The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s oldest academic institutions, whose roots can be traced to the 12th and 13th centuries. Due to its legacy, education in the UK has emerged as a yardstick for other countries to follow. Furthermore, leading Universities in the UK are listed in the QS Universities Rankings, such as Oxford and Cambridge, due to their high academic standards. Aspiring students can look at this blog if they plan to study in the UK, along with the eligibility and scholarships highlighted to provide insight.
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Visa Requirements for the UK
There are myriad types of visas in the UK; some are work, marriage, tourism, medical, Graduate Entrepreneur visa and many others.
Any non-EU nationals will be required for a student visa. Although it is dependent on the type of course, one has enrolled in. However, one must apply for it beforehand. Listed down are its types and when one has to apply:
| Type of Student Visa | When to Apply | Who can apply for it | Arrival |
| Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa | Three months before the commencement of the course | This applies to students aged between four and 17 who have been offered a seat in the educational institution of the UK. It can be an independent school that has displayed the desire to be a Tier 4 sponsor for the student. | An individual can arrive a week before if the course is lesser than six months or up this period mentioned. However, if the course lasts more than six months, one must arrive a month before. |
| Tier 4 (General) Student Visa | Three months before the course begins | Those students above 16 and who have been offered any courses in England can apply for it. | Same as above |
| Short-term Study Visa | One must apply for it three months before the date of travel to the UK | Those students enrolled in a short-term course such as a training or an English language one. | Entirely dependent on the individual to choose his\her travel dates |
| Tier 4 (General) Student Visa | Three months before the beginning of one’s course | This applies to students who have been offered a seat in an educational institution and have a certified Tier 4 sponsor | Candidates must arrive a month before the course if it spans more than six months. |
Documents Required for Visa
Whether an individual is applying for 1-year courses in the UK for Indian students or more than that, one must have essential documents handy. These are namely:
- Visa application form
- Passport
- Evidence that one has enough funds to cover the expenses
- Accommodation proof
- Travel itinerary
- Test results of Tuberculosis
- Biometrics information
- Receipt of paid visa fees
- Unconditional offer letter from the University
Those applicants who are a minor must possess the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- A signed letter from the parent confirming details of anyone travelling with the minor
In addition, at the time of entry, these documents must be shown to the Border Control Police.
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Cost of Studying in the UK
The UK for International students must know the cost of studying for the desired degrees. Underlined below is a table provided to give an idea:
| Study Program | Average fees in Euros | Serial Number |
| Bachelor Programme | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 annually | 1 |
| Master’s Degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year | 2 |
| Post-Doctoral Degree | GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 annually | 3 |
Eligibility to Study in the UK
Depending on the course, an individual has to full specific eligibility parameters. However, it varies from one financial institution to another. One must keep in mind that the common denominator remains English proficiency. An individual can choose to opt for IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. IELTS requirements have been illustrated as an example:
| IELTS | Courses |
| 4.5 overall and 4.0 in all sections | University Foundation |
| 6.5 overall and 6.0 in all sections | Undergraduate degree |
| 5.0 as an overall band score | Pre-Masters |
| 6.5 as an overall band score and 6.0 in all four sections | Postgraduate |
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Scholarships for Indian Students
There are various scholarships available for Indian students which an individual can apply for before moving to the UK. These are:
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Department for International Development offers this and is available for students belonging to Commonwealth countries. Those students planning to study for their Postgraduate or Doctoral degree can turn towards this to fund their education. It offers airfare and covers one’s expenses, examination, and thesis grand.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are funded by the UK’s Great Britain Campaign and the British Council. Under this, 13 postgraduate scholarships are offered for Indian students. The minimum offered is $10,000, which is considered equivalent to the one-year tuition fee of a postgraduate degree.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
This scholarship is given to students in the Arts, Heritage Conservation or Humanities field. It provides fully-funded awards, grants for Doctoral research, Research and Professional visits, and attending the Scottish Universities Summer School.
It is divided into the following categories:
- Visiting Fellowships– This is for writers, translators, and academics who spend 2-3 months at the host University.
- Short–term grants include 10-15 and are usually sanctioned for three weeks.
- Long–term grants– This can span up to 1 year and includes accommodation tuition fees.
- During the doctoral study– This is provided during the end of Doctoral research, and the amount varies between $ 500- $ 600.
Scotland Saltire Scholarship
Up to 50 students can be awarded this, although they must be in healthcare, technology, renewable and clean energy and creative industries. This is provided by Scottish Universities and in collaboration with the Scottish Government. It will cover one’s tuition fees for an entire year.
Chevening Scholarship
This is offered to those students who are exceptional in academics. Generally, it is given for one year of the Master’s program and covers the tuition fees, accommodation, additional expenses and economy-class return airfare.
The Global Study Awards
This scholarship is given to study to encourage them to study in the UK, and a deserving candidate can receive up to $10,000.
Felix Scholarship
Students who are exceptional in academics but from disadvantaged backgrounds will receive this. However, they must hold a first-class in their Bachelor’s from a recognized Indian University. In addition, six scholarships are offered to pursue their Master’s at the University of Oxford, African Studies, and University of Reading & School of Orient.
In addition, students can also apply for a university-specific scholarship as well. However, it is vital to remain updated about the dates if one wishes to study in the UK. Furthermore, to avail of these financial grants, one must have a Statement of Purpose prepared that must be outstanding from the lot.
Moreover, one can fulfil their dream of studying in the UK by keeping the above pointers in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the eligibility criteria to study in the UK?
Ans. Candidates must score a minimum of 80% in their higher secondary and 6.0 in IELTS to opt for a 1-year course.
2. Which courses are the best in the UK?
Ans. The UK is best known for providing courses in the disciplines mentioned below:
a. MBA
b. Civil Engineering
c. Law
d. Medicine
e. Computer Science
f. Psychology
g. Education
h. Architecture
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