Many Indian students want to apply for a UK Student Visa because the UK has a very good education system and student life. The UK is also known for its high-ranking universities. 4 out of the top global universities are situated in the UK which proves it is home to an excellent education system. And guess what’s common amongst these 4, all of them are public universities. So, they might be more affordable than you think. The UK expands the opportunities for talented Indian students to build successful careers. There are lots of other factors to choosing the United kingdom study visa, like:
1. BPP university, London is open for May 2024 Intake.
2. The recent change to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for international students in the UK is a significant one: Now it is £1,035 per year (an increase of £411).
3. University of Lincoln, England is open for September 2024 intake (without an interview)
4. University of Bedfordshire, Luton is open for July 2024 Intake.
5. Ulster University, Belfast provides opportunity to get admission without an interview.
6. De Montfort University, Birmingham issue offer letter with scholarship up to GBP 3000 for September 2024 intake.
7. Wrexham Glyndwr University, Wales come up with low PTE score with 54/51.
8. Bournemouth University, England provides interview waiver to Punjab Region.
9. Students can also get offer letter in UK universities through UCAS.
10. University of Winchester, England is now open for Undergraduate courses for September 2024.
The Government announced on 13 October 2023 that the increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will come into force in 2024.
The change to the IHS will be particularly significant for most applicants with the standard IHS fee rising by a staggering 66%.
On July 17, 2023, the UK government announced some new rules for international students in the UK. From January 2024, international students in the UK will not be able to bring dependents to the UK via their student visa.
“A dependent is stated as a partner (married or unmarried) or a child under 18 years.”
Only the following types of students are permitted to bring dependants to the UK:
(i) A PhD or doctorate degree (RFQ Level 8)
OR
(ii) A research-based higher degree.
Aspect | Public Universities | Private Universities |
Funding | Public Universities are funded by the state government and the subsidies it offers. | Private Universities are funded by private ventures, investors and tuition fees. |
Tuition Fees | Lower tuition fees, especially for domestic students | Higher tuition fees |
Admissions | Often have a larger number of available places | May have more selective admissions criteria |
Focus and Specialization | Offer a broader range of programs and research areas | May focus on specific fields or disciplines |
Accreditation | Accreditation is more easily granted. | These may not be always accredited or recognized. |
Alumni Network | A large alumni network is fostered. | A small yet tight alumni circle is typically observed. |
Scholarship | Financial Aid id offered but it is usually less than private universities. | Private universities offer more lucrative scholarship options than public universities in order to help students cover the high tuition fees |
UK Rank 2024 | World University 2024 Rank | World University 2023 Rank | University | City/town |
1 | 1 | 1 | University of Oxford | Oxford |
2 | 5 | =3 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
3 | 8 | 10 | Imperial College London | London |
4 | 22 | 22 | UCL | London |
5 | =30 | 29 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
6 | =38 | 35 | King’s College London | London |
7 | 46 | 37 | London School of Economics and Political Science | London |
8 | 51 | =54 | University of Manchester | Manchester |
9 | 81 | 76 | University of Bristol | Bristol |
10 | =87 | 82 | Glasgow |
January, May, September
130+ Universities
679,970+
1.9 Million
£8000 onwards (per annum)
£900 onwards (per month)
FOR UG | FOR PG | |
TUITION FEES | 13500 – 19000 GBP | 11000-20000 GBP |
LIVING EXPENSES – INNER LONDON – OUTER LONDON |
12006 GBP for 9 months 9207 GBP for 9 months |
12006 GBP for 9 months 9207 GBP for 9 months |
IHS (INSURANCE) | 250000 INR | 130000 INR |
UK STUDENT VISA EMBASSY FEES |
55000 INR
| 55000 INR |
STANDARD | PRIORITY | SUPER PRIORITY | |
CHANDIGARH | 1850 INR | 55000 INR | 112000 INR |
JALANDHAR | 11000 INR | 65000 INR | 121000 INR |
A tuberculosis test is a mandatory medical test for any Indian student going to the UK for more than 6 months. A chest X-ray is taken to test for TB. If the X-ray is not clear enough, you might also be asked to provide sputum samples. If you fail to take the test, you will not be granted a visa. The Embassy accepts medical certificates from one of their approved clinics/hospitals only.
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique number that confirms you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK. It is an electronic document generated using the Home Office’s system and is essential in order to make a successful Student visa application. It typically takes up to 10 working days to issue your CAS. Please note that at peak times the CAS processing team is very busy and there may be delays.
ATAS stands for Academic Technology Approval Scheme: It’s a clearance process required by the UK government for certain international students applying for a student visa to pursue postgraduate studies in sensitive subjects.
Here’s a breakdown of ATAS:
• Who needs it: International students (except those from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland) applying for a Tier 4 (General) student visa for postgraduate studies in specific fields.
• Purpose: To ensure that the knowledge and skills gained by international students won’t be used in programs that could develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), or their means of delivery.
• Subjects requiring ATAS: Science, engineering, technology, some medicine programs, and any postgraduate research program.
Here’s the process for obtaining an ATAS certificate:
1. Check if you need an ATAS certificate: Review the list of subjects requiring ATAS on the UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme).
2. Apply for the ATAS certificate: If needed, submit an online application through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website. You’ll need to provide details about your education, previous work experience, and the program you’re applying to. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme)
3. Processing time: Allow at least 20 working days for processing your ATAS application.
4. Visa application: Once you receive your ATAS certificate, include it with your student visa application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
IHS stands for Immigration Health Surcharge. It’s a mandatory healthcare surcharge that most non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals applying for a visa to stay in the UK for longer than six months have to pay.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits associated with paying the IHS:
Benefits of IHS:
• Access to the National Health Service (NHS): Once you’ve paid the IHS and your visa is granted, you’ll be entitled to use the NHS for most medically necessary treatment, similar to a permanent UK resident.
• Reduced healthcare costs: While the NHS isn’t entirely free (there are charges for prescriptions in some cases and some dental or eye care), it’s significantly cheaper than private healthcare options. Paying the IHS upfront can save you money on potential healthcare costs during your stay in the UK.
• Peace of mind: Knowing you have access to NHS services can be a major advantage, especially if you fall ill or require medical attention during your time in the UK.
CLICK TO CALCULATE IHS/INSURANCE:
https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type
A dependant visa in the UK allows family members of someone with a valid visa to stay in the UK for a longer period. If a student commenced their studies on or after 01 January 2024, only the following types of students are permitted to bring dependants to the UK:
(i) A PhD or doctorate degree (RFQ Level 8); or,
(ii) A research-based higher degree.
The Graduate visa, also known as the Graduate Route visa, is a post-study work visa (PSW) offered by the UK government to international students who have successfully completed a qualifying degree program in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Purpose: PSW in UK allows recent graduates to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, for a set period after their studies. This provides valuable time to gain experience in the UK job market and potentially transition into a longer-term work visa.
Eligibility:
• You’re in the UK.
• Your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course.
Duration:
• The length of the Graduate visa depends on the type of degree you completed:
Benefits:
• The visa allows you to work full-time or part-time in any job sector without sponsorship from a specific employer.
• You can switch to other work visas if you find a suitable job with an employer who can sponsor you.
• It can be a stepping stone towards permanent residency in the UK (subject to meeting specific criteria).
UK skilled worker visa or UK work visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
Eligibility
To qualify for a UK skilled worker visa, you must:
• Work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
There are some eligible occupations through which you can apply for skilled work visa.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes
Permanent Residency (PR), also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), in the UK allows you to live and work in the UK indefinitely without the need to renew your visa.
There are various routes to obtaining PR in the UK
Higher education is not state funded for international students in the UK. This means that each university is allowed to set their own tuition fees for their courses. So, to get UK student visa or England study visa, students have to pay. There are many scholarships available for international students that can help to make studying in the UK much more affordable. For more information about fees to study in UK, see our Costs of Studying in the UK section.
As an international student, you are able to work up to 20 hours per week (during term time) on a student visa, provided you are studying full-time. Outside of term time, you are permitted to work full-time, and if you are required to take part in a work placement as part of your course, this is also permitted to be over 20 hours per week.
At present a student can have admission if they are fulfilling of any of the below criteria:
1) Educational Documents
2) More than 65% marks in 12th Standard for Undergraduate courses and for Post Graduate program More than 55%
3) IELTS/PTE/MOI
4) Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
5) Gap Proof (If any)
6) Passport
7) Statement of Purpose
Even UK allows gap up to 10 years for any master program.
The UK has around 130 public universities in UK.
The Office for Students is a government body regulating public universities in the UK.
4 out of the top 10 universities in the world are public universities in the UK which means public universities in the UK are better than private universities.
Staffordshire University with an average tuition fee of 10,500 GBP is the cheapest public university in UK.
Yes in most cases, either UKVI or Academic IELTS needed for applying at University in UK. IELTS can be exempted on the bases of your English marks in obtained in class 12. IELTS exemption on the bases of English marks vary university wise, but ranges from 60 to 80 marks and also few of the university allows application on the basis of MOI.
There are some best universities for in UK for Master Degree
– Oxford University
– BPP University
– De Mont fort University
– Wrexham Glyndwr University
– Winchester University
For applying for CAS, a medical test certified by UK government from the listed hospital at UKVI is mandatory. You can know more by https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa.
It cost around 3500 INR and they take TB test and chest x-ray.
28 Days old fund is required to apply for CAS from any Bank.
Normally, the UK student visa processing time can be as lengthy as 30-45 working days starting from admission till the time you get your final visa. It takes 15 working days to process the student visa application. However, it varies case by case, complex cases may take months to process.
The system is pretty much streamlined when it comes to applying & obtaining the student visa for UK. If you have a CAS letter from a decent university & sufficient bank balance, you should get your visa easily.
According to the universities, if you are applying for a master program, you can have maximum of 08-10 years of experience starting from the year you graduated. If you are applying for bachelor program, you can have maximum of 2-3 year of experience in-between.
Yes, of course. It is one of the most popular study abroad destination for Indian students. There are almost 20,000 students go to UK for their abroad study.
Almost all Universities do conduct credibility interview test before confirming an admission. But there are some universities which provides CAS without conducting an interview as of now.
Each visa application has a unique CAS number; therefore you cannot use a CAS number twice. After the CAS numbers are issued, they are valid for six months. If your visa application is refused, you should contact the proper authorities for further instructions.
Depending on the type of employment, your term of stay, and your existing visa status, you may need to apply for a visa extension or a work visa to continue in the UK after finishing your studies.
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a document issued by the Home Office that shows evidence of the holder’s immigration permissions. A BRP card is a similar size to a credit card and holds biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints).
If you have made your visa application from inside the UK, your BRP will be sent to you. If you applied from outside the UK, you should collect your BRP once you are in the UK. Note that you should have your passport or travel document with your vignette sticker with you. It will take 7 to 10 days.
To study in the UK, you can apply for a student visa if you’re 16 or older and meet the following requirements:
– You must have received an offer to study from a licensed student sponsor.
– You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
– You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
– If you’re 16 or 17, you will need your parent’s permission to apply and evidence of that when you do so.
If you’re 16 or 17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student Visa instead.
This Visa is now in place of the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
If you’re planning to apply for a student visa, make sure you have the following documents ready:
Additionally, you may also need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
To study in the UK, you must demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to a particular level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
If you’re studying at the degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your English level themselves. This means that they may ask you to take a different test, but it must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.
You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself unless you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months as of the date of your application.
The amount of money you need depends on your situation and the type of course you’re applying for. You will need to have enough money to cover the cost of your academic year (up to 9 months) as indicated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
To bring your family members with you, you will need to demonstrate that you have additional funds. You must possess this money for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, and the end date of these 28 days must fall within 31 days of your visa application date.
There are many scholarships available for international students who want to study in the UK. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
• Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from all over the world to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK.
https://www.chevening.org/fellowships/who-can-apply/eligibility/#:~:text=Be%20a%20citizen%20of%20a,the%20period%20of%20the%20fellowship.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/commonwealth-scholarship-commission-in-the-uk/about
GREAT Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, GREAT Scholarships are awarded to students from India, Pakistan, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK.
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
https://www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk/fund/gates-cambridge-scholarship-2022
Rhodes Scholarships: Funded by the Rhodes Trust, Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from around the world to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford.
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/
The Marshall Scholarship: Funded by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, the Marshall Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students from the United States to pursue postgraduate degrees at universities in the UK.
https://www.marshallscholarship.org/apply/eligibility
The duration of your stay will depend on the type of course you have completed. If you have completed a Ph.D. or another doctoral qualification, the visa will be valid for three years. The visa’s validity period begins from the day your application is approved.
It’s important to note that you cannot extend your Graduate visa. However, you may be eligible to switch to a different visa type, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you want to stay longer in the UK.
If you want to stay in the UK longer and continue your studies or enroll in a new course, you may be able to extend your student visa, even if you already have a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
To be eligible for a visa extension, you must:
Currently hold a student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa in the UK
Have an unconditional offer to study at a licensed institution the new course you are taking is at a higher academic level than your previous course.
There are three main types of work opportunities for international students while studying in UK
Internships offer a great way to get some work experience while studying. They can be paid or unpaid, and usually last for a few months. Many large companies offer internships, but there are also many smaller businesses and organisations that offer them too.
Earn some extra money while studying with part-time work. There are many types of part-time jobs available, from working in a shop or restaurant to working as a tutor or in a library. You can usually find part-time work through your university or college, or by searching online.
A placement is a bit like an internship, but it is usually a bit longer – usually lasting for a year. Placements are a great way to get some work experience and learn new skills. Many universities offer placements as part of their courses, so it is worth checking with your university to see if they have any placements available.
