Study in UK
United Kingdom is an international, cosmopolitan place to study. There is a strong international student’s presence in UK. This gives the students, opportunities to interact with students from different cultures and further enhance their understanding of the wider world. The United Kingdom is one of the most exciting places in the world for innovation and original thinking.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all part of the United Kingdom or the Britain. Apart from being a home of the fairest legal system in the world, democratic principles, mature culture and admirable art, UK also has plenty of attractions for the locals and the visitors alike including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the world famous 4000 years old mysterious Stonehenge.
The colonial history of UK has made a multi-cultural society in the country since it has been subject to a multitude of international influences and influxes of people. The country has a significant place in the map of global literature, arts and sculpture. There are four distinct seasons to the UK; summer, winter, spring and autumn. Generally UK has a cold, wet and dreary weather. During the summer months, days are long (the sun generally rises at 4 am and will set at 9 or 10 pm at night) and one can expect warmer temperatures.
The UK institutions consistently rank among the best in the world and qualifications are internationally valued and recognized. UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment which can develop your potential. The teaching and study methodology used in the UK give you the freedom to be creative and develop skills sets and confidence. As a student you get the opportunity to be taught by the world’s leading academics and experts; you also benefit from their constant academic support.
UK For Further Studies
The UK offers a world-renowned education system with qualifications that can make a real difference to your future. It attracts over 600,000 international students each year to a variety of programmes, ranging from English language courses to PhDs.
The UK education system gives students the freedom to combine courses and subjects from different areas of studies, so you can tailor your degree to your own needs and interest.
Why study in UK?
Impressive International Reputation
UK institutions consistently rank among the best in the world and qualifications are internationally valued and recognized.
Variety in Course Offerings
One of the best things about education in the UK is the range of options offered to students. You can find any course that you want to study.
World-leading Research
The UK undertakes 5 percent of the world’s scientific research and produces 14 percent of the world’s most frequently cited papers.
Growing Popularity
The UK is second only to the US as the most preferred country for international students. UK study visas too are relatively easier to get compared to US.
Satisfaction
91 per cent of international undergraduates are happy with their experience in the UK
World Class Universities
A degree from the UK can thus be a great selling point in your favor when you are looking for work in the future.
Value for Money
The cost of degrees for an international student in the UK can be generally lower compared to the USA and other countries.
Employability
Students can work while they are studying in UK. Typically, international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays.
STUDYING IN UK INFORMATION
WORLD CLASS QUALIFICATIONS
- The international alumni from UK institutions includes many leading politicians, thinkers and business people who have had an important influence on the world such as Bill Clinton (former President of the USA), Wole Soyinka (Nobel prizewinning author) and Imran Khan (cricket legend and politician).
- The sheer variety of specializations means finding a course that suits your real interests, your ambitions and passions.
MODERN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
- Employers want employees who can think effectively, creatively and independently.
- UK institutions use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to encourage independence, as well as mastery of the subject.
- Students are expected to use the information they are given to stimulate their original thinking.
QUALITY OF EDUCATION
- The education system provides facilities such as international students societies, planned social activities, academic support, personal tutors to each student, academic and professional counselors resulting in the lowest drop out rates.
- Its quality is unrivaled throughout the world.
- Encourages relevant skills that are marketable and sought by today’s employers.
AFFORDABLE
- Realization of earning potentials sooner.
- Numerous scholarships and bursaries offered by UK institutions.
- Almost free health care by National Health Service.
- Student discount facilities provided through National Union of Students.
CHOICE
- Vast choice of institutions, academic areas and subjects.
- Flexible programs.
- Diverse & stable social environment.
MULTICULTURAL
- Cosmopolitan place to live.
- Home to numerous ethnic groups and nationalities from around the world.
- Tolerant, stable society where students learn and interact with diverse range of people.
DURATION
- Compared to other educational destinations shorter duration programs.
- Undergraduate – 3 years, Postgraduate – 1 year.
GATEWAY TO EUROPE
- As a student in UK, you have the opportunity to work in or travel to and experience Europe as all major European Economies are within short distance with easy and affordable connectivity.
In UK “O” level is equivalent to SSC, “A” levels ( 2 years) is equivalent to HSC, Bachelors is for 3 years, 4 Years are Sandwich program , masters for 1 year and PHD for 3 years.
TYPES OF CERTIFICATION
- University
- Open University
- College and Institution of Higher Education
- Open College
- College of Technology
- Teacher Training College
- Institute
GRADING SYSTEM
Usual Grading system in Secondary school:
In UK Alphabetical system of grading is followed i.e. From A to E.
- A: excellent/outstanding;
- B: above average;
- C: average;
- D: below average;
- E: failing.
- Highest on scale: A
- Pass/fail level: C/D
- Lowest on scale: E
Main Grading system used by higher education institutions:
In UK Alphabetical system of grading is followed i.e. From A to E.
- A: excellent/outstanding;
- B: above average;
- E: fail.
- Highest on scale: A
- Pass/fail level: D/E
- Lowest on scale: E
Other main grading systems:
Apart from the alphabetical grading system, the Numerical system is also used in UK.
TYPES OF DEGREES
Types of taught courses
- Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas (PGCert; PGDip)
- Master (MA; MSc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Types of research degrees
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Research (MRes)
- Professional / Taught Doctorates (DEng, DMus, DEd, DBA, DClinPsych)
- New Route Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or DPhil)
- Bachelor Degrees
- Foundation Degrees
- Higher National Diplomas Higher National Certificates Diplomas of Higher Education Foundation courses, Foundation years or Access/Bridging courses
APPLYING FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
- Applications are made only through UCAS (only 1 application can be made in an academic year).
- It is an online application method.
- One can apply to 5 different Universities on the same application form.
- A fee of £ 23 is charged by UCAS to process applications and £ 12 if applying to just one University.
- Final Deadline:
• Art and Design – 24th March
• Oxford / Cambridge -15th October
• Other Programs – 1st Deadline – 15th Jan : 2nd & Final Deadline – 30th June
SANDWICH AND FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Sandwich programs are made up of a combination of periods of study and time spent in industry. So the course duration extends to 4 years instead of the usual 3 years.
Foundation programs are of 1 year duration and are generally tailored for students as an alternative route to bridge between one’s own qualification and that which is required for entry for a degree program in a university/college.
Students are strongly advised to apply sooner as the application process may take time due to Universities getting an overwhelming number of applications.
APPLYING FOR POSTGRADUATE COURSES
- Application processing done at Green Apple free of cost.
- One can apply to numerous Universities.
- Very few Universities charge an application processing fee.
- Deadlines
• Certain Universities have deadlines
• Most Universities do not have deadlines but it is advised to apply at least 6/8 months in advance (especially if applying to a Popular University).
INTAKE
The main intake offered by all Universities is September / October while few Universities also offer Jan/Feb intake.
Some institutions may have April / May start too.
INTAKES
The main intake offered by all Universities is September / October few universities offer Jan / Feb intake also.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS minimum score of 7.0 for Postgraduate and 6.5 for Undergraduate Studies.
- TOEFL minimum score of 90 (Internet Based Test) for Postgraduate and 80 (Internet Based Test) for Undergraduate Studies.
- Exemption is possible if student has scored above 70% in English language in the X and XII std.(English Medium) & if medium of instruction throughout school & college was English.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / ELIGIBILITY
Undergraduate
- 65% and above for humanities in XII.
70 – 80% and above for Science, Commerce in Std. XII / Diploma. - 2nd class could also be considered by some Universities if there is some additional qualification / experience. (Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%)
- Completed / will complete 18 years of age before joining a degree program.
Postgraduate
- 60 % and above in 1st degree is required by most of the Universities for Masters and Research courses.
- Some universities may even accept student at 55% and above in the 1st degree GMAT scores ranging between 600-700 by many Universities for Management Programs if required.
- Full time work experience of at least 2-4 years after 1st degree required by many Universities for Management Programs (MBA). The same may vary from University to University.
- All MBA accredited universities require a minimum of 3 years above work experience and an age criteria of 25 years plus as a minimum age requirement.
DOCUMENTS
- Attested copies of mark sheets of Std X, XII, and all the 3 /4 / 5 years of the Bachelors degree. Green Apple counselors can attest these for you, on sighting the originals.
- At least, 2 Academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently. Once reference in case of UG application on the UCAS application form itself.
- If you have work experience then at least one work recommendation from the employer who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities.
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume.
- Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IETLS / TOEFL if available / required.
- Portfolio (in case of Students applying for art and design courses & Architecture programs).
- Others (Certificates / achievements at the State and National Level and extra curricular activities).
THE PROCESS
Applying for Undergraduate Courses. Applications are made only through UCAS (only 1 application can be made in an academic year). It is an online application method. One can apply to 5 different Universities on the same application form.
A fee of £ 19 is charged by UCAS to process applications and £ 5 if applying to just one University.
Final Deadline:
- Art and Design – 24th March
- Oxford / Cambridge -15th October
- Other Programs – 1st Deadline – 15th Jan : 2nd & Final Deadline – 30th June
Sandwich and Foundation Programs Sandwich programs are made up of combination of periods of study and time spent in industry. So the course duration extends to 4 years instead of the usual 3 years.
Foundation programs are of 1 year duration and are generally tailored for students as an alternative route to bridge between one own qualification and that which is required for entry for a degree program in a university / college.
Please note that it is advisable to meet the 1st deadline which is 15th Jan.
Students are strongly advised to apply sooner as the application process may take time due to Universities getting an overwhelming number of applications.
APPLYING FOR POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS
- Application forms available at Green Apple offices free of cost.
- One can apply to numerous Universities
- Very few Universities charge an application process fee.
- Deadlines
- Certain universities have deadlines
- Most Universities do not have deadlines but it is advised to apply at least 6/8 months in advance (especially if applying to a Popular University).
STUDENT VISA
A Student visa is relatively easy to obtain effective from 30th March 09. The process is further simplified by introducing PBS (Point Based System) wherein you need to achieve 40 points to make you eligible to get the Student Visa.
In addition to our academic counselors at Green Apple, we also have dedicated visa counselors, who are trained in visa formalities to help students to get the required points. It is imperative to have a CAS certificate to be issued by licensed sponsor in prescribed format to get 30 points and 10 points for maintenance.
Normal length of visa will be full length of the course plus 1 to 4 months depending upon the length of the program.
COSTS OF STUDYING IN THE UK – VALUE FOR MONEY
The most apparent cost advantage of studying in the UK is the lesser duration of the programs: 3yrs for UG degree and only 1 year for Masters degree. This means lesser expenses than other destinations (like the US, CANADA)
| SUBJECT | TUITION FEES (PER YEAR) |
| Arts, Humanities | £ 8,000 to £ 10,000 |
| Engineering / Science | £ 10,000 to £ 13,000 |
| Business | £ 12,000 to £ 16,000 |
| MBA | £ 10,000 to £ 25,000 |
SCHOLARSHIP
UK universities are generally government funded which mostly means limited funds available for the university to disburse among
students as bursaries and scholarships. Still most universities do have certain awards which are given to students based on their merits as well as performance during the course.
Some of the UK universities also have special awards for Nepali students besides the ones which individual departments may offer to students coming there to pursue their further studies. Another important source of scholarship are the British Government sponsored awards like the Chevening Scholarship Commonwealth Scholarship, DFID scholarship.
These are extremely competitive and the deadlines are much in advance of the session.
UNDER GRADUATE
- Merit based.
- Universities offer part bursaries for certain courses but these are limited in number.
- The Undergraduate and Vocation Scholarship Scheme (UVS) which more than 60 universities offer in collaboration with the
British Government. - Different University Scholarships have their respective deadlines.
POST GRADUATE
- British Chevening : for deserving students wishing to pursue Research / Taught Postgraduate Courses.
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plans are for citizens of Commonwealth Countries.
- Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS) for postgraduate research.
- University – based scholarships are in the form of part bursaries which vary from £ 1 000 – £ 2500 rebate in the tuition fee.
PART TIME EMPLOYMENT IN UK
- Students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacations.
- If you are going to study below degree level (excluding foundation degree students) you will only be able to work 10 hours a week (this has been reduced from 20 hours).
- Dependents : Student who enroll for the courses for Post Graduate Certificate, Post graduation Certificate in Education, Post Graduate Diploma of Masters degree at a university for which the duration should be more than 12 months can sponsor a dependent. The dependents will be allowed to work.
- Students can earn around £ 5 – £ 7 per hour i.e. approx £375 – £525 per month during term.
- Students can work full time during vacations.
- Students could look out for part-time jobs by looking in the local newspapers and job shops as well as the Universities and Colleges career cells where information is available about vacancies. However please note that students are not guaranteed part time employment by the University.
- If you are going to the UK as a student for six months or less, you cannot work nor can extend your visa further.
EMPLOYMENT IN UK AFTER GRADUATING
- Those graduating from a UK university with a recognized degree, PGCE, or PGDE will be able to switch into Tier 2 – Sponsored Skilled Category.
- They will only be able to switch to TIER 2 if they are in the UK, before their student visa expires.
- The normal Tier 2 requirements will apply and the Advantage of this scheme is that the Employer will not have to undergo The Resident Labor Market Test.
- A dependent is allowed to work only if the student is studying a post graduate program at a university.
- Genuine student entrepreneurs with a great idea are able to stay on in the UK to develop their business proposition.
The Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) route, to include additional places for talented MBA graduates from UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The Tier 2 (General) category is for foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.
Attributes:
You must score 50 points in total for your attributes. The points you can score for attributes are listed below. You can only score points for one entry in each column.
| Criterion | Points |
| Assigned valid Certificate of Sponsorship having met the Requirements of |
|
| 1. Shortage Occupation or Job in related field of course of study | 30 |
| 2. Appropriate Salary- GBP 20,000 and above. These bands are before tax (gross) and yearly |
20 |
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION
Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students are guaranteed accommodation by many universities in their Halls of Residence, for at least their first year at the university provided they inform the university within the given deadlines.
- On Campus : College hostels (self catered or fully catered)
- Off Campus : Renting a flat / apartment.
- Home stay : With families near the institution.
| PLACES | LIVING COSTS (PER YEAR) |
| Places Other than London | £ 6,500 to £ 7,500 |
| Place Near London | £ 7,500 to £ 9,000 |
F.A.QS
2 Main benefits offered :
- NHS : All international students staying in UK for the purpose of education for 6 months or more qualify for free health care through the National Health Service.
- NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS : Loads of discounts are negotiated on behalf of their student members on things like books, stationery, food, clothes, travel and entertainment. All students are entitled to free NUS membership.
If your visa is refused and you have paid a deposit to your institution for tuition fees, then you will receive a refund of the deposit, when you send the institution a copy of your visa refusal letter issued by the High Commission. A few institutions deduct a small amount, usually no more than £ 100 for administrative charges.
Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students are guaranteed accommodation by many universities in their Halls of Residence, for at least their first year at the university provided they inform the university within the given deadlines.
Your dependents, who may include a spouse, fiance(e), and children, may accompany you to UK or join you later. They must apply for and meet the normal requirements for the type of visa required (visitor, work, or student). School aged dependents will be required to pay full fees for enrollment in primary and secondary courses of study.
As compared to the cost of studying in Nepal only, going abroad can seem to be steeply expensive. However one must keep the possible returns in mind which are in the form of quality of education, international exposure and boost to ones career when evaluating the costs of studying abroad. A student can rely on sources like family funds, bank loans, scholarships, bursaries, sponsorship etc to provide for funds required by him.
- BANK LOANS
Most nationalized banks offer students loans at competitive rates for considerable time periods which may enable a larger section of students to go and study abroad. They will ask for a collateral security to be pledged. For higher amount you can even consider the possibility of an international bank loan. Kindly ask your our counselor for further details. - EDUCATIONAL TRUSTS /INSTITUTES
Such organizations may also be able to help the student to fund his studies abroad. - SPONSORSHIP
The Required funds can be in the account of applicant or jointly held with the applicant or it can be in the account of parents. You must hold these funds for specified period of time i.e. 28 days old at the time of visa application.
Some universities require the students to pay part of the tuition fees in advance in order to reserve a place for them in the university. In any case we recommend that all students should make a deposit payment as it facilitates in getting a student visa.
British Universities do not have a formal ranking system but the government does take the responsibility to monitor and control the quality of education provided by each university through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. The Government conducts a Research Assessment Exercise once in every 5 years which determines the level of research activity in a university department. The departments are graded as high as 4* and as low as 1. General League Tables prepared by newspapers like the Sunday Times and Financial Times can also be checked.
Cost of Education consist of Tuition fee for first twelve months and Food and Maintenance for First Nine Months @ GBP 600/- / GBP 800/- per month (as the case may be) irrespective of length of your program. If program is less than 9 months, you can calculate proportionately.