The United Kingdom is a dream study destination for student’s world over. From the myriad opportunities available to study, work and live in the UK to the high standard of living , the country has a long list of advantages making it one of the most sought after study destinations in the world. 

More than 23% of the student population in the UK are international students. And studies show that the numbers grow exponentially by almost 10% every year. Within the European Union, Italy, France and Germany are the three top most contributors to the international population of UK whereas China followed by India are the two top rankers for no-EU countries. These statistics are a clear indication of the popularity and fame of UK universities when it comes to study abroad for international students.

The country is home to more than 400 top ranked universities, many of which feature prominently in the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings and many other top-ranking websites. Among its outstanding research institutions are those that specialize in engineering, law, economics, and business. 

There are multiple reasons why the UK features so high in the popularity index. The fact that students can take up programs for a shorter duration of time makes the whole package look appealing as the students can then finish the courses faster and pay less. Added to that is the advantage of flexible course structures and a very practical and hands on training methodology that attracts students looking to acquire new skills, practical experience and overall growth. 

Not to miss is that fact that students opting for full time programs can work for a maximum 20 hours per week during their term and full time during their spring breaks. This gives them an opportunity to get accustomed to the job market and learn to interact and build connections for their future careers.

Undergraduate study

Degrees are the most popular undergraduate qualification in the UK. They are academic courses, usually studied over three years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, or four years in Scotland (where the title master's degree may be awarded).

University International Foundation Year courses help to bridge any gaps between qualifications already held and the ones needed to begin a degree course at a UK university.

Postgraduate study

Pre-master's courses can last from one term to a complete academic year and cover academic study, cultural instruction and language training. Many courses will guarantee progression onto a master's course at a particular university.

Postgraduate certificate or diplomas (PG Cert/Dip) are one-year taught postgraduate courses that don't usually involve research. They're often accepted as professional qualifications in the relevant field, such as education or management, giving you a fantastic head start in your chosen career.

Taught master's (MA, MSc, LLM, MEd etc) courses generally last for one year and consist of two elements: you'll complete a number of modules and produce a dissertation from original research.

Research master's (MRes, MPhil) is a master's degree by research. You will devote the entire year to research. Your final mark will be determined by the quality of your dissertation.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a specialist business taught master's course. It's the best-known and most popular postgraduate qualification.

Doctorate (PhD) will take you three to four years to complete, during which you'll be working on a single research project.

New Route PhDs include taught elements as well as a research project and give you the opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary study.

Finding the UK university that best meets your needs

Even if you’ve selected an area of study, finding the right school in the UK can be challenging; with more than 350 universities spread across the constituent countries, the decision becomes even more difficult without qualified guidance. To help you manage this important decision, ESC’ Professional Consultants are prepared to help you select the UK college or university that best suits your needs. We utilize a network of professional education contacts across the UK, and work with you personally to help you put your plan to study in the UK into action. From finding the right program at the right university, through to applying and enrolling, ESC will provide you with the highest standard of assistance available.

Securing the appropriate UK student visa

Applying for the proper UK student visa is critical to your plans to study in the UK. With several possible visa options and thousands of applicants competing for student visas, you need to ensure that every aspect of the process is handled properly and completed in full. ESC’ staff that include former Immigration Officials and Solicitors, and our professionals are backed by solid expertise and years of successful experience. To find out how we can help with your UK student visa application, click on the link at the bottom of the page and take the free assessment. For additional information about the UK student visa, please click here.

Not all educational institutions are Universities: -

This issue is regulated by law. As this official regulation states, a higher education institution can be labelled as a university under these circumstances:

• If it gets an approval by the Privy Council under Further and Higher Education Act 1992

• If it gets an approval under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Student Visa:-

As an international student coming from countries other than the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you must know that you’ll need a student visa to study in the UK. If you’re aged 16 and you’re a resident of one of these countries you can apply for a Tier 4 visa (General student), the official student visa in the UK.  Student Life in UK

Finances:-

As an international student you want to make sure you’ll have money to finance your stay there during your studies. When applying for a visa you’ll need to show you have enough money to cover your course tuitions and other expenses.

Education Levels:-

According to UK education regulations, the following levels of courses fall under Higher Education:

The courses offered by postgraduate programs lead to Doctorates, Master's degrees (taught or research), Postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates of education (PGCE), and professional degrees. Normally, a first degree (Bachelor) is a prerequisite for entry to this level.

Courses leading to first degrees (Bachelor's) which include: honours and ordinary degrees, teacher status, enhanced degrees, intercalated degrees (students in specific fields can take a year off and study a subject related to their major).

The following undergraduate courses are also available: foundation degrees, SVQ, NVQ, and HND (or equivalent), NHC (or equivalent).

More than 23% of the student population in the UK are international students

The total number of students from India - 55,465

The total number of non-EU students has increase by 23%

International students in the UK pursuing a degree in Business & Administrative studies - 127,335

1. University of Cambridge - Cambridge
2. University of Oxford - Oxford
3. University of St Andrews - Scotland
4. London School of Economics -- London
5. Imperial College London- London
6. Kings College London - London
7. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - London
8. The University of Warwick - Warwick
9. University of Bristol - Bristol
10. UCL Bloomsbury- London

EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS –

A scholarship amount of £3,000 is rewarded those students who have achieved excellent grades in their studies prior to entering their chosen UCLan undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme

INTERNATIONAL BURSARIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS –

An international bursary of £1,000 per year of study is available to all international students enrolling at UCLan in the academic year

MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – academically high performing students entering UCLan university for undergraduate or postgraduate are awarded £2,000 per year of study on their chosen programme.

ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP awardedevery year worth £2000

NORTHUMBRIA GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP-£3000 discount in the first year of their three-year Undergraduate Course

And more….

What are the chances of scholarships for international students?

There are a wide range of scholarship options for international students. From academic scholarships to sports scholarships, bursaries, university special grants and more. Typically, an international student can find out the amount of scholarship granted with their offer letter wherein the university will specify the scholarship value and the terms and conditions to be met in order to avail the said scholarship.

How affordable is UK for an international student?

It is common knowledge that UK is not a cheap destination for expats. However, international students can get along quite comfortably for the duration of their study period if they utilise the available information and keep a track of their expenses.

Apart from the fact that one can avail scholarships as an international student, you also have the freedom to work part time for up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, the government offers a wide range of student discounts for transportation, food, entertainment to accommodation and more. So it is completely up to the student to avail the benefits and make the experience a success.

What about the stay back options?

International students enrolled for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program can get up to 2 years stay back. Though, the opportunities for a student with just a Bachelor’s are limited, for graduates with a Master’s degree there are plenty of work opportunities in and around the UK. 

For most students the university career cells arrange for interviews and support them in preparing their CV’s. Also, as in most cases a PG program will require an internship or project/thesis submission which can also become a good source for future career opportunities.

Can international students work part time?

International students can work for up to 20 hours per week during their term period and full time during their vacations. Part time work opportunities are plentiful in the service sector from restaurants, malls, cinemas to sports events, concerts, fairs, etc.  The Minimum hourly Wage in UK-UK National Wage is £8.21/ hr, however the numbers are slightly higher for London.