England is a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique and vibrant experience. The UK's higher education institutions are globally renowned for fostering innovation and pushing students to excel. As the world's top study destination, the UK provides a modern, supportive learning environment that cultivates creativity, resilience, and a versatile outlook.
Capital
London
Largest cities
London, Manchester, Birmingham
Work rule for international students
20 hours per week
Wages for students
£9.50 per hour
Population
67,2 million
National language
English
Currency
Pound
Immigrant population
14,4% of total population
Admissions to UK Universities
Considering studying in the UK? It’s a fantastic choice! Follow these steps to start your application journey:
Select your university and desired course.
Meet the specific entry requirements for your chosen program.
Submit your application.
Await your offer letter.
Secure your finances.
Obtain a student visa.
Documents Required for a UK Student Visa
To apply for a UK student visa, you’ll need to provide personal information and supporting documentation. Required documents typically include:
A completed visa application form
A valid passport
Academic transcripts and certificates as specified in your CAS
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) as stated in your CAS
Two passport-sized photographs
Financial evidence demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your studies
An original birth certificate (with a translated copy if necessary)
Tuberculosis test results from an authorized TB Test Centre
Proof of visa application fee payment
Immigration Health Surcharge payment receipt
A completed self-assessment form (Appendix 8) with supporting documents
Additional documents depending on your nationality
UK Student Visa (Tier 4 General)
For students aged 16 and over. The UK operates a points-based system for student visas. To qualify, you'll need:
Recent photograph
A valid passport
Unconditional offer from a licensed UK educational institution
Proof of English language proficiency
Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
In some cases, an ATAS certificate (for specific subjects)
UK Student Visa for Indian Students
Securing a UK student visa is achievable. To apply, you'll typically need:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Proof of financial support from India
Valid Indian passport
English language proficiency test results
Academic and non-academic certificates
Type of Visa
Short-term study student visa
Tier 4 student visa (General)
ier 4 student visa (Child)
Type of Visa
£97 for 6 months ; £186 for 11 months
£348
£348
As visa fees are subject to change, you can check the latest updates on costs here.
Immigration Health Surcharge
As an international student, you'll need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This fee, currently around £470 per year, provides access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Tuition Fees in the UK
Tuition costs in the UK vary significantly based on several factors, including the student’s nationality, the chosen university, and the specific degree program.
Tuition for UK Students
For UK students, universities in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland can charge up to £9,250 per year for undergraduate degrees. Accelerated programs may have higher fees, reaching £11,100 annually in England. Welsh universities cap tuition at £9,000 per year.
Tuition for International Students
International students face considerably higher tuition fees compared to their UK counterparts. Average costs range around £12,000 per year, but fees can vary widely depending on the university's prestige, location, and the chosen course. Programs in fields like medicine and business often have significantly higher tuition costs than those in humanities or social sciences.
Note: Tuition fees are just one component of the overall cost of studying in the UK. Additional expenses such as accommodation, living costs, and textbooks should also be considered.
Type of Academic Degree
Bachelors
Masters
PhD
Average Annual Tuition Fee in UK
£10,000 – £39,000
£10,500 – £30,000
Up to £19,000
Living Costs in the UK
The cost of living in the UK for international students is estimated at around £12,500 per year. However, this figure is a general guideline, as actual expenses can vary significantly based on factors such as accommodation choices, personal spending habits, and the specific location within the UK.
Before delving into the specifics, it's essential to understand that living costs can differ greatly depending on an individual's lifestyle and budget.
Factors and costs to include
Accomodation
Food & Groceries
Transportation
Household Bills
Entertainment
Miscellaneous
Average Cost Per Month
£600- £750
£120 – £200
£40- £65
£50 – £70
£40- £50
£200
** Estimated Costing
Work and Study in the UK
Combining study with part-time work is a popular choice for many international students in the UK. It offers an excellent opportunity to enhance language skills, gain valuable work experience, and contribute towards living expenses.
International students studying at degree level are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and a maximum of 40 hours during university holidays.
Important note: The UK government introduced the Graduate Immigration Route in the summer of 2021. This scheme allows international students who have completed their undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees in the UK to stay and work in the country for up to two years post-graduation.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship in the UK
Obtaining Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR)
To qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you must meet specific criteria. Generally, you need to have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years on a valid visa.
Common pathways to ILR include:
Holding an Indefinite Leave to Remain status for 12 months
Being an EEA national with a permanent residence permit for over 12 months
Having a British citizen spouse or partner and residing in the UK for over three years
Being born in the UK or having a British citizen parent
Being a stateless person or having renounced a previous nationality
Obtaining ILR requires passing the Life in the UK test and demonstrating English language proficiency. The application process typically takes up to six months.
Requirements for ILR:
Obtaining ILR requires passing the Life in the UK test and demonstrating English language proficiency. The application process typically takes up to six months.
A valid passport
Two passport-sized photographs
Digital fingerprints
Proof of identity, birth, and current immigration status
Evidence of employment, studies, or financial support
Path to Permanent Residency for International Students
No matter which country you are from. You have to follow the following steps to get PR for the UK:
Take admission to the UK university
Get a student visa
Work with study
Get employed
Apply for the PR after five years of the work
Building a strong professional profile through internships or part-time jobs while studying can enhance job prospects. After accumulating five years of continuous employment in the UK, you can apply for ILR, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria.
Please note: Immigration rules can change. It's advisable to consult the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Scholarships
Aspiring to study in the UK but concerned about costs? Numerous scholarship opportunities are available to help you achieve your academic goals. The UK government offers a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages to students from many countries.
If you're a Bangladeshi student eager to pursue a UK education without the IELTS hurdle, several scholarships specifically cater to your needs.
Open to talented individuals from Commonwealth countries, these prestigious scholarships support postgraduate studies in the UK. Awardees receive generous funding covering tuition fees, return airfare, and additional living expenses.
FAQ
Aspiring to study in the UK but concerned about costs? Numerous scholarship opportunities are available to help you achieve your academic goals. The UK government offers a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages to students from many countries.
If you're a Ghana student eager to pursue a UK education without the IELTS hurdle, several scholarships specifically cater to your needs.
Yes, it's possible to study in the UK without IELTS. Many UK universities accept students from Ghana who have completed their education in English (Medium of Instruction - MOI).
While studying in the UK can involve higher costs compared to some other countries, the shorter duration of many UK degree programs can offset overall expenses. Careful budgeting and financial planning can help manage study costs effectively.
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