Why Choose The UK As Your Study Abroad Destination

Study Abroad in the UK….. Know all about the academic requirements for different levels of programs, pathway programs, ease of getting a visa, cost and scholarships, endless opportunities, and how to get a UK PR. Read in detail below….

The UK has been the most in-demand destination for overseas education for more than a century!  But all these years later, is the UK still a good option for Indian students?

The answer is, YES!

Why Study in the UK?

1. World-class universities

The UK is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world! Several are ranked among the world’s Top 100 universities – including #8 University College London, #20 University of Edinburgh, #27 the University of Manchester, #31 King’s College London, and #62 University of Warwick.

What makes these universities so good? Everything from teaching excellence, high research output, excellent infrastructure to international representation and diversity.

2. Global exposure

In the UK, you come in contact with teachers and peers from around the world, helping to build a truly global network. You can also avail yourself of internship opportunities in multinational corporations. Besides, the UK makes a great travel base!

3. Career opportunities

Following graduation, you can opt for the UK’s Graduate Route visa, allowing you to stay back and look for work for two years. Besides, with a degree from a top university, doors will be opened to you anywhere in the world!

What can I Study in the UK?

The most in-demand subjects include:

1. Business (MBA)

2. Data Science

3. Natural Sciences (especially Biological sciences)

4. Engineering

5. Medical Sciences (including Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing)

6. Social Sciences (especially Psychology)

If any of these subjects is your passion, the UK is the right place for you!

Sandwich Courses in the UK

What are the Requirements to Study in the UK?

The very first criteria you need to meet to study at UK universities are your academic qualifications and grades from your previous education. Let us look at them in brief.

Academic requirements for Study in the UK

For Bachelor’s programs: 

• Indian Board exams are recognised by UK universities. A minimum score of 75% overall and at least 75-80% in key subjects is required – this depends on the program or university e.g. Medicine needs higher scores

• Indian students with A-levels (or) International Baccalaureate diplomas are also eligible.

For Master’s programs:

• Bachelor’s degree awarded by a recognised Indian university. Indian 3-year degrees i.e. BA, BSc, or BCom are accepted. 

• The required score depends on the program, with Indian students needing to have the equivalent:

(In certain cases, the equivalency might depend on which is the awarding institution.)

Language requirements for Study in the UK

The preferred international English proficiency test of UK universities is IELTS. Depending on the program, you need a minimum band score of 6.5 overall, with no individual score less than 6.0. Several programs require higher scores.

Institutions may also consider other tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic.

Visa requirements for Study in the UK

To get the Tier 4 Student Visa for the UK, you need:

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from recognised university

• Proof of sufficient funds: current UK regulations require you to have a minimum of 1,015 GBP for every month of study for anywhere in the UK except London; and 1,265 GBP for London.

Pathway Programs in the UK: All you need to know

What is a Pathway Program in the UK?

Pathway programs are the fastest and most effective option for international students hoping to earn a degree abroad.

These programs are designed for international students who lack the academic qualifications or language requirements that are needed for enrolment in a degree program i.e. a Bachelor’s or Master’s.

These programs are typically one year or less in duration, and most offer guaranteed progression to a number of degree programs. 

What will you gain from a Pathway program?

There are a number of great and unique benefits that only a pathway program can provide! These include:

• opportunities to improve your English proficiency before joining the university

• catch up with your peers in terms of knowledge, skills, and the ability to keep up with the rigour of major universities

• many universities offer conditional acceptance in relation to your completion of a pathway program – guaranteeing admission to your desired program!

• live in the UK and get used to a new culture before starting your program

• get used to university life in the UK before starting your program

• develop the confidence to achieve your academic goals!

Pathway Programs in Other Countries

Equivalent pre-bachelor’s or Master’s courses are available and often required for international students in countries besides the UK – including the most popular Study Abroad destinations including Canada, Australia, the US, and New Zealand.

The structure, duration, types of courses, and the name of the courses may differ, but the principle remains the same!

For instance, in Canada, the pathway program is typically a language-based course that culminates in the IELTS/TOEFL exam, which is the condition for the student’s admission to a degree program. The program may be for 6 months or longer.

Who is eligible for a Pathway program in the UK?

Any international student is eligible to apply for a pathway program in the UK, subject to certain requirements*:

*Every university will have its own specific requirements, which you must fulfill before applying

Types of Pathway Programs in the UK

University Foundation courses

These are designed to prepare international students for entry to the first year of a bachelor's degree program, involving intensive programmes including academic subjects, study skills, and English language skills.

A-level Pathways

The A-Levels are the pre-university exams answered by high-school students in the UK – excellent scores are required to gain admission to medical programs, dentistry programs, veterinary science programs, as well as the most elite colleges include Oxford and Cambridge. The exam is demanding, and the curriculum is rigorous.

International Year One courses

These courses are equivalent to the first year of an Undergraduate or Bachelor’s program at a university. They are typically opted for by students who do not fulfill the entry requirements to enter the Bachelor’s program directly. The course focuses on preparing students to complete the Bachelor’s program. Completion of the course guarantees progression to Year 2 of the regular mode of study.

Applicants to this course typically need higher requirements than those required for University Foundation courses.

Pre-Masters courses

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree, but do not fulfill the requirements to enrol in a Masters program in the UK typically enrol for a Pre-Master’s course. This may be in the case of a low score in the undergraduate degree, an undergraduate degree in a different subject (particularly in the case of Business or Law), or insufficient English proficiency. Some students opt for such courses voluntarily in order to get university-ready.

Applied general or technical pathway courses

These pathways take the form of nationally accredited vocational qualifications and basic-level business and technical qualifications. These may be opted for by individuals seeking admission to related courses at college or university, or to secure apprenticeships or a job.

Occupational or professional pathway courses

These pathways involve apprenticeships or training courses for employees, which can qualify the individual for higher apprenticeships, jobs, or promotions.

Is it expensive to study in the UK?

Studying abroad can be quite expensive for Indian students – taking into consideration visa fees, tuition fees, and flight and living expenses.

Here is a quick break-down of the Cost of Study in the UK:

1. Tuition fees: can range from 10,000 GBP to 38,000 GBP per year. Humanities and social sciences have lower fee rates than sciences, engineering, or business courses. Medical programs cost even more.

2. Living expenses: UK visa requirements stipulate funds of a minimum of 1,015 GBP for every month of study for anywhere in the UK except London; and 1,265 GBP for London. This amounts to 12,180 to 15,180 GBP per year.

Here is what this all works out to:

*indicative only

As you can see, studying in the UK can be quite expensive! However, it is worth it for the unmatched start it can give your career… and there are plenty of ways to reduce the cost:

1. Scholarships: There are several available that cover the cost of study, including national-level ones like Commonwealth and Chevening, and university-level or department-level scholarships. These are generally merit-based and highly competitive – however, there are loads of options available!

2. Education loans: Several banks offer loans with favourable loan margins for studying in the UK. These include state-run banks like SBI Student Loan and SBI Abroad ED-VANTAGE and private banks like ICICI and HDFC.

How to Get PR in the UK?

The UK remains one of the most attractive global destinations to live and work. Wondering how to get PR in the UK? Read on to learn more!

What is PR in the UK?

Also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, Permanent Residence is an immigration status granted to a non-UK citizen. Once you’ve been granted this status, you have the right to live and work in the country without any time limit. There are no longer any restrictions on the kind of work you can do.

To retain your PR status, you must not reside outside the UK for 2 years continuously, failing which, the status lapses. You will be permitted to reapply.

The process to Get PR Status in the UK

You become eligible to apply for PR status in the UK, depending on the number of years you’ve been in the country on a particular visa.

The most common pathways that you’re likely to take include:

• Residing in the UK on Tier 1 or Tier 2 work permit – 5 years

• Residing in the UK as an investor, sportsperson, business owner, or working in the arts – 5 years

Other pathways include marriage to a UK citizen, having UK ancestry, etc.

Once you’ve ascertained your basic eligibility, you will have to put together a number of required documents and fill the correct form (Set M). You’ll have to provide:

• Previous Visas and Permits: All those on which you’ve been in the UK till date, for whatever purpose (work/study)

• Bank account statements: You must have proof of enough funds to reside in the UK – at present, it is approximately 18,600 GBP per annum (without dependents)

• Payslips from work

• Council tax letters

• Official letter from your employer

Besides these, you may have to answer a ‘Life in the UK’ test proving your knowledge of UK culture and living.

You may also have to provide proof of English language proficiency, though having an educational qualification from a UK institution is often enough.

The processing of your application can take up to 6 months. You will be charged an application fee of around 2400 GBP.

Watch this video on Why Study in the UK?

We hope the “Need to Know” information shared in this blog on the Study Abroad in the UK was helpful. If you want to know more on anything specific or have any questions are clarifications please leave a comment.

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If you are looking at Study in the UK, don’t try to struggle on your own – allow the experts to step in!

Hurray’s Overseas Education Counselling Team is equipped to help you find the right fit and secure your seat for your preferred program in the UK university. From sorting through the entry requirements, helping you with your SOP and LOR, applying to the program at the university to Visa to post-landing support, we take care of it all!

Reach out to us at info@hurrayedutech.com or call us at 9900426501 to learn more about Studying in the UK

Hurray offers Study Abroad consultation, IELTS/PTE/OET, and Spoken English programs. Visit our website https://www.hurrayedutech.com/ for more information.