How to Study in the UK as an International Student

If you’re thinking about studying in the UK, you’re not alone. Studying in the UK can be an incredible experience, and it’s also extremely affordable if you’re an international student. You’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in British culture while you earn your degree, and you’ll become more globally-minded than most students who stay at home while they study. More and more international students are choosing to attend universities in the UK every year, attracted by the country’s famous colleges and universities, as well as its bustling cities and a wide variety of landscapes and cultures.

Students who are looking to study in the UK can find plenty of educational opportunities, but there are some things you should know before getting started with your studies in the UK as an international student. To help you get started on your journey of studying in the UK, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know on how to study in the UK as an international student right here.

Studying in the United Kingdom

Centrally located between Europe and North America, the UK is one of the world's most popular study abroad destinations. The UK education system is worldwide reputed for its high quality and standards. With a study culture steeped in heritage as well as strong research credentials, it offers international students an enticing range of higher education institutions and programs. The United Kingdom is regarded as the world's second most popular international study destination. The UK welcomes almost 460,000 international students from around the world each year. Having built a world-class education system, higher education in the UK is a model for many countries around the globe.

The UK has a variety of higher education opportunities. Boasting over 150 higher education institutions – including some of the world’s most prestigious and top-ranked universities – the United Kingdom (UK) attracts a diverse array of international students from all over the world every semester. Offering various degree programs for students from the UK and around the world, there is no shortage of options. In the UK about one-third of all students go on to some form of higher education and this number is well over 50% for students from Scotland. This makes competition for schools very fierce and so it is advised to apply early for courses.

Why Study in the United Kingdom?

Here are some of the reasons why most international students consider the UK as a top study destination.

World-renowned universities

The United Kingdom is home to over 150 higher education institutions, which include some of the world's most prestigious and top-ranked universities. Degrees and qualifications from UK higher education institutions are known around the world as high quality and world-class. This standard of excellence is set by some of the older universities with recognizable names, such as Oxford and Cambridge, but the tradition carries through to many of the universities and colleges throughout the UK. A degree from any British university will look great on a CV. When looking for work in the future, no matter the industry and the location, having qualifications from the UK will be a great selling point in your favor.

Multicultural

The UK is a multicultural country and is also immensely popular with international students. In fact, the UK is the second most popular destination for overseas students in the world. With a racial, ethnic, and religious jumble, the UK is very open to new traditions and cultures - a great thing for students from other countries. If you decide to study in the UK, you won’t be bored, there is always something to do no matter what your interests are. The UK is filled with many families with roots from around the world. With a unique mix of different cultures, food, and interests, which gives it a rich, multicultural atmosphere that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. No matter what part of the UK you move to, you will not just learn about British culture, but from people from other countries and cultures too.

Work opportunities

No matter which university you choose to study in the UK it will cost you quite a lot. But there’s no need to worry. Knowing the financial struggles foreign students usually face abroad, this is why studying in the UK should be your top option. The good news is that in the UK you’re allowed to work while studying. An international student in the UK is typically allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during school term, and up to full-time when school is out of term. However, there are certain conditions you need to fulfill to achieve this opportunity. You should check with your international advisor at your school before starting any work - you do not want to be in violation of your visa, and rules change frequently.

Financial benefits

Financing an international education can be difficult. The best approach includes lots of preparation, careful analysis of your budget, and hard work in researching and applying for scholarships. There are many scholarships and loans available to students who want to study in the UK. International students can also get financial help when studying in the UK, in the form of scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Also, living costs in the UK, especially when outside of cities like London, are fair. Research the area before applying to the university to better understand the prices, but generally, entertainment, food, and rent are cheaper than in the US.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK?

UK universities normally charge fees for their courses. These vary across institutions so it's important to contact each university individually. EU students are charged the same as those from the UK; those from outside the EU will face higher fees. If you are an international student, a different scale of fees will apply. A Ph.D. costs more than a Masters and fees for an MBA are even higher. Moreover, you also need to factor in the cost of student accommodation, general living costs, and course materials.

It’s never too early to start planning your financial future. The best way to avoid serious debt is by saving money before you head off overseas. You don’t have much control over tuition fees, but you can make sure that you have enough cash on hand for everything else—housing, food, travel, books, and so on. One pound equates to about 1.6 US dollars at current exchange rates, so a typical university term-time student budget would be £1,500 ($2,600) per year. Of course, these costs vary greatly depending on where you live and how often you eat out or take taxis rather than public transport.

Top Universities in the United Kingdom

Here are some top British universities you should consider for your study abroad adventure:

• University of Portsmouth
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Birmingham
• University of Nottingham
• University of Leeds
• Durham University
• University of South Wales
• Coventry University
• University of Bristol

Scholarships to Study in the UK

Most institutions, even the most prestigious ones, generally charge the same tuition fees. As an international student, you can expect to pay around £20,000 on average. Moreover, programs that require more equipment and contact time, like clinical degrees, cost almost double that amount. You’ll also have to consider living costs and other types of expenditure, which cover food, rent, study materials, etc.

As an international student, you can fund your course through savings, family support, and loans. You could also secure grants from your home government to pay for fees and living costs. Scholarships and awards from institutions and charitable trusts can help, and these vary depending on the university and your personal circumstances. However, while the cost of studying in the UK is still considerably high, attracting international students and talent remains a top priority. There are many governments and non-government-sponsored scholarships out there to choose from.

These are the prestigious scholarships that are available specifically for international students to study in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships

These scholarships are available to outstanding graduate students to fund a one-year master's degree. To be eligible for this award, students must demonstrate leadership and decision-making skills across a range of areas, including business, media, politics, and academia. You can use the Chevening course finder to make sure your institution and program are Chevening partners.

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship

These funding opportunities are offered by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission UK. Over 900 scholarships and fellowships are available each year for students of Commonwealth countries to help them fund their postgraduate education.

Marshall Scholarships for American Students

The Marshall scholarships are available to 40 graduates from the United States. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.7 to apply and their degree must have been awarded within the past three years. This funding program includes university fees, living expenses, and travel costs (flights and daily commute) and entails a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.

How to Apply for Study in the United Kingdom

If you’re thinking of applying to a university in the UK, you’ll need to sign up via UCAS (the University and Colleges Admissions Service). All undergraduate applications are handled by the centralized UCAS system. Students are required to fill out an application form online and write a personal statement, which outlines their reasons for wanting to study a particular course.

Furthermore, in addition to providing you with all the info on university applications, UCAS is also a useful advisory tool on alternative options such as doing an apprenticeship or taking a gap year before starting your course. However, there is no centralized body that covers postgraduate applications in the UK, and in most cases, you'll apply directly to your chosen university. The easiest way to complete this process is by applying online via the university website and tracking your progress.

Meanwhile, for UCAS, here are a few tips to help you with the sign-up process:

• Register with UCAS: you should do this as early as possible as the latest deadline is around mid-September each year.
• Find a course you would like to study: There are over 50,000 undergraduate courses at more than 395 providers in the UK, so the possibilities are vast. UCAS provides some helpful guidance where you can search out your preferred course using keywords.
• Find a university location: There are many criteria in choosing the right place for you so it’s a good idea to base your research on location, accommodation on offer, and available facilities.
• Fill out your application form: You can apply for up to five different choices on one application form, with the possibility of five different universities for the same course or five different courses at the same university.

Student Visas in the United Kingdom

However, from 1 January 2021, the new 'points-based immigration system' will apply to all international students entering the UK to study for the first time, including those from the EU the EEA, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The UK has left the EU and a new points-based immigration system has been introduced. Visit the websites of the UK Government and the British council to stay updated with the latest information.

International students from all other countries continue to require a study visa to enter the UK. Generally, international students enter the UK on a “Tier-4 Visa” for a full study program. Students studying English or training courses can apply for a short-term study visa. All visas and immigration matters are handled by UK Visas and Immigration. You should apply for a UK study visa through their website. You can apply for a visa up to three months before the start date of your course. However, the process is complex, so start the process early to give yourself plenty of time to properly complete your application.

The UK awards student visas according to a points-based system. To obtain the required number of points, you will need supporting information and documents. Generally, this entails the following:

• Passport details and a recent photograph
• A ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution of study, which will be sent to you by your university once you fulfill the conditions of your acceptance
• If you are a non-native speaker, proof of proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by a ‘secure English language test’ (SELT)
• Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your study in the UK, documented by a bank statement

Meanwhile, the types of visa you’ll need depend on the duration of your study program.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, studying abroad is a rewarding experience and can greatly enhance your college career. While studying abroad may seem like a daunting process, with preparation and persistence you will be able to overcome any difficulties you encounter while taking advantage of all that it has to offer.

As with most exciting experiences, there are things to consider before packing up and heading overseas. One important aspect is budgeting for living expenses in addition to tuition fees. Living expenses vary depending on where you choose to study so research these thoroughly. Proceed with the link below for more detailed information on how to get a student visa to study in the UK.