The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or simply Britain, is a sovereign state located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another state: the Republic of Ireland Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea in the east, the English Channel in the south and the Irish Sea in the west.

The United Kingdom is a developed country and has the world’s sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and eighth-largest by purchasing power parity. It was the world’s first industrialized and the foremost power during country, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The UK remains a great power with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence internationally

Why UK

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (which is usually shortened to just the UK or United Kingdom) is a political union made up of four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country offers excellent higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities promising a rich experience for international students.

The colonial history of UK has made a multi-cultural society in the country since it has been subject to a multitude of international influences and influxes of people. The country has a significant place in the map of global literature, arts and sculpture. There are four distinct seasons to the UK; summer, winter, spring and autumn. Generally UK has a cold, wet and dreary weather. During the summer months, days are long (the sun generally rises at 4 am and will set at 9 or 10 pm at night) and one can expect warmer temperatures.

The UK is highly advanced nation with excellent infrastructure sector and has a very good public transport system, with an extensive network of buses, planes and trains which simplify travelling. Low cost airlines facilitate an easiest option for travel in the UK and throughout most of Europe. Underground or tram system is a cheapest and cost effective means of transport at metropolitan area.

The UK institutions consistently rank among the best in the world and qualifications are internationally valued and recognized.UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment which can develop your potential. The teaching and study methodology used in the UK give you the freedom to be creative and develop skills 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.

Education System​s

Education in the UK is internationally recognized for its quality and variety. The UK's top priority is to pursue the highest possible standards and to ensure access to good education for every child, young person and citizen. There is a huge range of degree courses offered by more than 180 institutions - the University of London alone has more than 40 institutions. You can study towards internationally-recognized qualifications in medicine, law, accountancy, architecture and other professions; or in the arts, media, humanities, business, science and technology. There is a spectrum of research and postgraduate degrees where students are guided by academic supervisors with world-class reputations.

Cost of Living & Studying

The annual tuition fee in a good British University varies from £10000 to £20000(i.e. Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 16 lakhs)

International students are allowed to open a bank account in the UK, and some universities require their students to have a UK bank account. In any event, a bank account is very helpful to have in managing your finances,So you should plan to open a UK account.

Travelers Checks are useful to make transactions in UK till you open a bank account in the country. It may take a few weeks of time to open a new UK account and transfer money into it from your home country bank account.

For the international students most of the universities at UK provide on campus accommodation and also a variety of accommodation options are available to you. The college or university usually has halls of residence. If you are not offered on campus accommodation you can look for other accommodation options that will suit your monthly budget.

Students choose to move into flats/houses in the second or third years of their campus life. If you do move into a flat or house, you will have to sign a tenancy agreement, which is a legal document outlining the terms of the tenancy. It will be better to seek the assistance of the international student advisor regarding the procedures.

Courses and Universities

The most popular courses for Indian students in UK are in the postgraduate levels such as MBA, MS in Computing, engineering, Law, Arts, Literature etc.

Eligibility Test Requirements

For postgraduate programs, most of the good universities ask for a first class or high second class. In the undergraduate level most of the good universities look for a 60 % or higher. There are many students who have been admitted to colleges at UK with a second-class degree.. There are cases where significant work experience is considered lieu to a Bachelor’s degree.

The normal English language proficiency requirement for most of the universities is 5.5 to 6.5 on IELTS or 79 on TOEFL (preferably IELTS with a score of 5.5to 6.5 or TOEFL of score 79) as these tests could be additional prerequisites while processing your visa

IELTS

International English Language Testing System is normally known as IELTS which is administered by University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) , British Council and IDP Education Australia.

The score of IELTS is valid for 2 years. The test fee comprises Rs. 11,800/. For more info visit the official website at www.britishcouncil.org or www.ieltsindia.com. Students can make registration either in person or by mail.

Admission and Application Procedure

Visa Process

For UK student visa, applications have to be made on IM2A forms, which are available, free of cost at the British Embassies. Along with Visa application fee and the required documents the application has to be submitted to the embassy.

Immigration Rules for Students

You must intend to study at a publicly funded university or college, or a bonafide private institution or a fee-paying independent school.

You must be able to and intend to follow a full time degree course, or a weekday, full time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours of organized, daytime study per week.

You must be able to pay for your course and the living expenses of your husband or wife and children (if they are with you) without working in UK or claiming public funds.

You must not intend to work in UK unless you are accepted for a course lasting longer than six months, when you may work part-time or during vacations.You must intend to leave UK at the end of your studies.

Requirements for Student Visa

A letter of acceptance on the course. This is the letter from your institution confirming that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time as defined by the immigration law.

Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself and your family, if applicable.

The student has to attend the Interview with the ECO, clarifying certain parts of your application. You must be able to convince him/her that your study plans are genuine and workable.

Scholarships

Unfortunately British universities do not provide any scholarships for average Indian Students, with very rare exceptions in Doctorate level. Some universities may give students with good or exceptional backgrounds, a part tuition fee waiver. Some universities give discounts of 1000 - 1500 Pounds to students with good academic backgrounds.

Though financial aid is very little for international students, there are certain scholarships offered for study in UK managed by the British Council and other institutions. British Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships are some of the scholarships offered for post doctoral and research studies at UK.

Work Oppertunities

Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during the course. It is not difficult to find some part time jobs to supplement your living expenses.

Future Job prospects for students are limited in UK and obtaining a work permit to stay back after studies is comparatively difficult. However, British degrees are valued and recognized all over the world, especially in India and the Middle East. These degrees provide a cutting edge for employment prospects.