STUDY IN UK

Home to two of the greatest educational institutions in the world, Oxford and Cambridge College, UK is world renowned for rigorous education that has always been path-breaking. The best scholars from across the world have walked the path of knowledge and innovation in the beauteous landscape of the UK, governed by a steadfast focus on quality and excellence. From world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher, Queen Elizabeth, and Desmond Tutu; great scientists such as Stephen Hawkings, Newton, Darwin, and Ramanujan to literature and art giants such as Milton, Tennyson, Anthony Hopkins and David Attenborough, Universities in the UK have educated extraordinary talents.

Today, the UK is a formidable economy leading the world in trade, commerce, innovation, and business, and also boasts of one of the strongest currencies the world over. London leads this game as one of the greatest cities in the world, offering opportunities for excellence and exuberant growth to the best of talents.

Understanding Education in UK

Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) is the governing body that takes care of applications on behalf of Indian students. https://www.ucas.com/

Undergraduate studies in UK takes three years to complete in most cases, leading to a qualification such as a Bachelor of arts (BA), Bachelor of science (BSc) – level 6 of NQF/ FHEQ. You will need a minimum of four years of study if you are choosing a sandwich program which involves practical work accompanied by coursework. It can be longer if studying for an MB – Bachelor’s in Medicine.

Master’s Degree: University graduates can then study for a master’s or postgraduate degree. You can choose between Postgraduate diplomas, Postgraduate certificates or a one years’ Master’s Degree. This results in Level 7 of NQF/ FHEQ qualification.

Doctorates/PhD results in a Level 8 of NQF/ FHEQ qualifications framework. A doctorate qualification allows you the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research. It usually takes at least three years of full-time study to complete a Ph.D. Doctorates are normally awarded as either a pass a fail; in exceptional cases, they are awarded with a distinction.

Life in the UK

Culturally, the UK is very diverse due to its proximity to Europe. Larger cities such as London attract people from all over the globe, reflecting this dynamic nature in language, cuisine, practices and culture. People in the UK are welcoming of people from around the world. You should be able to find many like-minded students as most universities have different societies dedicated to different nationalities, sports, arts and niche interests. As an international student, you will be entitled to free or reduced healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS) while you are in the UK. British people respect and follow punctuality, so leave your Indian-stretchable-time practices back at home. Be cautious to use ‘Thank You’ and ‘Sorry’ generously as people love to be polite and gentle, epitomizing the gentlemanly and ladylike behavior that the British are famous for. Another important aspect to note is the British obsession with the weather, which is cold, wet and often grey! So don’t be surprised if someone begins a conversation saying, ‘How’s the weather today?’ or if you find people being cheerful on a Sunny day. In all, the UK is a great place to get affiliated with famed British practices, remarkably rich Irish and Scottish whiskeys, and their robust culture.

Admissions process in UK

1. Registration

Firstly, register your details with UCAS.

2. Find a Course

Identify a course that suits you best and helps with your career growth.

3. Find a University

Shortlist a set of universities you wish to apply to and contact them to download their application forms. Most application forms in the UK are free of cost.

4. Determine eligibility tests exams as required by your course/university

Take the necessary test well in advance and receive your results.

5. Fill out the application form

Fill out the application form in detail, including your SOP, Personal Statement, and CV as required. Connect with your AEC counselor to help you create excellent SOP, Personal Statements, and CVs.

6. Send and wait for the Response

Once you have submitted your application, universities will review your application. Based on acceptance, choose your University

7. Pay fees as required to receive your UCAS

UCAS is the most important document apart from your funding proof to obtain a Visa

8. Apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa

For more details on this process, click here

Scholarship prospects in UK

There are hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and grant schemes on offer for students who need extra support to pay for their UK course. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a loan or financial support from the UK government. Visit the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website for more details. Postgraduate studentships can be found via a number of websites, including Postgraduate Studentships and Prospects. Additionally, The Great Britain Scholarships are designed and offered specifically for Indian students.

Individual universities also offer financial assistance. Contact your University and AEC counselor for more details.

Eligibility exams for UK

Standardized tests such as GMAT and English Language tests, such as IELTS and PTE, are an important part of the admissions process for UK.

gmat

All applicants applying for a Master’s in Management or Business Administration major must submit the results of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). These tests must be completed before the date of the application. To register please visit http://www.mba.com

English Language Tests

All students whose native language is not English are required to take the English proficiency test such as IELTS or PTE. For more information on registering please visit  http://www.ielts.org  and  http://pearsonpte.com/

Work and study in UK

International students from outside the EU, are allowed to work while studying if they study at a university or college that is listed on both the official UKVI Sponsor list and the list of ‘recognized bodies’. However, The rules state that applicants must be able to support themselves and any dependents without working in the UK. This means that while there is provision for students to take employment during vacations or spare time, no account may be taken of any prospective earnings from that employment in assessing the ability of a student to meet the maintenance requirement, except where the educational establishment at which the student has a place. Tier 4 students with work rights will be prevented from setting up businesses in the UK, including where they are not the controlling shareholder.

As of July 2015, new students at publicly funded colleges in the UK will not be permitted to seek student employment.

Graduate Employment

Graduate Jobs is a unique scheme in the UK, which allows students to apply directly to large multinational organizations and recognized brands. The job duration typically last a year, but some extend to 18 months or even two years. Employers offering graduate schemes are very active on campus during the autumn and spring terms. Gaining these jobs is a challenging process as they are highly competitive and require candidates to be the best in the market. Graduate jobs may even offer sponsorship for a Tier 2 UK Work Visa, depending upon Governmental rules and organizational regulations.