The British higher education system is one of the oldest and most sought-after education systems in the world. 6 of its “Ancient Universities” have been established for more than 430 years, and Oxford and Cambridge are over 800 years old. A significant percentage of the world’s research is done in the UK, and its institutions are consistently ranked among the world’s best. The UK attracts students from all over the world, and UK campuses are some of the most culturally diverse. British undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are recognized all over the world as a mark of excellence

 

The UK’s constituent countries England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are well connected with public transport links, and the geography ranges from the vast low-level fens of East Anglia to the mountains of the Scottish Highlands. The temperate climate means winters are rarely harsh, and summers are pleasantly warm.

 

 

General Information

 

The UK is home to some of the most-after institutions and courses in the world. The 24 top universities and colleges that make up the “Russell Group” includes world famous names like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, King’s College, London School of Economics (LSE), Manchester, Birmingham and more.

 

 

The Application Process

 

The UK operates a centralised application service for undergraduates known as the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). If you are looking to study in the UK you can fill in one application form and apply to up to 5 universities or colleges at the same time. This has a huge advantage in saving money and time as you only need write one personal statement and one letter of recommendation.

 

The disadvantage is that if your application does not represent your strengths and potential in the best possible light this same information will be seen by every institution. There’s no scope for improvement based on rejections. This is why professional advice and support can be vital when applying to courses in the UK.

 

If you are a graduate student you can apply to as many programs or courses as you wish, but these must be done individually to each college or university. The good news is that most UK universities don’t charge any application fees, greatly reducing your initial costs. However, do note that some of the most sought-after and prestigious MBA programs, such as those at the London School of Economics or the Oxbridge universities, will charge a high application fee thanks to the high demand.

 

For a successful application you need to submit a high quality personal statement and a letter of recommendation. Most UK universities will only require you to submit your UKVI scores, although MBA students must submit GMAT scores when applying to ‘top’ institutes. Seek advice if you are at all uncertain as the UCAS central system will cause problems for those who don’t include all the required information in the appropriate way.

 

 

How much will it cost?

 

The average tuition fees for overseas students are about GBP £12,000 - £20,000 per year, and the average living expenses are about GBP £5,000 - £8,000 per year. Fees do vary widely between institutions, and those looking to study for a prestigious MBA can expect to pay much more. When planning your finances you must remember to include all the costs that will be associated with traveling and living abroad and be conscious of the impact of currency exchange rates. If you have any concerns, seek professional advice.

 

 

Funding, Scholarships and Loans

 

Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available for international students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level but they are not easy to get and competition is fierce. You may benefit from some specific advice and coaching to maximise your chances of qualifying. When deciding on the awarding of funding or financial support they will weigh up many factors, and students who can present a really strong and well-rounded picture of themselves are at an advantage.

 

Indian students can apply for overseas education loans from state banks of up to Rs.2.5 Million. You should be aware that security of up to 100% of the loan amount may be required and the repayment periods can vary from 5-7 years. Make sure you have taken appropriate financial and educational advice before entering into any long-term financial commitment.

 

 

Student Employment

 

Student will get 2 years of post study work permit after study. However if your student visa has been sponsored by a UK company then it might be possible to work in the UK more than 2 years. It is worth taking professional advice on student visa applications to maximise the chances of success.