Study in United Kingdom
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Why study in the UK
The UK is a leading study destination with an excellent higher education system and a multicultural environment. The country is known for its world-renowned universities, with four institutions in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings. Not only academics, the UK also offers several career and lifestyle benefits. Read on to find out.
Highlights
Intakes & admissions*
- January
- May
- September
*For the best chances, start your application process at least 8 months before your intended intake month.
Study levels
- Diploma
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Doctorate
Accepted English tests
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Proficiency (CPE)
- Duolingo English Test
Best universities in the UK
The UK hosts numerous globally-ranked universities, with excellent infrastructure, research facilities and a welcoming environment. See some of those best universities here.
Popular programs
The UK offers a vast range of programs to suit your career aspirations. From business to arts, and engineering, you can choose from several fields of study. See the list of popular programs here.
Basic requirements
Here’s a list of requirements you’ll need for your university admission and visa applications:
University application
- Passport
- English language proficiency
→ Score 6+ with our free IELTS masterclass
- High school documents
- Work experience letter (if any)
- CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- UG/PG Certificate and Transcripts (for postgraduate/research courses)
- Consolidated mark sheets
- Proof of funds
Student visa
- Proof of funds covering living expenses, tuition fees, and return travel to your home country
→ Looking for education loans? Check out Edvoy Funds on our app.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
- Evidence of tuition fee payment completion
- Photocopy of the identity pages from your current passport
- Character certificate validated by the police
- Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover accommodation and living costs (in case of sponsorship)
- Medical test results
- Health insurance payment confirmation
What sets the UK apart
Post-study work visa
One of the things that sets the UK apart is that it allows graduates to stay and work for two years after completing a degree. In fact, PhD graduates can stay up to three years. Following this, you may also be eligible for a Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK, with a post-study work visa.
Student life
The UK offers a diverse student life, vibrant city life, and high standards of education. Moreover, the country has friendly people and stunning landscapes. You also have access to various stay options, part-time work opportunities, and post-study opportunities in the country.
Employment opportunities
Part-time jobs
As an international student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. This is one of the biggest benefits of studying in the UK. Here are some part-time job options you can consider:
- Lab assistant
- Tutor
- Retail assistant
- Packaging executive
- Office clerk
- Delivery person
Part-time salary
Avg. wage per week - GBP 100 - 600
Avg. wage per hour - GBP 10 - 12
Hours international students are allowed to work part-time - 20 hrs/week
Cost of living in the UK
- Food: GBP 150 - 250
- Rent: GBP 600 - 1,200
- Household bills: GBP 200 - 300
- Entertainment: GBP 60 - 150
- Transport: GBP 50 - 100
- Miscellaneous: GBP 100 - 200
Accommodation
Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose from a variety of student accommodations in the UK. Here are some of the most common ones for international students:
- University accommodation
- Homestays
- Shared apartments
- Rental houses
If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation options in the UK, download our app and check out the Stays feature!
Climate
Fun facts
- Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford in the UK is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
- Undergraduate degrees in the UK typically last 3 years, while master’s degrees are usually just 1 year, making them faster than in many other countries.
- The UK celebrates several “bank holidays,” which means extra days off for students to explore or rest.
- The London Underground, or "the Tube," is the oldest metro system in the world, since 1863.
- London alone has over 270 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse cities globally.
- The UK has over 30 distinct language accents.
- Many UK universities and cities have been featured in Harry Potter films, such as the University of Oxford and the Scotland Highlands.
- The UK has breathtaking landscapes that you can explore!
- The country is infamous for rainy weather, so umbrellas will often be your best friend.
- There are restaurants from nearly every country in the UK. You can try multiple cuisines and savour the native food as well.
Cities to study
Here are the best cities in the United Kingdom for international students based on quality of education and lifestyle:
FAQs
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
The cost depends on the selected course, university, and city. On average, undergraduate programs have tuition fees between GBP 19,000 - 26,000 per year, while postgraduate programs typically range from GBP 18,000 - 34,000 per year. However, specialised programs such as medicine or veterinary science may have higher tuition fees.
How much gap is accepted for studying in the UK?
The maximum study gap accepted to study in the UK is typically 2 years for undergraduate degrees and 5 years for postgraduate degrees. However, some universities may accept longer gaps, if you can provide valid reasons.
How do you apply for a study visa in the UK?
To apply for a UK student visa, you must provide financial evidence to support your studies in the UK. Then, you must check the UK student visa requirements and apply to universities. Once you receive your acceptance letter from the university, and pay the fees, you’ll receive a CAS letter from the university. Then you can apply for a student visa with the required documents.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS. For this, you should fulfil English requirements such as receiving over 70% in English in High School, taking an online interview conducted by the university or having English as your medium of instruction in your school. You can also choose to write other English language proficiency tests instead of IELTS.
Is the UK or US cheaper to study in?
In the UK, tuition fees are generally lower than in the US but can still be a significant expense for international students. The UK has a tiered fee system where tuition fees vary depending on the level of the program, with undergraduate degrees generally having lower fees than postgraduate degrees.
Can I get a PR in the UK after studying?
It is possible to get a Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK after you have completed your studies. It is one of the many benefits of studying in the UK. Your first step would be to get a Post Study Work Visa, which will allow you to stay in the UK for up to two years to find a job.
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