The United Kingdom offers a variety of opportunities for international students to gain enjoyable experiences, develop and appreciate different perspectives, and make new friends.
This four-country nation provides:
- Excellent educational infrastructure
- Leading teaching methodologies
- High-quality research facilities
- A rich heritage with diverse cultural backgrounds
If you wish to study and work in the UK, you can be assured of receiving the support and space you need. The UK takes pride in its education system, built on a strong historical foundation. The more experience you gain here, the greater your ambition to achieve a world-class education.
As home to some of the world’s top educational facilities, UK institutions have consistently ranked highly globally for years. The unique teaching style also helps enhance students’ critical thinking skills and exposes them to new and emerging technologies.
At Expert Education, we can guide you to achieve your academic dreams abroad! Let us assist you in preparing your UK student visa application and help you with scholarships if needed. Contact our visa consultation experts to learn more.
Here’s a list of universities in UK, among many others!
| University | Location | Most Popular Study Programs |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge |
Archaeology, Science, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Education |
|
University of Oxford |
Oxford |
Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, History, English Literature |
|
London School of Economics and Political Science |
London |
Economics, Politics, Law, Sociology, Accounting, Finance, Anthropology |
|
University of Bath |
Bath |
Engineering, Science, Social Sciences, Management |
|
Imperial College London |
London |
Science, Engineering, Medicine, Business |
|
University of Birmingham |
Birmingham |
Communication and Media, Business, Management, Medicine, Engineering and Technology |
|
Lancaster University |
Lancaster |
Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Physics, Psychology |
|
University of Warwick |
Coventry |
Communication and Media, Accounting, Finance, Business, Management, Economics |
|
University of York |
York |
Business, Management, Biology, Psychology, Education, Accounting, Law |
Costs, Scholarships, and Living Expenses
Before choosing a location to study in the UK, it is advisable to check the university websites for tuition fees. Costs depend on the university, chosen program, and duration of study. After a comparative analysis, you will have a better understanding of the required costs and admission requirements.
The average cost of studying in the UK is estimated to be at least £22,200 per year, with costs in London being significantly higher. Here’s an overview of costs:
- Undergraduate – £7,000 to £20,000 per year
- Master’s – £10,000 to £25,000 per year
- Doctorate – £15,000 to £30,000 per year
Tier 4 Student Visa Costs:
- Applying from outside the UK: £348
- Extending or switching to a Student Visa from within the UK: £475
For full-time study, ensure the university you choose has a Tier 4 Sponsor License to sponsor international students via Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The Tier 4 Student Visa is available for students aged 16 and over and does not apply to short courses or language courses. For studies and stays of up to eleven months, apply for a Short-Term Study Visa instead, costing £186.
Scholarships for Studying in the UK
Studying in the UK can be expensive, but many scholarships are available for international students. Check university websites for scholarship opportunities.
Here are some scholarships you might consider:
A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship (for English teachers)
Chevening Fellowships
GREAT Scholarships
Women in STEM Scholarships from the British Council
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
LPDP RI
Jardine Scholarship
Living Expenses in the UK
Living costs vary by city. While exact numbers may vary, here’s an estimated breakdown:
Student Visa Application Fee: £348 (one-time)
Accommodation: £500 per month
Transportation: £150-200 per month
Food: £150-200 per month
Clothing and Comfort: £50 per month
Phone and Mobile: £50 per month
Additional expenses may include:
- University or private accommodation
- Long and short travel: trains, intercity buses
- Utilities: books, stationery, electricity, gas, water, clothing, toiletries, etc.
- Food: cooking at home or ordering online
Application Process
Applying to study in the UK as an international student is straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Choose your field of study
- Select a university
- Review entry requirements
- Apply through the university’s website
- Note application deadlines
- Receive your Offer Letter
Once accepted, arrange your funding and apply for the UK student visa. Prepare the required documents, which typically include:
- Personal information, including ID photo & academic history
- Birth certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters (if required)
- Passport or national ID
- Copies of degree/diploma certificates
- Proof of English proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL iBT/C1 Advanced/PTE Academic scores
- Postgraduate applicants may need to submit a research proposal if required
Be mindful of deadlines for international students at specific universities. Visit the university’s website for details on the best time to apply.
Study & Beyond – Life in the UK
Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in a charming café or a pint in a pub, the university culture in the UK will make weekends exciting. Alongside your studies, assignments, and part-time work, you’ll enjoy music from hip-hop to opera.
From Lundy Island in Devon to the peaks of Snowdon in Wales and exploring the countryside in Essex, there’s much to experience.
The UK climate offers low humidity, warm summers, and cool winters. Expect sunny days, heatwaves, rain, and snow! You’ll need warm clothing and a raincoat during colder seasons.
Summer is rarely hot compared to other countries, but you can look forward to long, sunny days. During dark, rainy, and cold days, people are notably friendlier and more optimistic.
The UK warmly welcomes international students annually, providing opportunities to learn about various cultures and socialize with people worldwide. Community events cater to diverse cultures, helping you stay connected to your roots.
Bright academic opportunities and a promising future await you. If you’re looking to apply for a student visa in the UK, connect with our team today to start your UK student visa process.
FAQ
The visa officer may want to know the reasons for your decision to join your chosen university in the UK. You may also be asked questions such as:
- Why did you choose the UK for higher studies?
- What course did you choose and why?
- How is the chosen course relevant to your previous studies?
- Where is the university or college located?
- Will you return to the UK for further studies if you obtain a degree from the UK?
Many students at universities study and work in the UK. You can take on part-time jobs. As an international student, there may be restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to work. The sticker in your passport should indicate the permitted working hours (usually up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays). Additionally, your university will provide information about the working hours guidelines so that you can dedicate sufficient time to your studies.
After meeting the university’s minimum English language requirements, you can enroll in courses to further improve your language skills. Check if your university offers language support facilities to help enhance your speaking, listening, and writing abilities.
You can expect class time to range between 15 and 25 hours per week. However, the exact number of hours depends on your subject and university. Additionally, you can often find schedule expectations listed in the program description on the university’s website.
A UK student visa includes free medical care, including emergency treatment or hospital stays. This means you don’t need to obtain health insurance while studying in the UK. As an international student, you are also eligible for discounted dental care with an NHS dentist.