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The UK is one of the most promising countries in the world, known for its extraordinary academic excellence and broad career scope. Education quality offers enormous benefits to students on personal and professional ends. Studying in the UK is the best experience for Indian students who dream of having a bright future. So, let's study facts good enough to inspire students to study in the UK.

All about UK

The UK is known for its vast culture, heritage, and superior education system. It is one of the most flourishing destinations that embraces traditions and cultures and respects them heartily.

Culture

Christianity is the supreme religion in the nation. The other minority religions like Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism are also treated well to keep equality among people, which is one of the main reasons to study in the UK.

Population

The current population of the United Kingdom is 68,779,640, as per a recent survey of United Nations data. The country's population is equal to 0.87% of the world population. The UK secures the 21st position in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.

Climate

The climatic atmosphere of Great Britain is entirely similar to the Atlantic Ocean. And the temperature during the winter and the summer changes a bit. However, the weather conditions vary from day to day. Even there are a few surprising days when the weather leans to get flipped on the same day.

Geographic Conditions

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the official title of the UK) is a unitary state comprised of four major areas: the three include countries of England, Scotland, and Wales (jointly named Great Britain) and the province of Northern Ireland. Officially the UK has 66 cities, and apart from it, it also has a more significant number of towns nationwide that are big enough to be considered cities.

It is situated in Western Europe to the northwest of France and amid the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea coast. London is the capital of England and the UK, a famous and populated city of the land. Some of the other big cities of the UK are Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Liverpool.

The total area of the UK is 243,610 km². The topography of Great Britain is made of immature hills and rugged low mountains. But the eastern and south-eastern areas of the country are occupied by the plains.

Superior Education System

The United Kingdom has become an educational hotspot among overseas students for their dream studies. It fascinates students from all over the world because of its superior educational systematization. The world-acclaimed education system in the UK offers top-notch courses to students. Students get exposure to excellent opportunities to enhance knowledge, critical thinking, and personal & professional skills. Students who get degrees from UK universities get a lot of benefits to achieve their life goals. Universities also offer scholarships to support students financially and encourage them to perform well.

Higher Education

In the United Kingdom, Higher Education incorporates bachelor’s programs, master’s courses, and doctoral degrees. An international candidate can also apply to universities/colleges through pathways programs involving foundation classes and English language learning programs.

Scholarship

The UK provides many aids at the financial level to support students. British universities offer many scholarships to cover course fees and living expenses. The scholarship given to students depends entirely on the course type and the university they select. Scholarships make education affordable and students love to study in the UK.

Why Study in the UK

• UK ranked the World’s sixth-largest economy when it comes to nominal GDP.

• The United Kingdom is considered the most globalized country in the World.

• The UK has been crowned the second-largest financial center in the World, which comes after the USA.

• Worldwide acceptance of degree programs

• Short-duration courses hence Education is easy to afford

• It is the perfect gateway to get entry into Europe.

• It is a multicultural nation and gives equality to every religion.

• Here the way of teaching and learning is creative, innovative, and skills-oriented

• Degrees approved by Quality Assurance Agencies like QAA, RAE, EQUIS, AMBA, OFSTED, SQA, etc.

• As per the new directions announced by the British government, educational institutions must have a license from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) stating their eligibility to sponsor international candidates. Thereby, educational universities and colleges take full accountability for international students coming for studies in the UK.

• Vast career opportunities in every sector ensure a bright future.

• Available scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK.

Types of Qualification

• Under Graduation programs (BA/B.Sc./B.Tech. etc.)

• Post-graduation programs (MA/ M.Sc. / MBA/ M. Com, etc.)

• Post-Graduation Research (M.Phil, etc.)

• Research Level degrees (Ph.D./ DBS, etc.)

Intake –> Almost every month (selected Colleges and universities)

Duration –> Undergraduate courses: 3 years; Postgraduate Degree (including MBA): 1 year

Popular Courses Available: MBA (Master of Business Administration), Finance program, Investment Analysis courses, Marketing program, Human Resources studies, Computing course, Law education, Biotechnology course, Engineering programs, Hospitality courses, and many more.

Undoubtedly, no one can beat the standards of education that the UK provides to international students. World’s acclaimed universities and innovative educational approaches only exist in the UK education culture. Let’s visit Western Overseas to learn in detail about the UK study visa, requirements, and process.

UK Visa Types and Immigration

International education provides massive scope to individuals who want to fly beyond the limit. More and more countries are coming forward with the best educational programs. These study programs feed one's ambitions and offer high-quality studies. On the same note, the UK welcomes students seeking better career opportunities and future-making courses to study. UK immigration and visa authorities have also divided the visa categories according to the purposes for which a person visits the nation. So, let's explore each type in detail.

There are many categories of visas that the UK offers to people. These categories serve different purposes according to the type of Visa. Five visa categories, also called "tiers", are explained below to provide a clear-cut idea to candidates planning their UK visit.

Tier 1 Visa

This type of Visa is for highly proficient migrants. As per the eligibility norm for the category, applicants need to attain specific scores according to their academic qualifications.

Tier 2 Visa

This Visa is for the average and competent workers who wish to move to the UK. Candidates for a Tier 2 Work Visa need a specific employment document issued by the company in the UK.   

Tier 3 Visa    

Currently, the Tier 3 visa category is under the supervision of the UK Government. It was created for unskilled workers planning to immigrate to the UK; however, it has never been used by the UK Government because of the required supply of labor/workers from the European Economic Area.

Tier 4 Visa

This type of Visa is for those students willing to study in the UK. An educational provider should fund Visa applicants, and the time of the Visa depends on the duration of the study program.

Tier 5 Visa

Tier 5 allows young workers aged 18-30 to arrive in the UK for short-term living and work. The UK offers a "Youth Mobility Scheme" to enable youngsters to live in the UK on working holidays.

TIER 4 General Student VISA

The Tier 4 visa category is a UK visa for international students who want to study in the UK. It was presented in March 2009 as part of the UK's Points-Based System (PBS) for immigration. The primary purpose of the Tier 4 immigration facilities is to make studying in the UK more handy and transparent for international students. The visa category ensures that overseas students are committed to studying in the UK and have the financial means to support themselves during their studies. This category also has provisions for work permits, allowing international students to work part-time along with their studies.

General student

This category from other types of UK visas is designed for students moving to the UK for post-16 studies.

Child student

This category is planned for students between 4 and 17 years of age who are approaching the UK for their educational qualification. However, children between 4 and 15 might only be educated at an independent fee-paying institution.

UK TIER 4 POINTS-BASED SYSTEM

It is requisite for students to meet all the terms and conditions of the Immigration Rules other than having 40 points.

• CAS certificate (Confirmation Acceptance for Studies) provided by universities/institutions (registered in UK Border Agency Sponsor Register) will offer the candidate 30 points.

• The fulfillment of fund requirements as specified by the UK Border Agency will make a student eligible to gain an extra 10 points and, therefore, secure a Visa.

Level of English communication (CEFR scale)

It is important to show good communication skills to help you interact with foreign people easily and accurately. For this purpose, students first need to prove their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the English language through a mode of CEFR scale. The CEFR scale is used to measure the level of English in the best and most trusted way. But in this examination case, the result must still be parallel to a CEFR level B2. There are six levels of CEFR.

Course options in the UK

Students can do one of the following courses as per their choice, interest, and availably if the program:

• A full-time program helps to lead to an education that's below degree level program (RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with at least 15 hours a week of organized daytime studies.

• A full-time study program leading to getting qualified that's degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8)

• A full-time study program at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7, or 8) equal to a UK higher education course is being served as part of a long course overseas.

• A part-time program to get the qualification that's above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)

• A well-known foundation program for postgraduate doctors, dentists, or medical students

• An English language program at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

• You may also require a UK government-approved Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you're studying, learning, or researching delicate topics at RQF level 7 or beyond.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once they've reserved a place on the program, your education provider will mail you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study in the UK.

• You must add this reference number to your visa application form.

• Once you receive the CAS, try to file the visa application within six months.

UK Student VISA Process

The UK is home to some of the world's top universities, and as a result, it attracts a large number of international students. The UK education system is highly regarded and provides students with a world-class education that is recognized globally. In terms of the student visa process, there are several requirements that applicants must meet. These include having a confirmed place at a UK university or college, proving that they can financially support themselves during their studies, and meeting the English language requirements. Additionally, certain documents must be provided during the visa application process. So, let's study the VISA process in detail.

Overview of the UK VISA Process

Students who want to apply for a student visa in the UK must have the: -

• Reserved the seat for their interested course at one of the government-approved institutions.

• Enough funds to support the course fees and living expenses during the stay in the country

• English skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening

• Consent from the legal guardian or parents in case they are 16 or 17

UK student visa processing time

Applying from outside the UK

Try to lodge the visa file six months earlier before the beginning of the course.

Decision time: It takes three weeks to decide on approval or rejection of the application.

Applying from inside the UK

It will be better if students put in the application three months before the starting date of the course.

Decision time: The time of decision-making is usually eight weeks.

Student VISA UK Fees

• Applying for a UK Student VISA from India or outside the country costs students GBP 363.

• Students who want to extend or switch their study visa must pay GBP 490.

Immigration Healthcare surcharges (IHS)

• Students abide by the Immigration Healthcare surcharges as a policy under the UK Visas and Immigration Authority.

• In the online application mode, students can pay the fees while applying or at the time of appointment booking.

• Students applying for the visa by post must pay the fees online before sending the application. You need to mention the IHS reference number on the application form, which you get only after paying the fees.

• Students who register for the UK student visa process to do the course for more than six months must take the healthcare policy.

• The UK also offers a refund policy in case of VISA refusal or a student withdraws the application.

• Apart from IHS, students must also go for a TB test that will cost around 2500 Indian rupees.

IHS cost: The provided healthcare scheme costs GBP 624 per year, which implies that if you are going for two years of studies, you have to pay GBP 1248.

VISA rights

• A student can study on a UK student visa.

• It also can work as per the guidelines mentioned by the immigration department.

1. Admission Process to UK University

• Studying in any country requires a confirmed seat at the university campus or college that allows students to start the course with the permission of the education authority.

• Once students apply for the offer letter to the desired university with proper documentation, they receive the unconditional offer letter from the education provider.

• On paying the tuition fees after getting an unconditional offer letter, students are issued CAS, which is called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Every student requires a CAS to submit a VISA application.

• CAS is nothing but a reference number provided by the education provider along with the document containing the essentials of a student.

• Applying for VISA within six months is mandatory once you receive the CAS.

• If a student gets the CSA letter, 90% of the UK student visa process is completed.

Note: In the UK, there is no admission application fees. That means students don't need to pay anything when applying for admission to their chosen institution.

2. Arrange Funds

• Course fees: Students need to pay course fees for one academic year. In some cases, students can also pay half-year fees. But in that scenario, you must show the remaining amount in funds. The amount that needs to be paid is mentioned in the CAS letter.

• Living Expense: Apart from course fees, students should also have decent funds to support their living in the country. Applicants need to show funds in their accounts or the accounts of their sponsors.

• Students who want to study in inner London must show an amount of GBP 13006, around 14- 15 lakhs.

• Outer London living expenses are lower than in London, which requires students to show money of around GBP 9207. If we convert this number into Indian currency, it will be approximately 10-11 lakhs.

• Make sure to have valid financial proof to attach to the VISA file. Insufficient funds and lack of official funds evidence lead to the rejection of visas.

• Funds you present to support your living should be 28 days old only.

3. Arrange Supporting Documents

Before lodging the VISA file with the UK embassy during the UK student visa process, students must spend enough time collecting documents they need to attach to the visa application. Here is the list of important documents you must have to be ready to upload:

• Current passport or other valid travel documentation

• Letter of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your education provider

• You may also be required to provide evidence proving you are financially strong and can pay your course fees single-handed.

• You need to prove that you have enough resources to support yourself during your stay in the UK and pay for the course – this will differ depending on your living conditions.

• A valid ATAS document if your program and nationality demand it

• If you are below 18, you also need permission from your parent or another legal caretaker.

• Written consent for your VISA application from your education sponsor if you've received sponsorship for your program fees and living costs in the last 12 months

• Receipt of tuition fees paid to the university or college

• Letter of intent that specifies the student's intention of visiting the country.

4. Lodge your VISA File with Western Overseas

Now, it's time to apply for a visa. You can apply online for VISA Applications at the official website. Also, you can visit Western Overseas for any kind of assistance with any type of Visa. Once you have applied, the verification process starts, which includes verifying the documents attached to the file. If the embassy finds everything okay, then you get confirmation from the officials that ensures the success of the UK student visa process.

Universities of UK

Are you dreaming of studying in your dream country, the UK, or are you interested in the top UK universities that candidates can select to study their desired course? We are presenting a list of the top universities in the UK based on their reputation and academic excellence. All these institutions are approved with university status. Let's get started! Here are some attractive facts about UK universities that will make you fall in love with this beautiful country.

• The University of Oxford was founded in 1096.

• The University of Cambridge was set in 1209.

• There are more than 150 Universities in the UK having world-level recognition.

• There is a cap (not for overseas students) on Tuition/Fees for government/public institutions.

• The University of London is the biggest in the UK.

• Oxford Imperial College is the best engineering college.

Top UK universities list

• University of Wolverhampton

• University of Northampton

• Middlesex University

• The University of West of Scotland

• Bath Spa University

• Anglia Ruskin University

• University of West London

• University of East London

• University of Chester

• University of Creative Arts

• Coventry University

• University of Bournemouth

• University of Bedfordshire

• University of Law

• Study Group

• Abertay University

• Wrexham Glyndwr University

• Bolton University

A to Z UK universities