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Why Study in the UK?
The UK is a world leader in many areas of education including engineering, science, art and design, business and management, and law and finance. The UK’s reputation and legacy as a world center for scientific research makes it a magnet for some of the very best thinkers in the world. With only one per cent of the world’s population, the UK is responsible for eight per cent of global scientific publications.
The UK offers a world-renowned education system with qualifications that can make a real difference to your future. It attracts over 600,000 international students each year to a variety of programs, ranging from English language courses to PhDs.
The benefits of studying in the UK
- Institutions in the UK consistently rank among the best in the world and qualifications are internationally valued and recognized.
- The UK undertakes 5% of the world’s scientific research and produces 14% of the world’s most frequently cited papers.
- UK institutions offer flexibility of choice and enable you to blend academic and vocational courses of your choice.
- The teaching and study methodology used in the UK give you the freedom to be creative and develop skill-sets and confidence.
- As a student you get the opportunity to be taught by the world’s leading academics and experts; you also benefit from their constant academic support.
- UK degrees can be tailored to your interests and often include specialized modules.
- The UK is the home of English hence an ideal place to develop language skills and enhance employment prospects.
Cost of studying in the UK
UK tuition fees are frequently under the media spotlight, following price hikes for home students (UK/EU) in recent years and an increase in premium charges for international students. But the overall cost to study in the UK is dependent on many factors, including institution, course, location and funding opportunities, and could in fact be a lot less than the headlines suggest.
According to recent figures, the average cost per year to study in the UK at undergraduate level as an international student is UK£11,987 (~US$17,860) per year, while for international postgraduate students this average fee rises to £12,390 per year. At all levels, laboratory and clinical degree programs are markedly more expensive, with a clinical degree costing overseas students an average of £24,206 ($36,070) per year at undergraduate level, with top universities in London charging as much as £34,800 ($51,850) per year.
Combine these fees with the average cost of living in the UK, around £12,000 ($17,850) per year, and the total average costs to study in the UK come up to £24,000 ($35,710) per year. Studying in the capital city, meanwhile, is likely to be significantly more expensive.
While these costs may be daunting, remember that most UK universities offer shorter programs compared to countries such as the US (three years for the average undergraduate degree instead of four, and one year for a master’s degree instead of two), so you may be able to subtract a year’s worth of fees and living costs from your total budget!
UK student visa requirements
Each year, thousands of international students successfully gain a visa to study in the United Kingdom. The UK government welcomes international students, and there is no limit on the number of student visas that can be issued.
UK immigration and visas are managed by the UK government’s Home Office. Please check the UK Visas and Immigration website for more information.
Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
This depends on your nationality and immigration status. Find out if you need a visa to study in the UK here: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
When should I apply for a visa?
It is important to prepare and apply well before you intend to begin your course. Many students do not realize how long the process will take, and do not leave enough time.
Your application may require you to:
- Produce documents showing your finances and qualifications
- Attend an interview or submit your bio-metric information
- Take an English language test
While there are no vaccination requirements for a visa, some institutions will require you to have certain vaccinations, if you are coming from a tuberculosis high-risk area a chest x-ray could be required. Check with your institution to see what its requirements are.
You can apply for a visa up to three months before the start of your course, but it’s a good idea to do your research and plan what you need to do before that.
You should get a decision on your visa within three weeks. Check the UK Visas and Immigration guide to processing times to find out how long it might take to get a visa in your country.
What kind of visa do I need?
The following two visas are suitable for students who want to do a short course or an English language course for up to 11 months:
- Short-term student visa: You can apply if you are aged 18 or above, and you want to study in the UK for up to six months. If you want to join an English language course, you can apply for an extended visa to stay for up to 11 months.
- Short-term student (Child) visa: You can apply if you are aged 17 or younger, and you want to study in the UK for up to six months.
The following two visas allow you to do a longer course in the UK:
- Tier 4 (Child) student visa: You can apply if you are between 4 and 17 years old. If you are between 4 and 15 years old, you must be coming to the UK to be educated at an independent, fee-paying school.
- Tier 4 (General) student visa: You can apply if you want to study in the UK and you are aged 16 or over, and meet certain eligibility requirements (click here for details).
