A Glimpse into the UK

Consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the United Kingdom (UK) is a busy and densely populated country with beautiful countryside, rolling hills and rugged coastlines as well as world class museums, cosmopolitan cities and a diverse population. The UK is one of the richest countries in the world, in terms of per capita income as well as tradition. The birthplace of higher education, the UK boasts universities and colleges that were founded in the 12th and 13th centuries. This tradition of education continues and in fact, the UK has four out of the top 10 universities in the world (according to QS world ranking 2019). This reputation for excellent education has made it one of the most popular destinations for quality education, with the second highest international student enrolment in the world.

The UK has an overall population of 63 million, and its capital London is the largest city with over eight million. Other well known cities in the UK include Edinburgh, Bristol, Belfast, Plymouth, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester. All with educational institutions and serving as important seats of commerce, these cities offer high employment opportunities.

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    Reasons for Popularity of Education in the UK

    The UK is one of the prime countries to pursue higher education for a number of reasons. Students can access world-class education which is recognised around the world. Of course, there are the immensely well-known institutions like Oxford and Cambridge universities, but there are a large number of other institutions offering a rich variety of courses so almost any course a student might wish to undertake is available. Some of the courses particularly popular with international students are: Masters in Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Business Administration, and Arts & Literature. The duration of study is often shorter than in other countries meaning the overall cost of the degree is decreased, undergraduate degrees can usually be completed in three years and many postgraduate courses can be completed in one year.

    UK Educational System

    The UK offers a wide array of courses in various fields of specialisation which ensures that most students can find the course they want to study ensuring many opportunities for the keen dedicated student. None of the universities charge any application fees, giving students the freedom to apply to several universities at once which gives them more options.

    Admission requirements generally include excellent previous academic records, and good IELTS scores. Courses usually commence in September though a few also take admissions in January/February. Once admitted the student is exposed to modern techniques of teaching and is in a creative, challenging environment designed to bring out the best in each student and ensure they complete a comprehensive education and are successful once their course is completed.

    Student Visa

    The UK Visa process is one of the easiest today. Students need to show funds sufficient to cover their personal expenditure and tuition costs. Eligibility for a student visa is calculated using a points-based rules system called a Tier 4 Student Visa. Points are granted for course confirmation and evidence of sufficient funding. Students have permission to work up to 20 hours during the semester to earn some cash, while during holidays they can work full time. Accommodation within the university grounds or somewhere close by is often guaranteed for at least the first year of the course.

    Visa for the UK:

    Before applying for a student visa, you must get an acceptance letter from a recognised university. The visa application form is completed online and fingerprints and a photograph are taken at a visa application centre. The documents required are:

    • Passport or travel document
    • A recent passport-sized colour photograph with a light background
    • The visa fee
    • Other supporting documents relevant to the application like academic documents, the letter of acceptance from the university, evidence of sponsorship (if any), bank statements and pay slips etc.

    After submission of all the required documents, the application is reviewed, and if necessary an interview is scheduled. On receiving the visa, it is advised to check the personal details, date of travel and the purpose of travel are correct. In case of errors the visa office should be immediately contacted.