If you are considering where to study abroad, here is some quick information that may help. Last year, universities in the United Kingdom saw record high student enrollments. UK universities provide world-class education, which is not only more affordable, but also provides many work opportunities within the country.
As a result, the island nation has emerged as one of the most preferred study destinations for Indian aspirants, now having the third largest international student population after students from China and the European Union. The number of UK visas issued to Indian students nearly tripled over the past three years to one lakh enrollments, as of September 2021, data from the ICEF Monitor showed.
However, the application process for applying to UK universities can be difficult for first time applicants. Priyanka Nishar, Founder and Managing Director, Agent Overseas Education It explains how aspiring young students can have a hassle free journey to the study destination of their dreams.
1) Can you elaborate on the benefits of studying in the UK?
There are many, but one of the biggest benefits is affordability. The courses offered by UK universities are much more affordable than their counterparts in other developed countries. They are also of very short duration.
Therefore, without compromising on quality, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in three years and a master’s degree in just one year. Additionally, students can earn income while studying in the UK as they are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays. Students at postgraduate level and above can also bring their partner and children (dependents) to live and even work in the UK for the duration of their course. Hence the policies are extremely helpful and friendly to the students.
As a bonus, the UK offers free healthcare for a one-time immigration health surcharge of GBP 470 per year, a wide range of courses, a relatively easy student visa process, scholarships, diverse culture and various internship options that allow candidates help to obtain. Required industry exposure during the study.
2) What are some of the top universities and courses that students can choose from in the UK?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, four of the top ten universities in the world are in the UK. At Agent, we provide admissions counseling for top universities in the UK, including Cardiff University, Nottingham Trent, Bath, Brunel, Exeter, Leeds, and Portsmouth, and more.
There is indeed a wide variety of courses offered for varying levels of qualification, from summer school to bachelor’s degrees, post-graduate certification or diploma courses, master’s degrees and PhDs. Students can choose between a variety of specializations such as business management, law, computer science, medicine, data science, engineering, humanities, arts, music, public health and international relations.
3) What is the admission process and fee structure for UK universities?
For undergraduate degree applications, students must apply through the UCAS application website which is a one-stop platform for all undergraduate applications. You can choose your college, submit your grades and personal details, and apply for up to five programs at the same or different universities in the UK. For postgraduate courses and higher, aspirants can apply directly to their selected university.
There is an additional requirement for Indian students to pass the IELTS or TOEFL English language test. Although the application process seems simple, universities in the UK place great emphasis on personal statements. This is where the competition gets tough, and the right consultation can really make your application stand out.
There are two primary intake periods, the winter intake months are January/February, and the fall intake is September/October. Some select universities also accept students in May/June.
Tuition fees usually range between GBP 10,000 – GBP 40,000 annually.
4) But there are students who may find the fees very high, how should they go about their application?
UK universities offer a number of government-sponsored and individual scholarships for international students. Some of the top government scholarships for postgraduate studies include Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, Great Scholarship, Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship (CWIT) etc. This scholarship covers up to 100% of your tuition fee.
In Agent we also offer ‘Agent Aspire Scholarship’, which can cover up to 100% of your tuition fee, and we provide these based on the students’ ambition and not necessarily their grades. Apart from this, the agent can also organize several events and connect the candidates with the counselors to make them aware about these scholarships.
5) What are the work prospects in the UK?
This is the best part! The UK is one of the few countries that offers an additional two to three years of work under the Graduate Immigration Route (GIR) after completion of a degree or higher-level course. Student visa fee (GBP 715) and immigration health surcharge (GBP 624) are to be paid annually when looking for a job.
UK graduates are among the most employable students in the world. In addition to equipping students with excellent academic credentials, a UK degree can also provide students with valuable work placements. Students can take advantage of placements, paid internships and volunteer positions to improve skills, build contacts and gain practical professional experience.
Once they find a suitable job, students can switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa. Tier 2 work visas can last up to five years and can be extended further if they meet UK employment criteria.
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