Are you someone who dreams of pursuing an education in the UK? Well! If the answer to the above question is yes, we have something for you. A guide on how to get admission in UK universities for Indian Students in 2022! This article will assist applicants on their journey to the United Kingdom, and will acquaint them with all the major obstacles and processes necessary for their journey to their dream university. From eligibility criteria to a work permit, this article has it all.
Benefits of Studying in the UK for International Students
The United Kingdom has become a student hub with plenty of international students looking to build their educational base in the country. The UK is a collaboration of four different countries – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These countries are different but are under the umbrella of a single government. The United Kingdom holds plenty of opportunities for students of different streams. Whether it be social sciences or management, every student can find their niche in the UK. There are plenty of reasons why international students prefer to pursue their education in the UK. Some of those reasons are:
- A plethora of Opportunities: With a strong foothold of Multinational Companies and global organisations, the UK provides an arena where the students can find various opportunities to try their hands at different activities.
- Globally Recognized Education: The home of world-renowned universities, the UK is on the list of every student who wants to study abroad. With the top ranking universities situated in the country, the UK has time and again proved itself as a contributor to great quality and globally recognized education.
- Exposure to Diversity: Since the UK has become the education hotspot for international students, it has also become diversified in terms of ethnicities and culture. Students who seek admission in the UK get a chance to meet people from different cultures and religions and understand more about society, which is a very important aspect of student life.
- Building the Right Skillset: The United Kingdom, with its quality education and proficient educators, helps students develop industry skill sets.
The United Kingdom is home to some of the best ranking universities in the world, such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh and many more. With top-class infrastructure and great teaching faculty, it is one of the best places to pursue education for international students.
UK Application Process for Indian Students: An Overview
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the UK
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Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the UK
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
The United Kingdom offers plenty of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma or certificate courses to students from India or international students. The courses can be of varying duration, and all of them have their admission requirements and eligibility criteria. Here is a brief overview of the step by step procedure that an applicant must follow for UK admission.
- STEP 1: Find the Course and the Degree: The first step is to find the right course and the degree that the student wants to choose.
- STEP 2: Choose the University: Once the course and the degree have been chosen, it’s time to find the right university that fits the applicant’s requirements.
- STEP 3: Requirements and Eligibility: Check the requirements and eligibility criteria of the shortlisted universities.
- STEP 4: Scholarships and Fees: Check for the scholarship and take into consideration the fees and living costs.
- STEP 5: Seek Help: Once made a decision, the student can either contact an agency to help them with their admissions or take things into their own hands if they feel confident.
- STEP 6: Final Decision: Apply for the course with all the required documents.
- STEP 7: Further Process: Once the decision arrives, it’s time to make further arrangements, such as the Visa process, education loan, and health insurance.
These steps are generalized steps that need to be taken into consideration while applying to the UK. Now. Let’s delve deeper into the process of applying to UK universities.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements for UK Universities
The first step to ‘how to get admission in UK universities for Indian Students in 2022’ is to find the right university. Applicants can figure this out by matching their interests and the degree coursework, which can be easily found on the university website. Once the applicant has clarity on the degree and the course they want to pursue, they should check the eligibility criteria and requirements. It is important to note that the eligibility and requirements for a bachelor’s programme would be different from a postgraduate programme. Next, the applicant should check the eligibility and the entry requirements of that university for Indian students.
1. Bachelor’s Programme
The eligibility criteria and entry requirements for the Bachelor’s programme or also referred to as the undergraduate programme, vary from university to university. However, here is a generalised idea of the requirements. All Indian students or international students need to submit their applications to UK universities through UCAS(Universities and College Admissions Service). UCAS has its portal, and most universities will accept an application only if it is applied through the UCAS website portal.
Eligibility Criteria
- At times a minimum GPA score is required
- An English language proficiency test
Entry Requirements
- An application through UCAS
- An English Proficiency Test
- Transcripts and a personal statement
- Additional examinations for specific courses such as Medical courses or law courses
The process to apply through UCAS
Step 1: Register the profile at the UCAS portal and create an application. Step 2: Fill out the application form and choose up to five programmes. The programmes can be either at the same university or different universities. Step 3: Complete all the necessary details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and financial details. Step 4: Attach the statement of purpose and recommendation letters.
2. Postgraduate Programmes
The postgraduate students are not asked to submit their applications through a designated portal. They can send their applications along with the required information directly to the university. The eligibility criteria and entry requirements for postgraduate programmes in the university vary from course to course and university to university. For instance, the application for an MBA programme would be different from a public policy programme. However, the English language requirement is one thing that would be necessary while going for UK admission.
English Language Requirements for UK Admission for Indian Students
English language requirement is a must while applying to the UK. Since English is the most widely spoken language, it is important to assess a student’s ability to communicate in the language. Moreover, it is also essential while applying for a visa or a work permit. The examinations whose score is considered valid for English proficiency test are –
The eligibility requirement in these examinations also varies from university to university. Thus, it is best to check the university data as well.
Tuition Fee and Costs of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
The duration of the course in the UK is comparatively shorter than the courses in other countries. For instance, in the UK, the duration of an undergraduate degree is three years, and that of a postgraduate degree is one year. This helps cut the total cost of education in the country. The average cost of studying in the UK per year is as follows:
- For Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree: The average student cost ranges from INR 10,00,000 to INR 25,00,000, i.e. in Euros 10,000 to 20,000.
- For Postgraduate Degree: The average student cost ranges from INR 10,00,000 to INR 25,00,000, i.e. in Euros 10,000 to 20,000.
- For Doctoral and PhD Students: The average students cost ranges from INR 15,00,000 to INR 30,00,000, i.e. in Euros 15,000 to 24,000
It is important to note that the tuition costs and the hostel fees vary according to the universities. The above is an average range that every international student can keep in mind while going for education in the UK.
Living Cost to Study in UK Universities
The United Kingdom provides many fun and novice experiences to Indian and international students. Being a global hub, it is a land of opportunities and exciting interventions. The living cost in the UK majorly depends on the place and the budget a student is willing to devote to their lifestyle. The primary objective of defining the living status in the UK is to figure out the options for accommodation. Students can opt for a hostel, on-campus accommodation, homestays, rental spaces, and even try for short term accommodation. Some of the most expensive cities to live in the UK are London, Oxford, Bath, Brighton, Bristol, and Cambridge. The average cost for accommodation for Indian students ranges from INR 40,000 to 60,000/- monthly, i.e. in Euros 400 GBP to 600 GBP. Apart from the living costs, there is travel, food, clothing, and extra activities, all of which can make the living cost go up from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month.
Student Visa Requirement and Process to Apply for Visa
There are two predominant queries of all the students looking to study in UK Universities, the first one being how to apply to UK universities, and the second one being about the procedure to apply for a student visa.
Here is a simplified method for everyone looking for a process to apply for a UK student visa and a list of the documents required for it. An Indian student going for education in UK universities is required to apply for a Tier 4 visa. With a tier 4 visa, a student can work up to 20 hours a week and work full-time during vacations. This helps students to cover their tuition costs and earn some extra income on the side. The visa should be applied for at least three months before the degree programme starts, though it takes up to 30 days to finally arrive. The visa needs to be applied on the designated portal. The application will cost somewhere around INR 30,000. For the visa application, the following documents are required:
- A complete visa application form
- The acceptance letter of the university, sent by them through email or regular mail
- Official identification documents
- Financial proof, i.e., proof of money in the bank account
- Scoresheet for English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS
- Visa application fees payment
- Official transcripts
The following steps are the procedure to apply for the visa:
- First, it is important to check whether the student is eligible to apply for the visa or not, and once verified, they can complete the application form.
- The completed application form needs to be submitted with the application fee.
- Once the application form, along with the required documents and the application fee, is submitted, the student has to go to the office for a final interview session.
Work Permit for Indian Students in UK Universities
The work permit for graduated students in the UK has been revised time and again. The current situation of the work permit in the UK is such that the students who have graduated from a decent and well-recognized university in the UK can reside there for two years and look for a good work opportunity.
The students don’t have to have a job offer or a minimum salary to apply for a post-study work visa. The visa rules and guidelines are flexible. For Indian students, this comes with a sigh of relief since working in the UK could provide a plethora of opportunities and experiences.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom provides a good study and work environment for both Indian students. With great infrastructure and global platforms, UK universities offer students excellent opportunities to excel in whatever field they like. The UK is also a great place in terms of flexibility since it does not have a lot of visa restrictions and also provides students with a work permit after their graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the UK a desirable study destination for Indian Students?
Yes, the UK is one of the top destinations for Indian students. It is home to some of the world’s top universities and provides various opportunities to International students. Around 600,000 students go to the UK every year for their higher studies, making the culture and atmosphere in the UK good for Indian students.
What are the disadvantages of studying in the UK?
Despite the UK being one of the best educational places for International students, it has some cons too, such as expensive tuition and living costs, lessened social interaction, and cultural shock.
Can Indian students work part-time in the UK?
Yes, Indian students can work part-time during their study tenure. A student aged 18-20 years can earn up to £6.50 per hour. And students above year 20 can earn up to £8 per hour.
