UK Student Visa
The UK is a multicultural society that comprises of an amalgamation of people from diverse backgrounds. For students wishing to study in the country, there is a great scope of learning about new cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. Most UK universities and colleges have separate cells for international students, to help them adjust and share their grievances if any.
UK is among the most sought-after destinations for higher studies, especially for Indian students because of a similarity in the education system. Having outstanding teaching facilities and faculty, UK educational institutes offer a state-of-the-art education system that is highly acceptable by the global economies.
The recommended age for higher education in the UK is 18 years and above. Studying in the UK helps in learning and understanding the English language.
UK Study Visa
For studying in the UK, a student requires a study visa that has been duly approved by the immigration authorities.
There are two types of visas that a student can apply:
There is a Tier 4 (General) student visa and the Tier 4 (Child) student visa that can be acquired to study in tier 4 licensed sponsor institutes in the UK. For those wishing to study in the UK for a short period, there is a short-term study visa that one can apply for.
The undergraduate and postgraduate courses in UK are usually of a lesser duration and this helps cut the tuition fees and living expenses. The full-time undergraduate courses are generally of three years, while the postgraduate courses are usually of one year or more duration.
English Language Proficiency Requirement:
- For Undergraduate, IELTS 6.0 band overall with each module 5.5 band.
- For Bachelor’s & Master’s, IELTS 6.5 band overall with each module 5.5 band.
- IELTS waiver: Minimum 10+2 passed in English medium with First Division + 65% above in English subject.
Studying Under Tier 4 of the Points-Based System.
The most common visa for international students entering the UK is the Tier 4 Student Visa. This is a points-based system.
As a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points to qualify.
You can score:
- 30 points for having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, which you get for studying a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as a ‘Tier 4 sponsor’), and for having acceptable English language skills; and
- 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs.
UKVI has confirmed these changes do not affect you if you are entering directly at degree level or higher at an institution in the UK listed as Tier 4 Sponsors (previously known as Highly Trusted Sponsors). UK universities currently choose their own method of testing students’ English language ability and this will not change.
All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless required by your institution.
Tuition Fees
The average tuition fees for studying in UK are £3,000 and £9,000 per year approximately for most institutes. Apart from this for students coming from another country, the fee is more as international costs are involved. The tuition fee varies for the course and institute that one wants to study at.
Jobs & Employment
International Business Management, Computer Information System, Finance & Accounts, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, MBA, Graphics Design, Website Designing, Computing, Networking Technology, Hardware Technology, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Human Resource Management are some of the most sought-after sectors for employment. The salaries are quite high and the future is bright for professionals who meet the requirements of the employers.
