degree categorization system modifications as some of them are beginning to use the GPA system.
United Kingdom Colleges have one of the best academic institutions well known for academic excellence, quality education in all aspects so also;
- The UK’s educational system is faster compared to other countries. The UK undergraduate program is for a period of three years and post graduate course is for a period of one year unlike other universities. It gives a student a choice of an ambition.
- The colleges in the UK offers affordable tuition
- The UK offers a variety of subjects to students, to specialise, in order to broaden their knowledge and opportunities.
- Students are allowed to enrol for jobs during the period of study.
Scholarships, Financial Aid And Bursaries In The UK.
The UK provides financial aids to international students by awarding:
- Scholarships
- Student Loans
- Private grants
Scholarships:
There are several scholarship opportunities in the UK, where we have;
- Governmental Scholarships: is awarded by the Government to international students. Eg Commonwealth scholarship
- University scholarship: Universities have provided scholarship programs and as such maintain academic excellence.
So also organisations, companies, foundations offer financial aid to students in the UK. There are scholarships available for post graduate and undergraduate students from European countries and Non European countries (International students) in the UK. Some of these scholarships are;
- University of Birmingham Global Masters
- University of Nottingham Develop Solutions Scholarships
- Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford UK.
- Gates Cambridge scholarship
- Scotland Saltire scholarship
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth masters scholarship
- Edinburgh Global Research scholarship
- Bristol University Think Big scholarship
- Warwick Chancellor’s International scholarship
- Simmons University Scholarships
- Imperial College london PHD scholarships GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship
- University of East Anglia Scholarship
- Goldsmith International Response Scholarship
- Global Excellence Postgraduate Taught scholarship
- Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence Scholarship
- University of Bath Global leaders scholarship
- University of Reading Empowering Change Scholarship
- University of Exeter Undergraduate Scholarship
- Westminster Vice Chancellor’s scholarship
- Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
- St. Cross College scholarship, University of Oxford
- Oxford centre for Islamic studies Scholarship
- The Marshall scholarships
- The Bourne scholarship, University of East Anglia
Student Loans: This must be paid back but the payment begins after graduation and when you start working.
For non-European students, Government loans are not available but university student loan schemes.
The student loan by university ranges with different terms and conditions. So also, the government of your home country can fund your schooling or an organisation, where you will be expected to pay back based on the government between you and the organisation.
Private Grants: This is a type of financial aid where the beneficiary is expected to repay the grant in the form of monetary payment, or by working for the company after the period of your study.
An international student can apply for grants of varying amounts in the UK.
Student Visa Processing
It is best if you apply for a visa six months before you start studying. Students processing UK visas are expected to be of sufficient funds,, because they are expected to provide evidence to prove how they intend to cover all expenses including, visa fee, tuition fee, accommodation, etc. You may be required to attend an interview while processing for a UK student visa. Some other documents will be required while processing, although you will be informed what you need to submit through your (CAS) Confirmation of Acceptance Studies including;
- Transcript
- Original certificate
- Evidence of proficiency in English
- A translation of documents not originally rise
- For students below if, a letter of parental consent
- A current passport and other Travel document
- A confirmation of acceptance for studies
- A medical record
- Complete the Visa application form online
- Submit your biometrics and required documents
When your visa application has been approved, the passport will be returned with a vignette which is added to a blank page, and a letter indicating a successful visa application.
Post Study Opportunities In The UK.
Students who intend to work in the UK after the period of study can apply for an extension and a separate visa. Graduate students who have completed their programs successfully can apply to benefit from the work experience for a period of two years through the Graduate route. Students whose application through the Graduate route is successful will be able to work in the United Kingdom for a period of two years. While PHD graduates can be able to work up to three year.
To apply for the separate visa, a student will be required to pay the visa fee as well as Immigration Health surcharge. You can work in the UK with a post-study work visa for two years after the completion of your study. This system does not require a graduate student to have a Job, or a sponsor before applying through the Graduate route for a post-study work visa. There are no limitations on the type of areas you can work. The UK is a home for students from around the world and a safe space for students to enhance their career prospects. Check here for post study opportunities and work visa in the UK
Final Thoughts
While studying in the UK, you can go to places like bars, sports arenas, marketplaces, concerts, and art galleries. They abound. If none of those appeal to you, you can still apply for jobs while you are in school. Over the academic year, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, and full-time during the summer. Along with your education, you will be able to do this to gain useful work experience, network with new people, and make money.