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A leading global education hub, UK is known for its high-quality academic framework and innovative policy developments. It has over 22,000 courses to choose from across more than 1100 universities and colleges and majority of them have been listed among the top institutions of the world. Considered as one of the best places to live in, UK is among the top 10 happiest countries of the world (Forbes 2018). This is reflected in the experiences shared by our students who term the locals as open, friendly and warm. Undoubtedly, you will still feel at home when studying in UK and well, it will always stay on your mind as a second home, as a place you are connected.
WHY STUDY IN UK
UK is fast becoming one of the most preferred study abroad destination among International students. The country attracts hundreds and thousands of students every year mainly because of the outstanding education system, friendly nature of the people, laid-back nature, unique blend of cultures, relaxing atmosphere, and high standard of living available there. Foreign Education in UK for Indian students is generally considered as golden opportunity because students get the best courses according to their aim, interest and career objectives, out of hundreds of various specialisations provided by the world renowned UKn universities.
The nation’s high standard of teachings, advanced facilities, unmatched students exposure, and worthy lifestyle makes it an obvious choice for international students to study in UK. After completing the studies, students can easily get a job, due to the remarkable reputation of the UKn education system all over the world.
1. World-class education
For a very sparsely populated country with a relatively small number of universities, housing 8 out of the top 100 universities in the world is quite a feat. UKn universities regularly feature in global rankings like QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education Rankings, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. With such strong credentials, today, UK is the 3rd most popular study destination for international students in the world behind only the US and the UK.
2. Great diversity in course options
With over 22,000 high-quality courses and programmes on offer in as much as 1,100 institutions, study in UK is a great choice for you—whether you want to be taught by the best or undertake your own research.
3. Universally recognised degrees
Degrees from UKn universities are recognised by universities and employers all over the world. It is not surprising to know that there are now over 2.5 million international students all over the world who have studied in UK. Some of these students are among the world’s finest minds. Did you know that UK has produced 15 Nobel laureates?
4. Post-study work rights in UK
UK grants post-study work visa to international students after they have completed their master’s, bachelor’s or doctoral degrees. Successful applicants are granted a visa for the duration of 2 years to 4 years, depending on the highest educational qualification they have obtained. The subject area or the field of study has no effect on the eligibility. Neither the US nor does the UK offer this to international students.
5. Part Time Work Right
You can work part time while studying, which would help you offset some of your living costs. International students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours/ 40 Hours per fortnight a week during semesters and full-time during the university holidays. UK’s minimum wage is AU$ 18 per hour. While studying in UK many international students find work in sectors such as hospitality and retail. These jobs often have flexible working hours to avoid a clash with classes.
6. Numerous Scholarships opportunities:
You can apply for Scholarships in UK based on courses and universities.
7. A safe, multicultural environment
UK is considered as one of the safest countries in the world with multicultural, friendly and pleasant society. Did you know that 5 out of 30 best student cities in the world are in UK? Melbourne has been named as the world’s most liveable city and Sydney has been voted as the friendliest city in the world. This ranking is based on various parameters such as the mix of students based on nationalities, cultures, races and religion; affordability; quality of life, and employability.
8. Great place to visit along with your education in UK
There are over 500 National Parks in UK to explore and 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites to tick off your list if you do set out on such an endeavour. You can go scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef or snorkel alongside gigantic whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef. There are countless other things to see and experience.
9. Easier Visa norms:
An UKn study visa is relatively easier to get than visas for the US and the UK. On 1st July 2016, the UKn government has abridged the visa subclasses and introduced a simplified student visa framework (SSVF) to provide more efficient visa services to applicants. As per the new SSVF, all the study visas came under a single platform or a class (subclass 500).
10. Relatively lower cost of education
We are not saying that studying in UK is very cheap. But, a simple analysis and the comparison of quality against the cost for all countries that are leading education powerhouses will easily reveal that UK is relatively one of the cheapest countries. The cost of living and tuition costs are significantly lower as compared to the US and the UK and the living standard is amongst the highest in the world.
Tertiary education
Tertiary education in UK comprises of higher education (universities), and vocational education and training institutes [vocational education and training (VET) and technical and further education (TAFE) colleges]. Classes are generally conducted in large group lectures and small group tutorials.
Qualifications Offered
The country has a unified system of qualifications, well-known as the UKn Qualification Framework (AQF), which is regulated by the UKn Government. It unifies and assures the quality offered at different levels of education in UK. UKn schools, universities, and institutes are linked across the nation and also linked globally. Thus, students can move easily from one level of study to the next after successfully completing the level, and from one institution to another, as long student visa requirements are satisfied by the student. Following are the UKn Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels of qualifications granted by UKn institutions for higher education:
VET Education or Diploma Course (Year 1- leading to Degree – Bachelors direct into 2nd Year)
• Diploma
• Associate Degree
• Advanced Diploma
Undergraduate:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree (honours)
Post-Graduate Courses:
• Master’s Degree (extended)
• Master’s Degree (coursework)
• Master’s Degree (research)
• Doctorate
Vocational and Technical Schools
UK offers Vocational and Technical studies known as TAFE and VET through various institutes. These institutes offer short courses, certificate courses, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. These courses are meant to provide training for students in a particular vocation or help them to get out into the work place.
TOP UNIVERSITIES
UK has in total 43 universities, out of them, 40 universities are public universities, 2 are international universities, and 1is private university. The country has some of the most prestigious and high-ranking universities of the world. As per the latest the QS World University Rankings, 35 UKn universities are ranked among the world’s top 500 universities’ list and 6 are ranked among the world’s top 100.
Top 10 Universities for foreign study in UK are:
• UKn National University (ANU)
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• The University of New South Wales
• University of Queensland (UQ)
• Monash University
• University of Western UK (UWA)
• University of Adelaide
• Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
• The University of Wollongong
Top courses to study in UK for Indian students
UKn universities offer a wide range of courses and programmes as per the field of interest of the students. Whether it’s an undergraduate or postgraduate programme a student wants to enrol in, there are numerous options on one’s platter. UK is particularly known for social sciences, management and natural sciences degrees.
Different degree courses to study overseas in UKn universities:
• Arts and design: Literature, History, Psychology, Foreign Language Studies, Communications, Philosophy, Public Relations
• Education: Education Studies, Special Education, Accountancy Teaching
• Engineering and technology: Chemical, Automotive, Civil, Telecommunications, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Mining, Environmental, Electrical, Electronics, Structural, Industrial, General Engineering, Computer, Mechatronics
• Hospitality and Tourism: Hotel Management, Commercial Cookery, Tourism Management
• Mathematics and Computing: Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Based Information System
• Health sciences: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Veterinary Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Personal and Family Health Care, Pharmacy
• Science: Pharmacology, Environmental Science, Chemistry
• Visual and Performing Arts: Art, Fashion Design, Music, Crafts, Performing Arts, Graphic Arts
• Agriculture: Agriculture science, Forestry, Horticulture, Biotechnology
• Law and Business Administration: Economics, HR, Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Management, Administration Applications for overseas education in UKn Universities are accepted all-round the year. Most universities accept new students in two intakes in each academic session, which usually in February and July or November, with slight variations according to a university’s academic calendar.
However, it is better to apply as early as possible because visa processes might take up takes 1 Day -12 weeks turnaround time. If you wish to begin your studies in UK for February intake, you should aim to have your application completed and submitted by mid-November/late-December, depending on the institute. If you are targeting the July intake, you should complete your application by May.
UKn academic intakes:
• Foundation courses: Duration is 1 year, and intake is in February (depends on the university).
• Vocational Education and Training courses: Duration is 6 Month-1year and intake are in Jan, May, June, Oct, TAFE Institutions
• Undergraduate courses: Duration is 3 years (4 years for honours degree) and intake is in Feb, July and November, (depends on the university).
• Postgraduate/Masters courses: Duration is 1-2 years and intake is in March (depends on the university) Feb, July and November.
• Doctoral degrees: Duration is 3-4 years and round the year intake as the supervisor or the project demands.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The general criteria for applications in UKn universities are mentioned below:
English language proficiency:
All applicants are required to take a recognised English language proficiency test.IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score is generally considered by UKn Universities/institutions
• For undergraduate programmes, a minimum IELTS Band score of 6 with no less than 6.0 in each section is required and for post-graduate programmes a minimum IELTS Band score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in each section is required.
Academic requirements:
Undergraduate study in UK
• High-school certificate or Year 12 of school education.
• Academic scores with a minimum 60 % or above in class XII.
• Mathematics in class XII as prerequisite (for some sciences and technology courses).
Postgraduate study in UK
• Recognised undergraduate certificate or 15 years of education
• Strong academic background
• Relevant work experience (some universities require this for MBA programmes)
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST:
Following is the list of documents required for applying to universities:
• Higher Secondary and Senior Secondary school Mark sheet and Passing Certificate
• Passport Copy
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score (whichever applicable)
• Statement of purpose
• Portfolio of work (for courses in art, design, etc.)
The UKn Universities usually take around 2 days to 4 weeks to respond or to process student’s application. Students are advised to apply as soon as possible.
STUDENT LIFE IN UK
UK is well known for its multinational and safe environment in which students can learn and travel.
Safety for International students studying in UK
UK is one of the safest countries in the world for international students and has a comparatively low crime rate. In most places, lanes are clean, open and well-lit at night. The frequency of robbery and assault in UK is relatively low, and there are strict anti-gun and anti-drug laws. UKn Universities have a student support cell that ensures and safeguards interests of international students. They help and support in resolving academic or administrative grievances, provide medical assistance and other student welfare supports.
Universities provide following support for the international students:
• Language tuition
• International student counsellors
• Visa application and processing assistance
• On arrival orientation programmes
• Health, counselling, lodging and employment service
Course Duration
Bachelors: • 3 years
• Commencing January, March, July,November, December
Masters:
• 1.5 to 2 years
• Commencing January, March, July,November, December
Course fee
• Undergraduate bachelor’s degree – $20,000-$24,000p.a
• Postgraduate Master’s Degree – $24,000-$26,000 appox.p.a
Accommodation (AUD $)
• $12,000 – $16,000 p.a
Minimum Cost of Living (AUD$):
• Average Total – $20,290 per annum
This guide is intended as a general guide only and the information it contains may change. Check if the information is correct by calling the office of The Orange Group.
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
UCL (University College London)
University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
King’s College London (KCL)
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
University of Bristol
The University of Warwick
University of Glasgow
Durham University
University of Birmingham
University of Southampton
University of Leeds
The University of Sheffield
University of St Andrews
The University of Nottingham
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Lancaster University
University of York
Newcastle University
Cardiff University
University of Exeter
University of Bath
University of Liverpool
University of Reading
University of Aberdeen
Queen’s University of Belfast
Loughborough University
University of Leicester
University of Sussex
University of Surrey
University of Strathclyde
Heriot-Watt University
Royal Holloway University of London
University of Dundee
University of East Anglia (UEA)
Birkbeck College, University of London
SOAS – School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Brunel University
City, University of London
University of Kent
Oxford Brookes University
University of Essex
Goldsmiths, University of London
Swansea University
Aberystwyth University
University of Stirling
Aston University
Coventry University
Kingston University, London
Bangor University
Ulster University
University of Bradford
University of Hull
University of Portsmouth
Northumbria University at Newcastle
Plymouth University
University of Westminster
Keele University
Middlesex University
University of Greenwich
University of Huddersfield
Bournemouth University
London South Bank University
Nottingham Trent University
Birmingham City University (BCU)
De Montfort University
Edinburgh Napier University
Glasgow Caledonian University
Liverpool John Moores University
London Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Sheffield Hallam University
The Robert Gordon University
University of Brighton
University of Central Lancashire
University of East London
University of Hertfordshire
University of Lincoln
University of Salford
University of the West of England