• Gain a world-class education: UK education is all about giving you the inspiration to help you develop your skills, the freedom to be creative, and the support to help you achieve your best. The style of UK further education is unique, involving high levels of personal contact and support from tutors, plenty of scope for independent learning, and many vocational qualifications are delivered in the workplace. UK further education providers invest heavily in facilities – from libraries, computer centres and science laboratories to sports centres, theatres and arts studios. Class sizes are restricted to ensure that you have access to equipment and enough time to talk to your tutors and lecturers.
• Achieve an internationally recognised qualification: UK further education qualifications are recognised and respected by employers and academics worldwide.
• Prepare for the career of your dreams: UK qualifications are a great boost to your CV… and to your earnings. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with multicultural experience. Plus, UK colleges and universities have strong links with industry – many courses are designed in partnership with, and taught by, industry professionals. Many include the option of a year in industry or a work placement, giving you real professional experience.
British Education has long attracted and welcomed high caliber students of different nationalities and backgrounds, and today builds on hundreds of years of experience in providing quality education to international students. To ensure that the quality is maintained, Britain has implemented unrivalled quality assurance and academic audit systems. The university departments are obliged to meet stringent standards by professional bodies. Standards are high not just in teaching but in other facilities as well : Libraries, computers, research equipment and living accommodation.
British higher and further education provides value for money by offering shorter, more intensive courses than are available in many other countries, thereby reducing living expenses and time spent away from home. Closely supervised study in an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment, together with an emphasis on student welfare and close contact between staff and students also ensures that individual students get maximum support and, as a result, pass rates are high and the drop-out rate for international students is very low.
Britain has long been a popular destination for Indian students. With more than 150 institutes of higher education to choose from, all equipped with extensive facilities, Britain is able to offer a broad spectrum of subjects from the highly academic to the purely practical in anything from architecture to zoology.
Details about various Qualifications offered by UK Colleges and Universities:
1. First Degree Courses in Arts and Sciences (Bachelor's degree) are normally of three or four years' duration and are largely taught courses, sometimes including the preparation of a short written thesis.
2. Sandwich Courses are where the coursework is accompanied by practical work. A student could either complete 2 years of college, then a year of commercial training before returning for a final year in college. Or, he/she could do a 4-year course with 3-6 months’ training interspersed each year. The main advantage is that the student gets real experience while in the learning mode. Most universities offer this type of education.
3. Higher National Diploma (HND) is awarded by Vocational and Technical Educational Councils. They offer a 2-year course in a vocational subject like scientific and technical business subjects. Great emphasis is placed on work experience. It is often seen as the first step towards a degree course as the credits can be transferred.
4. Vocational Courses offer an opportunity to enter the university system slowly. Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), General Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ), General Scottish Vocational Qualifications (GSVQ) offer recognized courses in a range of disciplines. Most students opt to take 1-2 years of, for example, BTEC courses before being transferred to a degree programme. BTEC national certificates/diplomas are usually accepted as an alternative to A-Levels.
5. Postgraduate study may take the form of an independent piece of research under supervision or a taught course, and leads to a variety of degrees and awards. The taught courses normally last for one or sometimes two years. Completion of a doctorate normally takes a minimum of three years. Many post-experience courses are also available, either leading to a qualification or providing a refresher course for graduates wishing to update or extend their knowledge. Occasional students are admitted by some institutions in limited numbers. They attend courses or undertake research, possibly for a period of one or two years. These courses do not lead to any formal qualification or 'credit' although certificate of satisfactory attendance may be given.
Application Procedure for Undergraduate (Bachelor Degree) Programmes
This section explains the process of applying to universities in England and Scotland for Undergraduate (Bachelor Degree) courses.
Application Forms
Applications are made through a computerized national system known as Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Students must complete a single UCAS form which allows them a choice of six universities and courses so that they don’t have to make costly and time consuming multiple applications. UCAS forms are available at all British CouncilOffices in India for self funded students.
When to Apply
UCAS forms should be ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year. Students can start applying even if they have received their final results. However, even after 15th December, applications can still be processed in the normal way until 30th June. After that, applications will be handled through "Clearing Process".
Note : For Oxford and Cambridge
• Students must apply before 15th October of the year preceding their year of proposed entry.
• There are specific forms to be filled and sent to the universities.
• You cannot apply to both the colleges in the same academic year.
Eligibility
British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as opposed to twelve years in India. Outstanding marks from one of the two Central Boards (CBSE or ICSE) or their equivalent, or the first year of an Indian degree programme are therefore usually required for direct entry into an undergraduate programme in UK.
For those who do not, as yet, have these qualifications, there is a range of access or foundation courses available. Foundation courses range from four months to a year.
Applicants must satisfy both general and course requirements for admissions
General Requirements
A specified number of subject passes at both GCE "A" Levels and GCSE at grade C minimum is required for admissions in UK educational system. An equivalent Indian qualification such as a good score in the CBSE and ICSE etc. would be acceptable.
Course Requirements
Course requirement details can be obtained from prospectuses of institutions which are available at the Education Counselling Service located in the British Council offices or Libraries.Note: For Entry into Oxford, Cambridge and London University, ‘A’ level results are required. This in the Indian context would mean one year in college after 12 years of education.
Application Requirements
Academic Records
Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.
Students applying for are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but most require only one. If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. If your undergraduate qualification or university is unknown to the admissions tutor, the British Council would be able to advise.
Standardised Tests
IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
Note : Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Application Procedure for Postgraduate Programmes (Masters' & Doctoral Degree Courses)
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 12 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.
1. Requesting Application Forms : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.
2. Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print version of their application form on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.
Eligibility
Most UK universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian bachelor degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. is equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree. However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to British Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., B.Tech or other such courses. For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.
For more details on British Degrees and their Indian equivalent, check out the table below:
British Degree | Indian Equivalent Degree |
British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree | A three-year Indian Graduation Degree like B.A. or B.Sc. and other such courses. |
British Bachelor (Honours) Degree | A four-year Indian graduation course like B.E. or B.Tech. or other such courses. |
British Master’s Degree | A post graduate degree like M.Tech. or M.E. from I.I.T. or I.I.Sc. and other such colleges |
Application Requirements
Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.
Students applying for admission are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but most require only one.
If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. If your undergraduate qualification or university is unknown to the admissions tutor, the British Council would be able to advise.
Standardised Tests
IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
Note : Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
GMAT : For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
Note:
1) Most British Universities do not require the GRE for admission to post graduate courses.
2) Some Universities may waive IELTS / TOEFL if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
Work Experience Details
A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Australian universities are pretty strict about this.
A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself. A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Expenses, Tuition Fee & Living Costs for International Students
Education in UK has lots of financial benefits:
• Professional degrees are offered at undergraduate levels
• There are many One-year Masters’ degrees including MBA
• Access to National Health Centre; which is free for students registered on courses of six months or longer
• Free school education for registered dependent children
Expenses (In Pound Sterling)
Undergraduate | Average Total Tuition Fees per academic year | Average Living Costs per academic year | Average Total Costs per year |
Science | 10,500 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 17,700 - 19,500 |
Medicine | 22,000 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 27,200 - 31,000 |
Others | 9,500 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 16,700 - 18,500 |
Postgraduate
Courses | Average Total Tuition Fees per academic year | Average Living Costs per academic year | Average Total Costs per year |
Science | 11,500 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 18,700 - 20,500 |
Medicine | 25,000 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 32,200 - 34,000 |
Others | 10,000 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 17,200 - 19,000 |
Further Education
Colleges of further education provide for a wide variety of needs and offer
pre-degree courses, English language courses, vocational and professional training. There are over 600 colleges spread all over UK. The average costs below include Diploma and other vocational courses.
Average Tuition Fees per academic year | Average Living Costs per academic year | Average Total Costs per year |
8,000 | 7,200 - 9,000 | 15,200 - 17,000 |
For all the cost data above,
• Fees given are averages
• All costs are given in Pound Sterling
• Living costs include accommodation, Energy bills, food etc.
• Costs are according to 1999 session
Note: The approximate currency exchange rate is: 1 UK Pound = Rs. 80
UK Student Visa
The British government has divided visas into 5 categories called Tiers. The student visa is now known as Tier 4 . Visa applications have to be made online at the UKBA website and then submitted in person with the requisite fees and required documents at the nearest visa application centre (VAC).The applications can be submitted in the following cities in India : Delhi , Chandigarh , Jalandhar , Mumbai , Pune , Ahmedabad , Chennai , Bangalore , Hyderabad, Cochin & Kolkata.
Immigration Rules for Students
• You must intend to study at a publicly funded university or college, a
bonafide private institution or a fee-paying independent school.
• You must be able to and intend to follow a full time degree course, or a weekday, full time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours of organized, daytime study per week.
• You must be able to pay for your course and the living expenses of your husband or wife and children (if they are with you) without working in UK or claiming public funds.
• You must not intend to work in UK unless you are accepted for a
course lasting longer than six months, when you may work part-time or
during vacations.
• You must intend to leave UK at the end of your studies.
The documents Required For obtaining 40 points are:
• A letter of acceptance on the course (CAS) - 30 Points.
This will be a letter from your institution confirming that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time as defined by the immigration law. The letter should state how long the course will last, the tuition fees , fees paid (if any) , documents on whose basis the admission has been confirmed, how the level of English needed for the course has been assesed and confirm that you satisfy this requirement.
• Evidence of finacial capability to meet course fees and living expenses as determined by the BHC - 10 points.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include evidence of government sponsorship or a UK sponsor confirming they will support you,Otherwise you need to show a Bank Balance, Fixed deposits , Education loan or a combination of all three to meet the living expenses stipulation.
Accommodation
The immigration rules do not require unaccompanied students to show that accommodation has been arranged, in case your place of study has given you information about its availability, you should bring this to the attention of the ECO.
The Interview
In case the ECO has some doubts regarding your application, they may call you for an interview.
The interview is to give you the opportunity to clarify for the ECO certain parts of your application. The ECO will be aiming to satisfy him or herself that your study plans are genuine and workable.
The interview is a normal part of the process, but you may feel quite nervous before it and find it an uncomfortable experience. ECO’s are trained professionals who will try to make the process as painless as possible, but the questions are necessarily very direct and personal.
You should prepare for such an interview carefully. In particular:
• Be familiar with all your study plans; why you chose the particular institution and course; how the course will help your future career;
• Be clear about the cost of living and the course and your finances: do you have enough money to complete the course? Can you prove it?
• Be as clear as you can about your likely future career in your country: what are you going to do on your return