Why Study in UK?

International students find UK as one of the most demanding destinations because of several reasons like;

• High Quality Education: UK is home to some of the most renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial etc. which offers broad range of courses with high quality education and facilities for research and innovation. There are numerous specialisations to study available. Universities in UK are known for their emphasis on interactive teaching methods. Students can expect lot of participation through discussions, presentations and group work.
• Recognized worldwide:  Universities in UK consistently ranked amongst the best in the world. Degrees from UK universities are recognized globally. There are great career prospects after studying from UK.
• Cultural Diversity: UK attracts students from all over the world having different cultures and backgrounds hence providing students to study and work in a multicultural environment.
• Shorter Course Duration: Universities in UK are having shorter course duration as undergraduate often take three years and postgraduate master program often take one year. This saves lot of time and money to international students.
• English Language: As English is the primary language of instruction, UK becomes excellent choice for students who are comfortable speaking and understanding English

Types of Universities in UK

There are approximately 130 universities in UK which are broadly classified in 2 categories;

Traditional Universities: These are prestigious high ranked old universities also Red Brick Universities. These are generally research focused and offering a wide variety of subjects and specialisations. Example of such universities are Durham university, University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow, University of Bristol etc.

Modern Universities: These are institutions which were given university status post 1992. They focus mostly on applied learning rather than research with excellent industry tie-up. Some examples are university of East London, Coventry University, Northumbria University, Middlesex University, Ruskin University etc.

Russel group Universities: Association of 24 high ranked public research universities are known as Russel group universities. These are among the top universities of the country and world. These Russell group universities are referred to as British Ivy League universities similar to ivy league universities in USA. Some examples of Russell group Universities with QS Ranking

1. University of Cambridge (QS Ranking 2)
2. University of Oxford (QS Ranking 4)
3. Imperial college of London (QS Ranking 6)
4. University college of London (QS Ranking 8)
5. University of Edinburg (QS Ranking 15)
6. University of Manchester (QS Ranking 28)
7. Kings’ college London (QS Ranking 37)
8. London School of Economics and Political Science (QS Ranking 56)
9. University of Bristol (QS Ranking 61)
10. University of Warwick (QS Ranking 64)
11. University of Southampton (QS Ranking 78)
12. University of Glasgow (QS Ranking 81)
13. University of Leeds (QS Ranking 86)
14. University of Birmingham (QS Ranking 91)
15. Durham University (QS Ranking 92)
16. University of Sheffield (QS Ranking 96)

Intakes

UK Universities have 2 major intakes;

1. September/October – Fall Intake
2. January/February – Spring Intake

However, there are many universities which also offer mid may intake which commences in May/June

Post Study Work Visa

Currently post study work visa of 2 years is provided to the international students who are completing their UG and PG.

Part Time Work

Universities in UK provide good opportunity to its students to work part time while studying which further help students in earning for their living expenses. Part time job also provides students with valuable work experience. At ug or pg level Students can work 20 hours per week during study and full-time during holidays.There are several courses which also provide with opportunities of internships, which enhances student’s skills and employability.

English Language Requirement

English language proficiency is a key requirement for admission to the universities in UK. In general English language requirement as per UKVI is CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Language) Level B2 which is equivalent to a minimum of 5.5 overall with 5.5 in each section in IELTS. Different English Language Tests accepted in UK are IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and many more. IELTS waiver is also available in many universities if a student has secured more than 65-70 % in English language exam in 12th standard.

Entry Criteria For Bachelors

High ranked universities require 70%-85% in 12th standard. Middle ranked universities require 60%-70% in 12th standard. And low ranked universities require 55%-60% in 12th standard. For engineering degree, a score of 60%-85% is required in mathematics and physics in 12th standard. Similarly, for other degrees minimum subject specific scores may be required in 12th standard. IELTS requirement ranges from 6.0/6.5 with no band less than 5.5 depending upon course and the university.

Entry Criteria For Masters

High ranked universities require 60%-70% in bachelors. Middle ranked universities require 55%-65% in bachelors. And low ranked universities require 50%-55% in bachelors. IELTS requirement ranges from 6/6.5 with no band less than 5.5 depending upon course and university applied. MOI (Medium of Instruction) from graduating university is accepted by some of the UK universities to waive off the IELTS. But waive off is only accepted for master’s course and not for ug courses.

Cost To Study In UK

Some Popular Universities Of UK 

Russell Group Universities

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Imperial college of London
• University college of London
• University of Edinburg
• University of Manchester
• King’s college London
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• University of Bristol
• University of Warwick
• University of Southampton
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds
• University of Birmingham
• Durham University
• University of Sheffield

Non-Russell Group universities

• Lancaster University
• University of Bath
• City university London
• Cranfield University
• University of Aberdeen
• Loughborough University
• University of Leicester
• Heriot Watt University
• University of Surrey
• University of Strathclyde
• University of East Angila
• University of Dundee
• Royal Holloway University of London
• Brunel University London
• Swansea University Prifysgol Abertawe

Scholarships

International students are offered with several scholarships and financial aids from universities in UK. Several governments funded and merit-based scholarships are available. These scholarships actually lower the financial burden on students and their parents.

• The Chevening Scholarships covers full tuition fees, travel cost and living expenses for one year master’s degree program.
• Commonwealth Scholarship covers full tuition fees, air fare and living expenses for students pursuing masters or doctoral degree
• Scotland Saltire Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship up to GBP 8000
• Vice Chancellor Scholarship up to full tuition fees to outstanding students who can demonstrate their skill to become future global leader
• International merit scholarship is a merit base scholarship up to GBP 5000
• GREAT scholarship is a merit-based scholarship up to GBP 10000