The United Kingdom is renowned as being a top destination for higher education. According to the QS ranking, eight UK universities are ranked in the top 50 worldwide, with the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge securing positions in the top five. With approximately 400 universities and colleges nationwide, students can select from various study fields.
A degree from a UK higher education institution holds significant prestige and is highly esteemed by employers worldwide. The UK remains a preferred destination for international students, resulting in UK campuses becoming vibrant multicultural hubs and centers of knowledge exchange.
The UK higher education system
Higher education in the UK follows secondary school (aka high school). After high school, British students take a national examination to be university candidates. The difference between a further education institution and a university is that the latter issues degrees, whereas the former prepares students for a degree. Changes in universities' status and other higher education-related legislative amendments go through the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and the Companies Act 2006.
There are two types of universities in the UK: The Red Brick/Russel Group and The Metropolitan Universities. Metropolitan universities are more substantial in practical courses, accept lower grades, and are generally low-ranked. Getting a job in specific industries is possible thanks to hands-on courses, especially when practical knowledge is required. On the other hand, you need high grades to get into the Redbrick/Russel group. The required grades depend on the university and the subject of study. The competition is fierce and tight due to many applications and limited seats. Some universities, such as Cambridge and Oxford, select students according to the applicant's school records, submitted essays, and interview results.
A university can offer different levels of higher education: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and Doctorate. Also, some universities award Postgraduate diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates of Education (PGCE), professional degrees for teachers. A Bachelor's degree is usually a three-year study programme with the exemption of sandwich courses, which are four years because they include one year in a workplace. Master's degrees typically last one year, but if they are research-based, they can be two. Doctorates are known to last for three years.
The universities design most syllabi and the government doesn't have a say in the curriculum. However, this is not the case for the teachers' qualifications, supervised by the Office for Standards in Education and Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted). The Office for Fair Access (OfFA) has a lot of say on the admission procedures of each university, promoting fair access to higher education with inclusivity in mind.
Important:
If you haven't taken the GCE A-Level UK exams, you can be accepted in a Bachelor programme in a UK university based on your European Baccalaureate diploma, International Baccalaureate or SATs in the US. Additionally, you must have a good command of English and may be asked to give an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
University admission in the UK
Applications for undergraduate courses in the UK are made online on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) website. Along with the application form, you will also get complete information about registration procedures. To find the right subject codes and fill in your form correctly, check out the courses' directory classified by subjects. When choosing your university, you are advised to consider the following:
- Which courses are you interested in?
- What are the grades needed to be accepted?
- Is an interview or an essay required?
- Can you afford the tuition fees?
- What is the cost of living, especially in terms of accommodation?
- Are there any available grants and bursaries for international students?
- Where is the university located?
- Is it a campus-based university or a city university?
You will have better chances of admission into the UK when applying to the maximum number of institutions (five). Ensure that at least one of them accepts students with lower grades as a backup plan. Remember that there is stiff competition, and the lower your grades are, the harder it is to beat the competition. UCAS application forms must be submitted by January 31st of the academic year. If you apply after this deadline, you will be processed through the clearing system. If you haven't received your grades yet, you can still apply through UCAS. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a provisional offer.
Postgraduate students can apply directly to the chosen university if they meet the set requirements.
Here's a checklist for applying to a UK university:
- Know your deadlines;
- Fill in your application form carefully, and ask for advice if needed;
- Write a compelling personal statement;
- Obtain your academic references.
International and EU students in the UK
The main reasons international students choose to study in the UK are the high standards of education offered at UK higher education institutions and the recognition and respect a UK degree gains worldwide, making your CV stand out when applying for jobs. UK degrees also take less time to complete and cost less than US degrees, for example.
Choosing a UK university from the many available is a challenging task and requires a lot of research. University rankings cover many elements, such as student satisfaction and teaching effectiveness. However, it may be more important to see how highly ranked the university is for the specific subject you want to study. You can find alumni groups on social media, read alumni reviews, or contact students for feedback. Expat.com has a thriving expat community in the UK, with whom you can contact via the forum and inquire about a university of your choice.
Tip:
It's not always possible for international students to attend a university open day. However, attending an open day in person will help you understand the university's culture and decide whether it is a good fit for you, your values, and your aspirations. Besides getting a feel for the university, you will have the chance to explore the university's location and surroundings.
Good to know:
The British Council regularly organises higher education events in the 40 countries it operates. At these events, you can meet university staff, attend presentations, meet UCAS specialists, and learn more about the UK university experiences. Admission to these events is usually free, but registering online might be essential.
Student visas in the UK
International and EU students 16 years old or above who have been accepted to a UK university must apply for a student visa at the British embassy or consulate in their home country. The university must be licensed to sponsor students and, therefore, be listed in the register of student sponsors. To submit your student visa application, you must have an unconditional offer from a recognised university that has a sponsor licence, have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, have enough money for your course fees and to support yourself during your studies, pay for UK healthcare (healthcare surcharge), and prove a good level of English.
If you are applying for a student visa from outside the UK, you can apply six months or less before the start of the course. The student visa costs £490 and usually lasts between two to five years, depending on the course level and the applicant's age. The student visa takes about three weeks to be issued or rejected. Once you have the student visa, you can arrive in the UK one month before your course starting date.
Good to know:
A student visa can be extended, switched to a two-year Graduate visa, or can replace another visa if the applicant is already in the UK.
Useful links:
Register for Students Sponsors
Tuition fees and student loans in the UK
Tuition fees are pretty high in the UK. However, students can benefit from scholarships offered by universities or private organisations and from government-funded student loans. Tuition fees can be as high as £38,000 per year for a full-time international student at an undergraduate level and up to £9,250 per year for home students studying in the UK. Tuition fees cover lectures and seminars, access to campus libraries and facilities such as laboratories, but they don't cover textbooks, living costs, and non-compulsory field trips. For studies at a Master's level, the cost is between £11,000 and £30,000. Students considering applying for financial support with tuition fees and living expenses or research funding should research their options early on, as deadlines for scholarships can be even a year before the course's start date.
Important:
Tuition fees vary from one university to another, so don't do any budgeting before you consult the international student office at your university. Offers of acceptance are always conditional on paying the tuition fees.
Different award types help with living and tuition costs, and even though the terms are used interchangeably, they offer different types of support by different awarding bodies. A scholarship, for example, is provided to students who excel in academics, sports, or music and covers tuition fees and some or all living costs. On the other hand, a bursary covers some living costs, and it is awarded to students from low-income households, students with dependents, students from underrepresented backgrounds, or disabled students as a one-off payment.
The UK government student loans can be tuition fees or living costs loans covering rent, travel, books, and other expenses. UK student loans must be repaid, but not before the student has completed their studies and when their employment income is over a certain amount of money. Hence, the monthly amount paid back is based on the graduate's income, not how much they borrowed.
Tip:
When you look for funding, check companies and professional bodies in your industry of interest (e.g., engineering, technology, science, etc.) and charities that work with groups and backgrounds that may match yours.
Useful links:
Funding and support from UK Research and Innovation
Horizon Europe Research and innovation funding programme
Changes for EU students due to Brexit
EU students (except Irish citizens) arriving for a degree in the UK after 31 December 2020 are not eligible for home fees or UK tuition fee loans. In addition, like all international students, EU students will have to apply for a student visa, which will cover the duration of their course and can be changed to a two-year Graduate visa after completing their studies and proving that they meet specific requirements. If you find a job, you may switch to a work visa.
Good to know:
- New EU students arriving in the UK are not eligible for tuition fee loans. However, it's up to each university to decide whether it will award scholarships to European students.
- UK academic qualifications will still be recognised in the EU.
Important:
Any reference to EU students doesn't include Irish citizens, whose rights are preserved under the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements.
Useful links:
Work for students and graduates in the UK
When your student visa expires, you can apply for a work visa provided you can get a sponsorship from an employer. For more information about working in the UK, check Expat.com's article, which covers everything from job hunting in the UK to starting a new job and adapting to the UK work culture.
Good to know:
A student visa in the United Kingdom allows you to work up to 20 hours per week.
Useful links:
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